DVDizzy Forum

The Beast's resurrection and the Frozen one never touched me either (although I like both movies). Actually, now that you pointed it out, that final moment trying to twist you to tears at the end looks like another example of the '90s formula following in TLM's footsteps. Out of those moments, the ones that hit me the hardest: TLM ("I love you, daddy"), TLK (Simba ascends Pride Rock), and Pocahontas (Pocahontas waves goodbye). It makes me wonder if they actually made a blueprint or outline that they filled in while they were making those movies. Also why I can't really call this new era with Tangled, TP&TF, and Frozen a "Renaissance."

The change in "The Court of Miracles" is disappointing. I can understand lengthening it or adding lyrics, since it is a bit of a nothing (but enjoyable) sort of song story-wise, but it is a shame.

Maybe it's because I'm easy to emotionally manipulate when it comes to movies, but ALL of those 'formulaic' tear-inducing moments from Mermaid, Beauty, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback and Hercules work for me. Yes, that's right. Hercules. When Herc gives up his godhood for Meg, I get a little choked up. It's mostly the look of complete understanding Zeus gives, shock at first, and then casting a glance at Hera and returning a look of approval to his son. God, I'm emotional just thinking about it, lol. I think it's that magical Alan Menken music compounded with the emotion of the scenes themselves that do the trick. None of the 'new' films have affected me quite so much. Ray's death in PatF and Ralph's 'death' affirmation speech are the only ones that really touched me in any way. Tangled's made me just go, Meh. Been there, done that. And as I said, Frozen's didn't do anything for me, either.

Just wondering, ProfessorRatigan; I know this is off topic and I know you're are a huge fan of "Hunchback", but which other of the 90 films from Disney do you like?

DisneyFan09 wrote:Just wondering, ProfessorRatigan; I know this is off topic and I know you're are a huge fan of "Hunchback", but which other of the 90 films from Disney do you like?

If it wasn't obvious, Hunchback ranks as my number-one Disney film in general. Not just of the 90s. But, if I ranked the whole decade, it would probably look like:
1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, obviously.
2. Beauty and the Beast. After Hunchback, Beauty is my favorite canon Disney film. Sleeping Beauty or Bambi would probably rank as my third favorite. It really depends on my mood. But, I digress.
3. Hercules. Love this film. I think it has such heart. I love the whole cast. Megara is, to me, the most rich and fascinating of the Disney gals. I love her jadedness and how Hercules, through his naivete and innocence, is able to break through that.
4. Aladdin. This was the film I watched the most as a child, and I still have a huge fondness for it because of that reason. Jafar, especially, means a lot to me. But, I think it lacks something that the above have. I can't put my finger on it, but it seems...almost rushed. In comparison to the others. I like it much less than I did as a child, obviously, but I don't think I'll ever not love this film.
5. Tarzan. An underrated, emotional and fine film.
6. The Lion King. I'm not crazy about the Lion King, but I don't hate it. I just have major problems with how a lot of the comedy is handled, especially in relation to the drama. Hunchback, to me, has a depressive mood throughout that is occasionally alleviated by the Gargoyles, but, Lion King seems to have these very heavy scenes that get undercut by Timon & Pumbaa, who, as you've probably guessed, I consider two of the most foul, loathsome and selfish characters in Disney. I've honestly never understood why the Gargoyles, who mostly just try to cheer Quasimodo up, get major amounts of hate for their antics, but Timon & Pumbaa, who actively emotionally manipulate Simba into living a life of laziness and running away from his problems, make crude fart jokes and make fun of Simba whenever he opens himself up emotionally to them, are beloved. It really doesn't make sense to me. But, all that aside, I love Scar and think he is one of the all-time best Disney Villains. His entire arc is just great and the film just POPS whenever he's on screen. Rafiki is a great character, too. And Mufasa. So, I'm torn. Hence, the lower ranking.
7. The Rescuers Down Under. I think this film is unfairly maligned because it came in that weird little sweet-spot between Mermaid and Beauty and nobody really cared. That, and because it's not as emotionally-charged as its predecessor, 1977's The Rescuers, which had a lot of charm, heart, and, especially, atmosphere. But this sequel isn't without merit. In fact, it's often stunning, and if it weren't for a MAJOR plot-hole (the heroes fly off into the night, leaving all of the animals McLeach imprisoned alone to die of starvation?), it would rank higher.
8. Mulan. I don't really like Mulan. It does hardly anything at all for me. The main character is all right. I admire her determination and selflessness. But, I don't really feel like we get to KNOW her or that she has much of a personality beyond the plot device of 'girl dresses up as soldier.' The supporting cast are, to my mind, unmemorable and none really stand out. Again, I don't hate them, I just don't think they're all that interesting. Well, except for Mushu. I hate Mushu. I think it's mostly just distaste for Eddie Murphy in general. And I've always found Shan-Yu to be one of the most bland Disney Villains.
9. Pocahontas. What hasn't been said about Pocahontas? It's just a mess. A hot mess. The dialogue is cringe-worthy. The READINGS of the dialogue are equally atrocious. The plot is incomprehensible. There are no real stakes. The love-story feels forced. The comic relief are completely obnoxious, constantly interrupting key emotional points and completely sucking the air out of the room. The villain is pathetic. The lesson is sophomoric. And yet, the animation and songs are gorgeous. Linda Hunt gives a fantastic performance. I even like David Odgen Stier's delivery of a lot of his lines. If he had been given better material, perhaps Ratcliffe wouldn't have been such a weak villain. He really does come off as a second-rate Prince John (and that's pretty sad, all things considered).
10. Fantasia 2000. Not much to say about this film, other than that it wasn't really even necessary. I never feel like watching it. It's inoffensive, but, pointless.

And that's how I rank the 90s films.

Good ranking. We have the same top three.

I do want them to keep the dark elements of this production though, especially the death of Esmeralda I'd LOVE to see the reaction to Disney doing something like that from both critics and audiences. I doubt it'd be a big draw to the family crowd anyway. The hellish little brats of today don't even know the movie exists I'd rather it get good word of mouth for adult audiences.

delete

disneyprincess11 wrote:Wow. I'm sorry, but after reading some of your recent posts, I have to say: You seem like a miserable person.

That was uncalled for. Let's watch it with the personal attacks, people.

Sotiris wrote:That was uncalled for. Let's watch it with the personal attacks, people.

I'm sorry, Sotiris and Lady Cluck.

I just re-watched the movie and discovered that there's a scene after the credits. lol
I've seen it so many times and it's never occurred to me to check.

So... Any idea if the show is a chamber piece or somehing? I can't think of the proper term for it...

taei wrote:I just re-watched the movie and discovered that there's a scene after the credits. lol
I've seen it so many times and it's never occurred to me to check.

I discovered that, too. I was watching the movie, while I was lying in bed. I was having a cold, and I couldn't move, so when the movie was over, I watched the ending credits, and then came the final scene. The things we discover just by having a cold.

On the one hand... Awesome that Disney decided to make the musical! Being the most adult of all of the Classics and Disney not caring for it I´m amazed it happened; a shame the gargoyles had to stay.

On the other hand...If the BD had come at the same time (or the musical then) maybe we should have gotten a better release. The one this movie deserved.

Just got back from seeing it!

It was phenomenal. I had some problems with it, but man; the cast is amazing!

Why have I not heard of this before!? Man!

taei wrote:Just got back from seeing it!

It was phenomenal. I had some problems with it, but man; the cast is amazing!

What about merchandising? When I watched The Lion King I brought with me a Scar plush toy.

taei wrote:I had some problems with it

Which ones?

Can't type a lot. Will write more when I can,

But I had some problems with the characters and the story.

Merchandise wise. They had an ornament made of the cast fabric, a LE pin, a magnet, tote bag and a shirt.

They were sold out of the shirt and I bought one of the last bags.

It's not going to have that much merch because it's just a Pre-Broadway trail. When it'll hit Broadway, it will have a lot more.

I'm happy that Hunchback is getting such great feedback and I hope to see it on the Great White Way

disneyprincess11 wrote:It's not going to have that much merch because it's just a Pre-Broadway trail. When it'll hit Broadway, it will have a lot more.

I'm happy that Hunchback is getting such great feedback and I hope to see it on the Great White Way

While I loved the musical, they're gonna have to do a lot of work if they want it go to Broadway. It fealt a lot like a college production or a local theater one, not as grand as a Broadway production.

It's been 4 days since I've seen the musical and I can't get it out of my head.
The musical, though flawed, was phenomenal! I wish I stayed and attended the next day showing.

I have a big exam this week, so I'll write my massive review over the weekend but here are a few highlights:

1. Fans of Frollo will either love or hate the changes made to his character. As a fan of the movie, i didn't like the changes, as a stand alone character, I thought what they did was incredibly admirable and impressive with the character. I absolutely loved him in the play.
2. This adaptation, in my opinion, is no where near as dark as the movie. Killing a character in the end, doesn't really change how dark the movie was.
3. Patrick Page was the perfect choice to play Frollo. Never have I felt a person fit a character stronger than Patrick Page. Phenomenal Work. Totally worth waiting for at the stage door (or stairs in this case). Micheal Arden was really good as Quasi too, but I had a big problem with the choices they made for his performance. Everyone else was pretty good, but not as good as these two. The acting overall was strong.
4. The most fascinating thing about this play is how there is no clear cut villain. Frollo was transformed from a villain into a conflicted human. Esmeralda from an innocent bystander to a Gypsy enabler (who are clearly criminals in the play) and Quasi became a criminal in the end. It was truly a fascinating thing to witness!