Disneycember Month by Doug Walker of TGWTG

[Disney's Divinity]

I've personally never understood Lazario's dislike for Beauty and the Beast either, but I'm not attached to it enough for it to bother me, I guess.

[slave2moonlight]

Watching his new reviews...

Hmm, he seems to be saying Aladdin isn't as great as he remembered,... but I don't think his reasons are very strong, even to himself...

Ah, while I love the Lion King, I really agree with him that it's rather overrated. Not for the same reasons though. Actually, the things I love about it are the incredible Elton John songs, Scar, and the dramatic, mature aspects of the story (brother murdering brother and all that). Everything else is just kinda meh. Some of the characters that were most enjoyable could also have moments when they were annoying or unlikable. I really hated the kid versions of Simba and Nala, and I don't find the hyenas as funny as everyone else does. It's cool that Mufasa and Sarabi were the same royal parents from Coming to America, ha, but they seem to be playing the same characters too. That's fine except that, as with that film, James Earl Jones' character is kind a an arrogant s.o.b. who spoils his kid. But, anyways, the good stuff in this one is so good that I do love it anyway.

Okay, just finished Pocahontas. I agree with him pretty much, though I think the good aspects outweigh the bad for me now. Though, when I first saw the film, I felt exactly as he did. EXCEPT it didn't really bother me that the tree talked and the animals didn't. Basically, the first time I saw it, I guess I WAS pretty underwhelmed, but largely because I didn't like the serious, kinda boring, adult characters (both the personalities and the visual styles), and I thought the villain was weak. The movie itself is truly beautiful to watch and the music as well, and I think Critic is wrong about how predictable it was. For one thing, Pocahontas doesn't even end up with Smith (or anyone for that matter, till the sequel). For another, I certainly wasn't expecting Kokoum to die. Maybe it's just because it was a Disney animated feature, but I certainly didn't find aspects like those very predictable, though I wasn't that intrigued by the greedy white-man vs. innocent natives plot. However, over time I really warmed up to it because the good aspects are sooo good, and I also really felt the restoration of the deleted song on the second DVD release really added a lot to the love story aspect, which also made their separation in the end much more meaningful. I kinda wish he'd commented about the different versions, but maybe he hasn't even seen the extended version (or else, maybe it just didn't do anything different for him).

I guess we'll at least be seeing Hercules, Hunchback, and Mulan. Those should be really interesting, though it already sounds like he feels they go downhill from now on, which I hope isn't the case. I really consider those three to be EXCELLENT and Tarzan, Emperor's New Groove, Treasure Planet, Princess and the Frog, and Lilo and Stitch as well. For me, Atlantis was the only disappointment in the traditional stuff. And I think Home on the Range gets a bad rap (it's just a fun comedy like Emperor's New Groove, and I enjoyed it the time or two I've watched it so far, though ENG is better), and Brother Bear is not GREAT but it's good. Fantasia 2000 I liked a lot. It's not as artsy as the original in my opinion, but that didn't bother me at all. Haven't seen it in a long time though. Though I didn't think Dinosaur was horrible, I could make some big complaints about it. Meet the Robinsons has that really horrible middle act with the family showing how fun and crazy they are (without being funny, even though the creators clearly though that part was hilarious), and the opening is awkward too. Basically, the humor rarely hit the mark, but there's a lot of great stuff in that movie too (which kinda is sad that they couldn't get the whole thing right). Bolt is enjoyable. About as enjoyable as a Dreamworks CGI film, but not quite up there with PIXAR. Chicken Little was god awful. And that's my two cents. Oh, LOVED Tangled (I maybe could nit-pick on it though) and loved Winnie the Pooh.

[Tristy]

Well here's what we know already.

He definitely likes anything connected with Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame but we'll see what he thinks about the rest of it. (We know one thing he will definitely hate. Did I say one? I meant three!)

Hm. Hercules. Well in his FG2 review he says "Oh no they're playing music from Disney's Hercules! Abandon film!" But maybe that's just on the music.

We know he doesn't like the Phil Collins songs in Tarzan

We know he sort of likes Fantasia 2000 (mainly for the Pines of Rome, Rhapsody in Blue and Firebird sections) but hates the celebrity cameos (although to be fair i thought James Earl Jones, QUincy Jones and Angela Lansbury were pretty decent as hosts.)

We know what he thinks about Atlantis and Princess and the Frog.

But i guess he will have more descriptive critiques of them when they arrive.

I'll bet he's really going to slam Dinosaur for coming off like a Land Before Time knock-off (though the fact that he used the signature tune in the first vid kind of indicates that he doesn't hate it all that much.)

[slave2moonlight]

Well here's what we know already.

He definitely likes anything connected with Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame but we'll see what he thinks about the rest of it. (We know one thing he will definitely hate. Did I say one? I meant three!)

Hm. Hercules. Well in his FG2 review he says "Oh no they're playing music from Disney's Hercules! Abandon film!" But maybe that's just on the music.

We know he doesn't like the Phil Collins songs in Tarzan

We know he sort of likes Fantasia 2000 (mainly for the Pines of Rome, Rhapsody in Blue and Firebird sections) but hates the celebrity cameos (although to be fair i thought James Earl Jones, QUincy Jones and Angela Lansbury were pretty decent as hosts.)

We know what he thinks about Atlantis and Princess and the Frog.

But i guess he will have more descriptive critiques of them when they arrive.

I'll bet he's really going to slam Dinosaur for coming off like a Land Before Time knock-off (though the fact that he used the signature tune in the first vid kind of indicates that he doesn't hate it all that much.)

I haven't watched Dinosaur in forever. But, I remember finding it... just not that interesting, just not caring about the old dinosaurs we were supposed to feel for.

What does he think of Atlantis and Princess and the Frog? Did he review them already in the past?

That's interesting, I somehow got the impression he would hate Fantasia 2000. Something he said in one of his reviews. I actually liked the celeb cameos. Doesn't really matter if they make it dated since the year is part of the title, ha.

I actually am becoming... not too impressed with his taste in music. I guess because of his comments on Lion King, but I think on some others too (can't remember which).

[Super Aurora]

you have links to the new reviews please?

[Tristy]

Well in the review of his top 20 favorite movies he mentioned how he liked parts of Fantasia/2000.

At the end of the Bum Review for PATF he said it was good.

He mentioned Atlantis in his top 10 films that he likes but everybody else hates saying how he liked the idea and the crew characters while saying that he didn't like Rourke and ultimate outcome of the story.

[slave2moonlight]

Here's Aladdin. The others play after that one...

http://blip.tv/nostalgiacritic/disneyce ... in-5842308

Interesting stuff. I'll have to check some of those out. I never watch the Bum reviews usually because the character annoys me.

[qindarka]

He does make a good, sharp point against the message of The Lion King though I've have managed to reconcile it in my mind.

[slave2moonlight]

He does make a good, sharp point against the message of The Lion King though I've have managed to reconcile it in my mind.

I'm not sure I agree there. Though, I was only half paying attention because I was working while listening to the review. But, what I got out of it was that he was saying Simba didn't learn his lesson because he wasn't supported by his friends/family, and because in the end he found out he wasn't guilty at all? That's what I was hearing. Well, I thought the message was about taking back the responsibilities he left behind, even though he was afraid of what everyone would say, and he defeated that by the act of returning. That he discovered he wasn't really at fault doesn't affect that. One could argue that he learned his lesson about running away even better because running away was unnecessary to begin with, so an even bigger mistake. Of course, I can see how this is debatable. I guess whether or not he learned not to run away from problems depends on himself as an individual and how he chooses to view it, but I still say that a big part of his issue was having the courage and responsibility to go back and face his family, however they might treat him, which he mustered up with the act of returning at all.

[qindarka]

He does make a good, sharp point against the message of The Lion King though I've have managed to reconcile it in my mind.

I'm not sure I agree there. Though, I was only half paying attention because I was working while listening to the review. But, what I got out of it was that he was saying Simba didn't learn his lesson because he wasn't supported by his friends/family, and because in the end he found out he wasn't guilty at all? That's what I was hearing. Well, I thought the message was about taking back the responsibilities he left behind, even though he was afraid of what everyone would say, and he defeated that by the act of returning. That he discovered he wasn't really at fault doesn't affect that. One could argue that he learned his lesson about running away even better because running away was unnecessary to begin with, so an even bigger mistake. Of course, I can see how this is debatable. I guess whether or not he learned not to run away from problems depends on himself as an individual and how he chooses to view it, but I still say that a big part of his issue was having the courage and responsibility to go back and face his family, however they might treat him, which he mustered up with the act of returning at all.

I do agree with your interpretation and had come to roughly the same conclusion. Yet I do think it was a very good spot by Doug and certainly make me think about it.

And Nala and Sarabi really should have at least tried to save Simba.

[Rose Dome]

Touche Dr.F & Flanger Hanger. Doug must be feeling very rushed, so he can be forgiven for the odd review that doesn't say quite as much, especially in regards to a film such as The Aristocats, which although I don't dislike it, is hardly a masterpiece. Sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I've been on holiday up north

On another note, I've really been enjoying Doug's later reviews despite not not sharing all his opinions (The Rescuers Down Under is better than the first one? ) He's managing to comment on the films in an economical way, and his review of The Little Mermaid leaves me convinced that the film isn't nearly as bad as I had decided it was, although I still don't like Ariel.

[estefan]

I actually am becoming... not too impressed with his taste in music. I guess because of his comments on Lion King, but I think on some others too (can't remember which).

Randy Newman, perhaps?

Of course, I understand why Newman would not be to everyone's taste as does the criticisms that his songs sound the same, but even when he's not talking about something Newman-related, he finds a way to bash his work. Of course, I'm a big Randy Newman fan.

To be honest, though, the only person he continually bashes that I get tired of hearing is Matthew Broderick. I don't think Doug realises how influential he is on people's opinions, as they tend to copy his. Matthew Broderick is a well-regarded and well-liked actor, but lately, he's gotten a reputation for being "bland" and "uninteresting." That's only started after Doug expressed his immense dislike for him.

That said, I am finding his Disneycembers interesting. At times, he gets nit-picky (and nit-picking bothers me, immensely), but most of his opinions and comments are understandable.

[Lazario]

.... he enjoys vomiting?

this

So, have you two set a date for the wedding yet?

[Super Aurora]

yeah you're going to be married today in the afternoon. Better find a dress now.

[Lazario]

How... exactly does that work as a comeback?

[Goliath]

After 5 pages I simply *have* to chime in and ask a question that's been bothering me for the past couple of months ever since I first learned about this guy and his site:

His opinions are relevant and important and valued by so many of you because.....

...... WHY??!!

What makes this guy's opinions so much more interesting than those of you or me or really any other random schmuck?

I just don't get it. It's all really boring.

[Lazario]

Well, for me- what he's done has influenced what by now must be over a hundred other online reviewers in terms of style, humor, etc. Without which, we would not have the likes of Lindsay Ellis, Kyle Kallgren, Phelan Porteous, Allison Pregler, all of whom are members of his website (a collection of different critics specializing in reviewing movies, TV, etc), thatguywiththeglasses.com, and specialize in different areas of movie reviews. Considering everything he's covered as "The Nostalgia Critic" and how satisfying a lot of people consider his work, it's just a real event to have him cover all the Disney animated films like this. Even though (as Super Aurora correctly observed) there just isn't enough time to give each film the attention it deserves given this format.

Is he a schmuck? ...depends on who you ask, I guess. Most of his reviews are done "in character," he's often very funny, and doesn't take himself too seriously. At least in terms of entertainment value, Doug Walker and his site mean a great deal to people. I can't tell you how many times I NEEDED one of their videos. They're sure as hell better comfort than most of the brain damaged stuff that passes for movies and television these days.

[Super Aurora]

How... exactly does that work as a comeback?

Who said it was.



Anyway, To answer your question, Goliath. Most people became aware of this guy through the Angry Video Game Nerd. With him, Doug wouldn't have been well known as he is now. Most fans that were of AVGN also jump over to NC's site as well. I know I was guilty of this too. Personally I like AVGN's reviews and his non video games reviews a hell lot better as they are actually well thought, put together and he points out the pros and con of each movie as oppose critic the hell out of it is obnoxious manner.

Doug can be funny sometimes which is why I go to watch his reviews. For the humor. It's not always great but I do get shuckles out of it the few times.

I'm not quite fond of the other reviewers though. They aren't that funny and I feel most of these give impression of jumping on to the NC bandwagon.

Too bad Pap64 isn't here. (where the fuck he go? not even on AIM any more either) He would give you a much much better though information of it since he use to formerly be huge fan of it but now hates it.






























Nostalgic chick's face look really really similar to my older sister. Kinda creepy

[Goliath]

Well, for me- what he's done has influenced what by now must be over a hundred other online reviewers in terms of style, humor, etc. Without which, we would not have the likes of Lindsay Ellis, Kyle Kallgren, Phelan Porteous, Allison Pregler, all of whom are members of his website (a collection of different critics specializing in reviewing movies, TV, etc), thatguywiththeglasses.com, and specialize in different areas of movie reviews. [...]

Is he a schmuck? ...depends on who you ask, I guess.

I just meant to say he's just another guy. Like the other people you mention, he means nothing to me. Maybe someone here could explain to me why he/they mean(s) something to you? I'm honestly interested, because I'm surprised why so many people value the opinion of just another guy on the internet so much. Where does his authority comes from? I don't see it.

Dude, how can you not like Beauty and the Beast??

Simple: the animation is very poor at a lot of moments during the film; main characters (including Belle) are often off-model and animated ugly as hell; supporting characters are generic and badly designed (the townspeople); there is too little screentime for the relationship of Belle and the Beast to be convincing (we're just being told to believe they love each other, but we don't get to see it); too many distractions and filler instead (the Gaston-scene in the bar); the leading lady is bland and uninteresting and has no goals or motives; and the only good thing about the movie is the songs. The songs and the music are wonderful.

[Rose Dome]

Well, for me- what he's done has influenced what by now must be over a hundred other online reviewers in terms of style, humor, etc. Without which, we would not have the likes of Lindsay Ellis, Kyle Kallgren, Phelan Porteous, Allison Pregler, all of whom are members of his website (a collection of different critics specializing in reviewing movies, TV, etc), thatguywiththeglasses.com, and specialize in different areas of movie reviews. [...]

Is he a schmuck? ...depends on who you ask, I guess.

I just meant to say he's just another guy. Like the other people you mention, he means nothing to me. Maybe someone here could explain to me why he/they mean(s) something to you? I'm honestly interested, because I'm surprised why so many people value the opinion of just another guy on the internet so much. Where does his authority comes from? I don't see it.

He doesn't have much authority, but we watch because he's a funny guy who sums things up well. It's just entertainment

Dude, how can you not like Beauty and the Beast??

Simple: the animation is very poor at a lot of moments during the film; main characters (including Belle) are often off-model and animated ugly as hell; supporting characters are generic and badly designed (the townspeople); there is too little screentime for the relationship of Belle and the Beast to be convincing (we're just being told to believe they love each other, but we don't get to see it); too many distractions and filler instead (the Gaston-scene in the bar); the leading lady is bland and uninteresting and has no goals or motives; and the only good thing about the movie is the songs.