Oliver & Company

We are halfway through this year of Disney films!  We've arrived at movie 27: Oliver & Company.

The film premiered in 1988 (a very good year for birthdays!) and is loosely very loosely based on the storyline of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.  Oliver & Company tells the tale of Oliver, a kitten without a home, and his unlikely inclusion into a gang of misfit dogs who strut the streets of New York without a care in the world.  Oliver is then lucky enough to find a home with Jennifer, a lovely little girl who lives in the wealthy district on 5th Avenue, but alas greedy men, vicious Dobermans, and an unscrupulous (but likable) chap make dastardly plans against the duo.  It's the misfit gang to the rescue!

 

This film was so much fun!  From the opening "Once Upon a Time in New York City" number to the great finale, this was super enjoyable.  Oliver & Company has great characters, great music and great heart. 

Oliver himself is adorable, but plucky at the same time.  He certainly isn't afraid to stand up for himself, go after what he wants, or race to the rescue when someone is in trouble.  The gang of dogs is an eclectic assortment... lead by the worry-free Dodger.  Dodger may seem laid-back, but he clearly cares for his motley crew and fights for them every step of the way.  Most of the gang add a good dose of comedy to the film.  Most notably, Tito, a Chihuahua with major spunk.  Then there's Georgette, Jennifer's spoiled (show-winning) poodle.  Her narcissism and lack of street savvy provide great comedic fodder throughout the film. 

The soundtrack to this film is also wonderful!  Dodger's show-stopping "Why Should I Worry" and Rita's "Streets of Gold" belong on any Disney music lover's list of favorites!  This would also probably be a good time to mention the voice cast for Oliver & Company.  Dodger is voiced by the music legend: Billy Joel.  (Did I mention he has a major show-stopping number, complete with a reprise?!)  Bette Midler voiced Georgette (the poodle).  You also have the talents of Ruth Pointer (of the Pointer Sisters) and Cheech Marin.  Oh.  And Oliver is voiced by a young (12-year-old) Joey Lawrence!  :)

On top of the wonderful cast and music, this film also has heart.  The characters band together to fight the villain and reunite the innocent.  The film definitely treads on some morally gray areas in terms of stealing and petty crimes which should not necessarily be minimized, but the villains are clearly bad, and there is a true, good outcome to root for.  There are friendships formed, sacrifices made, and a love worth fighting for.

I definitely enjoyed this stop on this Disney journey!

Here's a little Walt wisdom for the road:

Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows.  Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality.  The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.

Coming Up Next Week: The Little Mermaid

The Great Mouse Detective

Eeek!  I am so sorry that this post is so late.  Unfortunately life (and Disneyland!) intervened, but nevertheless I am back on track.  This week's Disney movie takes us to London.  It's The Great Mouse Detective.

The film premiered in 1986 and is our 26th movie stop on this year through Disney films.  The film centers on Basil of Baker Street (aka the Great Mouse Detective) and a mystery that leads him to the opportunity to take down his nemesis - Ratigan (a rat (in EVERY sense of the word) who wants to take over the mice-dom throne).  Olivia Flaversham's father, a toymaker, has been kidnapped.  Seeking help, the young Olivia sets out to find Basil and on her way meets Dr. Dawson.  The trio soon find themselves on an adventure to find Olivia's father, stop the evil Ratigan, and save the Queen (of the mice).  Has anyone else noticed how many Disney movies have mice in them?  I've rather lost count...  Moving on.

This film is much more enjoyable (and a greater success!) than it's unfortunate predecessor.  The Great Mouse Detective is fun, lively, and cleverly comedic, with a sufficient pinch of heartwarming content as well.  While not as rich as some Disney films musically, there are still a few tow-tapping numbers.  (Watch out for the Ratigan song though!  That one gets stuck in your head!)

Basil, of The Great Mouse Detective, is fashioned after the famed, fictional Sherlock Holmes detective.  Basil was actually named after Basil Rathbone, an actor known for his role as (you guessed it!) Sherlock Holmes.  One of the greatest points in the movie has got to be the cameo of "Sherlock Holmes" that briefly appears while the mice hurry to solve their own mystery.  The voice of Sherlock Holmes in the film is taken from a 1966 reading by none other than Basil Rathbone.  Disney details!  They're the best!

Perhaps my favorite part of this movie was Toby, Sherlock Holmes' dog and Basil's somewhat obedient transport and tracker.  His scenes always add a touch of humor.  :)

This was definitely a fun Disney trip and a wonderful introduction to the character and personality of the "Sherlock Holmes" detective.

This week it seems appropriate to leave you with a Sherlock Holmes quote:

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.

Now ain't that the truth?

Coming Up Next Week: Oliver & Company

The Black Cauldron

Well.  We've arrived at another movie that I have never seen before.  It's Disney's 1985, dark fantasy: The Black Cauldron.

The film is the story of Taran (an assistant pig keeper) and his eventual quest against the Horned King who plans to use the magical black cauldron to create an evil (dead) army to take over/mostly destroy the world.  What would a quest be without a few (interesting) friends?  Taran is joined on his journey by Hen, the clairvoyant pig (That's not a typo. Clairvoyant. Pig. True story.); Princess Eilonwy (I still have no idea how to pronounce her name); Fflewddur Fflam (Good luck spelling that without Wikipedia), an eccentric minstrel; and Gurgi, a furry creature with a poor grasp of grammatical English.  The film has affiliations with Welsh mythology, and was loosely based on two books from The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander.

 

This is the first Disney animated feature film to receive a PG (Parental Guidance suggested) rating and I heartily agree.  The violence, dark villain, skeletal imagery, and a bit of inappropriate humor are all red flags warning parents to proceed with caution.  (I must also confess that this is the first movie to make me jump in fright... I don't do well when evil things pop-up suddenly on-screen...)  I would definitely not recommend this film for young children.  Though I'm not really sure I would recommend it to anyone at all...

It seems there is a reason that I've never seen The Black Cauldron before- it's not a Disney masterpiece.  I actually borrowed this movie from the library a few years ago but didn't make it past the first 15 minutes because I got bored...  I made it through the whole film this time, but I must confess that I would still describe the overall trajectory of the film as boring.  It's missing the Disney magic- the spark of humor, the dash of romance (they tried to put that in, but it just didn't work...), the unforgettable characters.  This film just did not deliver on all that one normally expects from the House of Mouse.

Perhaps the most glaring missing piece of a Disney masterpiece in this film for me would be the music.  There are no musical numbers!  (This is probably another reason why the film dragged...)  Disney music makes up a significant part of the soundtrack of my life.  Listen to my iPod on shuffle and there would be no doubting my love of Disney music, and this film had none! 

Interestingly enough, the final released version of the film had been ultimately severely edited by the producer of the film.  The producer tried to make the film more family-friendly, however his efforts were unsuccessful and The Black Cauldron was ultimately a box office flop.  One of the best things about Disney though is that failures don't stop them.  They keep pressing forward.  And in just a few short years we will have arrived at the "Disney Renaissance"- a decade of award-winning, beloved Disney masterpieces. 

This week I'll leave you with a quote from the Walt man himself:

Money doesn't excite me- my ideas excite me!

Coming Up Next Week: The Great Mouse Detective

The Fox and the Hound

Sorry for the late post!  You can blame Disneyland.  ;)

Well it's happened.  We've arrived at the first Disney movie to make me cry.  The Fox and the Hound.

The film premiered in 1981 and tells the tale of two unlikely friends and the trials that test their relationship.  Todd, an orphaned fox, is adopted by the Widow Tweed after the untimely death of his mother.  (Arguably sadder than Bambi at this point.)  Her neighbor Amos, has just acquired a hound dog puppy (Copper) he plans to train to track and hunt.  Todd and Copper, who seem destined to be enemies, instead become the best of friends.  Of course, childhood is short-lived and so is their happy season of friendship, but the beauty of the movie is watching their bond stand the test of time.

While the main story of the film is about Todd and Copper, there is a wonderful supporting cast.  Most notably would be Big Mama, the owl.  She sees Todd through the many transitions he experiences through the movie.  She also sings the famous "Best of Friends" song.  If you haven't heard it, you must listen to it.  Though prepare to have tissues with you, especially if you've just watched this movie.  Excuse me, while I go in search of my own box...

This film apparently hit me in the heartstrings (kind of like a comedy hits your funny bone.)  Speaking of funny, Boomer and Dinky (a woodpecker and a finch respectively) and their antics trying to catch an elusive caterpillar provide a nice dash of comic relief throughout the film.

The Fox and the Hound also claims some very famous voice actors for the two main characters.  Mickey Rooney supplies the voice of the adult Copper and Kurt Russell supplies the voice of the adult Todd.

This film is a beautiful story of friendship and sacrifice.  I don't want to give too much away to those who haven't seen it.  I'll leave you with this cryptic reference: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:3)

The Fox and the Hound is one of the films I remember watching as a child, however it definitely hit me at a much deeper level as an adult.  I highly recommend the film. (Just be sure to have tissues when you sit down to watch it.)  Please also note that the film does not leave you feeling discouraged.  The overall moral of the tale just really hit me in the heartstrings. 

This week I'll leave you with the beautiful words of Big Mama's song:

 

When you're the best of friends
Having so much fun together
You're not even aware, you're such a funny pair
You're the best of friends

Life's a happy game
You could clown around forever
Neither one of you sees, your natural boundaries
Life's one happy game

If only the world wouldn't get in the way
If only people would just let you play
They say you're both being fools
You're breaking all the rules
They can't understand, the magic of your wonderland

When you're the best of friends
Sharing all that you discover
When that moment has past, will that friendship last?
Who can say? There's a way!
Oh I hope... I hope it never ends
'Cause you're the best of friends

Coming Up Next Week:  The Black Cauldron

The Rescuers

This week's movie was another new one for me.  I'm fairly certain that I had read the children's book growing up, but this was my first time watching The Rescuers.

The movie premiered in 1977 (just like Winnie the Pooh), though the story is much different.  I definitely enjoyed this film.  It was cute, funny and most of all- heartwarming.  Penny, an orphan girl, becomes mixed up with the unscrupulous Madame Medusa and sends a message in a bottle asking for help.  Her message is received by the mice of the Rescue Aid Society- and with little to do, Bianca and Bernard (the janitor) are off on their rescue mission to Devil's Bayou!

 

Penny definitely tugs at my heartstrings.  It pains me so much that children grow up as orphans without families to love them.  When I have a family (all in God's timing), I would love to be able to adopt and make a place in our family for someone who doesn't have one.  And now I should move on before I burst into tears...

The Rescuers is truly a wonderful story.  Bianca is a lovely, adventurous heroine, and Bernard is her slightly-bumbly, ever-lovable, steadfast partner.  The film also has a fabulous villainess in Madame Medusa.  She is an eccentric mix of the laughable and cruel.  Her driving also reminds me of someone... with a penchant for fur coats...  Oh.  And she has pet alligators.  She's memorable to say the least.

As with other great Disney films, The Rescuers has a lovable, dynamic cast of supporting characters.  There is dear Rufus the cat, Penny's friend at the orphanage.  Then there is Bianca and Bernard's pilot/airplane, Orville the albatross (not to be confused with Scuttle the seagull, though there seems to be a bit of a family resemblance).  Once Bernard and Bianca arrive in the bayou, they are assisted in their rescue efforts by an eclectic group of swamp critters- complete with fiery moonshine and a southern twang.  They create fireworks, literally!

This was a lovely, feel-good film.  Definitely a fun stop on our Disney journey together!  Interestingly, this film will be the only film with a sequel in our line-up.  Several other Disney films have sequels, however the vast majority do not meet the feature length release requirements of the Walt Disney Studios, thus they are not part of our journey this year.  In a few weeks, we'll get to spend some more time with Bianca and Bernard in The Rescuers Down Under.

This week's quote is from Rufus (the cat):

Faith is a bluebird, we see from far.  It's for real and as sure as the first evening star.  You can't touch it, or buy it, or wrap it up tight, but it's there just the same, making things turn out right.

Coming Up Next Week: The Fox and the Hound

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Silly ol' bear.  Yes.  This week's movie is the childhood classic: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

My familiarity with this movie can be laid at the feet of my little sister Jessica.  Winnie the Pooh was her childhood movie.  I was more of a Sesame Street girl myself.  Thankfully I was just young/old enough to appreciate Winnie the Pooh, his adventures, and all of his wonderful friends.  In fact, I quote him to this day.  :)  My friends can attest to my frequent exclamations of "Dash it all!," "Heavens to Betsy!" and "Oh bother".  The Hundred Acre Wood residents really know what to say when you're in a pinch. ;)

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh premiered in 1977 and is a collection of stories/chapters centered on Pooh and friends: Piglet, Rabbit, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Gopher and of course Christopher Robin.  The movie is sweet and endearing with subtle humor and a gift for making the audience smile.

There are so many iconic Winnie the Pooh stories in this film.  The opening number when Pooh disguises himself as a raincloud to fool the bees to steal their honey is adorable (as well as ineffective in practice).  Christopher Robin's patient pacing beneath the tree with his umbrella on the bright, sunny day saying "Tut, tut.  Looks like rain." is cinematic gold in my book.  Then poor Pooh gets stuck in Rabbit's front door after eating all of Rabbit's "hunny."

 

Perhaps the most memorable story to come out of this film would be "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day."  The Hundred Acre Wood experiences a very blustery "Windsday" literally sending inhabitants and houses flying.  The windy day leads to a rainy night (and one of the best rain songs ever!) and the arrival of the one-and-only Tigger (spelled tea, eye, double ga, ur)!

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is full of a fantastic cast of characters, wonderful songs, a superb narrator, and heartwarming stories.  There is so much to love! 

Those who know me well, know that my favorite Disney character is Piglet- a pink-hued, timid, easily-overwhelmed, big-hearted fellow.  He is just adorable!  Funny and smart.  Kind and the best kind of friend.  I'd hang out with him any day!  It is one of my life goals to have my picture with him at Disneyland.  :)

 

Winnie the Pooh and friends are easily some of the most recognizable Disney characters to this day.  They continue to delight children (and adults) around the world.  From the classic books and movie, to the movies and television series of the past decades.  Winnie the Pooh and his fellow inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Woods still make the best set of friends- for the young and old alike.  I definitely enjoyed revisiting this piece of childhood.

This week I'll leave you with one of my favorite Winnie the Pooh quotes:

Coming Up Next Week: The Rescuers

Robin Hood

This week's film takes us to Sherwood Forest in Nottingham, England.  Yes.  It's the tale of Robin Hood as only the Walt Disney Company could tell it.

Robin Hood premiered in 1973 and features some recognizable voice talents, but more on that later.  Robin Hood is the tale of Robin Hood, an excellent archer who steals from the rich to give to the poor.  The penniless inhabitants of Nottingham are ruthlessly taxed by the disreputable (and rather juvenile) Prince John, who has seized control of the kingdom in his brother, King Richard's, absence.  The dislikable Sheriff of Nottingham carries out the prince's orders.  Ergo, our hero (and a few friends) have taken it upon themselves to steal back from Prince John what rightfully belongs to the people.

Robin Hood is a marvelous story- full of adventure, villainous villains, a dash of romance, a great sidekick, and a few laughs.  For whatever reason though, it did not hugely delight me.  Through this year long journey, I'm learning that one of the most important film ingredients for me is a good dash of humor- I appreciate the corny and slapstick as well as the more clever, subtle plays on words and situations.  And Robin Hood simply didn't hit me in my funny bone.  I am also finding that I seem to have a greater fondness for movies that I grew up with.  (See here and here.)  Robin Hood was not in my movie arsenal growing up.  I suppose this would be an instance of where having a brother would have been helpful.  ;)

One of the best parts of Robin Hood has got to be Robin Hood's sidekick and partner in arms- Little John (a not so little bear...).  Phil Harris once again lends his iconic voice to this classic picture as the voice of Little John.  Phil also voiced both Baloo and O’Malley.  His smooth, deep voice is easily recognizable, but also really makes the characters come to life.  J

 

 

The narrator for the film is “The Rooster.”  He’s got country twang and a guitar and adds a very folksy tone to the story.  Beware the propensity of his tunes to get stuck in your head!  There is also a fantastic scene involving an exciting badminton match.  Birdie for the win!

 

 

Robin Hood definitely fits the mold of classic Disney fare.  And it's certainly worth a visit to Sherwood Forest.  Let's just say it's not going to make my list of Top 10 Disney movies.  :)  Also, I have got to give a shout out to Robin Hood: Men in Tights - a truly comedic spin on this classic tale.  After you watch Disney's version, be sure to give Mel Brooks' a try.  ;)

 

 

Tonight I'll leave you with Robin Hood’s advice for romance:

 

Ah, but remember faint hearts never won fair lady.

 

 

Ain't that the truth?  Have a great week!

 

 

Coming Up Next Week: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh