Mulan

“Let’s get down to business!  To defeat the Huns!”  This week’s Disney film charges into fans’ hearts and funny bones.  It’s Mulan.

 

 

The film premiered in 1998 and is one that I actually remember seeing in theaters.  J  It is based on the legend of Mulan – a young woman in China who disguises herself as a man to join the Emperor’s royal army so that her aging father will not be forced to fight.  As legend would tell it, she becomes the single grain of rice that tips the scale in China’s victory against the Huns’ invasion.  The film tells this legend with classic Disney flair. 

 

 

For me, this is Disney’s funniest film.  Just thinking of the characters and songs makes me grin.  J  On top of the film’s awesome humor, Mulan makes a great heroine.  She regularly acts selflessly to keep others safe, she works hard and refuses to give up, she uses ingenuity to get out of many a sticky situation, and and… and… she’s just Mulan.  She’s a likable, relatable character who cares about her family and friends and works hard to protect them.

 

 

Mulan tells a heartwarming tale and it's hilarious! I don't even know where to start... The supporting cast of characters (minus the very non-humorous scary Huns lead by Shan-Yu) all contribute to the story in some funny way.  I can't possibly list them all (and I don't want to give all of the funny parts away), but here are some of my favorite stand-out funny characters in the film.  First up is Mulan's Grandmother Fa.  She is a little old woman with enough spunk to fill a village. ("Who spit in her bean curd?") 

 

 

Grandmother Fa enlists the unwilling help of the "lucky" cricket- Crickee to help Mulan as she meets the matchmaker. (Fiddler reference anyone?...)  Crickee delivers comedic gold without ever actually delivering a line.  (Reminds me of this funny raccoon I know...)  And the academy award for comedic genius in Mulan has got to go to Mushu!  He is a demoted red dragon (lizard) who ends up as Mulan's unintentional sidekick on her journey in the army.  He is voiced by Eddie Murphy and he's hilarious.  Seriously.  Every scene.  Funny stuff.  :)

 

 

Like its predecessors, Mulan is filled with great music!  Every song is wonderful!  But I'll just touch on two here.  First up is "Reflection" sung by Mulan in the film (and sung famously by Christina Aguilera in the credits).  It is a beautiful song that speaks to the heart of the film about Mulan's search to balance being true to herself (credit song reference!) and meeting society's expectations.  Thankfully by the film's end being herself wins! 

 

 

And finally we get to my FAVORITE (non-romantic) song in the Disney Canon: "I'll Make a Man Out of You."  It's in my top three favorite Disney songs EVER.  It's sung in the film by Shang (Captain of the army where Mulan is training), and Shang is voiced by Donny Osmond.  This song is upbeat, moves the story along well and is funny as all get out!!!  I mean.  "I'll make a man out of you."  Sung to soldiers where there actually happens to be a woman.  The irony!  This is so up my funny bone alley.  The song is a delight to watch from start to finish.  It makes a great road-trip, open-window car tune.  And it's a great addition to workout and cleaning playlists.

 

 

Mulan.  If you haven't seen it, watch it.  If you have seen it, watch it again.  It's definitely one of my favorites.

 

This week I'll end with a beautiful quote from the Emperor of China:

 

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of them all.

 

 

 

Coming Up Next Week: Tarzan

Hercules

"Who put the 'glad' in gladiator?  HERCULES!"  This song has been stuck in my head ever since I watched Disney's 35th animated feature: Hercules.

The film premiered in 1997 and tells the legend of Hercules, son of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera.  His childhood on Mount Olympus is cut drastically short when Hades (god of the underworld) sends his minions (Pain and Panic) to make Hercules mortal and end his life.  Pain and Panic fail to fully execute this plan, but Hercules is left mortal (with god-like strength) and as such can no longer live on Mt. Olympus. He is raised by a kind, childless couple but always feels like he doesn't fit in and longs to find the place where he belongs. Once he grows up, Zeus appears to him and tells him that if he can prove himself a real hero on Earth, he will be able to regain his immortality and return to Mt. Olympus. Hercules sets off to do just that.

 

On his quest from "zero to hero," Hercules is joined by an eccentric bunch of characters.  His faithful steed (and flying horse), cleverly named Pegasus, journeys with him and helps him in his battles against various monsters.  Before they battle monsters though, Hercules must first enlist and survive the satyr Philoctetes' (aka Phil) rugged training program. Phil is one of the film's comedic gems (voiced by the funny man himself, Danny DeVito). On his journey to hero, Hercules also runs into a D.I.D. (Damsel In Distress)- the lovely (but self-sufficient) Megara (aka Meg). Meg's jaded and sarcastic self becomes an integral character in Hercules journey. (Also Meg is voiced by Susan Egan! Susan is the original Belle from Beauty and the Beast on Broadway! My favorite Broadway show!)

 

 

No review of Hercules would be complete without mention of Hades- the film's villain. He's definitely bad. But his acerbic wit and failed plans make him more comedic than scary... In fact, he may have the funniest scenes of the entire film.  However, in the name of full disclosure, I must confess that as a child Hercules freaked me out.  As in, I saw it and had to have my parents pick me up from a sleepover with my cousins.  In third grade. I do not like the whole underworld swirling pit of dead souls thing.  Watching this film as an adult, I still found the spirituality-portrayed aspects of the film unsettling.  And it is definitely one of the films that I would suggest parents consider closely before showing it to their kiddos.

On the Disney spectrum of greatness, Hercules passes the music portion with flying colors!  The "Muses" narrate through song most of the film with gospel-choir harmonies and style.  And their lyrics are decidedly clever (and funny!). We've also got "Go the Distance" sung by Hercules, but made even more famous by Michael Bolton's credit cover of the song. And then Meg (voiced by a Broadway star) sings "Won't Say I'm in Love" with the Muses as backup singers- definitely another musical win for Disney.

Before I close, I have to also mention that I did not particularly care for the style of this film.  It was more abstract than reality-driven with disproportioned angles and ratios used throughout the animation. I'm not a very artsy person and prefer realism and symmetry. That said, it wasn't a deal breaker for the film; it was just something that I didn't particularly enjoy. There were still lots of beautiful animated shots as well...

This week I'll leave you with some wisdom from Zeus:

For a true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.

 

Coming Up Next Week: Mulan

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

HelllLLLOOO Everyone!  I apologize for my long absence.  I was on vacation, and as such took a blogging break.  I’m back now and plan to get us caught up on our Disney film adventure over the next week.  J

 

The movie that we left off with premiered in 1996.  It's The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

 

 

My first thought on this film is that it is NOT a kid movie.  It’s an adult plot, with adult content and adult themes.  I’m vastly puzzled that it earned a “G” rating.  It is still a beautiful film, but it has some of the darkest content of a Disney movie.  Definitely one to wait to show your kids until you deem it age-appropriate (and to be perfectly honest, I don’t think most kids would find the movie terrible interesting or engaging even if you factor out the adult themes.)

 

 

Of course.  This is still Disney.  And part of the Disney Renaissance for that matter.  And as such, there is still much beauty to be found in the film.

 

 

The ending note of the opening number is one such thing of beauty.  Goodness gracious!  I readily admit that I go absolutely weak in the knees for "big singing," and this note is about as big as they come.  It flows beautifully with the music and ends the song (and starts the movie) with excitement and grandeur and happiness.  For me, it's even better than the "Circle of Life" opening.  Oh.  Right.  I should probably tell you the name of the song... it's "The Bells of Notre Dame."

 

 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.  I have not read the book; however its synopsis leaves me quite baffled as to how this became Disney family fare...  Moving on.  Hunchback tells the story of Quasimodo, a misshapen young man who has lived his entire life shut away from the rest of the world in the Bell Tower of Notre Dame Cathedral under the guardianship of Frollo (the film's dastardly villain).  Frollo keeps Quasimodo locked away and works to rid the city of the harmless gypsies whilst employing exceedingly cruel punishments to anyone unable to evade his capture.  The other main characters in our tale are Captain Phoebus (sent to help Frollo, but he ends up fighting against him) and Esmeralda (the gypsy woman loved by Quasimodo, Frollo (YUCK!!!), and Captain Phoebus).

 

 

 

I had only seen this film once as a child, and the only thing that I could remember was that there was a large fire that burns through the city.  Watching the film as an adult, I find the themes and plot darker and more destructive still than my limited memories from childhood.  There is little to be found by way of humor.  Frollo is the vilest Disney villain I've yet to come across.  And the tale is filled with violence and darkness. 

 

 

 

Surprisingly, my favorite part of the film was the music.  (I know.  Huge shocker there.)  I've already shared my delight in the film's opening number.  The film is also scored beautifully and features the musical loveliness of "Out There" sung by Quasimodo and "God Help the Outcasts" sung by Esmeralda.

 

 

The imagery and music make The Hunchback of Notre Dame a beautiful film; however it is a far cry from the "happily-ever-after" Disney tale we are accustomed to.

 

This week I'll leave you with a bit of wisdom from the film:

 

"Take it from an old spectator.  Life's not a spectator sport.  If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya."

 

I experienced a real life example of this tonight at my softball game.  I let my fear of missing the ball, keep me from swinging.  Next week, I'm swinging.  :)  'Tis better to try and fail than fail to try.

 

Coming Up Next Week: Hercules







Pocahontas

This week’s film takes us to early 17^th Century North America- It’s Disney’s Pocahontas.

 

 

The film premiered in 1995 and holds a dear place in my childhood.  I still remember singing “Just Around the Riverbend” at the top of my lungs and having a major crush on Kocoum when we saw Pocahontas: Disney on Ice.  Ahhh.  Sweet memories. 

 

 

Pocahontas is about the legend of the Native American Powhatan tribe's chief's daughter (Pocahontas) willingly putting her life on the line to save the English captive, Captain John Smith.  A group of Englishmen have arrived in this "new world" (present day Virginia) in 1607 with plans to conquer the land, subdue the native "savages," and find piles upon piles of gold.  It is not long before these Englishmen and the Native American habitants of the continent find themselves in conflict against each other.  The film presents that in this most unlikely of situations, Pocahontas and John Smith find themselves falling in love; however their hardest battle to overcome will be keeping peace between their people.

 

 

Once again Disney delivers superb animation, an engaging story, good music and funny sidekicks.  This is definitely one of the Disney films that defined my childhood.  I love the music - from the iconic "Colors of the Wind" and the lively "Just Around the Riverbend" to the lesser known "Steady as the Beating Drum" and "Mine, Mine, Mine" songs. 

 

 

And speaking of music, Pocahontas has my second favorite credit song ever.  It's "If I Never Knew You" performed by Jon Secada and Shanice.  If you've never heard it, you can have a listen here.  In the theatrical release of this film, this song was ONLY included in the credits.  When Disney released the film on DVD in 2005, they added a scene in which John Smith and Pocahontas sing this song.  I definitely vote that it stays just the credit song.  If you have the option, I recommend watching the film in the original theatrical release version.  :)  Oh.  And because I'm sure you're all anxious to know my very favorite credit song ever... It's "At the Beginning" from Anastasia.  (And third place goes to "My Heart Will Go On.")

 

 

One of my favorite parts of this film are the supporting cast of characters.  A younger Christian Bale voices Thomas - one of the young English blokes arrived in the New World that John Smith watches out for.  The villainous Governor Ratcliffe delivers a good performance as the greedy English conqueror.  There's also the inexplicably wonderful Grandmother Willow.  (She's a wise tree who offers advice through song. To understand her, you've just got to see the movie.)  And finally, perhaps my favorite characters in the movie: the animal sidekicks.  First up there is Flit, the hummingbird.  He's the most protective 3 ounces of feathers I've ever seen who continually tries to point the other characters in the right direction; though often without much success.  Then there is Meeko, the raccoon.  He is always hungry, generally mischievous, and adorably funny.  Finally, rounding out the trio is Governor Ratcliffe's pug, Percy.  This pampered pooch starts out as Meeko's enemy, but in the end they become fast friends.

 

Pocahontas falls in the midst of the Disney Renaissance and as such is as great as you would expect.  I do recommend looking up the history of the real Pocahontas when you have a chance as well.  As beautiful as the Disney film is, it's decidedly a romanticized view of this legendary woman.  And as lovely as seeing the world through rose-colored glasses can be, the truth is always better.

 

 

With that, I'll leave you this week with the opening lines to "Colors of the Wind:"

 

You think I'm an ignorant savage,

And you've been so many places, I guess it must be so.

But still I cannot see, if the savage one is me,

How can there be so much that you don't know?

You don't know.

 

 

Coming Up Next Week: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Lion King

And we have arrived on the African Savannah in this week's Disney film: The Lion King.

The film premiered in 1994 and is actually the first film I remember seeing in theaters.  It was a Saturday afternoon and my Daddy and I were having a father-daughter date which meant D'Lorenzo's pizza and a movie.  My movie choices were The Lion King or the non-animated PG version of The Jungle Book (more on the animated version here).  I chose The Lion King (even though we had already seen it), so I guess the first theater-going movie experience I remember is seeing The Lion King for the second time.  :)  I'm not sure how many times I've seen the film now, but one thing is still clear: the film is one of Disney's finest.

The Lion King is loosely based on the plot of Shakespeare's Hamlet (told with a cast of lions of course).  Mufasa is king of Pride Rock and the surrounding lands where he leads and cares for his pride of lions as well as all of the plants and creatures in the "circle of life" out in the savannah.  His adventurous son Simba wants to be just like his dad but his adventures (with the young lioness Nala) to prove his bravery lead him into more trouble than not.  Mufasa's brother, Scar, meanwhile wants to be king himself and as such unleashes a dastardly plot to kill Mufusa and Simba.  (That would be the Shakespeare bit.)  The after effects of this dastardly plot cause Simba to run away from home.  He meets up with Timon and Pumbaa (savannah outcasts so to speak) and embraces the "Hakuna Matata" life (more on that later).  His past of course catches up to him and he ultimately goes back to face it for one of the most climatic finales in all of Disney film.

The Lion King is smack in the middle of the Disney Renaissance period of film and it shows.  The film is beautiful.  This Disney film journey this year is definitely teaching me to appreciate the artistry of the Disney film, particularly the animation and music.  I've always liked these things, but I'm also now recognizing the skill and artistry involved as well.  The Lion King is gorgeously animated and sumptuously scored.  It's a beautiful film.  On top of all that, it also has the great story, standout songs, humor and heart that have come to define the Disney name.

The music.  Oh the music!  Like it's predecessors (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin), the music of The Lion King is epically amazing!!  The film begins with the grandiose "Circle of Life."  It is a beautiful portrait of Pride Rock and the animals who call it home.  Disney animators actually researched and sketched live animals lending a depth and reality to the animated creatures we see on screen.  The results are Disney greatness.  Next we get to perhaps my favorite song in the film (but really how do you choose just one favorite?!): "I Just Can't Wait to Be King."  A young Simba sings this colorful song filled with humor and great drums.  Next up, the nefarious Scar has the musical genius of "Be Prepared."  The lyrics are droll and decidedly witty with Scar telling his plans to be king to the less cerebral hyenas.

The second act of the film showcases Timon (the meerkat) and Pumbaa (the warthog) in all of their musical and comical glory.  First up we have "Hakuna Matata."  It means no worries, for the rest of your days.  It's our problem-free.  Philosophy!  Hakuna Matata.  'nough said! :) "Hakuna Matata" is funny, memorable and just plain good music.  Our last big musical number is the romantic "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."  Even if you've never seen this film, you've probably heard Elton John's rendition of this Disney classic.  In the film the song is started and finished by the dynamic duo of Timon and Pumbaa, however they are conspicuously absent for the vast majority of the song.  Once again, we have a beautiful number that comes together with gorgeous animation and fantastic musicality. 

The Lion King also has a colorful cast of characters. :)  Comical characters include Zazu - Mufasa's majordomo and a red-billed hornbill (granted fun is made more at his expense than his own witticisms...), Rafiki (a wise baboon with unconventional communication techniques), the hyenas (Scar's bumbling henchmen), and the famous duo of Timon & Pumbaa.  One of the "biggest" characters of the film is Mufasa (Simba's father).  His love, leadership and sacrifice provide the heart of this film.  It is through his guidance and love that Simba is able to learn from the past and step into the responsibilities that have been given to him.

The Lion King is one of Disney's finest films and a beloved part of my childhood.  It was another fantastic stop on this film journey!  Thanks for continuing on this journey with me!

This week I'll leave you with wise words from Rafiki:

The past can hurt.  But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.

Coming Up Next Week: Pocahontas

Aladdin

This week we're off to Agrabah in Disney's Aladdin.

It is so much fun to be traveling through this Disney movie adventure this year, but now that we're at the Disney Renaissance... it's even better!  Not to mention the fact that these are the films that I grew up with.  Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney classics like Peter Pan and The Aristocats, but I'm beginning to realize that my generation was particularly lucky in the Disney films that came out in the 90s.  You've got almost 10 solid movies of Disney greatness when most of us were in elementary school.  It's no wonder that most of us cling to our love of Disney even into adulthood!

 

Aladdin premiered in 1992 (right after Beauty and the Beast).  And believe me those are some big shoes to fill!  But Aladdin delivers!  It is funny, heart-warming, memorable and filled with wonderful songs!  The film tells the story of Aladdin - a poor young man (called a street rat) with street smarts who dreams of living rich in the palace but finds himself stealing bread instead.  He is quick to look out for others though and often gives his stolen meal away to those who need it more.  This also leads him to meet Princess Jasmine (in disguise in the marketplace).  Aladdin rescues her from an angry shopkeeper who she unwittingly takes an apple from and then shows her town from his side of the tracks.  Aladdin is pretty smitten from the get go, but once he realizes she's the princess, he realizes there is no way for them to be together as the law requires her to marry a prince.  Sigh.

 

 

Alas their time together is short-lived as Aladdin is soon thrown into jail by the nefarious Jafar (the sultan's grand vizier).  He quickly gains a trip to the Cave of Wonders to find a lamp for Jafar, but as luck would have it, Aladdin ends up with the lamp but trapped in the Cave of Wonders with his good friend, Abu (the monkey), and a magic flying carpet (affectionately termed "Carpet").  Turns out the lamp is a magic lamp and once rubbed... out bursts the funniest character in Disney's repertoire - Genie!  He's big.  He's blue.  He's magical.  He's hilarious!  Robin Williams give voice and life to this character and it could not have been done better!  So Al (aka Aladdin) now has three wishes and a genie on his side.  Life is definitely looking up.  Prince Ali here we come!

 

The rest of the film involves Jafar's devious schemes to steal the throne from the sultan and marry Princess Jasmine and Prince Ali's (aka Aladdin's) courtship of Princess Jasmine which doesn't go as well as he expected...  By the way, important life lesson served up by Disney: Always tell the truth and be yourself.  True story.  Tossed into all this drama you have the Genie's antics and personality, so it's a very fun ride!

And speaking of rides... Aladdin has the most romantic magic carpet ride in all of film!  Aladdin and Jasmine head off to "A Whole New World" on a magic carpet ride where Aladdin finally wins the fair Jasmine's heart.  "A Whole New World" is perhaps the most popular Disney song of all time.  A vast majority of my generation can probably sing part if not the whole song word-for-word.  It's magical and beautiful and in my list of Top 5 Disney songs ever.

Aladdin has an amazing soundtrack even on top of "A Whole New World."  Aladdin's opening number "One Jump Ahead" is funny and lively and a great start to the film.  Genie has two show-stopping numbers in the middle of the film that are pure fun!  Genie sings "Friend in Me" in the Cave of Wonders and you get to know his personality and powers, and then he sings "Prince Ali" as Master of Ceremonies to Aladdin's grand parade into Agrabah as a prince.  Once again, Robin Williams comic mastery shines through making theses scenes an absolute delight.  Then to round out the film (as mentioned above) you have the romantic masterpiece of "A Whole New World."

 

Aladdin is definitely one of Disney's best films!  And goodness gracious is it funny!  I counted a solid 12 jokes that went over my head as a child, but that struck my funny bone as an adult.  One of the funniest characters is actually the villain- Jafar.  He is decidedly witty and his parrot sidekick, Iago, can't communicate without sarcasm so they add a hefty dose of humor to the film.  If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend hopping on a magic carpet for a trip to Agrabah as soon as you can!

Since we all were singing this to ourselves anyway...  I'm going to end this post with lyrics from "A Whole New World:"

I can show you the world; Shining, shimmering, splendid.

Tell me princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder,

Over, sideways, and under on a magic carpet ride.

 

A Whole New World!

A new fantastic point of view.

No one to tell us no or where to go

Or say we're only dreaming.

Have a great week everyone!

Coming Up Next Week: The Lion King