More Disney Movies Revisited

It's been a while since my previous post about Disney movies, and I've seen a few more since then, because Chaela received all of the following for Christmas.  It's time to go back... (swirly colors fade-out).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

First of all, it's dwarves.  Way to be, Disney.  Sigh. 

Anyway, I'd say that this movie holds up about as well as any movie of its time, meaning made in 1937.  I'll be honest; I'm just not an old movie lover.  I think the acting is bad and the stories are atrocious (for the most part).  The thing that I like about it is that Snow White is not as helpless a heroine as she's stereotyped; the girl goes out and makes things happen.  So she's lost in the woods and her stepmother wants her dead?  Ok, she finds a place to sleep and does her best to make sure the occupants of that house have a reason to let her stay (she cleans it up, in case it's been 73 years since you've seen the movie).  Some of the stuff annoys me/cracks me up, like the ultra-helpful woodland creatures (annoy) and the fact that the dwarves are mining already-cut gemstones (crack up).  Seriously, it's not my favorite mostly because of SW's super-sugary-sweet perkiness, which she maintains at an extremely high level throughout the movie.  You all know how I can't stand perkiness.

Forgotten gem in this movie: "One Song," sung by Prince Charming.

Hercules

"So, did they give you a name along with all those rippling pectorals?"

Ha ha!  I still love a lot of stuff about this movie.  It's got good music and some awesome one-liners, thanks to the Muses and the female main character, Meg.  I'd say they're the highlights, though I also like James Woods' take on Hades.  It has alright comedy for younger kids, but ultimately needs an older audience, say ten and up, to appreciate it.  Overall, it's ok.  Not an all-time favorite, but pretty good.  That's just my opinion, of course.  I think it's a favorite of Will's.

Lilo and Stitch

I have to say, I think this is one of the most underappreciated Disney movies of recent years.  I love it, because with it's young main character, rounded shapes, and bright Hawaiian-inspired colors, it's perfect for Chaela.  She loves it.  I also think that the comedy, being a bit more physical than some other Disney movies, is easier for her to get, hence funnier.  This is quite possibly the best full-length Disney movie ever for small children.

But aside from the fun stuff, it's also got a great message: what it means to be part of a family and love them, no matter what that family looks like.  I admit, moments that didn't really get to me when I was younger do now that I'm a mother, most notably the scene where Nani and Lilo are in the hammock and Nani sings to Lilo, whom she thinks is about to be taken away from her.

While I didn't think it was amazing before I had children, I do now.  This movie has jumped right up to my top 10 list.

Beauty and the Beast

This.  Movie.  Is.  Brilliant.  There is a reason it won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture and was nominated for the same category in the Academy Awards.  It is by far the most beautiful movie they've ever made.  The best look, the best music, all of it.

Of course you all know that I'm going to approve highly of Belle, because she's a strong woman who faces down fears (not that she doesn't have them, but she does what's right anyway), loves learning, and can see past the surface enough to 1) not fall for a handsome idiot/jerk/chauvinist and 2) come to love the Beast despite his appearance.  Personally, I give her more credit for number one.

Besides, it's a good love story, and how long has it been since they did one of those?  Ok, ok, all of the movies they were making in the early 90's were love stories, but that's when Disney was its most successful.  I haven't seen the Princess and the Frog yet, but I have high hopes.

Beauty and the Beast is, in my humble opinion (ha), the absolute best Disney movie of all time.

So what do you guys think of these movies?  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know!