Showing posts with label Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Up. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

10 Under-Appreciated Animated Disney Films

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Most animated movie fans know the popular Disney titles, such as Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, and even Toy Story. But Disney—alongside its partner studios, like Pixar and Studio Ghibli—has a plethora of fantastic films that don't receive the credit they deserve. Here are a few of my favorite under-appreciated animated Disney films.

Big Hero 6


Disney teamed up with Marvel Studios for this film, which is definitely evident in the superhero-style storyline and the ultra-cool Stan Lee cameo. (I think this is his best cameo by far.) The greatest crime to the animated film world is that this movie doesn't receive more love. The world building of San Fransokyo, the diverse cast of characters, and an adorable, marshmallow-y robot—how is that not cool? In addition, it's about superheroes and worm holes and all kinds of cool STEM-related stuff. Disney did a marvelous job with this one. (Annnd it won an Oscar for the best animated feature film.)

Up


One of my favorite Disney/Pixar films is Up. Not only does it tell an entire love story in less than five minutes, but it does it without words. Plus, this movie is chock full of humor, adventure, and awesome aerodynamics. Everybody wants Carl to be their grandpa, Dug to the be their loyal dog, and Russell to be their next door neighbor when the movie is finished. It's poetic and visually stunning, and it just might make you cry. A lot. (This film also won an Oscar for the best animated feature film.)

Ratatouille


Like Up, Ratatouille is often forgotten among the more popular Pixar titles, but it has its merits. The visuals of Remy's food experience are gorgeous, and I adore the French atmosphere throughout the movie. The plot is adorable, and despite Remy being a rat, I can't help but wish he was my friend. (Also, like Up, Ratatouille won an Oscar for best animated feature film.)


Howl's Moving Castle


One of the most gorgeous animated films ever, Howl's Moving Castle holds a special place in my heart. Studio Ghibli did wonders with the adaptation of Diana Wynn Jones' novel, and I absolutely adore this film. If you're interested in trying out an anime but don't want to be put off by a strange story or weird mythology, try this movie instead. It's a fantasy adventure full of humor, silliness, and of course, dramatic flair. (Looking at you, Howl!)

Meet the Robinsons


Meet the Robinsons is a conglomeration of a ton of amazing things, from nefarious villains and time-travel to crazy cool inventions and ridiculous dinosaurs to silly family dynamics and motivational messages. The plot twists in this one really hit home, and there are tons of jokes and puns scattered throughout. It's a fun adventure that shouldn't be forgotten, but instead we should move forward in remembering that it exists.

Gnomeo and Juliet


When I heard about this film, I was a little skeptical. How in the world can you take Romeo and Juliet, a Shakespearan tragedy, and retell it as a cute animated film with gnomes? Well, Disney did it. And they did it well. Not only does it follow the original play fairly well, it works within the "backyard" setting and the world of gnomes. It also includes tons of Shakespeare references and Easter eggs, including good ole Will himself. (Voiced by none other than Sir Patrick Stewart.) Throw in a few songs by Elton John, and this movie nailed it.

Treasure Planet


While I know some people who adore this film, it's still often forgotten. Those who have seen it love it, but it doesn't have the cult following that other "lost" Disney films, like Atlantis, do. Treasure Planet is a retelling of Treasure Island but with awesome steampunk aspects like flying ships, hoverboards, and aliens (and gorgeous animation). They really did a great job with this film, and it's easily become a favorite.


The Sword in the Stone


It's been a while since I saw this film, but I remember enjoying the story. With every King Arthur retelling, it's a little different, and this one definitely follows suit. It's worth a watch, especially if you're a fan of the well-known legend. Plus, Merlin.

The Fox and the Hound


If you like adorable animals, unlikely friendships, and a bucket of feels, watch The Fox and the Hound. It's simply adorable as these two unlikely animals become friends and learn who and what they are as they grow up. I remember it being a favorite as a child, and I think it deserves more love, despite how sad it is.

Bonus: Enchanted


Technically, this film is a hybrid, since it features both animated and live-action scenes. Still, it's one of the best, and often forgotten, Disney titles, blending the typical Disney princess tropes with something new and hilarious. While the animated scenes aren't the best parts of the film, I think this movie deserves more recognition. (And a sequel!)

What other Disney films deserve more appreciation?

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Animazing: Favorite Animated Movies Part 1

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There has never been a time in my life when I didn't watch animation, no matter what form it took. Whether it was hand drawn or CGI, I've always respected the skill and dedication it takes to make an animated film possible. In fact, I still wonder if I should become a librarian for Disney. I could have helped the imagineers by sifting through concept art or repairing ancient Disney films. I guess there's still time, though. 

However, there are tons of work that can be just as gorgeous and grade A as Disney. Thus, I've decided to list my favorite animated films below, starting with Disney of course.

Disney Animation My Favorite: The Lion King


When I was younger, I LOVED The Lion King (okay, I still do). I had magnetic Nala and Simba dolls that when held close to together, kissed. I also had tons of Lion King books, and I even insisted on seeing The Lion King several times in theaters.

What truly makes this movie great in my opinion is the message behind it: Remember who you are, push forward in spite of life's trials, know that you don’t need to stress about every little thing, and understand that friendship and love are monumentally important.

The Lion King also held a special kind of truth. A hard truth that touches both young and old.


Young Simba: Dad?
Mufasa: Hmm?
Young Simba: We're pals, right?
Mufasa: Right.
Young Simba: And we'll always be together, right?
Mufasa: Simba, let me tell you something my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars.
Young Simba: Really?
Mufasa: Yes. So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.


The Lion King teaches us that people aren’t going to be around forever. Sometimes, bad things happen and life goes on and you feel lost, alone, scared, unsure. But whenever that happens, look within yourself, know that the ones you’ve loved and lost are always within you. Draw strength from that. To this day, I can't help but remember what this movie has taught me.

Honorary Mention: Aladdin


I’m torn. At first, I was inclined to chose Beauty and the Beast, but ultimately, I'd have to go with Aladdin, just because I distinctly remember having and obsessing over all the Aladdin movies at a very young age. Heck, the first movie was absolute magic! The second movie... eh, not so much. The third was intriguing though! I mean, Aladdin's father? Count me in. Plus, there was an Aladdin Disney Channel show that took Agrabah to a whole new level. The characters had time to develop into something more!

Dreamworks Animation  My Favorite: Rise of the Guardians


This movie should have been a spectacular hit and should have received a sequel buuuttt, unfortunately, it’s looking like poor promotion and a terribly timed release date just couldn't make that possible. (Dreamworks...WHY!!!!)

The animation style is a lot different from the other Dreamworks movies because it pulled a lot from anime (maybe that’s part of the reason why I like this so much). The creators also put careful thought and consideration into the characters. That’s why I thought this was going to be bigger. The fight scenes, the gorgeous animation, the voice cast, the emotional roller coaster, the hinting at a much grander adventure, everything pointed to success.


Jamie Bennett: What if we stop believing in you?
Jack Frost: Hey, slow down, slow down! Are you telling me to stop believing in the moon when the sun comes up?
Jamie Bennett: No.
Jack Frost: Well, do you stop believing in the sun when the clouds block it out?
Jamie Bennett: No.
Jack Frost: We'll always be there, Jamie. And now, we'll always be here.
[points to Jamie's heart]
Jack Frost: Which kind of makes you a Guardian too.

C-can we have a Rise of the Guardians sequel rather than a 10th Minions movie or a Cars 5 (or whatever it's up to now)?

Honorary Mention: Sinbad


This is another movie that should have been better received than it was. (I almost put How to Train Your Dragon but just couldn't. I mean, come on! It's Sinbad.) Maybe we would have gotten a sequel (or prequel... I would have been satisfied with a prequel) if everything had been promoted right. 


The hand drawn animation was fluid, fun, and just freakin' pretty. It was exceptionally nice when the characters moved, and spoke, and showed emotion. Plus, Sinbad, in and of himself, was enough to make the movie. And the humor (ohhhhh the humor) was perfectly timed and lovingly executed.

Pixar Animation My favorite: The Incredibles


The Incredibles is thought-provoking, action-packed, and heartfelt. It was the superhero flick BEFORE superhero flicks became extremely popular. (Does that make it hipster?) I loved how it had  a comic book feel to it. I also couldn't get enough of all those spectacular fight scenes and (most of all) I was captivated by the theme of the movie: family is everything. 

Elastigirl: Then what? What is it?
Mr. Incredible: I'm not...
Elastigirl: Not what?
Mr. Incredible: Not... I'm not strong enough.
Elastigirl: Strong enough? And this will make you stronger?
Mr. Incredible: Yes. No!
Elastigirl: That's what this is? Some sort of work out?
Mr. Incredible: [shouts] I can't lose you again!
[calms down]
Mr. Incredible: I can't. Not again. I'm not s-strong enough.
Elastigirl: [kisses him] If we work together, you won't have to be.
Mr. Incredible: I don't know what will happen...
Elastigirl: Hey, c'mon. We're superheroes. What could happen?

I'm thrilled to say that The Incredibles 2 will be coming out soon(ish), so that's just one more thing to love about it.

Honorary Mention : Up


Who doesn't love Up? The first 10 minutes of the movie made me cry, Doug is adorable, Kevin is too, and everything on the screen is storytelling gold. Pixar really outdid themselves. Here we have a movie that's about lost dreams but also about perseverance and hope.

(source)

Animation isn't only for children. It's for the dreamers, the adventures, the artists, the lovers, the entire family (heck, anyone really). Because animation isn't just for entertainment, though it's good for that too, it's also a medium that breaths life into a story, and with that story comes lessons in understanding the human condition. It has the ability to make us feel something deep. It helps us know that not everything is as simple as it seems, that criminals aren't necessarily bad people, that life is full of death but is also full of life, and that our childhood wonder should never leave us.

What are your favorite animated movies?