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Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

Raya and her nemesis, Namaari, face off amid the snowy mountains of Spine. Featuring Kelly Marie Tran as the voice of Raya and Gemma Chan as the voice of Namaari, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” will be in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on March 5, 2021. © 2021 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Disney’s latest animation, Raya and the Last Dragon continues the inclusion of strong female characters being incorporated into the Disney universe. Taking inspiration from an array of Southeast Asian cultures, the film takes place in Kumandra, a nation that is divided into five tribes following a power struggle between them that ended when Sisu, the last dragon, concentrated her power forming a magical gem that brings peace. Raya, the Princess of Heart, is tasked with recruiting all the pieces of the gem after it is broken. Travelling to the other four lands: Tail, Talon, Spine and Fang, Raya and Sisu work together to restore peace and bring Kumandra to its former glory.

Beautifully animated with fantastic characters that we have come to expect from the current Revival Era, Raya and the Last Dragon feels more mature than previous releases as it isn’t afraid to showcase the violence of conflict and the grief of loss. The film is directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada with a screenplay written by Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim and it is clear that a lot of research has gone into developing the backstory and origin to ensure that it is a respectful and accurate depiction while also maintaining an original story that is both captivating and moving. The animation itself is rich in colour and intricately details. From the opening scene, you feel engrossed into the world and the culture from the animation style and the immersion of cultural folklore. Whether travelling through the rough sands of Tail to the wintery scenes in Spine, Raya and the Last Dragon is filled with breathtaking scenery, well developed characters and a story that takes you on a journey through folklore and adventure making it enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Kelly Marie Tran provides a great leading performance as the voice of Raya. Having proven herself a worthy actress as Rose in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Tran is perfectly cast as Raya as she provides the confidence and strength required of the character. We really feel Raya’s struggle and fight as she is faced with numerous obstacles that threaten to turn everyone in Kumandra to stone. Raya doesn’t sing about her feelings nor does she have a love interest, the film is solely about her and her mission to restore the gem and bring peace to the land. The scenes where Raya and Fang’s Princess Namaari collide are brilliant thanks to the intense performances from Tran and Gemma Chan, who voices the latter.

Awkafina is one of the most exciting actresses working today and has already shown a wide range through various genres and mediums so it makes sense that Disney tapped her to voice the lovable dragon, Sisu. The design of Sisu is absolutely breathtaking using a wonderful pastel colour palette that is rich in blues which make her stand out visually. Awkwafina’s signature humour and charisma helps Sisu’s personality come forward and elevates the character from a mythical Godlike creature to a more humanised interpretation that feels more relatable. This allows for great moments between Sisu and Raya as the former’s optimism helps drive the latter forward.

The score composed by James Newton Howard takes its inspiration from Southeast Asia and helps to elevate the action. There are some really wonderful pieces such as the solemn melancholic music that plays as Raya’s father is turned to stone and the more upbeat, exciting piece that plays as Raya is chasing a baby around Talon to get the gem back. Howard is one of the most prolific composers in the film industry and can always be relied upon to enhance the viewing experience. Raya and the Last Dragon is no exception. Unlike most Disney films (and Disney Princess films especially), there are no songs in this film so making sure that the music was just as captivating was important so as to keep younger audience’s attentive and driving the story forwards.

Overall, Raya and the Last Dragon deserved a longer cinematic release. A film of such richness and spectacle was a treat to see on the big screen and really allowed the details to stand out. After a year long absence, Disney Animation Studio has come back with a huge hit on their hands that is surely going to find itself on the nomination list of many Best Animated Feature categories when awards season arrives. The world of Raya and the Last Dragon is one that would be wonderful to revisit in the future thanks to the stellar performances from the cast and the writers.

What did you think of Raya and the Last Dragon? Let me know in the comments below!

Raya and the Last Dragon is available to watch on Disney+ now!

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The Snowman (1982)

One of the most beautiful animated short films ever made, The Snowman is a silent adaptation of the picture book illustrated by Raymond Briggs. Telling the story of James, a young boy who lives with his parents in the Brighton countryside. After a heavy night of snow, James makes a Snowman and wraps it in a scarf, a hat giving him a face and some buttons. He sneaks downstairs at midnight and sees the Snowman come to life and an adventure begins with James showing the Snowman around the house before the two take flight and soar to the Northern Lights.

Winner of a BAFTA TV award and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short, The Snowman has become a staple for British TV come Christmas time, commonly shown on Christmas Day alongside other Raymond Briggs adaptations. The Snowman was directed by Dianne Jackson who also worked on the animation as well which is lovely to see. Knowing that the film has been directed by someone who has the passion and knowledge for animation and knows what works and what doesn’t really enhances the love and care that has gone into this film. Despite its short running time of 27 minutes, Jackson successfully conveys the journey and developing friendship between James and the Snowman. After 27 minutes, we have been presented with two fully developed characters and really feel the heart-break that comes at the end.

The animation in the film looks like they have brought the beautiful illustrations from the book to life. Without any words, the audience can immediately capture the wonder and excitement that James is looking for. The character designs are simple yet extremely detailed and the mix of colours is captivating, especially when the Snowman and James visit the Northern Lights. The Snowman is proof that you don’t need the biggest budget and most advanced animation available to create something that is beautiful and timeless. The handdrawn style that The Snowman adapts never feels dated or old and perfectly captures the magic that story contains.

The score composed by Peter Blake and performed by the Sinfonia of London is the perfect partner with the film. Usually the music provides the backdrop but in the case of The Snowman, the music works alongside the animation. The Snowman is often categorised as a Symphonic Poem which is when the music dictates the story and vice versa. This kinship between music and film is what makes The Snowman feel like an experience or an event whenever its on. Alongside Blake’s beautiful score, there is also his iconic song “Walking in the Air” which is performed by choir boy, Peter Auty, in the film and then popularised by Aled Jones. The only “spoken” words in the film, the song is from James’ perspective as he embarks on his adventure through the skies with the Snowman.

The Snowman remains one of my favourite shorts and has been since childhood and it’s easy to see why. A beautiful story about love, friendship and grief, it’s a film that packs a punch and lingers after the credits roll. It’s a must watch every year at Christmas in my household and is a firm Christmas favourite that holds strong competition against feature length classics.

What do you think of The Snowman? Let me know in the comments below!

The Snowman is available on 4oD so make sure you have it scheduled to watch on or around Christmas day!

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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This week’s animation review comes into the form of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Constantly renowned as the best animated film of the 2010s, Sony gained their first Oscar for Animated Feature for this unique comic book adaptation that saw Disney take a rare defeat at awards season. The film follows the regular Spider-Man lore as Brooklyn teen, Miles Morales is bitten by a radioactive spider and has to follow in Peter Parker’s footsteps after he is killed by Kingpin. A dangerous device that opens portals to alternate universes and Morales meets various Spider-Man characters from the different comics such as Spider-Ham and The Amazing Spider-Man. Based on a screenplay written by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman and directed by the latter along with Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a fantastic and unique animation that brings something new and exciting to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Lord and Rothman’s screenplay blends the various Spider-Man comics perfectly as it becomes a mix of drama and satire, poking fun at itself. When bringing in the other Spider-Man variations, it could have easily become too much and the characters not be fully developed and identifiable but the screenplay is so quick and smart that even the supporting characters are given a fair share of screen-time. One of the best characters is by far Spider-Man Noir (voiced incredibly by Nicolas Cage), a parody of the 1930s inspired by the likes of Humphrey Bogart. There are some great puns bringing him into the modern day such as his inability to see the colours in a Rubik’s Cube because he is black and white as well as being unable to understand how it works. It feels like a refreshing take on a comic book adaptation and its bravery killing off Parker early on was really unexpected, particularly for a family film.

The animation was provided by Sony Pictures Animation and the style is something I have not come across before. Combining traditional comic book art and computer animation, the style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is both a nostalgic nod to its literal source material whilst using the most advanced animation techniques. Not only is this a welcome break from the usual computer animation that we’ve become used to seeing, but like its protagonist, it gives the film an alternative identity that makes it a standout. It’s understandable that besides its attachment to Marvel, why it would be popular based on the design. The graffiti scene where Miles and his Uncle Aaron spray a wall in a subway is particularly stunning and really brings the environment to life thanks to its mix of bright colour palette in the graffiti combined with the grittiness of the New York subway. Another fantastically designed scene is the climactic fight when the portal is opened and time and space merges and becomes a mesh of various universes.

Featuring a starry cast led by Shameik Moore, who voices Miles, the voicework is hugely impressive. Moore’s performance is great and really gets into the inner conflict Miles faces as he gets to grips with his new identity while trying to fit in at his new elite school. Miles is such a likeable character because of his relatability as well as showing the very realistic issues that would come with becoming a superhero. As well as Moore, other vocal standouts for me were Mahershala Ali as Miles’ Uncle Aaron and Nicolas Cage as Spider-Man Noir. Both really get to the heart of their characters and its clear that they are having fun with it.

Another thing to mention is the score composed by Daniel Pemberton. Atmospheric and unpredictable, there are moments of pure drama, horror and tension scattered throughout in the music. Pemberton’s score is really unique and enhances the film. Mixed with an impressive soundtrack that includes original songs by Post Malone and Nicki Minaj, Pemberton’s ability to shift musical genres that again, like Miles’ character and the animation, gives the film a distinct identity that shows its versatility and uniqueness.

Overall, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an impressive feat that pushes boundaries and shows a different direction for animation. Boasting fantastic voice performances and stellar animation design, its cultural and stylistic impact cannot be ignored and only bodes well for the future of the franchise. It’s exciting to see where Marvel and Sony will take the animated franchise in the future but doubtless it will be a huge success and if this film was anything to go by, welcoming even more awards.

What did you think of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse? Let me know in the comments below!

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Laika Studio: Film Ranking

We love to discuss animation on this site and I thought it’d be a great idea to delve into one of the most exciting American animation studios and it isn’t Disney. This is all about Laika Film Studio, owned by Nike co-founder Phil Knight. Initially known as Will Vinton Studios before being renamed as Laika in 2005, the studio carried out contract work before diving into exciting features starting with Coraline in 2009. Followed by four more films, Laika has garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Animation Feature for each of its films without a win.

Laika has time and time again grown to become a serious contender in the critical and commercial eye. Using beautiful stopmotion animation with flawless designs and techniques. Their use of textures are particularly brilliant and this can even be seen in their early contract work such as Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and has only grown over the years. Their films are hugely topical with a particular penchant for exploring identity across a spectrum of races and cultures. Laika’s fearlessness has earned its place among the big animation studios and it’ll be great to see what else they have up their sleeves but for now, this post is all about the five features they have released and includes a ranking which won’t be easy. All five films are of such high quality so I’m doing giving myself an easy task at all.

Here are my reviews for the features from Laika:

Coraline (2009)

Laika’s debut comes in the form of fan-favourite, Coraline. Following the titular character, a young girl who has moved home with her parents to a new mansion that has been split up into apartments. Coraline finds an alternative universe known as The Other World where everyone exists with button eyes but appear to be nicer with the house looking brighter than reality. Coraline enjoys spending time with her Other Parents but the facade quickly fades away as all is not as it seems. She has to figure out how to stop her Other Mother from sewing buttons over her eyes and joining them in the Other World which is revealed to be a dark and miserable place. Directed and written by Henry Selick and based on a book by Neil Gaiman, Coraline brought Laika to the spotlight with its unique stopmotion designs and dazzling story-telling. A wonderfully dark film that has appealed to all ages and accumulated a huge fan base, Coraline is a spectacular achievement and a great start for Laika’s legacy.

ParaNorman (2012)

The follow-up feature released by Laika was the supernatural comedy-horror, ParaNorman. Following Norman Babcock, a young boy who appears normal but has a gift of seeing dead people. This has given Norman a reputation for his weirdness in his town but with the help of his best friend, Neil, he is able to get by. There is a threat from witches who were hunted down centuries before and it’s up to Norman and his gift to save everyone. ParaNorman is an exciting and fresh film, blurring the line between children and adult films. Enjoyable for ages, it isn’t afraid to push taboo subjects and includes the first openly guy character in an animation. It may only be one line and not seem like much, but it had such a huge affect on how filmmakers can approach these topics for children. It was even the first PG rated film to be nominated for the GLAAD Best Film award which is a brilliant step forward and has helped to inspire more discussion in mainstream animation films.

The Boxtrolls (2014)

The third film by Laika comes in the form of The Boxtrolls, a film that follows Eggs, a young boy who is raised by the titular Boxtrolls, creatures who collect and hoard rubbish. It is up to Eggs to save the Boxtrolls when they are threatened by an exterminator. It’s critically known as Laika’s weakest work to date but this is by no means suggesting that it is a terrible film. When faced with films of such high calibre, there will always be a film that falls a little bit short with critics. I am inclined to agree as The Boxtrolls doesn’t have the right balance between silliness and sincerity, often favouring the former which makes for some absurd and overly childish watching. The villains are the best part of the film with Ben Kingsley voice performance as the ridiculous Snatcher an absolute delight but sadly, his character arc doesn’t seem to pay off. The Boxtrolls is a film filled to the brim with creativity and visually it’s great but the script is not as consistent and controlled as it could have been which lets it down slightly.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Kubo and the Two Strings shows just how big Laika can go. Using the same budget as its predecessors, Kubo and the Two Strings follows the titular character on his quest across lands and sea to defeat his aunts and grandfather who are after his one eye after taking the other when he was an infant. Set in Japan and inspired by origami in its animation style as well as the magic Kubo has, the film is beautifully textured and atmospheric. It also features a brilliant cast led by Art Parkinson as Kubo with supporting turns from Charlie Thereon, Matthew McConaughey and Rooney Mara. There is a real rawness to Kubo and the Two Strings that feels unseen and new in that it has such a mature outlook for a children’s film but is engaging and exciting at the same time. The music scored by Dario Marianelli is astonishingly beautiful taking inspiration from traditional Japanese music with heavy use of the shamisen. Deservedly winning the BAFTA for Best Animated Feature in what was a fantastic win, it sadly lost the Oscar which I think it should have won. However, the BAFTA shows that there is a place for Laika and they will get that deserved Oscar.

Missing Link (2019)

The latest Laika feature to be released is the road film, Missing Link. Following Sasquatch, Mr Susan Link, who is accompanied by English explorer, Sir Lionel Frost, to travel to the Himalayas to be reunited with his Yeti relatives. Sadly, Missing Link was a huge box office bomb despite its universal acclaim and award nominations including a win for the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. What makes it even worse is how amazing Missing Link is. Equipped with a massive $102 million, Laika were able to go bigger and better with this film and brought a star-studded cast led by Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana and Zach Galifianakis. The results are exquisite with the studio taking advantage of the film’s global journey by creating a brilliant scope of flawless sets. The animation department did a stellar job with this, particularly the Washington woodlands were Susan comes from and the Yeti’s home in Shangri-la which are spectacular and jaw-dropping to look at. Hopefully in time, there will be more love for this film because it is such a light-hearted and beautiful feature that is enjoyable for all ages. A really wonderful addition to the Laika filmography.

With all the reviews said and done, I can’t recommend enough that if you haven’t seen these films then you do so immediately and if you have then watch them again because they are phenomenal and beautiful. Laika has proven that there is a place for stopmotion animation in the modern age with each film looking so distinctly unique from the other. Laika’s refusal to adhere to a formulaic method of filmmaking has made it one of the most exciting animation houses in the world and the critical acclaim it receives only adds to the encouragement and push for even more progressive films. I am so excited to see what the future holds for this studio and hope that they recover from the commercial loss of Missing Link because it is a necessary animation house and one that refuses to conform, inviting its audience to think about what they’re watching.

Without further ado, here is my Laika Studio ranking:

1) Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

2) Paranorman (2012)

3) Coraline (2009)

4) Missing Link (2019)

5) The Boxtrolls (2014)

So that’s all the reviews and ranking done and dusted. Not easy as I predicted but it’s always great to appreciate the quality of animation, particularly from a studio where the process takes even longer than usual computer or handdrawn animated films.

What do you think of my ranking? Which Laika film is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Castle in the Sky (1986)

Hayao Miyazaki’s 1986 family action film, Castle in the Sky was the first film made under the Studio Ghibli brand (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was made before Ghibli’s inception although it is now included in the Ghibli catalogue). The film follows young orphan Pazu who catches a girl, Sheeta, after she falls from the sky and their mission to find the mysterious floating island of Laputa. Running up against pirates, the army and government, Pazu and Sheeta are thrust into a world full of corruption, greed and the abuse of nature. The world is crumbling thanks to the adults and it takes their childlike view to right the wrongs. On one level, the film is an engaging action movie that features extensive chase scenes and a variety of exciting locations. On a deeper level, the film can be explored as an analytical portrayal of mankind’s war on nature and the importance of working with nature and not fighting it.

What Ghibli achieves brilliantly in all of its films is that the films are never patronising to the audience. There is always something to think about. Even the child-friendly films like My Neighbor Totoro include undercurrent themes of death and loss. With Castle in the Sky, we are following two protagonists who don’t have families of their own but are there for each other throughout. That in itself is a hard fact to swallow as the characters are barely 10 years old and yet they survive with no complaints in this corrupt universe. When thinking of the most iconic Ghibli films, it’s easy to think of the likes of My Neighbour Totoro, Whisper of the Heart and of course the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, but I think somewhere Castle in the Sky has been lost in the conversation. There is something about this film that centres of the childlike vision that Ghibli likes to explore but blurs the lines by incorporating flawed heros and insightful dialogue. Every time I watch this film, I feel equally inspired and affected as the passion behind this film is impossible to ignore.

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Aside from the two protagonists, there are several parties who aim to find Laputa first. A group of pirates led by matriarch Captain Dola who is a fantastic character. The only female on the ship that includes her husband and multiple sons, Dola smashes the patriarchy and in many ways is a more fearing character than the actual villains. The pirates’ encounter with Pazu and Sheeta shows that they are not your typical blood and guts pirates as the film want you to believe but show that they do have a heart. Although I do prefer to watch the Japanese original with subtitles, I do have to mention the voicework of Cloris Leachman in the English dub. She becomes Dola and gives the character this commanding quality with an undertone of softness that makes the shift in storyline believable. On the other hand, we have Muska, a government agent who is consumed by the idea of power that he is willing to betray all those who work for him to climb to the top. Initially, Muska seems rational and good-natured but his plans are soon revealed as he plans to use Laputa as a military weapon of destruction.

The animation is spectacular and sets the standards for Ghibli films of the future. Incorporating a steampunk aesthetic with classic anime styles, Castle in the Sky becomes an oxymoron in scenery. It is so clearly an alternate universe but not wholly outlandish. The world the film inhabits could be described as a grounded fantasy. This could be because the issues explored in the film are very real issues but through the metaphor of Laputa, a physically and figuratively detached land that represents a country before military invasion. One recurring feature in Ghibli films is the satisfying attention to detail such as the intricate blades of grass, beautiful colour mixtures and palettes and food that makes your mouth water. There are so many beautiful aspects in this film but the most stunning creation has to be the robot and particularly, the robot who lives among the natural world within Laputa. It’s a contrast that flows together seamlessly and has formed one of Ghibli’s most recognisable icons.

My favourite part of any Ghibli film is by far the score and in particular, the scores composed by Joe Hisaishi. I would class Hisaishi as an unsung hero in Ghibli history as his music encompass the magical qualities that the films possess. The music for Castle in the Sky is no different and in fact ranks highly for my all-time favourite scores. Each character has their own unique piece of music and even the crystal has a distinctive piano run that sounds like a twinkling star. Every piece is beautifully crafted but for me, the highlight of this tremendous achievement is the track that follows the Forgotten Robot when Pazu and Sheeta arrive at Laputa. The track is haunting yet full of hope and keeps qualities of the Laputian themed music that has been featured up this point. In the dub, there were improvements and additional tracks included that elevate the experience even more although the original Japanese is still just as beautiful. The music overall is classic and traditional in style until we get to moments of conflict were synthesizers are included and bring a more fantastical element into the mix. The soundtrack reflects the themes of the film.

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Picking a highlight scene is difficult for this film because I find it so captivating throughout but in a situation where I am forced to choose, it would be Pazu and Sheeta’s entry into Laputa. Entering the vortex in their tiny glider, they venture into the eye of the hurricane and are forced to endure heavy thunder and lightning. It’s an exhilarating scene to watch as the traditional scenery is stripped away and makes way for a black background with flashes of purples and white. The audience is taken to a different realm and it is reflected in the quick change in pacing, music and perspective as the glider becomes even smaller among giant lightning strikes. It’s a brilliant scene that is then beautifully contrasted with the sudden break as they float down to Laputa and everything seems back to normal. The angry and defensive nature of the weather is a representation of Laputa hiding itself behind the mask and reputation it has gained as a weapon.

What do you think of Castle in the Sky? Which Ghibli film is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Disney Animated Classics: Final Ranking

So after months of reviewing and ranking the Disney Animated Classic library, I have finally got my finished list. I thought it would be a bit easier than what it was and found my opinion and outlook changing on a fair few of the films.

If you haven’t read this series then here’s your chance!

Films 1-5

Films 6-10

Films 11-15

Films 16-20

Films 21-25

Films 26-30

Films 31-35

Films 36-40

Films 41-45

Films 46-50

Films 51-57

Here we go with the final ranking from bottom to top:

57) Winnie the Pooh (2011)

56) Chicken Little (2005)

55) Dinosaur (2000)

54) Home on the Range (2004)

53) Meet the Robinsons (2007)

52) Make Mine Music (1946)

51) The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

50) Fantasia 2000 (2000)

49) Melody Time (1948)

48) Saludos Amigos (1948)

47) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

46) Fun and Fancy Free (1946)

45) The Fox and the Hound (1981)

44) Lady and the Tramp (1955)

43) Oliver & Company (1988)

42) Robin Hood (1973)

41) The Rescuers (1977)

40) Big Hero 6 (2014)

39) Bolt (2008)

38) Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

37) Cinderella (1950)

36) The Sword in the Stone (1963)

35) The Jungle Book (1967)

34) Brother Bear (2003)

33) Treasure Planet (2002)

32) Zootopia (2016)

31) Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

30) The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

29) Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

28) The Black Cauldron (1985)

27) Hercules (1997)

26) Dumbo (1941)

25) Frozen (2013)

24) Tarzan (1999)

23) Pocahontas (1995)

22) Pinocchio (1940)

21) The Three Caballeros (1945)

20) Peter Pan (1953)

19) Moana (2016)

18) The Princess and the Frog (2009)

17) Lilo & Stitch (2002)

16) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

15) The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

14) One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

13) The Aristocats (1971)

12) Aladdin (1992)

11) Alice in Wonderland (1951)

10) Tangled (2010)

9) The Little Mermaid (1989)

8) Mulan (1998)

7) The Lion King (1994)

6) The Many Adventures of Winnie of Pooh (1977)

5) Bambi (1942)

4) Sleeping Beauty (1959)

3) Beauty and the Beast (1991)

2) Fantasia (1940)

1) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

So that’s the full ranking! What do you think? Let me know what Disney films are your favourites in the comments below!

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Disney Animated Classics: Numbers 51-57 Ranking

We finally made it! After months of reviews and rankings, this is the final post before we are all up to date before Frozen II hits cinemas. This series of posts have taken us through not only the history of Disney but also a history of animation as we transition from hand-drawn to computer animation. Going from more traditional fairytale retellings to complex stories about identity and love, Disney continues to better itself as a studio although there is still a long way to go. Much like the animation studio in Burbank, it is held up by its traditions like the statues of the Dwarfs that hold up the building itself. This bunch of films sees Disney poke fun of its past in a bid to expose the mistakes that have been made in its portrayal of serious issues such as gender stereotypes and racism. In doing so, it tends to fall flat at times as the gestures don’t seem sincere and apologetic but it is made with good intentions.

We also see Disney’s most successful film as well as the first Best Animated Feature Oscar winners that aren’t Pixar. Disney seems to have found its footing in a landscape dominated by computer animation by using nostalgic elements such as Disney princesses but making them modern. With Disney being the most powerful studio in the world, they are able to recruit star-studded casts and the best crew such as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s stellar soundtrack for Moana and Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell as the two sisters in Frozen.

Just in case you need a refresher, here are the previous installments:

Films 1-5

Films 6-10

Films 11-15

Films 16-20

Films 21-25

Films 26-30

Films 31-35

Films 36-40

Films 41-45

Films 46-50

This list includes the last hand-drawn feature before Disney announced its dedication to computer animation and also includes some of the most progressive films in Disney’s catalogue. These films clearly have an aim to push strong female characters in them and although it isn’t perfect, it’s a step in that direction. There are areas as I have said previously where Disney need to step up such as including LGBT+ characters and a wider array of cultural backgrounds that don’t fall into stereotypical tropes. The films from Disney aren’t perfect but they are trying to right the wrongs of the past while also reflecting modern politics in a way where they please everyone. I don’t necessarily agree with their philosophy but they are a brand and revenue is one of the most important (if not THE most important) factor in the Disney process. Hopefully, they learned from the straight-to-DVD sequel, prequel fiasco of the early noughties and go back to creating films with heart where the audience is the primary focus rather than their pockets.

Without further ado, here are the reviews for films 51-57:

51) Winnie the Pooh (2011)

Marking Disney’s last hand-drawn feature, Winnie the Pooh seems to mark the end of an era as Disney begins to embark on computer-animated films only. I am really sad to say that this film falls flat for me. I just didn’t find it enjoyable in the slightest. The animation is off, the plot is boring and the characters aren’t as lovable. I mean, this is Winnie the Pooh we’re talking about. The characters are loved all around the world but this adaptation mauls the text and tarnishes the franchise. Luckily, we still have The Many Adventures of WInnie the Pooh to enjoy and we can forget about this mess of a film. The animation of the animals isn’t too bad but the design of Christopher Robin and the background looks out of place.

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52) Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Showing that Disney is still capable of producing original material, Wreck-It Ralph follows the titular character (voiced by John C. Reilly) who is the villain of an arcade game wanting to be the good guy for once like “Fix-It Felix”, the insufferable character who defeats Ralph numerous times a day. Ralph is despised by the fellow tenants of the apartment block that he tries to destroy. Sick of the same routine, Ralph escapes to Sugar Rush, another game where players race through lands of candy. There he encounters the tiny Vanellope von Schweet (voiced by Sarah Silverman), a funny and sassy aspiring racer who is also an outcast due to her glitch. Together, they try to become heroes when the arcade’s future is thrown into uncertainty. It’s a film full of nostalgia with its inclusion of iconic game characters such as Pacman and Sonic the Hedgehog but it isn’t held down by this or overwhelmed.

53) Frozen (2013)

The first non-Pixar Disney film to take home the Best Animated Feature Oscar is also the most successful Disney film of all time. Frozen takes its inspiration from “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Anderson and follows Princess Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) who embarks on a quest to find her sister Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) when the latter runs away and covers the entire Kingdom of Arendelle in an eternal winter. The film itself is a huge feat for Disney as it features one of the most iconic songs to come out of the Disney catalogue (Oscar winning song, “Let It Go”) as well as some of the most memorable characters in recent years, notably Olaf the sun-loving snowman (voiced by Josh Gad). Frozen is instantly recognisable around the globe and has become a phenomenon and a brand in itself which is hugely impressive for an animated film. Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s songwriting feels like the modern equivalent of the iconic songs from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman as they capture the essence of the film from the opening song. It’s not everyday that an animated feature passes the $1 billion mark at the box office but Frozen did it and with two female protagonists at the helm to boot. Who said women don’t make revenue at the box office?

54) Big Hero 6 (2014)

This is the one Disney film that I hadn’t seen before completing this ranking. I have been meaning to watch it but eventually I forgot and never got around to it. Following teenage Hero, a ridiculously intelligent robot enthusiast who has graduate high school early and doesn’t know what to do with his time, we see his budding friendship with Baymax, a robot made by his late brother. Big Hero 6 isn’t a bad film by any means but just as I had suspected, it just isn’t my cup of tea. I completely appreciate the height though as the animation is among Disney’s best in the modern age. Based on a Marvel comic that is based in a fictional city that combines San Francisco and Tokyo, the film appears to take aspects of Japanese culture such as using the language on shop signs and using Japanese characters names in an English-speaking white American setting. I think it is more of a tribute to Japanese anime than maliciously appropriating but it feels as though Big Hero 6 is more of a “trendy” film due the popularity of anime than a sincere offering. The animation style takes inspiration from anime but the style is more Disney’s version of anime. As I say, I don’t think the film is bad but I feel like it could have been more.

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55) Zootopia (2016)

I have marked this down as Zootopia on the ranking as that was the original title although in the UK, this was released as Zootropolis. Set in a universe populated by animals where predators rule the roost and prey are subject to less dangerous careers such as farming. The film follows Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), a rabbit who succeeds in becoming a police officer but is subject to parking duty because she is a rabbit. After numerous predators go missing, Judy eagerly volunteers to find them to prove herself and teams up with con-artist Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), a fox who Judy blackmails into assisting her. The film is a clever depiction of racism in American as well as an accurate portrayal of gender politicals and the corruption of authority. Despite the obscure metaphor, the message of equality is easy enough for children to grasp and this is what makes the film more than simple entertainment.

56) Moana (2016)

The latest inclusion of a Disney princess sees us travel to the Polynesian island of Motunui where Moana is destined to become the Chief of her village but she longs to venture out to sea. What follows is a road trip style film where she has to retrieve the Heart of Te Fiti to stop her island suffering from famine. Teaming up with shapeshifting demigod, Maui, Moana must sail across the seas encountering monsters and finding herself along the way. The plot for the film is simple and the structure is reflective of a road-trip movie but elevates this film and makes it special is the soundtrack. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, the songs are beautiful and clever, incorporating the language and music style of Polynesian culture naturally. I don’t think the film would be as successful as it is without the soundtrack as the songs really show the character development as Moana grows from a fearful girl wanting to explore to an adventurer who wants to continue her ancestor’s tradition. The animation is stunning and it is by far my favourite inclusion on this list.

57) Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

The second Disney sequel to be included on the Animated Classics list, Ralph Breaks the Internet is the eagerly awaited follow-up to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph. The arcade’s popularity is waning and Vanellope is growing bored with the same racetracks everyday. She wants more and longs to venture to the internet where free-riding games are all the rage. When a player accidentally breaks the steering wheel for the machine after fighting Vanellope for control, Ralph and Vanellope must find $27,000 for a new wheel to purchase before the machine is closed down. They venture into the internet to find the money. The film is even more bonkers than the first and really captures how random the internet really is. The studio even goes as far as to incorporate the dark web by making it sleezy and the creatures that reside there are truly disgusting and disturbing. Unlike The Rescuers Down Under, this is a sequel that feels fresh and familiar at the same time.

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So that’s it! That’s all the reviews for every Animated Classic so far. It’s been a lot of fun but really challenging having to decide where they all slot because every film is so different (except for The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under which is the same film set in different countries). Needless to say, I am very excited to see where Disney goes as we enter a new decade and I hope that they also go back to including hand-drawn animation as well. It’d be nice to see their animations explored in all styles.

Here is my final ranking:

1) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

2) Fantasia (1940)

3) Beauty and the Beast (1991)

4) Sleeping Beauty (1959)

5) Bambi (1942)

6) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

7) The Lion King (1994)

8) Mulan (1998)

9) The Little Mermaid (1989)

10) Tangled (2010)

11) Alice in Wonderland (1951)

12) Aladdin (1992)

13) The Aristocats (1971)

14) One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

15) The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

16) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

17) Lilo & Stitch (2002)

18) The Princess and the Frog (2009)

19) Moana (2016)

20) Peter Pan (1953)

21) The Three Caballeros (1945)

22) Pinocchio (1940)

23) Pocahontas (1995)

24) Tarzan (1999)

25) Frozen (2013)

26) Dumbo (1941)

27) Hercules (1997)

28) The Black Cauldron (1985)

29) Atlantis: the Lost Empire (2001)

30) The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

31) Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

32) Zootopia (2016)

33) Treasure Planet (2002)

34) Brother Bear (2003)

35) The Jungle Book (1967)

36) The Sword in the Stone (1963)

37) Cinderella (1950)

38) Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

39) Bolt (2008)

40) Big Hero 6 (2014)

41) The Rescuers (1977)

42) Robin Hood (1973)

43) Oliver & Company (1988)

44) Lady and the Tramp (1955)

45) The Fox and the Hound (1981)

46) Fun and Fancy Free (1947)

47) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

48) Saludos Amigos (1943)

49) Melody Time (1948)

50) Fantasia 2000 (2000)

51) The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

52) Make Mine Music (1946)

53) Meet the Robinsons (2007)

54) Home on the Range (2004)

55) Dinosaur (2000)

56) Chicken Little (2005)

57) Winnie the Pooh (2011)

I am aware that the final rankings may seem shocking and the new films such as Frozen may seem really low on the list, but consider that the ones at the tops are classics that have been with me through childhood, I think they have done really well. The films at the top have proven to be classics that have stood the test of time for decades and still resonate with audiences today whereas the newer films need that chance to breathe.

I am excited to see where Disney go in the future and I am hoping Frozen II continues to push Disney in the right direction as it has done so far with its feminist outlook.

What do you think of my final ranking? What would be your top choice? Let me know in the comments below!

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Disney Animated Classics: Numbers 46-50 Ranking

This post has been a long one coming as I have been slow reviewing and uploading this series of posts but we are almost there. This is the penultimate post before we are completely up to date just in time for the upcoming release of the much-hyped Frozen II. After featuring Disney during its slump, we see the last of it here and begin to move forward into the era of today known as the Revival. I can’t believe we’re almost at the end but some of the films in this list, I have watched countless times.

As ever you can read the previous instalments here:

Films 1-5

Films 6-10

Films 11-15

Films 16-20

Films 21-25

Films 26-30

Films 31-35

Films 36-40

Films 41-45

With the introduction of the new era, we begin to see Disney pushing itself into the 21st century and reflecting the politics and society of today. With that in mind we begin to see a reintroduction to new Disney princesses who are more diverse and independent, inclusion of characters of different races and backgrounds. Disney has a long way to go with this as we eagerly await the first openly LGBT+ character in an animated film from them whereas other animation studios such as Laika have been more inclusive and fearless. However, the films in this list show Disney starting to go in the right direction.

Here’s the reviews for films 46-50:

46) Chicken Little (2005)

This film was everywhere on its release and marked a start for Disney beginning to incorporate computer animation more in its repertoire. The result, however, was extremely disappointing. Chicken Little sees Zach Braff as the titular character who convinces his town that the sky is falling and becomes a laughing stock. What the townspeople don’t know is that it is actually true and the town is on the brink of an alien invasion. The story itself is sweet but what lets it down is the animation, poor character development and overly tortured dialogue. The film reeks of noughties trends and tries so hard to be relevant that it becomes cringy to watch. The character of Chicken Little isn’t particularly well-rounded as he spends most of the film falling over or not communicating properly with other characters, mainly his father. Unlike Pixar, the animation doesn’t feel as modern as it should be (Pixar released The Incredibles in 2004 for comparison) and it seems that the plot is disjointed and isn’t pulled off as they imagined. The film did well commercially but not critically and I think that the team did take this on board. There’s a reason that we don’t see or hear of Chicken Little at the Disney Parks and I don’t think it’d even be considered for a reboot at any point. This definitely seems like Disney’s lowest point.

47) Meet the Robinsons (2007)

This was an interesting film for me to watch as I had only just seen it the once previously. Following orphan Lewis whose inventions prevent him from being adopted, he invents a machine to help him remember his mother’s face. At a science fair to debut this project, he is encountered by Wilbur Robinson, a teenager from the future who tells Lewis that the future is in jeopardy if his machine is stolen. Inspired by Tomorrowland at Disney’s park and using Disney’s philosophy “keep moving forward”, the film has a beautiful story and message but sadly it is overwhelmed by one dimensional characters and a strained first act. On rewatching, I did like the film a lot more than the first time but to me it is on the lower tier of Disney films. This is only because there is an abundance of characters and none of them feel really well-rounded. The animation is also problematic at times although a big improvement on Chicken Little. Scenes such as the incident with his peanut butter and jelly gun looks out of place and doesn’t match the aesthetic of the film.

48) Bolt (2008)

It seems hard to believe that Bolt was released a year after Meet the Robinsons. The animation looks so much more advanced and it feels like Disney going back to its original formula while pushing the studio into the future with the critical success that they had hoped for Chicken Little. Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) is a Hollywood stunt dog with his own TV show with his owner, Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus). When he is mistakenly shipped to New York, he must team up with Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster to reunite with Penny in Hollywood. The plot is a simple road movie and Disney goes back to using a big star ensemble to draw in the audiences but it works. It’s a film that shows that Disney are capable of bringing quality and heart to their films and starts to mark their presence in the 21st century in a computer animated dominated landscape. The soundtrack is another highlight for this film with the closing song “I Thought I Lost You” sung by Travolta and Cyrus a nice ending and ridiculously catchy.

49) The Princess and the Frog (2009)

After a few unsuccessful attempts at computer animation, Disney returned to hand-drawn animation for this seemingly classic retelling of The Princess and the Frog. Set in 1920s New Orleans, waitress Tiana kisses Prince Naveen, a talking frog, and is ultimately turned into one herself. Together, Tiana and Naveen have to figure out how to undo the curse before they run out of time and become frogs forever. This film was a significant step in Disney history as it features Disney’s first black princess. Unlike the previous films of the 2000s, the film feels sincere and harks back to the classic fairytales and yet sits nicely in a 21st century landscape. The soundtrack is standout and Facilier is one of the scariest villains in Disney history. The animation also feels traditional with its bright New Orleans carnival colours mixed with the Bayou landscape. It’s a gorgeous film that is a true testament to Disney getting itself back on track. There’s great character development and a nice cast of characters who are also developed, particularly friendly firefly, Ray and the jazz loving alligator, Louis.

50) Tangled (2010)

My favourite film on this particular post, Tangled is a quirky retelling of Rapunzel, a princess with long hair who is locked away in a tower. In this film, Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) is an anxiety-ridden young woman seeking adventure who, along with her sidekick, chameleon Pascal, heads on a quest to visit the “floating lights” with outlaw Flynn (voiced by Zacahary Levi). The animation is fantastic, the soundtrack is beautiful and the film as a whole knocks it out the park. It’s a shame that this was released the same year as Toy Story 3 which outshadowed every animated film that year. Fortunately, Tangled has succeeded in maintaining a legacy and a loyalty among fans with merchandise constantly updated and appearances by the characters in the parks. I think that “I See the Light” is one of the best songs and scenes in Disney history. Everything about it is perfection and brings what we love about Disney films to the surface. The animation of the lanterns and the accompanying scenes in the kingdom are amazingly detailed and filled with texture. It’s one of the most popular modern DIsney films for a reason and deserves more than one watch.

That’s the end of the penultimate post with one extended post to go for films 51-57. We’re deep into the Revival now and the next post features the first non-Pixar Disney films to win the Best Animated Feature Award at the Oscars showing that they are at the height of their game. The next post sees Disney venture into reboots, sequels and originals that vary in topics such as friendship, love and isolation.

I promise I will try to be quick with uploading the next post so I can be up to date and ready to see where Frozen II will slot into the list.

Here is my ranking:

1) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

2) Fantasia (1940)

3) Beauty and the Beast (1991)

4) Sleeping Beauty (1959)

5) Bambi (1942)

6) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

7) The Lion King (1994)

8) Mulan (1998)

9) The Little Mermaid (1989)

10) Tangled (2010)

11) Alice in Wonderland (1951)

12) Aladdin (1992)

13) The Aristocats (1971)

14) One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

15) The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

16) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

17) Lilo & Stitch (2002)

18) The Princess and the Frog (2009)

19) Peter Pan (1953)

20) The Three Caballeros (1945)

21) Pinocchio (1940)

22) Pocahontas (1995)

23) Tarzan (1999)

24) Dumbo (1941)

25) Hercules (1997)

26) The Black Cauldron (1985)

27) Atlantis: the Lost Empire (2001)

28) The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

29) Treasure Planet (2002)

30) Brother Bear (2003)

31) The Jungle Book (1967)

32) The Sword in the Stone (1963)

33) Cinderella (1950)

34) Bolt (2008)

35) The Rescuers (1977)

36) Robin Hood (1973)

37) Oliver & Company (1988)

38) Lady and the Tramp (1955)

39) The Fox and the Hound (1981)

40) Fun and Fancy Free (1947)

41) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

42) Saludos Amigos (1943)

43) Melody Time (1948)

44) Fantasia 2000 (2000)

45) The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

46) Make Mine Music (1946)

47) Meet the Robinsons (2007)

48) Home on the Range (2004)

49) Dinosaur (2000)

50) Chicken Little (2005)

What do you think of the list? Let me know in the comments below!

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Top 10 Tom Hanks Performances

It’s no secret that I am a huge Tom Hanks fan. He has been one of my favourite actors for as long as I can remember and there is a reason why he is so loved by everyone. An extremely talented actor and nice personality, Tom Hanks has built a reputation for being one of the most respected actors in history and it’s easy to see why. It was so difficult for me to pick a top 5 so I’ve gone ahead and done a top 10 instead. This list is only the tip of the iceberg for this man’s career and shows his range. We see him evolve from a kid adult to a prison officer working on Death Row to portraying Walt Disney himself.

Hanks is an actor who encapsulates his roles and is a constant draw for the box office. He’s worked with some of the best directors and actors around particularly Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away and The Polar Express) and Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can and Bridge of Spies). There’s no performance that he has done that I don’t love. Admittedly, the Dan Brown films are one of my guilty pleasures even though they are absolutely ridiculous but Tom Hanks brings such an enthusiastic performance that I find them so much fun to watch, especially Angels and Demons.

Here are my top 10 in chronological order:

Big (1989)

Big is one of those films that I could watch time and time again and never get bored. Following Josh Baskin, a young boy who wishes to grow up and then does overnight. This film is made even better when he grows up into Tom Hanks. Hanks has so much fun as adult Josh in this role as he fills his apartment with everything a cool kid had in the 80s. He is the perfect mix of charming and hilarious. I mean, who doesn’t love the scene with the piano?

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

It wouldn’t be a true Tom Hanks list without featuring a classic Nora Ephron romcom with Hanks and costar Meg Ryan. My favourite of the bunch is Sleepless in Seattle which makes my heart melt every time I watch it. Hanks plays Sam, a grieving architect whose son calls into a radio show to tell their story. In true Ephron form this film is the true epitome of the romcom genre and is a delight to watch. The climactic scene on the observation deck of the Empire State building has me screaming at the TV every time.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Possibly the most famous Tom Hanks role, Forrest Gump sees Hanks play the iconic titular character who sees the world in a different way. Bringing Hanks the Best Leading Actor Oscar for the second year in a row after the previous year’s Philadelphia, Forrest Gump propelled Hanks into a global phonenom and landed him at the top of every director’s list. His performance is not condescending nor over the top as he places a heavy focus on Forrest’s naivity rather than his disabilities.

Toy Story Franchise (1995-present)

It would have been a crime not to include these but I couldn’t pick just one. Tom Hanks’ Voicework as Woody the toy cowboy is nothing short of extraordinary and really brings the toys to life. For over 20 years, Pixar have charmed us with the story about a group of toys who watch their owner grow up. Hanks’ performance is worked up and super stressed as Woody struggles to keep his control. He’s a brilliantly flawed character who constantly makes mistakes doing what he thinks is right. The fourth installment that was released this year was revolutionary for Woody as he finally embarks on a life that he wants.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Hanks’ first collaboration with Spielberg is probably the most dramatic and to that point, “blockbustery” of his career. Playing Captain John H. Miller who leads a small group of soldiers to find and rescue the missing Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), Hanks made his mark as the big leading man in cinema. It’s the film that should have swept the Oscars but was beaten by Shakespeare in Love in a huge misjustice for the Best Picture gong (don’t get me started). What separates this film from other war films is that Hanks between the heart of the film and shows the emotion behind the fighting.

The Green Mile (1999)

The Green Mile is one of those films that brings me to tears every time I watch it. Following Hanks as head prison officer, Paul Edgecomb, working in the Death Row block. When a 6 foot black man, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), is jailed on the block, mysterious events begin to happen that cause Paul to challenge his morals and his faith. It’s a brilliant film that I don’t think receives the praise that it deserves, mainly due to it being the second prison based Stephen King adaptation after The Shawshank Redemption in 1994. Hanks is fantastic as Edgecomb. He is sharp, observant and has a strong moral compass. The scenes with him and Duncan make for some heart wrenching cinema as the truth behind Coffey’s imprisonment come to light.

Cast Away (2000)

If I had to pick one Tom Hanks performance to put at the top of my list, this would be the one. It’s iconic, it’s fantastic and it should have earned Hanks his third Oscar. Hanks plays Fedex driver, Chuck Noland, who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a desert island for year. The premise is simple but the film is anything but. Hanks goes all out to deliver a career best performance that sees Chuck removing teeth with an ice-skate blade, catching fish with a spear and finding companionship with a volleyball called Wilson. What makes this film truly standout is Hanks’ ability to keep the audience’s attention by himself for the film’s 143 minutes.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

This fun flick sees Hanks reunite with Steven Spielberg for the chase of a century as Hanks plays FBI agent, Carl Hanratty on the hunt for Frank Abagnale Jr (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young conman across the globe. It’s a brilliantly entertaining film to watch as Hanks fails time and time again to capture Abagnale. Hanks and DiCaprio are an odd pairing for leads but it works really well and you can tell that both are having a good time.

Captain Phillips (2013)

This gem of a film is a stellar thriller that showcases Hanks’ timelessness as an actor. Playing the titular character whose cargo ship is overrun by Somali pirates, Hanks works brilliant alongside Barkhad Abdi who plays Somali pirate, Abduwali Muse. Most of the cast in this film are fairly unknown and it’s nice to see that although Hanks is the lead, that others are given the chance to shine, particularly Abdi, who won a BAFTA for his performance. Hanks isn’t an actor who has to hog the spotlight every time he is onscreen.

Saving Mr Banks (2013)

Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. Do I even need to say more? It’s one icon playing another and it is perfect casting. I absolutely adore this film and am always watching it when it is on the TV. Following author P L Travers (Emma Thompson) as she is pursued relentlessly by Disney who wants to adapt her famous Mary Poppins books into a film, we see Travers enter a world she has no interest in. Hanks is truly magical as the big man himself and lights up the screen everytime he appears.

So there you have it! We have journeye through the highlights of this legend’s career. With a deserved life achievement Cecil B Demille award on its way from the 2020 Golden Globes, Hanks’ career is far from over. I am excited to see his upcoming films.

Which Tom Hanks performances are your favourites? Let me knows in the comments below!

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Disney Animated Classics: Numbers 41-45 Ranking

Sorry for the long break! I’ve been so busy that I haven’t found the time to write up my articles. However, I’m back and ready to carry on with my rankings. I’m sure you’re all dying to see the end result!

Riding on the success of the Disney Renaissance, the studio finds itself in a period of cockiness and nostalgia and proves that the overwhelming success of the 90s didn’t just come on a whim. The head honchos believe that now is a good time to release direct-to-video sequels and prequels galore to accompany the re-releases of the classics that are released from the Disney Vault. This is also a time when lots of projects that were overlooked during the Renaissance find their way onto the big screen.

As ever you can read the previous instalments here:

Films 1-5

Films 6-10

Films 11-15

Films 16-20

Films 21-25

Films 26-30

Films 31-35

Films 36-40

The majority of these films were not kindly looked upon critically or commercially compared to the predecessors of the previous decade. I do have a soft spot for this bunch as I went to see all of them in the cinema (with the exception of Home on the Range) and I have fond memories of watching them all on a loop. However, I do admit that they don’t have the lasting legacy that other Disney offerings have and despite being under 20 years old, they are often overlooked.

Without further ado, let’s crack on with the reviews for films 41-45:

41) Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Disney spared no expense on the production and marketing for this film (between $90-120 million was spent) and it was everywhere you looked. Atlantis was expected to be the next great Disney epic and the media and audience lapped the hype up only to be disappointed by the end result. Following Atlantis enthusiast Milo Thatch (voiced by Michael J. Fox) who embarks on a mission to find the lost kingdom, Atlantis is visually stunning and boasts some of Disney’s finest animation. What this film brings in style, it lacks in substance with a script that doesn’t feel finished. We’re presented with an array of one-dimensional characters but the real star of the show is Atlantis’ Princess Kida who is fascinated by the outsiders and wants to form a relationship with the outside world. It’s a shame that Disney hasn’t followed on her legacy in the past few years as she is overlooked in the Disney Princess canon constantly. This is a film that I thoroughly enjoy watching as there are numerous scenes that I hugely appreciate such as the Leviathan attack on the submarine, the scene where Kida is taken over by the protective crystal and the climatic battle in the volcano where Milo faces off the corrupt soldiers. It’s a film that (like 1985’s The Black Cauldron) deserved better writing and fleshed out characters but ultimately falls flat and has become forgotten with time.

42) Lilo & Stitch (2002)

One of the most loved modern Disney films about a young Hawaiian girl who befriends an alien on the run from his creator, Lilo & Stitch is a heartwarming film about differences and the struggle to fit in. Lilo is a quirky little girl whose hobbies include taking pictures of sunburnt tourists and playing Elvis Presley songs full blast. She is badly bullied by those in her dance class and unknowingly acts out, causing problems for her older sister, Nani who is also her guardian. When social services start to look into taking Lilo away, Nani thinks it’d be good for Lilo to get a pet dog to keep her preoccupied. Enter Experiment 626, the runaway alien who finds himself in the dog kennel. Lilo is immediately taken by his physical differences and ability to speak that she immediately adopts him, names him Stitch and shows him around the island. There’s a reason that this film has become among the most iconic and recognisable of modern Disney. Its message about the importance of family is one that immediately resonates with the audience. The scene in which Nani sings “Aloha Oe” to Lilo as she comes to terms with the prospect that Lilo will be taken away is one of the most heartbreaking and, because of this, daring scenes that Disney have put to screen. This aspect of loss makes the payoff even better when Stitch recites Lilo’s motto that “ohana means family” to Nani. The film is one that has touched hearts around the globe and Stitch is among the most iconic Disney characters of the modern era.

43) Treasure Planet (2002)

A project that had been pushed back for ten years, Treasure Planet finally saw its release in 2002. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emma Thompson and an extortionate budget ($140 million!), this futuristic retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island about a young man who comes in possession of a highly-sought treasure map and sets off with a group of pirates to seek it has been subject to countless adaptations throughout the year. Never has this story been told in space where aliens take up most of the characters and the audience is taken across the galaxy in search of an entire planet that is filled with treasure. Utilising computer animation more so than previous films, Treasure Planet attempts to hurl Disney into a new era. Sadly, like Atlantis before it, the result is hugely underwhelming and we’re left with another forgettable entry in the Disney catalogue. I think the script is strong, following the premise of its source material but the style feels inconsistent to me. Visually, it is quite overwhelming as there is a lot going on. It’s a world inhabited by humans, aliens, traditional structures and futuristic architecture. It feels like a mesh of the past and the future which comes across disjointed as there isn’t a middle-ground. 

44) Brother Bear (2003)

Made on a more modest budget of $46 million, Brother Bear follows Kenai, a young tribesman who is transformed into a bear after recklessly hunting down and killing a bear in the mountains of the spirits. Joined by young cub, Koda, Kenai must find his way back to the mountain in order to be turned back. The film is definitely a middling effort and feels rushed in execution. My favourite aspect of the film is the great soundtrack that includes songs by Phil Collins and the mesmerising track “Transformation” sang by the Bulgarian Women’s Choir. The scene in which Kenai is transformed is beautifully done and it’s a shame that the rest of the film doesn’t follow that standard. It’s an enjoyable watch but doesn’t hold its own against the greater works by Disney. It’s a shame that it wastes such a talented cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix as Kenai and Rick Moranis making a rare return to voice work as one half of a randomly included moose duo. It feels that the tone is imbalanced throughout as there is a serious undertone that is constantly overthrown by characters such as the moose. Their humour doesn’t fit in well and it makes the overall experience jarring.

45) Home on the Range (2004)

By far one of the worst films ever to come out of the Disney studio, Home on the Range follows a group of cows who attempt to capture a cattle rustler called Alameda Slim. I enjoyed this film on release but sadly I don’t enjoy it at all watching it now. It’s forgetful and doesn’t have the same amount of Disney charm as the other instalments. The plot is weak and generic and the characters are bland. Featuring voice work by Judi Dench, Jennifer Tilly and Randy Quaid among others, Home on the Range falls into the trap of style over substance and suffers tremendously for it. Continuing the trend for middling efforts and released among a fleet of direct-to-video sequels and prequels, Home on the Range doesn’t stand out for its mundane effort. Sadly, there is a reason why Home on the Range is always forgotten and eschewed in Disney marketing and merchandise. There isn’t anything in the film that is marketable or memorable for the audience.

It’s mad to think that there are only two more posts left in this series until we’re up to date. The next post sees Disney delve into computer animation with Chicken Little (2005) and Meet the Robinsons (2007) and enter a new era of Disney masterpieces with The Princess and the Frog (2009) and Tangled (2010)

Here is my ranking:

1) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

2) Fantasia (1940)

3) Beauty and the Beast (1991)

4) Sleeping Beauty (1959)

5) Bambi (1942)

6) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

7) The Lion King (1994)

8) Mulan (1998)

9) The Little Mermaid (1989)

10) Alice in Wonderland (1951)

11) Aladdin (1992)

12) The Aristocats (1971)

13) One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

14) The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

15) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

16) Lilo & Stitch (2002)

17) Peter Pan (1953)

18) The Three Caballeros (1945)

19) Pinocchio (1940)

20) Pocahontas (1995)

21) Tarzan (1999)

22) Dumbo (1941)

23) Hercules (1997)

24) The Black Cauldron (1985)

25) Atlantis: the Lost Empire (2001)

26) The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

27) Treasure Planet (2002)

28) Brother Bear (2003)

29) The Jungle Book (1967)

30) The Sword in the Stone (1963)

31) Cinderella (1950)

32) The Rescuers (1977)

33) Robin Hood (1973)

34) Oliver & Company (1988)

35) Lady and the Tramp (1955)

36) The Fox and the Hound (1981)

37) Fun and Fancy Free (1947)

38) The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

39) Saludos Amigos (1943)

40) Melody Time (1948)

41) Fantasia 2000 (2000)

42) The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

43) Make Mine Music (1946)

44) Home on the Range (2004)

45) Dinosaur (2000)

 

What do you think of the list? Do you think I’ve been too harsh on these entries? Let me know in the comments below!