The Lion King (1994)

Of all of Disney's animated classics, The Lion King is hands down the most celebrated. I, on the other hand, was never so fond of it as a child. So today I decided to rewatch it and see how I'd feel about it and I still don't think this is Disney's greatest film. 

The Lion King tells the story of a lion cub named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) who one day will become the king of the Pride Lands. However, his uncle Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons) is desperate for the crown himself and would do anything to get it, even get Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones), his brother and king, killed and let Simba believed he is to be blamed for his father's death and Simba runs away from the kingdom. Years go by and, while Simba (now voiced by Matthew Broderick) has found new friends in meerkat Timon (voiced by Nathan Lane) and warthog Pumbaa (voiced by Ernie Sabella), the kingdom is falling apart under Scar's tyrannical leadership.

Robin Hood (1973)

Robin Hood is another of those Disney movies I never cared much about as a kid. Why I can't say since I love animals --all the characters here are portrayed as animals-- and Robin Hood is pretty much doing the right thing by doing what he does.

Just like the classic tale, Disney's film follows Robin Hood (voiced by Brian Bedford) and his companion Little John (voiced by Phil Harris) as they steal from the rich and give to the poor. The riches happen to be the immature and greedy Prince John (voiced by Peter Ustinov) who has the corrupt Sherif of Nottingham (voiced by Pat Buttram) collect crushing taxes from poor citizens. Which is why the Sherif of Nottingham is out to catch them. Being wanted by Prince John, however, won't stop Robin Hood from entering an archery contest to win the hand of Maid Marion (voiced by Monica Evans).

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Sleeping Beauty is one of the movies I grew up with, one of those I would watch over and over again. And yet, it was never one of my favourites. The reason? The story just didn't do for me. In fact, I could remember very little about this film's plot before rewatching. And I still feel the same, there's just something off about it.

When a new princess, Aurora (Mary Costa/Helene Stanley), is born, the entire kingdom rejoices and attends the ceremony to celebrate her. Everything is perfectly fine until Maleficent (Eleanor Audley) shows up and curses the baby and announces that before the sun sets on Aurora's 16th birthday, she will die by pricking her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel. To protect their daughter, King Stefan (Taylor Holmes) and his wife (Verna Felton) place her in the care of three good fairies, Flora (Verna Felton/Frances Bavier), Fauna (Barbara Jo Allen/Madge Blake), and Merryweather (Barbara Luddy/Spring Byington). Everything goes according to plan until Aurora, on her 16th birthday, meets Prince Philip (Bill Shirley/Ed Kemmer).

Lady and the Tramp (1955)

I'm not sure I've mentioned this before, but this February I'll be reviewing mostly romantic movies (there will be a few exceptions *coughs*Black Panther*coughs*) and I thought it'd be nice to rewatch one of Disney Classics, the one that is supposedly the most romantic of them all, Lady and the Trump. And quite frankly, what a disappointment. 

As everyone knows, the film tells the story of Lady (Barbara Luddy), a golden Cocker Spaniel who lives in the ritzy part of town. Her life is great until her owners, Jim Dear (Lee Millar) and Darling (Peggy Lee), have a baby. Aunt Sarah (Verna Felton) come to stay in the house along with her two scheming Siamese cats (Peggy Lee) making her life a nightmare. That's when mongrel dog Tramp (Larry Roberts) comes to her rescue. 

Bambi (1942)

Disney movies were pretty much all I watched as a kid but Bambi never was one of my favourites which is weird considering love animals since I can remember. To be honest, I'm not even sure if I ever watched the entire film before because other than Bambi's mother dying, I could remember nothing. 

Or maybe it's because this film is pretty plotless. This young deer gets his mother killed by a hunter, he befriends other animals, he learns the skills needed to survive and finds love. But it's not all roses, hunters come back and he must save the other deers. 

Peter Pan (1953)

Genres

Adventure, Animation, Comedy

Directors

Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Bobby Driscoll, Margaret Kerry, Kathryn Beaumont, Paul Collins, Tommy Luske, Hans Conried, Heather Angel, Bill Thompson, Robert Ellis, Jeffrey Silver, Johnny McGovern, Stuffy Singer, Tony Butala, Tom Conway

Storyline

Wendy (Margaret Kerry) and her two young brothers John (Paul Collins) and Michael (Tommy Luske) receive a visit from Peter Pan (Bobby Driscoll) who takes them to the magical world of Neverland. 

Opinion

Peter Pan is another of those Disney movies I loved as a kid and I decided to rewatch to find how I'd feel about it today. The answer is, pretty much the same, because after all those years (both from my childhood and from the movie's release) this still is an animated gem.

As a kid, I was very fascinated and enchanted by the story. What kid wouldn't love to fly away and go to a magical land where you never grow up? As an adult, I'm still fascinated by that story. Unlike Barrie's play, this film's story is pretty simple and isn't too deep, but it's a delight to watch.

And the characters play a huge role in that. Although the development and characterization aren't excellent, the characters are nice, funny, likeable and it's easy to side with them. Some (the Indians) are nothing more than stereotypes, I know that, but they still are a nice addition to the film. Also, there's one of Disney's most famous characters (and one of my favourite as well), Tinker Bell. She is so sassy and fun, it's impossible not to love her.

The actors all do a good job with their characters, but it's the animation that truly brings them to life. It's aged and you can tell, especially from the characters' goofy facial expressions, but it's still is pretty impressive.

Also, it has some good humour and the songs are fun and entertaining.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Genres

Animation, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Directors

Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Odgen Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Bradley Pierce, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Hal Smith, Jo Anne Worley, Mary Kay Bergman, Brian Cummings, Alvin Epstein, Tony Jay, Alec Murphy, Kimmy Robertson, Frank Welker

Storyline

An arrogant young prince (Robby Benson) fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress who turned him into a beast until he learns to love and be loved. His only opportunity arrives when he meets Belle (Paige O'Hara).

Opinion

The new Disney live-action film left me with a bitter taste in my mouth and to fix that I rewatched this classic version. And, while I'm still not a big fan of it, this Beauty and the Beast is way better than Condon's dull movie.

The story, although simple, predictable and really nothing more than a love story, is charming, it has a nice pace and it's well executed. Also, it is engaging and it'll probably move you, even if you are a heartless bitch like me.

What truly stands out in this film, just like in any other Disney movie, are the characters. The two main characters, Belle and the beast, are nicely developed, but the most charming are easily the minor supporting characters such as Mrs. Pots, Chip and Lumiere. The villain though is a bit weak and not charming at all (the only thing the live-action did better in my opinion).

And the animation is great too. Actually, it's quite astonishing and along with the wonderful songs, it gives the film a magical feel.

Aladdin (1992)

Genres

Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Directors

Ron Clements, John Musker

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Jonathan Freeman, Linda Larkin, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale, Jim Cummings, Charlie Adler, Corey Burton

Storyline

Street urchin Aladdin (Scott Weinger) develops a relationship with a genie (Robin Williams) from a lamp and uses his wishes to become a prince in order to marry Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin). However, the evil Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) has other plans for the lamp.

Opinion

Aladdin has never been my favourite Disney flick but on the other hand, Jasmine has always been one of my favourite Disney princesses. I don't know if it's even possible but I think I had a crush on her. Anyway, that's the reason I decided to rewatch it before the new live-action film gets released and ruins her and this film because we all know that's going to happen. But let's move on onto the fact that this Aladdin is a pretty good and very fun to watch movie.

As normal with most Disney films, the story is very simple and not so deep and it's also a story we all know. Nevertheless, it has a wonderful pace and it is so magical, it will definitely grab your attention from start to finish. And it has a very beautiful love story.

But the story wouldn't be anything without its fantastic and beautifully animated characters. The genie is easily the most amusing character as well as the most hilarious genie ever created and that's mainly thanks to the great voice work by Robin Williams. Jasmine isn't only a beautiful princess but she also has a strong personality which is the reason I always liked her. And the animal sidekicks are simply amazing. Abu, Aladdin's monkey, is adorable, but my favourite will always be Iago, the sarcastic parrot/sidekick to Jafar, one of the best Disney villains ever if you ask me.

The only flaw? Aladdin doesn't compare with the other characters. But at least he sings, along with Jasmine, the most mesmerizing song of the film, "A Whole New World". That song is just wonderful.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Genres

Animation, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Directors

Ron Clements, John Musker

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Buddy Hackett, Ben Wright, Paddi Edwards, Edie McClurg, Kimmy Robertson, Will Ryan, Frank Welker, René Auberjonois

Storyline

Young mermaid princess Ariel (Jodi Benson) rescues a human prince (Christopher Daniel Barnes) and falls in love with him so she strikes a bargain with the evil sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll) to trade her fins and voice for human legs. But Ursula has her own plans.

Opinion

There's nothing as rewarding as rewatching your childhood favourites and finding they still are fantastic films and The Little Mermaid makes no difference. It has always been one of my favourite Disneys and it will always be.

Not entirely loyal to Hans Christian Andersen's original tale, the story is pretty simple and yet very enjoyable and engaging. The love story is romantic and touching and will you find yourself rooting for Ariel and Eric which is why the typical Disney happy ending really works here - and has never bothered me at all.

Like all Disney films, the star isn't the story but the characters, and The Little Mermaid has plenty of amazing characters. Ariel is such a vibrant character and I like the way the filmmakers used her to explore womanhood - although the character ends up being pretty much the typical teenager in love. Stealing the show, as usual, are the animal sidekicks, the cute and sweet tropical fish Flounder, Ariel's best friend, and Sebastian, the crab/musical composer. The villain, Ursula, is pretty memorable too.

The music is very good, the songs are memorable and the musical stagings are pretty good too. The animation is beautiful too. Sure, it looks aged, but it's still beautiful and the colours are so vibrant, they fit the characters' personalities well.

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Genres

Adventure, Animation, Fantasy, Musical

Directors

Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Jerry Colonna, Richard Haydn, Sterling Holloway, Verna Felton, J. Pat O'Malley, Bill Thompson, Heather Angel, Joseph Kearns, Larry Grey, Queenie Leonard, Dink Trout, Doris Lloyd, Jimmy MacDonald, The Mellomen, Don Barclay

Storyline

One day, daydreaming young girl Alice (Kathryn Beaumont) spots a large white rabbit (Bill Thompson), dressed in a jacket and carrying a large watch. Quickly following him, she stumbles into the world of Wonderland where she will live an adventure which culminates in a terrible encounter with the Queen of Hearts (Verna Felton). 

Opinion

I've already said in the past that I've never been a fan of Alice, I guess that's why I have never seen Disney's Alice in Wonderland as a kid. I thought it was about time to fix it, I watched it, and I'm still not a fan. While arguably better than Tim Burton's - and I had a nice time watching it -, neither this one was able to charm me.

The story isn't exactly like the one Carroll wrote, it's a blend of his Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, the events don't have the same order, some rather important parts are left out, but it wasn't a problem at all. I actually liked it this way because it allowed me to enjoy it a bit more, despite the fact that there wasn't a real plot. 

Anyway, the film felt incredibly off, and some of the blame is on the characters. They aren't charming or interesting, they aren't that nice and some of them are quite annoying. What's really annoying though is that lots of characters are introduced only to disappear and never to be seen again. However, some of them are memorable, like the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Queen of Hearts.

Moving on, the animation is beautiful and very colourful; also, the songs throughout are quite enjoyable and make the film a bit more fun. Still, it's not charming. 

Cinderella (1950)

Genres

Animation, Fantasy, Musical, Romance

Directors

Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Helene Stanley, Ilene Woods, Lucille Bliss, Eleanor Audley, Claire Du Brey, Verna Felton, Jeffrey Stone, William Phipps, Mike Douglas, Rhoda Williams, Jimmy MacDonald, Luis Van Rooten, Don Barclay, June Foray, Betty Lou Gerson, Marni Nixon

Storyline

When her cruel stepmother (Eleanor Audley) prevents her from attending the Royal Ball where the Prince (William Phipps) is supposed to choose his bride, Cinderella (Ilene Woods) gets some unexpected help from the Fairy Godmother (Verna Felton) and the rest is history.

Opinion

I've been in the mood for rewatching old Disney movies lately, that's why I ended up watching Cinderella, an almost 70-year-old film that still manages to enchant me as it did when I was a child.

The story is simple and everybody knows it which means no twists - to be honest, it's pretty clichéed -, nevertheless it's incredibly engaging and it's told in such a beautiful and charming way it's impossible not to love it. What I like the most about it though isn't the main plot of the girl getting the boy and vice versa, but the subplot that shows Cinderella's wonderful relationship with all the animals around the house, especially with the lovely mice.

Which brings me to the next point, the characters. Although the lead, Cinderella, is a bit bland and overall they aren't that developed, most of the characters are lovely and fun to watch, in particular Jacques and Gus Gus, who by the way has always been my favourite thing about the film.

The funny characters aren't the only entertaining aspect of the film. This is a musical after all, and it's a good one too. The songs are indeed very nice and catchy.

Truly astonishing is how well the animation still holds up today. Everything, from the characters to the backgrounds, is very well-drawn, colourful and quite detailed. And call it nostalgia or whatever, but I enjoyed this more than the animation of some modern films.

Dumbo (1941)

Genres

Animation, Drama

Directors

Ben Sharpsteen, Norman Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson, Bill Roberts, Jack Kinney, Samuel Armstrong

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Edward Brophy, Verna Felton, Cliff Edwards, Herman Bing, Margaret Wright, Sterling Holloway, The Hall Johnson, The King's Men, Noreen Gammill, Dorothy Scott, Sarah Selby, Malcolm Hutton, Billy Bletcher

Storyline

Ridiculed because of his enormous ears, a young circus elephant is assisted by a mouse to achieve his full potential.

Opinion

I grew up watching Disney classics such as Fantasia, Pinocchio, Peter Pan and Bambi but I don't think I've ever seen Dumbo. All I knew/remembered before (re)watching it was an elephant with big ears and a train. I didn't even know he was in a circus. That said, I really enjoyed watching it because it was such a poetic and sweet film.

Although it is a little tragic and dramatic, the story of Dumbo is simple and moving, and it's that kind of story most kids can identify with, from the need to fit in, to the importance of having someone to look after you. And it's essentially an underdog story.

But it is not just that. This film actually shows how the rejection of being different can hurt the people who are victims of prejudice and it does is in such a sensitive way that is perfect for the young audience the film targets. It also shows how important self-acceptance is.

The film's element I enjoyed the most were the characters. Dumbo doesn't even talk, but he is such a likeable character and it's very easy to sympathise with him. Timothy Mouse makes the film more entertaining, and the development of his friendship with Dumbo is beautiful. The crows are amazing as well, both because they are the most clever around and because they show sympathy to Dumbo.

The songs aren't bad either, and the animation, although it is not highly detailed, is simply delightful.