Disney Countdown 10-2
Hello and welcome back to the Disney Countdown! The list presented are the films that are near and dear to my heart and some of them rank not just on this Disney list, but on a list of my favorite films of all time. Prepare yourself, I am going to gush about these films.
10. Tangled
When Tangled first released into theaters, I was an angst teen just trying to fit in with the mentality that the Disney films were "for babies," and it didn't help that the prior films differ in quality and the trailers were of a poor quality. I saw Tangled much later after its initial theatrical run and immediately fell in love with the film. Tangled is not only a return to form for Disney, but it's the start of Disney playing with their tried and true formulas and presenting a story that has more emotional depth than a typical Disney princess film. At first glance I would not fault anyone saying that Mother Gothel is one of Disney's weaker villains.
She doesn't really have any world destroying issues and her grasp only really affects Rapunzel for the most part. Everytime I watch Tangled, I gain more understanding of the toxicity that Mother Gothel puts upon Rapunzel and how she creates a destructive, almost co-dependent, relationship with Rapunzel. A few scenes really stick out to me in this film. The first, the quiet scene of Rapunzel's father crying before they release their lantern showing us this heart breaking scene of a father who has given up the hope of probably finding his daughter. The second,where Rapunzel reaches out to save Mother Gothel as she trips out the window, even after all the terrible things she has done to Rapunzel.
The joy that Rapunzel emits is contagious and the way she (sometimes literally) lights up her world really drives the film and the voice cast nails it. Even the woodland sidekicks, who can usually drain the film, are quite likeable and fun in this film. If you haven't seen it in a while, let your hair down and give it a watch!
9. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is the start of the "Disney Renaissance" in the 90s. It was reported that Disney animation was hurting a little from a series of flops in the 80s and they searched through Walt's old notes to find inspiration for there next project, this is when they found Walt was trying to create an adaptation of The Little Mermaid that never got off the ground.
The film also marks the first attempt to capture the essence of a broadway musical and bring it to animation, something we are all familiar with in Disney's formula that still works well. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, fresh off of Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway, were brought in to create the music and The Little Mermaids music soars. The animation quality of the Little Mermaid transcends the artform at the time and Jodi Benson adds so much life to Ariel that one can't separate the character from the voice actor.
The Little Mermaid is the standard that so many Disney films strive to be. Make this film part of your world!
8. Tarzan
Oh man Tarzan. Tarzan's soundtrack is often the butt of a lot of jokes in our pop culture, but the reason is that Tarzan's soundtrack is driving, forceful, and catchy. The second the film begins with the pounding of the african drums with the slam of the film's title you are already transported to this film. I've talked about how Disney tries to create these action epics in their films, Tarzan IS that action epic.
The attention to detail of the jungle, the swinging of Tarzan through the jungle, everything is carefully put together to not only move the plot and story, but intangle you into its vines and throw forward through a jungle roller coaster. The film has these beautiful shots to it, such as the ENTIRE opening of the film, so the battle with Sabor. The film also has a dark edge to it as the death of Clayton may be the darkest in Disney's history so far.
While the film does move forward and keeps the action driving, the film is not afraid to have these quiet moments such as the hand mirror scene between Tarzan and Jane that also brings tremendous depth to these characters. Tarzan is the adventure you deserve.
7. Zootopia
Zootopia may be the most adult film in Disney's catalog. There are film studies and conversations galore that go over the messages of Zootopia and upon watching the film for this challenge, the messages the film explores over race relations sadly hold up more than ever. There are moments of the film that Aryn and I looked at each other with a silent "wow" expression. The film is a modern day parable that speaks to children with the same amount of energy as it does for adults.
This is a film that transcends generational gaps and its message will last forever. If you haven't seen Zootopia, I don't want to say much more than this. Go into the film blind and I believe its message will grip you even more. Zootopia, a film about animals, may be Disney's most human film.
6. Moana
Moana, in my opinion of course, may be one of the most underrated animated films of the current Disney line-up. Sure, the film is bound to be buried under the force that is Frozen but I don't really hear much about Moana from a general audience with the except of "You're Welcome" is a great song.
The animation of this film knocked me off my feet upon first viewing. The way is deals with water, fire are some animation techniques that were revolutionary for its time and the underground lair of the monsters is a feast for the eyes. Moana also turns the notion of a Disney Princess film on its head, I would argue, as much as Frozen does. Moana has more in common with our action Disney characters like Tarzan or Aladdin than she does someone like Jasmine or Tiana and Moana doesn't even have a love interest!
The message of the film about going your own path and creating your own journey is deeply affecting and there is never a time this film does not pull at my heartstrings. Moana's soundtrack is just as powerful as the 90's classic films as well. Moana is one of the "shiny" jewels in Disney's crown.
5. The Great Mouse Detective
I am tempted to just type "Ratigan" and leave this mini-comment at that.
Vincent Price STEALS this film as Ratigan and I would feel comfortable in labeling him as my favorite Disney villain. He oozes and revels in his villainy and goes through this path of being a villian you love to hate to being one of the most terrifying Disney animated villains put on screen.
The rest of the film perfectly captures the style of films it lovingly throws back to. This was a film that captured my imagination as a kid and still captures my imagination as an adult. The film draws you into its story with some of the best Disney characters put on screen as well. Solve the mystery of one of Disney's greats and watch The Great Mouse Detective again!
4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
I will start this off by saying the gargoyles are the worst Disney sidekicks put into film and their song is cringe worthy as well.
If they would have been cut from the film or even re-written so they were figments of Quasimodo's imagination the film would have been stronger for it. I start off with the negatives because of the positives of this film are so damn strong that they elevate this film to high art. A lot of scenes in this film mirror classic gothic paintings and even the grand windows of Notre Dame. The music is grand and powerful and mirrors an opera or a large gothic church choir. Everything about this film feels grand, and shakespearean and this may be the darkest Disney film in tone and even imagery. Judge Frollo is one of the best Disney villians with THE best villian song of the bunch.
Hunchback I discover new things to love every single time I watch it and still feels fresh and new, even having watched many times since its theatrical release. Do not sleep on this film or you too may face Hellfire.
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
I love the film Winnie the Pooh (2011), as you read earlier in these lists, but it just cannot hold a candle to the original. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh may be one of the most perfect films ever made. I cannot speak enough about how much I love this film and I think the film's age is one of its strengths as its old animation style and colors help the film feel timeless. I think feeling in film usually ranges from strong emotions like "that movie made me feel sad, angry, excited, etc." The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh makes me feel "good" and that's what makes it perfect.
The stakes for the characters of the 100 Acre Wood are either low or non-existent. The film just takes us through a nice, soft journey with these characters and we watch what "adventures" they go on today. The film is one of those films that I can watch in a super depressed mood and the film immediately uplifts me. Every time I watch it, its the same feeling of meeting an old friend again. Visit the 100 Acre Wood as soon as you can.
2. The Sword in the Stone
I have very vivid memories of watching the Disney animated classics with my grandparents at their farm. The Sword in the Stone is one we watched all the time and I think its a film that helped formulate my future interests as I grew older. The film has a lot of imagination and fun within it and its surprisingly has a lot of educational value hidden within it as well.
I think it also has a lot in common with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in that it carries a lot of low stakes and we are just watching a sort of "buddy comedy" with Merlin and Arthur. The film is also incredibly witty and funny, something I think many people often forget. The Wizard battle with Madam Mim is certainly a highlight of the film where a great deal of fun is to be had. Revisit the The Sword in the Stone and let its magic overcome you.
At this point, the number 1 spot would have been listed, but its a film that I just cannot bring myself to just write a short paragraph "review" over it. If you have been keeping up with these lists, I am sure you are prepared for what is coming. It's a tale as old as time...
The Final List coming soon!
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