The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (W,X,Y,Z)

Finally, the last installment of the A-Z Disney movies as told by me! Enjoy!

W –

Wall-E (2008)

This is one of the most adorable movies I’ve ever seen. I seriously fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Wall-E is such an endearing and likable character that it’s hard not to love him. I just want to pick him up and cuddle him!

Fun Facts:

The name "Wall-E" is a tip of the hat to Walter Elias Disney.

The main character's name is actually an acronym, standing for "Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth-class." EVE stands for "Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator" (even though she specifically evaluates earth's vegetation) and M-O stands for "Microbe Obliterator."

The logo on Eve's chest that appears after she obtains the plant is the same logo used by Disney Epcot's The Land pavilion up until 2005.

Fun Quotes:

Ship's Computer: Voice confirmation required.
Captain: Uhhh...
Ship's Computer: [after the "uhh" echoes] Accepted.

EVE: Name?
WALL.E: WALL-E.
EVE: WALL-E?
[giggles]
EVE: EVE.
WALL.E: [attempting to pronounce it] Eeee...
EVE: EVE.
WALL.E: Eeeee... aah.
EVE: "EVE"! "EVE"!
WALL.E: Eeeee... va?
[EVE giggles]

MO's computer: [after scanning Wall-E screen says 100%] Foreign contaminant!
MO: Huh? Whoa-whoa-whoa whoa whoa!

Runner-up

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)

I really like this movie since it incorporates both live action and animation as well as animation from across the cartoon spectrum like Warner Brothers characters in addition to Disney characters. I really like all the different references for each of the cartoons in the movie, too. It's really fun to watch and has nonstop humor.

Fun Facts:

Since the movie was being made by Disney, Warner Brothers would only allow the use of their biggest toon stars, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, if they got an equal amount of screen time as Disney's biggest stars, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Because of this, both sets of characters are always together in frame when on the screen.

Roger Rabbit is described (design-wise) as having a "Warners face", a "Disney body", a "Tex Avery attitude", Goofy's overalls, Mickey Mouse's gloves, and Porky Pig's bowtie. Animation director Richard Williams says he based his Roger color model on the American flag (red overalls, white body, blue tie) so that "everyone would subliminally like it".

Fun Quotes:

Jessica Rabbit: You don't know how hard it is being a woman looking the way I do.
Eddie Valiant: You don't know how hard it is being a man looking at a woman looking the way you do.
Jessica Rabbit: I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way.

Roger Rabbit: [Crying] No wonder you hate me. If a toon killed my brother, I'd hate me too.
Eddie Valiant: Come on, don't cry. I don't hate you.
Roger Rabbit: Yes, you do.
Eddie Valiant: No, I don't.
Roger Rabbit: You do hate me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have yanked my ears all those times.
Eddie Valiant: Well, I'm... I'm sorry I yanked your ears.
Roger Rabbit: All the times you yanked my ears?
Eddie Valiant: All the times I yanked your ears.

X – None for “X”

Y – Or “Y”

Z –

Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)

There wasn’t any for “Z” either but then I thought of Zenon. I don’t think I’ve used any Disney Channel Original Movies yet, or maybe I have, I can’t remember. I have always liked Zenon so I thought I’d include it. I like watching movies that take a stab at what the future may be like (like Back to the Future) and I like seeing other people’s interpretation of how the future may look.

Fun Quotes:

Zenon: ONE sin minor and my life is a living black hole!

Matt: Reality pill, Margie! It was never you he liked, it was the car!

Mr. Windom: I refuse to engage in a name-calling contest with a teenager.
Zenon: That's because you know you'll lose!

Thanks everyone for reading all of these! Hopefully, you’ve been reminded of some of your favorite childhood Disney movies and want to rewatch a few of them, I know I do!

In a week, I shall be on my way to Italy and then on to Greece. I’ll be gone for a couple of weeks, but I will try to update at least once while I’m there. I’m going to be busy absorbing as much ancient Greek and Italian culture as well as doing work for the honors class that’s hosting the trip so hopefully I will be able to make a post while I’m there!

We lost a couple of our roomies, Allison and Mindy, so if you're arriving on June 7th and are looking to live in a wellness 3-bedroom in Chatham, please leave a comment!

In other news, I got the luggage tags in the mail for Disney’s Magical Express sometime last week! They only gave me one for myself and one for Lyanne which would never be enough, especially for a couple of girls, so I called and requested a couple more. Hopefully they’ll get here soon so I can send Lyanne hers before we have to leave! Only about 3 weeks now, I can’t wait!

Until next time,

HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (T,U,V)

We’re coming down the home stretch with these letters now! 3 more today!

T –

Toy Story (1995)

This is a really cute story and it’s one of my favorite Pixar movies as well. Tom Hanks who plays Woody and Tim Allen who plays Buzz work very well with each other to make this movie a funny, unforgettable one. The second Toy Story is also good, though many Disney sequels are generally a letdown. I can’t wait for Toy Story 3 to come out, it looks good!

Fun Facts:

Many of the books on the shelf in Andy's room are names of Pixar's short films (Adventures of Andre and Wally B., Knick Knack, etc.) and some of the book author's are named after Pixar staff.

All of the cars in Toy Story have license plate stickers that are dated November 95 - the same date the movie was released.

When the soldiers are watching the pile of presents disappear during the birthday party, two silhouette pictures can be seen on the wall. These pictures are available at Walt Disney parks worldwide, and are cut freehand, with no prior sketchwork, using nothing but paper and scissors by the park's employees.

Fun Quotes:

Mr. Potato Head: How come *you* don't have a laser, Woody?
Woody: It's not a laser. It's...
[sighs in frustration]
Woody: It's a little light bulb that blinks.
Hamm: What's wrong with him?
Mr. Potato Head: Laser envy.

Sergeant: Molly's first present is... Mrs. Potato Head! Repeat, a Mrs. Potato Head!
Hamm: Way to go, Idaho!
Mr. Potato Head: Gee, I'd better shave.
[pulls off his moustache]

Andy: You're going to jail, Bart. Say good-bye to the wife and Tater Tots.

Runner-up
Tarzan (1999)

I used to not like this movie because of how violent the beginning is to me, but it really is essential to the storyline so I’ve slowly grown to tolerate it. I really like this movie, however, for the music. Phil Collins does an amazing job and composes many memorable songs that make Tarzan a touching movie.

Fun Facts:

When the gorillas pick up Professor Porter and turn him upside-down, a beanbag toy of Little Brother from Disney's Mulan (1998) falls out of his clothes.

One of the main reasons why animation was chosen as the perfect way to execute a Tarzan story was because the character is so lithe and animal-like, it would have been nearly impossible to achieve those effects with live action.

Fun Quotes:

Terk: Can you believe that guy? Drops us like a newborn giraffe - kerplop! - then waltzes in and expects us to...
Tarzan: Terk, I'm asking you as a friend.
[Looks at Terk with big, soulful eyes]
Terk: Oh, with the face and the eyes... All right! All right! But you'd better not make me do anything stupid.
[Cut to Terk in Jane's dress]
Terk: I'm going to kill him!

Jane Porter: [Tarzan has saved her from the baboons] Put me down! Put me down!
[the baboons approach]
Jane Porter: No, pick me up, pick me up, pick me up!

U –

Up (2009)

I don’t recall ever crying the first time I saw a Disney film like I did when I first saw the beginning of Up. It seemed unusually sad for a Disney movie and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it after that. However, the rest of the movie is rather enjoyable and light-hearted, though there are still gloomy undertones at times. It’s a slight tearjerker in my opinion but it really is worth a watch :)

Fun Facts:

Dug's 'point' pose, where his entire tail, back, and head is in a perfectly straight line, is an homage to the identical pose that Mickey's dog, Pluto, often makes. Dug also shares a similar color scheme to Pluto.

All characters are based upon circles and rectangles, except for the villains who are triangles.

The villain Charles Muntz is named after Charles Mintz, the Universal Pictures executive who in 1928 stole Walt Disney's production rights to his highly-successful "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit" cartoon series. This led Walt Disney to create Mickey Mouse, who soon eclipsed Oswald in popularity.

Fun Quotes:

Russell: [from trailer] Good afternoon. Are you in need of any assistance today, sir?
Carl Fredricksen: No.
Russell: I could help you cross the street.
Carl Fredricksen: No.
Russell: I could help you cross your yard.
Carl Fredricksen: No.
Russell: I could help you cross your porch.
Carl Fredricksen: No!
[closes the door on Russell's foot]
Russell: Ow.

Alpha: Now, you must wear the cone of shame.
Dug: [hangs head] I do not like the cone of shame.

Alpha: [In squeaky voice] Master, dinner is ready.
Charles Muntz: Oh, yes, broken collar? It's that loose wire again.
[Charles fixes the collar]
Charles Muntz: There you go, big fella.
Alpha: [In deep, intimidating voice] Thank you, master.
Russell: [Nervously] I liked his other voice better.

V –

There really isn’t anything for “V” so I’ll be skipping over that one. Hope nobody is too disappointed!

UPDATE:

I’m officially home from college and done with the semester! I’m going to be leaving for Greece and Italy on May 19th and will be returning May 31st. I will be going with a group of students from class and the trip itself will actually be for credit as well which is so awesome! Then I will be leaving for Disney June 6th! I can’t believe it’s less than a month away now!

Until next time,



HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (R/S)

Two more letters today!

R –


Ratatouille (2007)


This movie is so adorable! I was drawn to it because 1) it takes place in Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and 2) it is about cooking which I really like learning about and watching (Food channel anyone? :)) I don’t know how, but they make the food look so delicious and I always want to try it…or maybe I’m just always hungry when I watch it, I don’t know! It’s a funny and heartwarming movie that is sure to please anyone. Definitely one of my top 10 Disney movies :D

Fun Facts:

At the last scene in the film as Ego asks Remy to surprise him for dessert, three pans behind Remy in the kitchen form a hidden Mickey.

John Ratzenberger once again provides a voice in a Pixar film (the only actor do so in every Pixar film). It's also noted that this is the first time Ratzenberger has voiced a human. Before, he has voiced a piggy bank in Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999); a flea in A Bug's Life (1998); The Abominable Snowman in Monsters, Inc. (2001); a school of fish in Finding Nemo (2003); a robotic miner in The Incredibles (2004); and a Mack truck in Cars (2006).

When Remy is climbing out of the sewers for the first time, he is barked at by a dog in one of the homes. You only see the dog's silhouette, but it is actually the dog, Dug, from Pixar's then still-in-production film, Up (2009).

Fun Quotes:

Colette: Horst has done time.
Linguini: What for?
Colette: No one know for sure. He changes the story every time you ask him.
Horst: I defrauded a major corporation.
Horst: I robbed the second-largest bank in France using only a ball-point pen.
Horst: I created a hole in the ozone layer over Avignon.
Horst: I killed a man... with this thumb.

Remy: Hey, I brought you something to...
[sees Emile eating garbage]
Remy: AH! NO, NO, NO, NO! SPIT THAT OUT RIGHT NOW!
[Emile obeys]
Remy: I have got to teach you about food. Close your eyes.
[Emile obeys; Remy hands out piece of cheese]
Remy: Now take a bite of this...
[Emile snarfs the cheese]
Remy: No, no, no! Don't just hork it down!
Emile: Too late.

[Skinner has gotten Linguini drunk in the hopes of getting him to admit that he has a rat under his hat]
Linguini: Hey... Why do they call it that?
Skinner: What?
Linguini: Ratatouille. It's like a stew, right? Why do they call it that? If you're gonna name a food, you should give it a name that sounds delicious. Ratatouille doesn't sound delicious. It sounds like "rat" and "patootie." Rat-patootie, which does not sound delicious.

Runner-up
The Rescuers: Down Under (1990)

I don’t know if anyone remembers this movie, but I liked it. I thought it was actually a pretty good sequel to the original Rescuers (which I almost put in “R” as well!). It takes place in Australia (note the “down under”) and the plot is similar to the original but with all new characters and adventures. I haven’t seen this in quite a while actually…another movie I’m going to add to my “watch” list. :)

Fun Facts:

This was Disney’s first animated sequel.

This was the first 100% digital feature film ever made. The animation and backgrounds were done traditionally but all of the coloring, many effects and the final film printing was all done digitally. This was the first film produced with Disney's Academy Award Winning "CAPS" production system.

Fun Quotes:

Miss Bianca , RAS Mouse: Oh, Captain. Is this a non-stop flight to Australia?
Wilbur: Well, no, no. I can definitely say no. We're gonna have to make connections with a bigger bird. Non-stop? Who do I look like, Charles Lindbergh?

Jake: the Outback Kangaroo-Mouse: So, um, which way are taking', uh, Suicide Trail through Nightmare Canyon, or the shortcut at Satan's Ridge?
Bernard: Su-Suicide Trail?
Jake: the Outback Kangaroo-Mouse: Good choice. More snakes, but less quicksand. Then once you cross Bloodworm Creek, you're scot free, this is until, um... Dead Dingo Pass
Bernard: [sees that the map has nothing but landscapings] Wa-wa-wait a minute, I don't-I don't see any-any of that-that stuff on the map.

S –

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

This is another one of those Disney classics. I think it was a part of Disney’s Masterpiece collection as well, but I’m not entirely sure. Anyway, this movie tells the story of how Arthur came to be King of England with the help of Merlin the wizard. It has fun songs and a lot of fantasy tied in with it (extreme magic duel between Merlin and Madam Mim anyone?). I was going to watch this last weekend but didn’t get enough time :( perhaps sometime in the upcoming week I’ll fit it in somewhere!

Fun Facts:


Character designer Bill Peet gave Merlin Walt Disney's nose.


Arthur was voiced by three different boys - Rickie Sorensen, Richard Reitherman and Robert Reitherman. The changes in voice are very noticeable in the film because of the way Arthur's voice keeps going from broken to unbroken, sometimes in the same scene. One of the easiest noticed is in the last scene in the throne room when Arthur asks in his "changed voice", "Oh, Archimedes, I wish Merlin was here!" Then, the camera cuts farther back and Arthur shouts in his "unchanged voice," "Merlin! Merlin!"

The climactic battle between Merlin and Mad Madam Mim is often cited by animation experts as some of the best character animation to that date. The characters go through numerous physical transformations during battle, yet retain their identifying features; Merlin's guises are blue and include his glasses and facial hair, while Mim's are pink and purple and have her messy hair.

Fun Quotes:

Arthur: I'm in an awful pickle. I'm king!
Archimedes the Owl: He pulled the sword from the stone.
Merlin: Ha ha! Of course, of course. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
Arthur: Round table?
Merlin: Oh, would you rather have a square one?
Arthur: Oh, no. Round will be fine.

Arthur: Oh, Merlin! You're back from Ber... Ber...
Merlin: Bermuda? Yes, back from Bermuda and the 20th century. And believe me, you can have it. One big modern mess!

Merlin: Why, they might even make a motion picture about you.
Arthur: Motion picture?
Merlin: Oh. Well, that's something like television... without commercials.

Runner-up
The Santa Clause (1994)

This movie has definitely become a tradition to watch every time the holidays come around. We’ve been watching it every year as long as I can remember. Tim Allen is so funny in his role, which adds to the captivating nature of the film. This is a classic all on its own to me, and I’m sure many people agree.

Fun Facts:

When Scott and Charlie are leaving the North Pole in the sleigh and pass by the moon; the moon has a distinct Mickey Mouse logo on it.

Elves are scattered throughout the movie in Scott and Charlie's world. The little blonde girl walking away from the window at the opening of the movie; the little boy putting his jacket on and wearing a red scarf as Scott and Charlie are led to their seat in Denny's; the girl walking behind the bench when Scott has kids lined up at Charlie's soccer game; the girl in the purple coat who walks by Scott and Charlie in the park when Scott wants Charlie to stop talking about the Santa Claus; and the attentive little boy in the blue turtleneck behind Charlie's desk during show and tell are all elves. They show up as a group at the end of the movie when Scott flies away from the Miller house, they are the kids who run and skip off.

When Charlie and the new Santa return to the North Pole for the new Christmas, Bernard introduces the techno-savvy elf Quentin, who proceeds to tell Santa about the gadgets the sleigh now has. This is a nod to the James Bond series character "Q", who is the technology master for James Bond’s vehicles.

Fun Quotes:

Dr. Neil Miller: [in a light-hearted phychiatry tone] Scott, what was the last thing you and Charlie did, before you went to bed Christmas Eve?
Scott Calvin: [sarcastically] We shared a bowl of sugar, did some shots of brown liqour, played with my shot guns, field-dressed a cat, looked for women...
[honestly]
Scott Calvin: I read him a book!
Dr. Neil Miller: What book?
Scott Calvin: [sarcastically] Uh, "Hollywood Wives."
[Laura puts her hand into her face, giving off a resentful gesture]
Scott Calvin: [honestly] "The Night Before Christmas", folks, come on!


Scott Calvin: Where is he?
Laura: Well, he could be listening to records jumping up and down on his bed wearing a red hat and galloshes.
Scott Calvin: I don't care what Neil's doing. Where's Charlie?

Scott Calvin: Hey, Barabbas!
Bernard: Ber-nard!
Scott Calvin: Bernard, can we take a direct flight back to reality, or do we have to stop and change planes in Denver?

Until next time,


HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (O,P,Q)

Three more letters for you! Don’t you feel special??? :D

O –

Ok, there aren’t that many “O” Disney movies…and from the list I found, I haven’t actually seen ANY of them. Don’t hate me! I will, however, choose one to showcase just so everyone can have an “O” Disney movie to see. I won’t have a little paragraph on it though, since I haven’t seen it. I will keep the facts and quotes, however. :)

Oliver and Company (1988)

Fun Facts:

The only characters who are derived directly from their Dickensian counterparts are Oliver, Dodger, Fagin and Sykes.

When Oliver wakes up after sleeping on the truck tire, he sees people crossing past the alley where he's slept. One of those people is Roger from One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) (look for the guy with the brown hair, blue shirt, and blue pants).

Fagin wears a Mickey Mouse watch. It's visible on his arm in a close-up as he waits for Oliver's rich owner to deliver the ransom money.

Fun Quotes:

[Georgette sees Oliver in the kitchen]
Georgette: I, um, hope you won't think me rude, but do you happen to know out of whose *bowl* you're eating?
Oliver: Yours?
Georgette: [sarcastically] Ooh! Aren't you a clever kitty?
Georgette: And do you have any idea whose *home* this is?
Oliver: I... thought it was Jenny's.
Georgette: Well, it may be Jenny's *house*, but everything from the doorknobs down is *mine*!

Francis: [to Roscoe] Isn't it rather dangerous to use ones entire vocabulary in a single sentence?

Tito: Hey, man, you're ugly! And you're uglier than him! And you're Ugly, Part Three! Hey, you're Revenge of the Ugly!

P –

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
When I first saw this movie, I loved it. It’s full of action and adventure as well as its fair share of romance. Not to mention there are many big names in the movie: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightly to name a few. I really like the fact however, that this movie was actually inspired by the attraction at Disney Parks. Some of the scenes used in the beloved attraction are shown throughout the movie which I think is really cool. I’ve never heard of an attraction inspiring a movie so that was pretty neat to me. And then, once the movie came out, it in turn, re-inspired the attraction!


Fun Facts:

The final cannon shot during the Black Pearl's siege of the town, billows into a Mickey Mouse head shape against the night sky.

The names of the three main characters are all linked to birds. Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and William Turner, who was a famous ornithologist.

Johnny Depp wore contact lenses which served as sunglasses so he wouldn't be squinting in the sun all the time.

Fun Quotes:

Will Turner: Where's Elizabeth?
Jack Sparrow: She's safe, just like I promised. She's all set to marry Norrington, just like she promised. And you get to die for her, just like you promised. So we're all men of our word really... except for, of course, Elizabeth, who is in fact, a woman.

Jack Sparrow: [looking at all the swords] Who makes all these?
Will Turner: I do. And I practice with them three hours a day.
Jack Sparrow: You need to find yourself a girl mate. Or perhaps the reason you practice three hours a day is that you already found one, and are otherwise incapable of wooing said strumpet. You're not a eunuch are you?
Will Turner: I practice three hours a day, so when I meet a pirate, I can kill it.

Mullroy: What's your purpose in Port Royal, Mr. Smith?
Murtogg: Yeah, and no lies.
Jack Sparrow: Well, then, I confess, it is my intention to commandeer one of these ships, pick up a crew in Tortuga, raid, pillage, plunder and otherwise pilfer my weasely black guts out.
Murtogg: I said no lies.
Mullroy: I think he's telling the truth.
Murtogg: If he were telling the truth, he wouldn't have told us.
Jack Sparrow: Unless, of course, he knew you wouldn't believe the truth even if he told it to you.

Runner-up
Pinocchio (1940)

I love the classic Disney movies and this movie is no exception. It sometimes takes a backseat to some of the other movies though, which is unfortunate. This is a good-natured, wholesome movie that teaches the valuable lesson to always tell the truth. The songs are brilliant and memorable and the characters are lovable so there isn’t much to not like.

Fun Facts:

During the musical number "When You Wish upon a Star," when a spotlight is seen on Jiminy Cricket, one is able to see two books to the left of the screen, which are "Peter Pan" and "Alice in Wonderland." Walt Disney would create these stories for the big screen in 1953 and 1950, respectively.

This was the first animated film to win an Academy Award in a competitive category. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) won an honorary Oscar two years earlier.

Fun Quotes:

The Blue Fairy: You must learn to choose between right and wrong.
Pinocchio: Right and wrong? But how will I know?
Jiminy Cricket: [watching] How'll he know!
The Blue Fairy: [to Pinocchio] Your conscience will tell you.
Pinocchio: What are conscience?
Jiminy Cricket: What are conscience! I'll tell ya! A conscience is that still small voice that people won't listen to. That's just the trouble with the world today...
Pinocchio: Are you my conscience?
Jiminy Cricket: Who, me?

Jiminy Cricket: Well... guess he won't need me anymore. What does an actor want with a conscience, anyway?

Q –

Well…there actually aren’t any “Q” Disney movies….so I’ll just talk briefly about something I remember watching on the Disney channel when I was really young. I don’t know if anyone else remembers it, but there was a segment called “Quack Attack” and it featured old Mickey Mouse cartoons in half hour pieces. Those were the good ole days….:)

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but I get most of my information from www.imdb.com. It has TONS of fun stuff on any movie you could ever think of! So if you haven’t had a chance, go check it out!

Until next time,


HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (M/N)

A couple more letters coming your way!

M –

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

I really like this movie, it’s so cute and Boo is one of the most adorable characters ever. It’s hilarious the interactions between Sulley, Mike, and Boo when they all first meet, not that the whole movie isn’t funny, because it is. The actors who voice Sulley and Mike play off each other so well that you’ll seriously smile throughout the entire thing. :)

Fun Facts:

In keeping with the running gag of Mike being obscured in every photo, on the DVD the hole in the disc appears directly over where Mike would be standing.

When Sulley is about to say goodbye to Boo, Boo is trying to get him to play. A doll of Nemo The Clownfish appears. This is the first appearance of the character who will be the focus of Finding Nemo (2003), storyboarded before this movie but not completed until two years later.

Mary Gibbs was so young that it proved difficult to get her to stand in the recording studio and act her lines. Instead, they simply followed her around with a microphone and cut Boo's lines together from the things she said while she played.

Fun Quotes:

Randall: Where is it, you little one-eyed cretin?
Mike: Okay, first of all, it's "creetin". If you're going to threaten me, do it properly. Second of all, you're nuts if you think kidnapping ME is going to help YOU cheat your way to the top.
Randall: [chuckles evilly] You still think this is about that stupid scare record?
Mike: Well... I did. Right up until you... chuckled... like that... And now I'm thinking I should just get out of here.

[Boo, in disguise, walks up to Mr. Waternoose]
Henry J. Waternoose: Well hello, little one. Where did you come from?
Sulley: Mr. Waternoose.
Henry J. Waternoose: Ah, James. Is this one yours?
Sulley: Ah, actually that's my uh, cousin's sister's daughter, sir.
Mike: Yeah, it's uh, "Bring an Obscure Relative to Work Day".
Henry J. Waternoose: Hmm, must have missed the memo.
Sulley: Mike, this isn't Boo's door.

Mike: Boo? What's Boo?
Sulley: That's... what I decided to call her. Is there a problem?
Mike: Sulley, you're not supposed to name it. Once you name it, you start getting attached to it. Now put that thing back where it came from or so help me...
[Mike pauses, realizing that they suddenly have the attention of the entire scare floor]
Mike: Oh, hey. We're rehearsing a - a scene for the upcoming company play called uh, Put That Thing Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me. It's a musical.
[singing]
Mike: Put that thing back where it came from or so help me... so help me, so help me and cut. We're still working on it, it's a work in progress but, hey, we need ushers.

Runner-up
Mulan (1998)

Mulan is a wonderful Disney film for many reasons. One is that it has the strong female character that I really like. She has a good head on her shoulders and speaks her mind, even when her culture forbids it. Another is what is learned from the story such as acceptance, friendship, loyalty, and honor. This movie, to me, seems realistic and a lot more relatable because it actually lacks the magical, fantasy element (aside from Mushu and the Guardians) that many other Disney movies possess. Mulan has to rely on her quick wits and faithful friends to best the notorious Shan-Yu. Overall, great movie!

Fun Facts:

In the original Chinese legend upon which this film was based, Mulan succeeds in her deception, and leaves the battlefield with great honors. Months later, Mulan's fellow soldiers come in search of their "brother"-in-arms, and are shocked to discover that she's a woman.

“Fa” is the Cantonese pronunciation of Mulan's family name. "Hua" is the correct Mandarin pronunciation, and means "flower". "Hua Ping" (Mulan's fake name) means "flower vase" or just "vase".

Fun Quotes:

Grandmother Fa: Great. She brings home a sword. If you ask me, she should've brought home a man.
Shang: Excuse me. Does Fa Mulan live here?
[Grandmother and Mother dumbly point to the garden]
Shang: Thank you.
Grandmother Fa: Whoo! Sign me up for the next war.

First Ancestor: We must send the most powerful of all.
Mushu: Okay, okay. I get the drift. I'll go.
[Ancestors laugh]
Mushu: Oh, y'all don't think I can do it? Watch this here!
Mushu: [breathes a very small flame] Aha! Jump back. I'm pretty hot, huh? Don't make me have to singe nobody to prove no point.
First Ancestor: You had your chance to protect the Fa family.
Old Female Ancestor: Your misguidance led Fa Deng to disaster!
Fa Deng: [holding his severed head] Yeah, thanks a lot.

N –

National Treasure (2004)

First of all, I love National Treasure because of the historical element to it. I like history (yes, I’m a nerd :P) and making it sort of like a scavenger hunt where one clue leads to another just makes it all the more fun! I love Riley’s character too, he’s really funny. This movie is fast-paced and awesome. Nicolas Cage is pretty awesome in his own right as well.

Fun Facts:

Ben, Patrick, and John Gates were all named after founding fathers (Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and John Adams). Abigail Chase is a combination of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, and Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and later an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Good guys in the movie use Google and bad guys use Yahoo! search engines. (Haha, I love this fact!)

In the DC segment during the planning stage of the burglary the movie cuts to an external shot of a building on the Potomac River - presumably where the bad guys are planning their attempt. This building is the Watergate Hotel.

Fun Quotes:

Riley Poole: It's a big blue-ish green man... with a strange-looking goatee... I'm guessing that's significant.
[hugs the statue]

Ben Gates: The preservation room. Enjoy. Go ahead. Do you know what the preservation room is for?
Riley Poole: Delicious jams and jellies?

Ian Howe: You all right, Ben? No broken bones? A jump like that could kill a man.
Ben Gates: No, it was cool. You should try it some time.

Until next time,


HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (J,K,L)

I’ve been such a slacker for my blog lately. I apologize! I’m just getting really busy with my schoolwork since the semester is winding down. I honestly believe that all the professors get together and decide to make everything due the same day, just to spite us. Anyway, to thank you all for patiently waiting, I will be doing (gasp) 3 letters today!

J –

The Jungle Book (1967)

I never really got into this movie as much as some of the others but I decided to include it since it is a Disney Classic. It has some really cute parts and my favorite character would have to be Bagheera because I think he’s a good down-to-earth character that is absolutely hilarious without even trying to be. Also, I don’t know why but I like Shere Khan’s voice. It’s really deep and commanding…it’s scary in a good way…makes him a more menacing villain.

Fun Facts:

This was the last movie to personally be supervised by Walt Disney.

The Vultures song "That's What Friends Are For" was originally written with Beatles-style beat, but Disney insisted it was changed, so as not to date it to the Sixties. It was rewritten as a barbershop quartet, to make it timeless.

Kaa the snake is a completely different character in the film than he is in the original book. In the book, he is a friend and advisor of Mowgli, and the one who rescues him from the monkeys. In the film, he is a villain bent on eating Mowgli.

Fun Quotes:

Mowgli: Oh, Baloo, I wanna stay with you.
Baloo: Certainly, you do.
Bagheera: Oh? And just how do you think he will survive?
Baloo: "How do you think he will... ” What do you mean how do you think he... He's with me, ain't he? And I'll learn him all I know.
Bagheera: Oh? That shouldn't take too long.

Bagheera: You wouldn't marry a panther, would you?
Baloo: I don't know. Come to think of it, no panther ever asked me.
Mowgli: [sees the girl] Look. What's that?
Bagheera: Oh, it's the man-village.
Mowgli: No, no. I mean that.
Baloo: Forget about those, they ain't nothing but trouble.
Mowgli: Just a minute. I've never seen one before.
Baloo: So you've seen one. So let's go.
Mowgli: I'll be right back. I want a better look.
Baloo: Mowgli, wait a minute.
Bagheera: Oh, Baloo. Let him have a better look.

K –

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989 –Japan ,1998 – US)

This movie holds a special place in my heart. The songs are fun and it has a wonderful story line and I love that it’s full of adventure and magic. I know this may not be a “true” Disney film, but it was released in the US under the Disney company so I think it counts. It’s just a cute movie. I think I’ll go and watch it :)

Fun Facts:

During the zeppelin accident, the radio broadcaster says "Oh! the humanity". Those are the same words said in the Hindenburg disaster live broadcast by USA radio reporter Herbert Morrison in 1937.


The story takes place in an alternative 1950's Europe where WWI and WWII never happened. Miyazaki has been quoted saying that the fictional city of Kokiro has one side on the shores of the Mediterranean, and the other on the Baltic Sea.

Fun Quotes:

Jiji: [Jiji looks at his paws and around the room that is covered in flour] If you wake up tomorrow and find a white cat, it's me.

Kiki: Without even thinking about it, I used to be able to fly. Now I'm trying to look inside myself and find out how I did it.

L – There are an INSANE amount of good “L” movies! So, I’m just going to pick a couple.

The Lion King (1994)

I had had HAD to include this movie. It’s one of the most well-known and beloved Disney movies of all time. The musical score for this movie is beyond brilliant (Thank you Elton John and Tim Rice!) and the story is completely captivating. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I get so emotional just at the opening scene of “The Circle of Life.” Ahhhh I love it!

Fun Facts:

The plot-line is loosely based upon William Shakespeare's Hamlet; a story of a young prince whose uncle takes over the kingdom and marries the queen after killing the king/prince's father. After being away from home for a period of time, these events lead to the prince's plans for revenge. The prince receives some advice from his father's ghost. Also, during the scene where Zazu sings I've got a lovely bunch of Coconuts, Scar Has a skull in his hand.

Several character names are based on Swahili words: - Shenzi: Barbarous/Uncouth/Uncivilized/Savage - Pumbaa: Ignorant/Lazy/Careless - Sarabi: Mirage - Rafiki: Comrade/Friend - Simba: Lion/Courageous Warrior - Mufasa: reportedly the name of the last king of the Bagada people, who were dispersed during the English colonization of Kenya.

One of the bugs that Timon pulls out of a knothole during Hakuna Matata is wearing Mickey Mouse ears.

Fun Quotes:

Sarabi: Your son's awake.
Mufasa: Before sunrise, he's *your* son.

Banzai: Oh, Scar, it's just you.
Shenzi: We were afraid it was somebody important.
Banzai: Yeah, you know, like Mufasa.
Scar: I see.
Banzai: Now that's power.
Shenzi: Tell me about it. I just hear that name and I shudder.
Banzai: Mufasa!
Shenzi: Ooooh! Do it again!
Banzai: Mufasa!
Shenzi: Ooooh!
Banzai: Mufasa, Mufasa, Mufasa!
Shenzi: Ooooh!
[breaks into laughter]
Shenzi: And it tingles me!
Scar: I'm *surrounded* by idiots.

Timon: Let me get this straight. You know her. She knows you. But she wants to eat him. And everybody's okay with this?
[jumps up suddenly]
Timon: Did I miss something?

Runner-up
Lilo and Stitch (2002)

This movie is absolutely adorable and was really a lot different from the other movies before it since it has a realistic quality to it, aside from the fact that there are aliens and the like…I really like the message that is sent from the movie, though. It’s just a really cute movie.

Fun Facts:

There are several "hidden Mickeys" in the movie - one can be seen in the Grand Council scene, on Jumba's platform. Another can be seen as a logo on the shorts of one of Lilo's photographic subjects on the wall of her room.

All of the license plates in the film (VW, Nani's car, the fire engine, and Cobra Bubbles' car) are A113. The same as Mrs. Davis's plate number in Toy Story (1995), Mater's plate number in Cars (2006), and also used in many other Disney and Pixar films. It is a reference to a room number at California Institute of the Arts, where many of the animators at those two companies received their educations.

Fun Quotes:

Lilo: Did you lose your job because of Stitch and me?
Nani: Nah. The manager's a vampire. He wanted me to join his legion of the undead.
Lilo: I knew it!

Lilo: I got a new dog. His name is Stitch.
Myrtle Edmonds: That is the ugliest thing I have ever saw!
other girls: Yeeaahh!

Until next time,


HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!

The ABC's of Disney movies, as told by me (H/I)

Sorry it took so long to get this post out. On to the next 2 letters!

H –

Hercules (1997)

This is definitely one of my favorites if not my favorite Disney movie. It is nonstop humor and I think Hercules’ character is one we can all relate to. And again, I love when there are strong female roles, like we see here in Megara. And I don’t know about anyone else, but I constantly sing the songs from this movie. I love them!

Fun Facts:

In the scene where two kids were trapped under a boulder, they said "someone call I, X, I, I". Though pronounced as letters, this is a reference to the Roman numerals IX, I, I, or 911 - the emergency phone number in the United States.

At one point during Meg's musical scene "I Won't Say I'm In Love," the Muses sing while appearing as marble busts. The busts are in the same arrangement as the singing busts in the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

When Phil and Hercules first enter Phil's hut, Hercules bangs his head on what Phil tells him is the mast of the Argo. In Greek mythology, Jason, the captain of the Argo, was killed when the mast hit his head.

Fun Quotes:

Meg: Is Wonderboy here for real?
Phil: What are you talkin' about? Of course he's real.
[gets a proper look at her]
Phil: Whoa! And by the way, sweet cheeks... I'm real, too.

Hades: How sentimental. You know, I haven't been this choked up since I got a hunk of moussaka caught in my throat.

Hercules: Aren't you... a damsel in distress?
Meg: I'm a damsel, I'm in distress, I can handle this. Have a nice day.

Runner-up
The Haunted Mansion (2003)


Some people aren’t really fond of this movie, but I am. I like this movie because I think it does a really good job of pulling in all the different parts that we love in the ride at the Disney Parks such as Madame Leota, the hitchhiking ghosts, and the singing busts. Plus, I really enjoy the storyline.

Fun Facts:

Hidden Mickeys: - when Jim and Sara are at the gate to the mansion, Sara picks up the lock on the gate which is shaped like a Mickey head. - When Ramsley pours the powdered poison in Sarah's drink, a Mickey forms when the powder and drink mix. - The couch in the library is vaguely shaped as Mickey's head.

The Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet that performs in Disneyland's Main Street USA, make a special appearance as the voices of the singing busts.

Fun Quotes:

Jim: Wait a minute. You're telling me this guy is dead, and the only reason we were brought here is he wants to get jiggy with my wife.
Ezra: Pretty much. Are you upset?
Jim: The guy is dead, and he's trying to get with my wife. And the house isn't really for sale. Yes, I'm upset.

[Ramsley has just revealed what really happened to Elizabeth]
Ramsley: The Master must never know. Edward and his love will be reunited and this curse will be broken.
Jim: That's not her, that's my wife!
Ramsley: And what she sees in you, I'll never know.

I –


The Incredibles (2004)

This is a great movie for any age. It’s very family-oriented and charming, so it will pretty much be a hit with anyone who watches it. It’s kind of like the spy world meets the superhero world with all its gadgets and secret locations. Plus, they have some really awesome powers. Who wouldn’t like this movie?

Fun Facts:

In the beginning of the film, when a robber is going through a woman's purse on the roof of a building, a Mr. Incredible Pez dispenser can be seen among the items scattered on the ground.

The handwritten text that zips by sideways at the beginning of Mr. Incredible's footage interview reads: "Pixar Animation Studios production #50840: The Incredibles, reel 1AB."

This is the first (and so far only) Pixar film to feature a full family (mother, father, children).

Fun Quotes:

Lucius: You tell me where my suit is, woman! We are talking about the greater good!
Honey: 'Greater good?' I am your wife! I'm the greatest *good* you are ever gonna get!

[to Mr. Incredible]
Syndrome: Oh, no. Elastigirl? You married Elastigirl? Ho, ho, ho...
[sees the kids]
Syndrome: Oh - and got biz-zay! It's a whole family of supers! Looks like I hit the jackpot! Oh, this is just too good!

Helen: [on getting no response from the island's air tower, Helen reaches for her superhero costume, then pulls back] Easy, Helen, easy, easy girl. You're overreacting, everything's fine, they're just... all getting coffee! At the same time. Yeah.

Runner-up
Inspector Gadget (1999)

This is a really cute movie and it’s hilarious. I love watching all the different and crazy gadgets that just appear out of nowhere and Mathew Broderick does a great job as the main character. This movie holds a special place in my heart because a good bit of it was actually filmed in Pittsburgh!

Fun Facts:

At the Bradford Institute parking lot scene, Brenda Bradford hums to the original Inspector Gadget theme song.

The movie had more than 150,000 Skittles spilled in the Gadgetmobile after he crashed on Scolex's limo.

Fun Quotes:

Inspector Gadget: I don't know what you're up to, Claw, but I will stop you.
Dr. Claw: Aw touché, Inspector, I think someone has been watching way too many Saturday morning cartoons.

Inspector Gadget: I owe you one, Scolex. You wrecked my car, and I really liked that car.
Dr. Claw: Well, you crushed my hand and I really liked that hand. So Go-Go get over it!

Until next time,


HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!