Animated Movies, Part 2: Pixar

 

 

 

 Welcome to Part 2: Pixar!

Pixar's first Princess, Merida lives up to the title of the movie.  She's a girl who knows her mind, knows what she wants, and is unfortunately tied to tradition.  Her solo adventure, riding her (gorgeously rendered) horse while shooting arrows, is the stuff of legend.  I also hold dear movies about mothers and daughters (having daughters and, well, being a daughter).  Here, we have a mother and daughter duo who are so busy disagreeing that it takes a catastrophe for them to realize how much they actually not only love each other, but LIKE each other.

 

This family loves NASCAR.  Our older daughter has loved it practically since birth.  This is why we knew that this would be the perfect First Theatre movie for her.  There are some great lessons about true teamwork, selflessness, and keeping one's word.  The attention to detail (the "marbles"!) is wonderful.  You get to really know and love the residents of Radiator Springs, and there are also some fun voice cameos.

 

THIS is the sequel that Cars fans needed and wanted!  It carried on the heart of the first one, only now with the former cocky rookie becoming the wise mentor, but not without some serious speed bumps.  This one gives something to long-time NASCAR fans, touching upon the history of the sport, with voice cameos both from the storied past and the current field. 

 

Mental health is a big, important topic these days.  This movie covers the topic with sensitivity, authenticity, warmth and humor.  The personifications of the emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear fit perfectly, and the clever ways they come up with certain mental issues - the confusion between facts and opinions, dreams, "earworms", etc. - are nothing short of brilliant.

 

Little Riley is growing up, hitting puberty, and her emotions are growing with her; however, it is not smooth sailing!  Joining the original 5 are Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment (and, to a lesser, hilarious extent, Nostalgia).  Once again, the topic of mental health is handled delicately, but realistically.

 

This one covers a number of pretty heavy subjects: death, coma, lost dreams, ambition, finding your place in the world, to name a few.  Some of the humor was lost on me, but the music more than made up for it.  I love jazz, and the soundtrack is phenomenal.

 

Toy Story 3 is my favorite of the Toy Story franchise (although as of this writing I have not yet seen 5).  Part of the reason is that I first saw it the day my husband came home from the hospital after almost dying.  The movie is very emotional to begin with!  However, those emotions are earned.  If you were a child when the first one came out, then it'll hit you where you live; if you were an adult, it'll fill you with nostalgia (and possibly make you look at your own children differently).

 

This one ranks among the very top of my favorites.  This is another complicated mother/daughter relationship movie, but this one hits deeper and harder for me.  All I'll say about that is...I wish I could have watched it with my mother back in the day.  The fun anime-reminiscent stylings, the infectious joy of the girls' friendships, an unforgettable boy band, all join together for a fun-filled, girl-power (but boys should see it too) movie.

 

This one is also among my very top.  The opening alone makes a great, emotional movie with only the strains of the score "Married Life" playing.  The rest of the movie is a fun and exciting adventure.  Dreams fulfilled and dreams deferred, what makes a family, and dangerous obsession are some of the themes, all accompanied by an old man, a young boy, a colorful bird, and a "talking" dog. 

 

...and speaking of minimal dialog, this movie conveys thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas with as little dialog as possible.  However, among the sci-fi, the space travel, the robots, and the futuristic dystopia is nestled a sweet love story between two beings who have little in common but learn to see beyond those, and learn to work together for the common good.  This one also has my all-time favorite line from any Pixar movie: "I don't want to survive!  I want to live!"  (It's also funny that the last 3 listed here all rank within my top 3.)

Honorable mentions:   Good Dinosaur, Onward, Toy Story. 

Animated Movies, Part 1: Disney

  

 

I love animated movies.  While I love movies in general, animated ones hold a special place in my heart.  Everything from ones made for children to the likes of "Fritz the Cat" (look it up) and everything in between.  Some I watch for entertainment, some for nostalgia, some for comfort.  I will NEVER outgrow them!

 I decided to come up with a 4-part series of my personal favorites, dividing animated movies into 4 categories.  I could narrow it down even more, but decided to keep it simple.  I'm also listing each in alphabetical order

 I'll start here with Part 1: Disney

 

From early childhood and for years following, this was one of my Top 3; it remains in my Top 10.  I've always loved cats - my childhood nickname is Kitty - so this was right up my alley.  The animation is stunning.  Dutchess is so beautiful and refined, but done with warmth.  The kittens are truly siblings, alternately fighting and having each other's backs.  O'Malley had incredible character growth throughout the film.  And the music is swinging! 

 

Bambi was one of the first Disney VHS tapes I got; it was a gift from my father-in-law.  The backgrounds and the scenery are so gorgeous that my daughters were surprised that they weren't done by computer.  While some of the thematic devices are pretty intense (never mind Bambi's mother...let's discuss those birds in the grass!) but there are enough scenes of tenderness, warmth and humor to balance it all out.  Everyone needs a friend like Thumper.

This has got to be one of the funniest, craziest, silliest movies ever made, and it's all the better for it.  While the entire cast is top-notch, Eartha Kitt shines as Yzma. There aren't a lot of dark parts in this, but there are a few scenes of sweetness and heart...but it's mostly non-stop laughs.  Just don't pull the wrong lever!

 

Like with the previous movie, Hercules has tons of humor, with James Woods being a particular stand-out as the fast-talking Hades.  However, the soundtrack does a lot of the heavy lifting here: from gospel to doo-wop, every song is a banger.

 

And now for something completely different.  Dark, haunting, intense...it's pretty wild even with the traditional Disney softening of the origin story.  Thankfully, the gargoyles help to add humor and light. It's easy to love the underdog Quasimodo, and just as easy to fear and despise Judge Claude Frollo.  This one holds a special place in my heart, not the least reason being the song "God Help the Outcasts".

 

I openly admit that this is, was, and quite possibly always will be, my favorite.  So many iconic scenes.  So many lovable characters.  A delightful mix of light and dark, sometimes simultaneously (like the pound scene).  I also confess that Lady is one of the reasons I have long hair.

 

The third of my childhood Top 3.  I still remember going to see this in the theatre.  I had a Dalmatian coat that I wore, and I had my little stuffed Dalmatian puppy sitting by the door, waiting for me to come home and tell him all about it.  Not a slow moment, with a real sense of peril.  There is a reason Cruella DeVil is considered one of the most evil Disney villains of all time.

 

This one will always hold a special place in my heart; it was the first movie where I got to "take" my little brother, just the two of us.  Shy, slightly nerdy Bernard and brave, sophisticated, glamorous Miss Bianca make you wish that there was a REAL Rescue Aid Society.  Madame Medusa (a "distant cousin" of Cruella's?) is as cold and cruel as they come, and little Penny isn't afraid to do her share & not sit idly by.

 

I don't mean to leave off the more contemporary stuff!  This coming-of-age movie is a blast right from the beginning.  Modern sensibilities with an old-fashioned aesthetic, great music, fun sidekicks, a not-so-charming not-so-prince, and a vain and evil villain who defines the word "gaslighting".

 

For the 100th anniversary of Disney Animation, they went all out on this one.  I don't understand why a lot of people didn't care for it; I LOVE it!  Tons of Easter Eggs that take more than one viewing to catch all of them.  An extremely diverse cast (my daughter loves that one of Asha's best friends needs a crutch).  The best music to come out in a while. You don't want to know how many times I've already watched it, and it hasn't even been out for 3 years as of this writing.

 Honorable Mentions:  Big Hero 6, Raya & the Last Dragon, Zootopia.

Off the Beaten Path - New Music

Music has always been important to me, and I like most styles of music.  While I'm not exactly afraid of discovering a new band or listening to recommendations, I do tend to play it safe.

It's no secret that I am not anyone important in the music industry.  I'm just a person who likes music.

So...why have I become a new music magnet?

I also enjoy social media.  Cat videos, the latest on the current Olympics, keeping in touch with friends and family, memes, jokes, prayers...I like these.  Sure, there is a lot that I don't enjoy - I despise political posts on EITHER side - but for the most part I'm in.  I don't post a lot, but I'm there.

However, lately I've been discovering new music in an interesting way: these low-key artists have been seeking me out!  I'm touched and honored to follow these artists, as each of them has caught my ear with their innovation, originality, and style.  So, since there is not a lot I CAN do for them, I CAN spread the word.  Here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

 

Matt Jaffe

Matt has actually been around for a while, having been discovered by Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads while in his teens.  His voice has a high and ethereal sound, while his guitar playing can also seem not of this world, although you can hear some of his influences (one song has a slight Beatles-esque feel).  His lyrics are fun and catchy, sometimes being influenced by some of his favorite books, like John Irving.

Favorite track so far – Voodoo Doll

 

Matt Steady

Another Matt.  While they may have the same first name, Mr. Steady's music is completely different.  His influences run more towards prog rock and celtic.  His voice is rough (in the best way possible), suitable to his fantasy and sea shanty turns...but his instrumentals are not to be sold short!  His guitar playing is soulful and strong; you can lose yourself in their power.  However, he's harder to find...but so worth the search. 

Favorite track so far – Here Be Dragons

Fuzzwahh 

This band is the newest one I've been introduced to...literally just the other day!  Their music is the unbelievable combination of psychedelic, blues, rock, a touch of jazz...all blending together to what can best be described as an experience.  Their first full-length album isn't out just yet, but I've already got it reserved on Spotify.

Favorite track so far – Fuzzwahh 

Tigirlily Gold 

Here is another fairly new one, just discovered by me last week.  These sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh have a sweet modern country style that's not too twangy and not too pop-y.  These are also girls who know how to have fun: the title song of their first album is pretty much an ode to hair coloring!  (Well, a bit more than that, but...)

Favorite track so far – Hometown Song

Thomas Kavanagh 

Thomas is a UK country/pop artist.  He is a songwriter with vocals that are strong with a romantic tone.  He's been around since 2016 and has had some successful EPs released.  A couple of his songs have also been played in the UK TV series, "All About Casey".

Favorite track so far – All For Nothing

Alexis Taylor 

Alexis is originally from Canada, and her style varies around soft rock, pop, and country.  Her voice is strong and sweet.  She released a version of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" that I truly enjoy...and y'all know what a huge Mac & Stevie Nicks fan I am!

Favorite track so far – Room Service

Teea Goans

I know, I know...Anyone who knows me knows that I have been following Teea for years, and I found her the old-fashioned way: I caught her music video for "Letter From God".  However, she has recently added a new dimension to her talents and has become an incredible songwriter!  Her 5th album, "All Over the Map" is her songwriting debut...and her writing is beautiful.  She still has her Traditional Country sound - don't mess with a good thing - but these songs, co-written by Jim "Moose" Brown, are fresh, lyrically sound, and her voice is still as gorgeous as ever.

Favorite tracks so far – Letter From God & Untangled

I strongly recommend giving these artists a listen.  Most of them are available on Spotify, except for Matt Steady, who is on Bandcamp.  (Also, if you contact him, he'll send you a free CD!)