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twolfaith
Reviews
Once Upon a Studio (2023)
I WANT MORE OF THIS!
This short was just something else. I saw the trailer when it popped up on YouTube and I was both excited and nervous about it. Then I noticed it was on my Disney+ so I watched it. Oh my goodness! What a perfect way to celebrate 100 years of this remarkable company. I know Disney kind of sucks now with some of their recent films and upcoming remakes, but this short proves they can still do good for this world. The 2d animation of the classic characters is just fantastic and I hope this is a sign that we just might get more 2d animated films like most of us have been wanting. And, of course, two of the best things about this short are the scene where Mickey thanks Walt Disney for everything and the ending when the characters sing "When You Wish Upon a Star". I love everything about this short. The only reason it isn't a 10/10 is because I want more of this. The short was only eight minutes long. I want to see more of these classic characters interacting with the more recent characters. Like do something like Mickey's House of Mouse but with the modern characters too and not just showing shorts for 22 minutes. Seriously, if you are a Disney nut like I am, WATCH THIS SHORT. It is the best thing Disney has created since Encanto. And it proves that Disney still has some of their good stuff.
Almost Angels (1962)
Almost A Great Movie
"Almost Angels" is basically about Tony Fiala, a young boy who wants to be a part of the Vienna choirboys. He then gets to be a choirboy and is bullied by an older boy named Peter. But then they become friends. Yeah. This movie is kind of confused on what it's main conflict is. First, the conflict is Tony's father being against him joining the choir, then he just lets him join the choir. Then, the conflict is Tony being bullied by Peter, then they just become friends. And finally, the conflict is Peter losing his voice and now can't sing. You see what I mean? This movie also has bad pacing in some parts. Sometimes we just watch the choirboys sing and we watch the boys perform a whole play. THEN at the end of the film, we watch them sing a whole song again. Maybe I'm complaining as this is a film about choirboys but they could've pasted the film a bit better. But other than those two main complaints I have with it, it's a solid film overall. The actors are fairly likable enough, the music is pretty good, it's a relaxing sort of movie. It's an ALMOST great movie you could say. Check it out as it is available on Disney+ and see what you think.
Secrets of the Pirate's Inn (1969)
It's a shame this movie isn't available on DVD
"Secrets of the Pirate's Inn" follows three young kids who help an old Irish sea captain find a hidden treasure with a mysterious foe on their tails. This movie is surprisingly very entertaining to watch and from what I know, many people can recall seeing it as children back in '69 and the memories they have of watching it. Remember when movies could just be fun and exciting and not have to do with race and sex? ME EITHER! I wish we could just go back to the good ol' days of film. The movie is available on YouTube, so you should definitely give it a watch. It's a shame this film isn't available on DVD because I'd totally buy it!
Stuart Little (1999)
A childhood gem
I remember watching both this movie and the sequel a ton as a kid and they were very enjoyable. And looking back, this movie does have its problems and illogical moments, but if you put those illogical thoughts aside, you get a genuinely sweet little family film about a mouse who finds a family amongst humans. It delivers a message about how anyone can be your family and while that message has been done a plethora of times before and after, it's still genuinely sweet here. Also, Michael J. Fox is always a win (Marty McFly, anyone?). Overall, it's not a perfect film by any means but I think the heart put into it is most definitely present.
The Boy Who Talked to Badgers (1975)
The Boy Who Talked to Badgers Review
"The Boy Who Talked to Badgers" follows a young boy named Ben who likes to talk to animals, in particular, an old badger. But when Ben finds himself lost, the badger helps him survive in the wilderness. Well, where should I start? It's a nice little story about having faith when things are really bad, but the problem with this film is it feels like we hardly see the titular boy and badger. In fact, when the boy is lost, he hardly goes anywhere. You could argue this story is more about the mother and father having to cope with the fact that they can't find their son anywhere, but the title literally is "The Boy Who Talked to Badgers", so why don't we see more of the boy and the badger? This film isn't bad, but it just bothers me that we hardly see the, in theory, "main characters". This film is still better than anything Disney's pumping out these days (other than Encanto) and I would recommend you check it out but I wouldn't expect too much to come out of it, other than a nice little message and cute story.
Emil and the Detectives (1964)
An Underrated Disney Film That's More Enjoyable Than You Think
"Emil and the Detectives" follows a young boy called, appropriately enough, Emil Tischbein, who's on his way to Berlin to see his grandmother with 400 marks in his pocket. However, on the bus to Berlin, Emil's money is stolen from a pick pocketer and Emil is determined to catch the crook with the help of some young detectives. But the group come across something that's bigger than just 400 marks. This movie is not a masterpiece by any means, nor would I call it a great film, but with the state that the Disney company is in right now, it's way more entertaining than I thought it was gonna be. The main characters (mostly being children) are surprisingly very talented, especially Emil himself and the leader of the detectives, Gustav. They're never too annoying and feel like real kids. Also, while the villains are your typical bank robber types, they are still better than the forceful, sympathetic Disney villains we get these days. The music is also surprisingly very memorable in this film, from going from kid-friendly fun sounding to mysterious sounding, if that makes any sense. Overall, the film isn't great but I definitely think it's worth checking out.
Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)
WHY WAS THIS A BOX OFFICE FLOP?
Seriously, I will never understand why this was a flop. Sure, it's not perfect, but it's still fun. As the title implies, Big Idea decided to tell the Biblical story of Jonah with our veggie friends and they do a pretty good job. They stick pretty close to the original Bible story minus making Nineveh more G-rated for the kiddies. Really, slapping people with fish? Big Idea you guys are underrated geniuses. Archibald as Jonah feels too perfect as he does a good job as our main character (I mean, Phil Vischer does a good job as Archibald as Jonah 😉). Also including The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything was a great idea too as they carry most of the comedy. Additionally, is it just me or am I the only one who LOVES Khalil? I really do, he's funny and has heart, especially near the end of the movie when he tells Jonah God loves everyone not just him. "You are pathetic!"😂. But the best part of this movie is the songs. There's only one word to describe them "catchy". My favorite is "God of Second Chances" because imagining angels wearing sunglasses is just awesome, also the song is just awesome. Seriously, watch this movie, it is awesome and if you love VeggieTales, you'll love this.
Piglet's Big Movie (2003)
Piglet's BEST Movie
Piglet's Big Movie is my FAVORITE Pooh film of them all and that may be an unpopular opinion because I admit it's not the most emotional Pooh film like say Tigger's Movie and some of the songs aren't as memorable as the songs in Many Adventures, but it's still pretty darn good. Piglet is actually my favorite character not just from this franchise but of all-time. He's the one character I get the most as he's shy and anxious just like me. The only difference between us is I'm actually tall and Piglet is small, THAT'S IT! Now he does get scared over more "silly" things while I get scared of more serious things, but for this universe it works. Anyway, back to this movie. I think the message of little guys can do big things is an important one and I even got the message that Piglet's friends learn to appreciate him for who he is by the end. Also, this movie includes my favorite Pooh song and song OF ALL-TIME and it's "With a Few Good Friends" by Carly Simon, it just brings me back to when I was a kid watching the movie. Now there is 1 negative with this movie and it has to do with Kanga and Roo first moving into the Hundred Acre Wood. You see, Piglet and the gang are frightened by Kanga and Roo so Rabbit comes up with a plan to kidnap Roo and hold him for ransom until Kanga and him leave the Hundred Acre Wood. And sure it's played for giggles and laughs and no harm is really done, but really it's very out-of-character for these "supposedly" beloved characters we've grown to love. But overall besides that scene, this movie is excellent and a good time. The songs are great, the animation is nice, and the story at least has heart which is all I ask for movies to have.
Pete's Dragon (1977)
A Dragon, a Dragon, I Swear I Saw a Dragon
Pete's Dragon (1977) is one of Disney's most underrated films in my opinion. It's one that I can understand is witty, cheesy, and a bit over-the-top, but at least the actors seem like they're having fun and the story is REALLY great for kids. I loved it as a kid and still watch it now at 17. The best actors in this movie are Jim Dale as Dr. Terminus who probably has the best performance in the whole film, Mickey Rooney as Lampie who is pretty fun and entertaining, and Helen Reddy as Nora who is the sweet motherly figure for Pete and she sings the GREATEST SONG EVER in this film "Candle on the Water" which isn't just one of my favorite Disney songs but literally my third favorite song of all time because it's sung beautifully and has a good message behind it. Also, Sean Marshall as Pete, in my opinion, is pretty memorable and gives a decent performance. Also, I adore Elliott and the animation in this film is very well-done. My only negative with this film is that it is too long (Two hours? Really?). Everything else is just great and you'll have a grand ol' time with it 👍