Happy Thanksgiving Disney movie fans!!
This month I’ve decided to do something a little
differently. In my searching around for
the perfect Disney movie in it with a Thanksgiving theme I spend a lot of time
in my living just staring at my collection and feeling thankful that I was
introduced to Disney movies and Disney magic at such a young age. Feeling thankful that Walt Disney taught
through example that anything is possible.
One of the most inspiring things I have learned about Walt Disney
throughout my life is that he had a dream of making something possible and he
inspired those around him to make it happen.
Whether it was creating a movie magic for both animated and live-action
films, making a theme park against that went against the grain of amusement
parks of the day (my favorite Walt Disney story: When he sent some Imagineers
to propose the idea of Disneyland at a theme park convention, everyone stated
reasons it would never work and he said well good if they liked it I would have
been worried. I’m paraphrasing this of
course). To me this approach of letting
the imagination take flight and finding ways to make it happen epitomizes the
term Disney Magic.
On a more personal note, I’m also thankful for living in a
time and age where I can be who I wish to be and achieve my own personal goals
and dreams. That means being able to
express my feelings in the blog as a Disney Addict, being able to perform in
many ways, and sharing those thoughts with all of you out in the world. Thankful I have a loving partner that I am
able to share my life and experiences with and that loves to travel to Disney
as much as I do, even if he doesn’t understand as much (We plan on going for
our five-year anniversary and celebrate like we did for our first
anniversary!). There are a lot of things
I am thankful for in my life, and that have happened in my life to get me to
this point.
Now, I’ve been mulling over the proper time to do this post
and to be honest, November seemed like a good time to introduce what are my top
five picks for Disney Movies. This
partially came from the lack of Thanksgiving movies put out by Disney (and if
you know of any with a Thanksgiving like theme please comment below) and
partially looking forward to the Christmas season. Now as a general rule I don’t normally
discuss Christmas before Thanksgiving as I prefer to take one holiday at a time
and enjoy the warmth and love each give, but I’m willing to bend that rule this
time around because this may help give some you readers ideas on what to give
your Disney Addict friend or family member, or a jumping off point to starting
your own Disney DVD collection.
Now a quick disclaimer: I did not to a lot of researching,
polling, interviewing and what have you to create this list; it is my own
personal opinion. If I left out a movie
that you think should be on the list or have your own list, then I invite you
to share it in the comments. But any
negative posts will be deleted.
I have divided the lists up into three different categories:
1. Disney Classic Animation, 2. Disney Pixar Films, and 3. Disney
Live-Action. So let’s dive in shall we?
Top 5 Picks for Disney Classic Animation Films:
- Snow White and The Seven Dwarves – May as well start at the beginning. Originally released in 1937, this is the movie that started the full-length, animated feature films revolution that would became a hallmark of Disney Animation Studios
- Fantasia & Fantasia 2000 – There are going to be certain instances where I bend a little and rather than select a movie, choose the series it belongs to and this is one such instance. Not only are you getting classic animation from these movies but also an exposure to great classical music pieces.
- The Princess and the Frog – Disney success in animation stems from being able to take classic stories and rework them in new ways, and here we see that very situation. Taking place in New Orleans during the height of the Jazz Era, this isn’t your typical frog needs the kiss of a princess to be back human. But if you want the whole story, grab a copy for yourself (no spoilers here).
- Lilo and Stitch – There are very few movies in my collection that I am able to watch over and over again that provoke the same visceral reaction. Lilo and Stitch happens to be one that holds this honor. The story of a broken family putting the pieces together again and showing us that family is who we choose it to be.
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Now … while this is an example of a story from classica literature being “Disney-fied” I chose this movie because of the music written by the amazingly talented Alan Menken (Who also wrote music for Aladdin, Hercules, and The Little Mermaid just to name a few).
Top 5 Picks for Disney Pixar Films:
- Finding Nemo – The pure artistry of this film and how they are able to create wonderfully unique characters while still retaining the element of realism in their movements makes this a true triumph for the Pixar studios. And I must admit I have a soft spot for anything involving the ocean as I considered a degree in marine biology while in college.
- The Incredibles – So what happens when superheroes have to conceal themselves full-time? Take day jobs? Raise families? Gain a little weight? Pick up this film and you can see for yourself and enjoy a day in the life of Mr. Incredible and family.
- Ratatouille – Okay I admit it … I love food and I love to cook. This film gives us the imagination and aspiration of a rat that wishes to cook and enjoy food (voiced by Michael J. Fox).
- Wall-E – In line with the honor that is held by Lilo and Stitch, another movie that moves me to tears each time I see it. Set in the future, it’s also a commentary on the future of our world and our uses of resources (as you can see around multiple projects at Disney World and the focus on conservation).
- Brave – I’m sure you’re surprised not to see Frozen on this list. While Frozen is a great film, I love the adventures of Merida in Brave as she learns the perils of impulsiveness and the meaning of family.
Top 5 Picks for Disney Live-Action Films:
- Mary Poppins – Practically perfect in every way from the casting to the music and the story. From Julie Andrews to Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson and Glynis Johns, this movie will delight any age group in your family.
- Bedknobs and Broomsticks – Taking place during World War 2 follow the adventures of apprentice witch Eglantine Price (played by the incomparable Angela Lansbury) as she does her part to serve England and the war effort.
- Enchanted – “Show me a person who can laugh at himself and I will show you a person that will never cease to be amused.” This saying comes to mind with Enchanted as Disney pokes fun at the fairytale genre and what could happen if it comes crashing into our lives. Be sure to pay attention to many “hidden Mickey” moments.
- Apple Dumpling Gang – Come back out to the Old West and see what’s brewing with Don Knotts and Tim Conway as they blunder one heist after another. Sure to delight any fan of the Western.
- Pirates of the Caribbean Series – Again bending the rules just a little bit as taking the entire ilk of Pirates of the Caribbean is necessary. The continuous story based on the popular ride at the parks shows that literature and books may not be the only inspiration for movies.
Well everyone there you have it. My top picks for the Disney film
collection. There are many movies that I
have left out and this list is by no means definitive or authoritative. But having these movies I think will enrich
your collection or give you a good place to start collecting.
Next month will be Christmas time and then getting ready to
start a new year. All of you I hope will
have a happy Thanksgiving and until the next blog, I remain your fellow Disney
movie addict.
Make it a Magical and Thankful Day – Pat A
