Treasure Planet (2002)

Title: Treasure Planet
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Release Date: November 27, 2002
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emma Thompson, Martin Short


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever liked Atlantis or other forgotten Disney flicks.

What is this about?
It's Treasure Island in space!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Space...

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I had never seen it before. I'll admit that when it first came out, I kept confusing it with Atlantis.

How did I like this?
First of all, the animation reminded me of Anastasia. Second of all, was the narrator at the beginning the host from the Haunted Mansion?! Bonus points for both.

It's not terrible, but I can definitely see why this one didn't blow up like other Disney movies from this time. Atlantis was awesome, and this one kind of paled in comparison despite being quite similar in theme and story. For me, the world just seemed kind of random. I didn't understand why there were alien animals and Victorian aesthetics? It's not quite Steampunk enough to make sense.

If you want a Disney Treasure Island, I'd go with Muppet Treasure Island every time.

Have you seen Treasure Planet? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Title: Lilo & Stitch
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: June 21, 2002
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
Starring: Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, Tia Carrere


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone with a heart. Even a small one, like mine.

What is this about?
A little girl befriends a dangerous alien experiment.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime is a good time. It's fun summer movie night movie.

Where does it take place?
Hawaii.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it in theaters as a kid because duh, Disney.

How did I like this?
I adore this movie! Probably more now than I did as a kid, since I now notice just how disturbed Lilo is. It's understandable since both of her parents died and now her sister has to be more like a mom. On top of that, she has no friends. This is the first time Disney every had a family dynamic like this.

I also just love Stitch and how Lilo accepts him just the way he is. This one makes me cry multiple times.

Have you seen Lilo & Stitch? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Peter Pan 2: Return to Neverland (2002)

Title: Return to Neverland
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Release Date: February 15, 2002
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Robin Budd, Donovan Cook
Starring: Blayne Weaver, Harriet Owen, Corey Burton


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who really does like Peter Pan stories.

What is this about?
Captain Hook kidnaps Wendy's daughter, and Peter Pan must save her!

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark and stormy night.

Where does it take place?
London and Neverland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
For my Disney Animation-athon.

How did I like this?
This started off way darker than I expected. It's set during WWII and it doesn't shy away. I was surprised.

I just don't like Peter Pan at all, so I went into this with low expectations anyway. But Captain Hook is a shadow of himself, I don't like it. And why in the world would Jane agree to help him after he kidnapped her?! Yes, she doesn't like Peter either, but...he kidnapped her!

Have you seen Return to Neverland? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Recess: School's Out (2001)

Title: Recess: School's Out
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Release Date: February 16, 2001
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Chuck Sheetz
Starring: Andrew Lawrence, Rickey D'Shon Collins, Jason Davis


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever watched Recess back in the day.

What is this about?
TJ and company must save summer vacation from disappearing forever.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need some background noise with occasional entertainment.

Where does it take place?
3rd Street School.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was part of my Disney Animation-athon.

How did I like this?
I don't think I saw this as a kid, or if I did, it didn't stick with me at all, even though I did regularly watch Recess. I'm not a huge fan of shows getting a movie, especially when the events of the movie aren't "cannon." Like, this would never happen in the show universe. It's too over-the-top and random. There's no continuity. It's just some random events for the sake of a movie.

Have you seen Recess: School's Out? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021)

Title: Fear Street Part Three: 1666
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Production Co.:Chernin Entertainment
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Kiana Maderia, Ashley Zukerman, Gillian Jacobs


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who watched the first two parts, or like queer witchy horror.

What is this about?
We learn how Sarah Fier's curse began...

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first two parts, but also immediately.

Where does it take place?
Old world Shadyside.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first two parts and needed to know how it ended...and began...

How did I like this?
It's much better than part two, and my favorite of the three. It's the gayest and the witchiest and the least gorey!

Have you seen Fear Street: 1666? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)

Title: Fear Street Part Two: 1978
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Chernin Entertainment
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, Ryan Simpkins


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever liked the first one!

What is this about?
The surviving teens of the Shadyside Massacre seek help from the survivor of a previous massacre. She tells them her story...

When would be a good time to watch this?
When it's still daylight out, if you're a baby like me.

Where does it take place?
Camp Nightwing in Shadyside.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first part and needed to know what happened!

How did I like this?
This one took longer to get going than the first part and wasn't as scary. It was more...bloody though. It was missing the creepy factor. It felt more like a regular serial killer movie rather than a paranormal. At least until that ending...

Have you seen Fear Street 1978? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021)

Title: Fear Street Part 1: 1994
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: July 2, 2021
Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: Chernin Entertainment
Director: Leigh Janiak
Starring: Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes teen horror and the '90s.

What is this about?
A murderer is loose in Shadyside targeting teens!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Immediately. Or at least before the next two parts.

Where does it take place?
Shadyside.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was a huge Fear Street fan as a kid and tween!

How did I like this?
It was wild good fun! I'm glad it wasn't actually scary or too jumpy. It's definitely bloody and violent though.

Do not split up! Never split up! There is no reason to split up! Ever! Stay together! Stay alive! That ending had me so nervous.

Have you seen Fear Street? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

Title: Space Jam: A New Legacy
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Warner Bros.
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Starring: LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Cedric Joe


Who would I recommend this to?
The next generation.

What is this about?
LeBron James gets the Looney Tunes back together to beat an evil algorithm.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Before August 16th.

Where does it take place?
The Warner Bros servers.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I freaking love Space Jam.

How did I like this?
It was fun and I loved how they brought in modern technology and WB's whole back catalog! However, this movie was way longer than it needed to be. Probably to put in all of those references.

Nothing can live up to the original though.

Have you seen Space Jam 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Dinosaur (2000)

Title: Dinosaur
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Release Date: May 19, 2000
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Eric Leighton, Ralph Zondag
Starring: D.B. Sweeney, Julianna Margulies, Samuel E. Wright


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who grew up on Land Before Time.

What is this about?
Dinosaurs migrating to a safer place after a meteor shower.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Back in 2000.

Where does it take place?
Earth...somewhere....

Why did I decide to watch this?
I remember this movie being a HUGE deal back when it first released. We saw it in theaters. Then the world promptly forgot about it.

How did I like this?
I don't think I liked it as a kid. It felt like Disney trying to do Land Before Time, but missing the mark. The animation was the real reason to watch this back then, because it was truly something new and spectacular. The focus was definitely on the animation rather than the plot.

I still think this movie looks great, even if it's not quite as impressive anymore. I also liked the story a bit more this time around, since I can notice the typical Disney "outside" formula, which I actually really enjoy.

Have you seen Dinosaur? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Tigger Movie (2000)

Title: The Tigger Movie
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Release Date: February 11, 2000
Genre(s): Animation, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Jun Falkenstein
Starring: Jim Cummings, Nikita Hopkins, Ken Sansom


Who would I recommend this to?
Pooh lovers and kids.

What is this about?
The most wonderful thing about Tiggers is that he's the only one.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something to warm your heart.

Where does it take place?
Hundred Acre Wood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Pooh. Now, because I can.

How did I like this?
It's super cute, and I like that Tigger and Roo are the main characters since we hardly see them in other Pooh movies. It is pretty darn sad though since Tigger realizes that he actually might be the only one left in his family, but of course, he has his friends who are also like his family.

Have you seen The Tigger Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Tarzan (1999)

Title: Tarzan
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: June 18, 1999
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Romance
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Chris Buck, Kevin Lima
Starring: Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Brian Blessed


Who would I recommend this to?
Mostly everyone. This story is universal.

What is this about?
A baby raised by gorillas grows into a man and meets a woman.

When would be a good time to watch this?
One a nice quiet movie night.

Where does it take place?
The jungle.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney, duh. I'm pretty sure we went to the theater.

How did I like this?
I adore this movie. It's so cute and heartbreaking and heartwarming. It's a better version of The Jungle Book. And even though this is not a musical, it does have one of Disney's best soundtracks. Thanks, Phil Collins!

Have you seen Tarzan? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Doug's 1st Movie (1999)

Title: Doug's 1st Movie
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Release Date: March 26, 1999
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Maurice Joyce
Starring: Thomas McHugh, Fred Newman, Chris Phillips


Who would I recommend this to?
Only hardcore Doug fans.

What is this about?
Doug saves a lake monster.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
Jumbo Street and wherever it is.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm working my way through all of Disney+.

How did I like this?
I did not. I don't think I saw this as a kid, which is not surprising, as I was not the biggest Doug fan. I watched it on Nickelodeon, but only when nothing else was on. I don't even think I knew this existed until I put my Disney Animation schedule together.

The plot is super weird and I was not expecting Sci-Fi from Doug. At all. Lake monster?!

Have you seen Doug's 1st Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Hercules (1997)

Title: Hercules
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Release Date: June 27, 1997
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Tate Donovan, Susan Egan, James Woods


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
Greek mythology but less violent and incesty.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now.

Where does it take place?
Athens.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney. Now, because it has my favorite soundtrack and it's just good.

How did I like this?
I love this movie. Hades is one of my favorite villains; he's snarky and fun. Pegasus is adorable. Meg is wonderful. The soundtrack is A++++. This is peak Disney excellence.

Have you seen Hercules? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Title: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Release Date: June 21, 1996
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Starring: Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Tony Jay


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone emotionally mature enough to appreciate this surprisingly dark kids' movie.

What is this about?
A deformed young man wishes to leave his prison.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have time for EMOTIONS!!!

Where does it take place?
Paris, France.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, Disney, duh. Now, because I freaking love it.

How did I like this?
It always surprises me that this one is rated G. It's PG at least. It's very mature and dark. "Hellfire" is the most inappropriate Disney song EVER, and it's my all-time favorite villain song. In fact, this whole soundtrack is A+++ and severely underappreciated. I think it gets lost because people prefer to watch the lighter movies with bubbly songs.

Have you seen The Hunchback of Notre Dame? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pocahontas (1995)

Title: Pocahontas
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Release Date: June 23, 1995
Genre(s): Animation, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg
Starring: Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt


Who would I recommend this to?
I'm not sure honestly. This is a tough one.

What is this about?
Umm...not historical events for sure...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uhh...maybe not.

Where does it take place?
Jamestown, Virginia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney, duh. And I watched it all the freaking town. Now just to watch everything.

How did I like this?
Loved it as a kid, still really enjoyed it as an adult but...Big But...it's hard to look past the problems. This is definitely a problematic fave. The songs are A+ and the animal friends are adorable. But this one just does not hold up in 2021. I still like it. Just not as much as I use to.

Have you seen Pocahontas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Title: A Goofy Movie
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Release Date: April 7, 1995
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Kevin Lima
Starring: Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone, seriously.

What is this about?
A dad tries to bond with his son on a road trip and hi-jinks ensue.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime you need a smile.

Where does it take place?
Across America.

Why did I decide to watch this?
This movie was ALWAYS on at my school's afterschool daycare. Always.

How did I like this?
I freaking love this movie. It's so underrated. Goofy and Max are my favorite "classic" Disney characters. It's so fun and heartfelt and relatable and funny. There are so many little moments sprinkled throughout.

Can we talk about the soundtrack? The songs are super fun and underappreciated. And Powerline...OMG I freaking love Powerline! I'd be a huge fan.

Have you seen A Goofy Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Lion King (1994)

Title: The Lion King
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: June 24, 1994
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones


Who would I recommend this to?
Animal movie lovers.

What is this about?
A lion cub feels responsible for his father's death but must defeat his evil uncle.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to laugh and cry.

Where does it take place?
The Pride Lands, Africa.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was a '90s kid, so Disney, duh.

How did I like this?
The Lion King wins for best opening in a movie. No contest. This would make an excellent alarm that I wouldn't mind waking up to.

It always makes me cry. I just can't help it. Sad tears, happy tears. All of the tears. Then I think about how hard the video game was and cry some more because I couldn't get past the "Just Can't Wait to Be King" section.

Have you seen The Lion King? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Aladdin (1992)

Title: Aladdin
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: November 25, 1992
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A poor boy befriends a genie and tries to woo a princess while defeating an evil sorcerer.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Lazy summer days.

Where does it take place?
Agrabah.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was a '90s kid. And Disney.

How did I like this?
I had rediscovered my obsession with this movie during high school and it has never left me. The plot is fun. The soundtrack is A+. Jafar looks like Prince. It's all good. Yes, it's better than the live-action version, even though that one fixes some plot holes. But who cares about plot holes?

Probably the late-great Robin William's best role. I said it.

Have you seen Aladdin? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Title: Beauty and the Beats
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 1991
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Starring: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone!

What is this about?
A cursed prince holds a beauty woman hostage until she falls in love with him and breaks the curse.

When would be a good time to watch this?
All the time.

Where does it take place?
France.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney. Now, because it's my faaaavorite princess movie.

How did I like this?
I don't like it. I love it. I have seen it countless times. It is my life. Belle is my favorite princess now and forever and always.

Have you seen Beauty and the Beast? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Title: The Rescuers Down Under
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Release Date: November 16, 1990
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Hendel Butoy, Mike Gabriel
Starring: Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, John Candy


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first one, I guess.

What is this about?
Mice saving a kid in Australia. Basically the first movie, but in Australia.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you must...

Where does it take place?
Australia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I remember watching this in school as a kid. Now, just because.

How did I like this?
I don't. I can't remember if I liked it as a kid either. It's the same as the first movie, but gender swapped. With accents.

Have you seen The Rescuers Down Under? What did you think?
If not, would you?