Wish (2023)

Title: Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever.

What is this about?
A king holds onto wishes and a girl wants to take them back.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you run out of other Disney movies.

Where does it take place?
Rosas.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney.

How did I like this?
It's fine. Mostly, it just has no direction. Like, it has no idea what it wants to be. For example, the double animation style. I love them both, but not together. It made it hard to know where to look, and at times kind of gave me motion sickness. Then there's this awesome ballad, but why is sung between the king and Asha?!?!? Asha thinks everyone should be able to have the chance to see their wish fulfilled, but the king points out that some wishes could wind up badly, but this dichotomy is never explored. There's a lot of little things like that, which are great, but don't fit.

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

Hello Kitty: Stump Village (2005)

Title: Hello Kitty: Stump Village
Rating: G
Run Time: 9 minutes
Release Date: 2005
Genre(s): Animation, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: Sanrio
Starring: Kitty White, My Melody, Badtz-Maru


Who would I recommend this to?
Claymation fans.

What is this about?
The misadventures of Hello Kitty and Friends.

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

Where does it take place?
Stump Village.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Hello Kitty claymation.

How did I like this?
This was ridiculously adorable visually. I need more cutesy claymation in my life! The stories are quite basic, but cute. I was surprised by how many of them were just about all of the ways to make these characters mad!

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

Zootopia (2016)

Title: Zootopia
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba


Who would I recommend this to?
THE WORLD!

What is this about?
The first bunny cop takes her first case and tries to prove that predators aren't all bad.

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

Where does it take place?
Zootopia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it's Disney. Now, because it's awesome.

How did I like this?
 I love this movie! The themes of stereotyping and prejudice are not subtle, but done in such an accessible way. And everything makes me cry!

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

Hazbin Hotel - Season 1 (2024)

Title: Hazbin Hotel
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Genre(s): Animation, Series, Musical, Comedy
Production Co.: A24 Television
Creator: Vivienne Medrano
Starring: Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Blake Roman


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like their cartoons dark and musical.

What is this about?
The princess of hell runs a hotel in the hopes of redeeming sinners.

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

Where does it take place?
Hell.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I adore Hell of a Boss and had watched the original pilot awhile back.

How did I like this?
The music is sooooo good! "Poison" and "More Than Anything" were stuck in my head. I love this world! And for whatever reason, darker humor works for me, along with the more touching moments.

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

Winnie the Pooh (2011)

Title: Winnie the Pooh
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Release Date: July 15, 2011
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Stephen J. Anderson, Don Hall
Starring: Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese


Who would I recommend this to?
Very, very little kids.

What is this about?
Talking forest creatures get up to hijinks.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uhhh...like baby time.

Where does it take place?
The Hundred Acre Wood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because the DVD came with another DVD I bought. Now, just to complete my marathon.

How did I like this?
This is my least favorite Pooh media. I feel like they made the characters way too dumb, rather than their usual silly, charming selves. Perhaps I'm just too old for this one?

Have you seen Winnie the Pooh? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Tangled (2010)

Title: Tangled
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: November 24, 2010
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Romance
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A young woman isolated in a tower finally leaves to see the mysterious lights that only appear on her birthday.

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

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Corona.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally because it's Disney. Now because it's Valentine's Day.

How did I like this?
I've always been team Tangled over Frozen, so yes, I love it. Rapunzel is adorable and Eugene is the best! I can't hear "I See the Light" without crying though... Lots and lots and lots of tears.

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

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Title: The Princess and the Frog
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: December 11, 2009
Genre(s): Animation, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Bruno Campos


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A hardworking young woman is turned into a frog along with a prince.

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

Where does it take place?
New Orleans.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it's Disney. Now, because it's underrated and adorable.

How did I like this?
This movie is sooo cute! Dr. Facilier is the most underrated villain. Top notch songs as well.

The only thing that annoys me was the misunderstanding toward the end, since Tiana knows there are two Naveens, but whatever.

Have you seen The Princess and the Frog? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Title: Meet the Robinsons
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: March 30, 2007
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Stephen J. Anderson
Starring: Daniel Hansen, Wesley Singerman, Angela Bassett


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
A young inventor tries to create a devise to keep his birth mother from giving him up for adoption.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now?

Where does it take place?
Mostly in the future.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it was Disney and playing in 3D. Now, because I adore it.

How did I like this?
I love this movie! Science geek MC, time travel, dinosaurs, silly villain. It's got it all! Yes, I cried.

Have you seen Meet the Robinsons? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Chicken Little (2005)

Title: Chicken Little
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: October 6, 2005
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Mark Dindal
Starring: Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Garry Marshall


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever likes animated movies that aren't Disney, even though this is Disney.

What is this about?
After being an uber embarrassment, a small chicken tries to win his father's favor.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you run out of other things to watch.

Where does it take place?
Oakey Oaks.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was watching all Disney animated features, for better or worse. Originally because it was Disney.

How did I like this?
This is the most un-Disney Disney movie ever. Like it doesn't look or sound like Disney, but more like a knock off. The story is a super cute idea, but it's overall not very interesting or engaging. And the plot is super flimsy, since when Chicken Little could have showed his dad a piece of sky, he hid it, despite trying desperately to show him earlier in the movie?

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

Home on the Range (2004)

Title: Home on the Range
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: April 2, 2004
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Will Finn, John Sanford
Starring: Judi Dench, Jennifer Tilly, Cuba Gooding Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Umm...whoever is already interested.

What is this about?
A trio of cows set out to save their farm by catching a yodeling bad guy!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have nothing else to watch.

Where does it take place?
In the old west.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'd never seen it and am on a mission.

How did I like this?
It's not bad, but it's definitely not good. There are cute and funny moments, but this is not up to the usual Disney standards. It felt like they just wanted to do a Western, for the sake of it.

Have you seen Home on the Range? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Brother Bear (2003)

Title: Brother Bear
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Release Date: November 1, 2003
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix. Jeremy Suarez, Rick Moranis


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Disney's less popular films.

What is this about?
A young man leads with hate and is transformed into a bear to learn to love.

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

Where does it take place?
Alaska or Canada, I think.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I had never seen it and am trying to watch all Disney animated films.

How did I like this?
It's actually good. I can see why it wasn't too popular, but it's a solid adventure. Yes, I cried.

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

Pokémon Concierge - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Pokémon Concierge
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 20 minutes
Release Date: December 28, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: GAME FREAK
Director: Iku Ogawa
Starring: Karen Fukuhara, Eita Okuno, Fairouz Ai


Who would I recommend this to?
You!

What is this about?
A young lady starts working at a resort for Pokemon.

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

Where does it take place?
The Pokemon Resort.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked effing adorable.

How did I like this?
It's effing adorable! We need more shows done in this style!

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

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Title: The Little Drummer Boy
Rating: NR
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: December 19, 1968
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Rankin/Bass Productions
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr., Takeya Nakamura
Starring: Jose Ferrer, Paul Frees, June Foray


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes questionable Christmas content.

What is this about?
An angry boy who needs Jesus to heal his lamb.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Christmas, I guess.

Where does it take place?
Jerusalem.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was Christmas Eve and I couldn't remember if I'd seen this one.

How did I like this?
It looked familiar, so I probably did see it, and probably never watched it again. It's not very good. I definitely hate people too, but...weird.

Have you seen The Little Drummer Boy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)

Title: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 48 minutes
Release Date: December 14, 1970
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Rankin/Bass Productions
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas people.

What is this about?
An orphan becomes the greatest criminal of all time.

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

Where does it take place?
Sombertown.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was Christmas Eve and I hadn't seen this in a while.

How did I like this?!
I always adored this one! Not as much as Rudolph, but who could ever forget Bergermeister Meisterberger?! The songs are top notch too.

Have you seen Santa Claus is Coming to Town? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Title: Frosty the Snowman
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 25 minutes
Release Date: December 7, 1969
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Rankin/Bass Productions
Director: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Starring: Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe, Jimmy Durante


Who would I recommend this to?
Christmas kids.

What is this about?
Kids try to get their magical snowman friend somewhere cold.

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

Where does it take place?
Uhh....

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was Christmas Eve and I hadn't seen it in years.

How did I like this?
It's fine. I know I watched it as a kid, but I don't have many memories of it. It's a cute short, but it doesn't really stand out to me like the other Christmas specials from this time.

Have you seen Frosty the Snowman? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Elemental (2023)

Title: Elemental
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Peter Sohn
Starring: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou, Ronnie Del Carmen


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Inside Out.

What is this about?
Fire and Water come together.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need something to do.

Where does it take place?
Element City.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney.

How did I like this?
They tried to tell a story about the struggle of immigrants and discrimination, much like they did with Zootopia, but it didn't totally work. This was more like another Inside Out, but if Anger and Sadness started dating. I didn't get it at all. 

It was still pretty cute though.

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

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Title: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: December 21, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Production Co.: Dreamworks Animation
Director: Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
An adventuring kitty is on his last life, so must hunt down the Wishing Star to avoid death!

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

Where does it take place?
The Dark Forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I like the first one, and heard amazing things.

How did I like this?
What was that animation style?! OMG! It's so good! It's like a 3D storybook! The story is really good too. Totally fitting for Puss to want to avoid Death at all costs. It made me cry multiple times.

Have you seen The Last Wish? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Illumination, Universal Pictures, Nintendo
Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc
Starring:  Christ Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day


Who would I recommend this to?
Nintendo fans.

What is this about?
Bowser's proposal to Peach goes terribly wrong.

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

Where does it take place?
Brooklyn and the Mushroom Kingdom.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I've been a Mario fan since forever. Peach and Bowser forever!!!

How did I like this?
It's so fun! It felt exactly like what a Mario movie should be like. Although it did really feel like a special episode of Bridezillas, where the groom is out of control. I am an unapologetic Bowser-Peach shipper, so I was loving it.

I did have two annoyances though. One: shouldn't the blue shell have hit Peach? Two: The Donkey Kong games have the BEST soundtracks, so why replace the music?!

Have you seen The Super Mario Bros. Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

Title: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: September 3, 2021
Genre(s): Comedy, Animation
Production Co.: Cinereach
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Starring: Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer Camp, Isabella Rossellini


Who would I recommend this to?
A very specific type of person.

What is this about?
A man staying in an AirBnB, filming a documentary about a talking shell.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now's as good a time as any.

Where does it take place?
An AirBnB...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked weird and cute and I was trapped on an 11 hour flight.

How did I like this?
I wasn't sure at first, but soon I was hooked on this adorable little shell's story. Once he started talking about "hardy hairs" I was done for. It was surprisingly dark in places, but overall super sweet.

Have you seen Marcel the Shell with Shoes On? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Strange World (2022)

Title: Strange World
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: November 23, 2022
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, LGBTQ+, Animation
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Don Hall, Qui Nguyen
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Garbeille Union


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A family of explorers...exploring.

When would be a good time to watch this?
As soon as you can.

Where does it take place?
Avalonia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney.

How did I like this?
I adored this movie! It was so fun and colorful and diverse! And that plot twist?! I did not see that coming! And of course, I am all about the message of this movie, which I will not spoil because spoilers.

This movie is not getting the marketing or attention that it deserves.

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