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?

Mean Girls (2024)

Title: Mean Girls
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: January 12, 2024
Genre(s): Comedy, Musical
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director(s): Samantha Jayne, Arturo Perez Jr.
Starring: Angourie Rice, Renee Rapp, Auli'i Cravalho


Who would I recommend this to?
No one, really.

What is this about?
Girls who are mean.

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

Where does it take place?
North Shore High School.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Morbid curiosity, since the original movie is a masterpiece.

How did I like this?
I mean...it's not good, but it's not terrible. It's mainly the acting that is bad. Like I did not believe most of this characters. A lot of the songs are good, and the singing was good. But...did we need this remake? It's missing the charm of the original. This just felt like they were trying too hard to make it relevant to the recent generation, and they just fell flat.

Have you seen Mean Girls? 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?

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?

Belle (2021)

Title: Belle
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 1 minute
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Musical
Production Co.: Studio Chizu
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Starring: Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shota Sometani


Who would I recommend this to?
You?

What is this about?
A shy girl finds her voice in virtual reality and saves a user known as the beast.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need an emotion release.

Where does it take place?
U.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked pretty and I love Beauty and the Beast.

How did I like this?
Tears. More tears. Great songs. Beautiful animation. Crying. Emotion. So pretty.

Have you seen Belle? 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?

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Title: The Little Mermaid
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A young mermaid longs to be part of the human world.

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

Where does it take place?
Under the sea. And the palace.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney, duh.

How did I like this?
I am crying. I cried. Crying. It's so cute.

The first few minutes did give me motion sickness though. That underwater CGI is rough.

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

Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

Title: Pitch Perfect 2
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: May 15, 2015
Genre(s): Musical, Comedy
Production Co.: Universal Pictures
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of rauchy girl comedies.

What is this about?
Collegiate acca pella singers gone bad.

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

Where does it take place?
Barden University and Copenhagen.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first one, and it was available on my flight home.

How did I like this?
It was fun, but I felt like it was trying too hard to recapture the greatness of the first movie. They relied too heavily on repeating the same type of jokes over and over, making some of the girls caricatures rather than interesting characters. I did appreciate them trying to flesh out some of the other characters, but it did make the plot a bit messy as there was way too much going on.

Have you seen Pitch Perfect 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Title: Moulin Rouge!
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hour 7 minutes
Release Date: June 1, 2001
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

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

Where does it take place?
Paris.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I grabbed the DVD at Costco when it came out and watched it everyday while we didn't have cable.

How did I like this?
Obviously, I am obsessed with this movie. The music is A+, the story is engaging, it's funny, and sad, and I cannot stop! El Tango de Roxanne is the bestest.

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

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022)

Title: Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Rating:  PG
Run Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Release Date: December 25, 2022
Genre(s): Musical, Drama, Fantasy
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Matthew Warchus
Starring: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch


Who would I recommend this to?
Not fans of the '90s movie.

What is this about?
A very smart, but neglected girl discovers a power to change her life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you have two hours to kill and nothing better to do.

Where does it take place?
The UK somewhere...Truchen Hall school.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love the '90s Matilda movie.

How did I like this?
It was fine. It's really nothing like the movie, since it's based on the stage production which I know nothing about. I do like how it leans into the darker themes, but it's also missing an element of fun. Matilda's storytelling was never explained and just felt like padding which slowed the movie down as a whole.

The songs also aren't great. The only one I really liked was Miss Honey's, and that alphabet song was pretty clever.

Have you seen Matilda the Musical? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Cyrano (2021)

Title: Cyrano
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Genre(s): Musical, Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kevin Harrison Jr.


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of sad musicals.

What is this about?
A man in love with a woman who is in love with another man who is in love with her but uses the first man's words to woo her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime is a good time for musicals.

Where does it take place?
1600s Italy.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love musicals and I was trapped on an 11 hour flight.

How did I like this?
I adored it! I loved most of the songs. The acting was great. Sure, I knew how the story goes, but that didn't keep me from enjoying it.

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

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)

Title: Pinocchio
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Release Date: December 9, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Netflix Animation
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann


Who would I recommend this to?
Stop-motion fans.

What is this about?
A wooden puppet comes to life and learns to live.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Not high.

Where does it take place?
Italy.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Pinocchio and love stop-motion animation.

How did I like this?
I knew it was going to be dark, but dang. It is beautifully unsettling.

Pinocchio is hella annoying, which tells me he's an accurate real boy who's undisciplined.

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

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration (2022)

Title: Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Release Date: December 15, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Hamish Hamilton
Starring: Rita Moreno, H.E.R., Josh Groban


Who would I recommend this to?
Beauty and the Beast diehards.

What is this about?
The original animated film but with live action stage produced musical numbers and concept art.

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

Where does it take place?
Disney backlot.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Beauty and the Beast is my #3 favorite movie.

How did I like this?
I really liked this, but I do think the idea of it was better than the execution. I absolutely loved the mixed media approach to see the history of the movie while also watching what I love most and also getting a fresh take on it.

The casting was not the best. Le Fou, Belle, and Mrs. Potts did not work at all. However, Gaston was A+++! More Gaston, please.

Have you seen Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration (2022)

Title: The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Release Date: November 27, 2022
Genre(s): Reality, Musical
Production Co.: Disney Destinations
Director: Sam Wrench
Starring: Julianne Hough, Derek Hough


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney holiday people.

What is this about?
Musical artists performing at Disney World and Disneyland for Christmas.

When would be a good time to watch this?
The holiday season.

Where does it take place?
Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I always watch these.

How did I like this?
It was good. They're always good. Nothing special. Chloe Flowers is cool.

Have you seen Magical Holiday Celebration? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Disenchanted (2022)

Title: Disenchanted
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hour 1 minute
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Adam Shankman
Starring: Amy Adams, Maya Rudolph, Patrick Dempsey


Who would I recommend this to?
Those of us who remember the first one.

What is this about?
Giselle makes a wish for a fairytale life that has gone terribly wrong...or terribly right.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first one.

Where does it take place?
Monrolasia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I love the first one and am a Disney slave.

How did I like this?
I adored it! Obviously, the first one will always be superior, but it's hard to beat. This is a worthy sequel though. It's another trope flipping fun time. Yes, it's predictable, but that's the point. Giselle wants her fairytale life but it's not going like she planned,  but making that wish puts her exactly in a story she knows all too well and doesn't want.

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