Haunted Mansion (2023)

Title: Haunted Mansion
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Justin Simien
Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson


Who would I recommend this to?
Those with spooky hearts.

What is this about?
A mansion...that is haunted...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. Or anytime during Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
New Orleans, Louisiana.

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

How did I like this?
It's so much fun! It's like they took scenes right from the ride and expanded on them! The stretching room! The hatbox ghost! Constance! Gang's all here!

Have you seen Haunted Mansion? 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?

Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

Title: Peter Pan & Wendy
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: David Lowery
Starring:  Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like to hate-watch things.

What is this about?
Nothing.

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

Where does it take place?
Neverland and London.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney and I always have hope.

How did I like this?
I did not. To be fair, I don't like Peter Pan in general (except Hook), and the original Disney animated film is one of my least favorites of all-time. But I had hope. False hope, but still hope. I liked Tinkerbell and Smee and that is it. Which is sad, because I've always loved Captain Hook, but I don't think Jude Law was given much to work with here. Just let him be evil! He doesn't need to be sympathetic! Just entertaining!

Have you seen Peter Pan & Wendy? 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?

Enchanted (2007)

Title: Enchanted
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: November 21, 2007
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Kevin Lima
Starring: Amy Adams, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
An animated soon-to-be princess is sent to real world New York and finds love!

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

Where does it take place?
Adalasia and New York City.

Why did I decide to watch this?
The first time because it's Disney and looked adorable. Now, because the sequel is here!

How did I like this?
I never get sick of this movie. It is easily one of Disney's best live-action movies. It makes fun of all the princess tropes while also fully embracing them. It's cheesy and adorable and clever and makes me cry.

This movie is criminally underrated. I swear only me and my BFF remembered it existed before the sequel was announced.

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

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Title: Hocus Pocus 2
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release Date: September 30, 2022
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Anne Fletcher
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy


Who would I recommend this to?
Not anyone who has seen the original.

What is this about?
The Sanderson sisters are back! Again!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uh...Spooky Season, if you must. Or just leave it alone.

Where does it take place?
Salem, Massachusetts.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I had to.

How did I like this?
The end was good. Everything else...just no. You can't wait 30 years to make a sequel to one of the most epic movies ever and expect it to be good. It was trying too hard.

Have you seen Hocus Pocus 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Title: Thor: Love and Thunder
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Genre(s): Adventure, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who already likes Marvel movies, or thinks Thor is hot.

What is this about?
How Thor got his groove back.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the other movies?

Where does it take place?
Asgard and beyond.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Thor is hot. So is Kat Dennings.

How did I like this?
Cancer jokes...not really funny...maybe I'm just sensitive because of my mom, but....cancer jokes? Powering through Stage 4 cancer because I'm a strong woman!!! No, thanks. I will cure my cancer with Thor's hammer! What?!?!

Other than that, this movie is ridiculous. In a fun, this makes no sense kinda way. Nudity.

Have you seen Thor: Love and Thunder? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pinocchio (2022)

Title: Pinocchio
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: September 8, 2022
Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth


Who would I recommend this to?
The next wave of Pinocchio fans.

What is this about?
A wooden puppet comes to life and learns what it takes to be a real boy.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark and stormy night. Total autumn vibes, not end of summer.

Where does it take place?
Italy.

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

How did I like this?
They kept Honest John as a fox?!!? I assumed they were making everyone human! YES! But also, why are Pinocchio and Jiminy so bright?! The movie is kind of dim and toned down, but they're animated quite brightly. They stick out a bit too much.

Overall, it's a pretty straight-forward adaptation. Not much was added or taken away. It's very familiar and also brought something new. But where was the Blue Fairy during most of this?

BUT...Sharktopus. That is all!

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

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Title: Big Hero 6
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: November 7, 2014
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
 

Who would I recommend this to?
The universe.

What is this about?
A health care robot helps his young patient exact revenge..while also saving the world.

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

Where does it take place?
San Fransokyo.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney and I have a thing for robots.

How did I like this?
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Disney or otherwise. It's just so freaking cute. I cry like a baby and laugh out loud. Baymax is just the greatest robot companion ever. The rest of the cast is great too!

Just trust me. Watch this movie, especially if you haven't already seen it. And if you have seen it, watch it again. And again...

Have you seen Big Hero 6? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)

Title: Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: May 20, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Starring: Andy Samberg, John Mulaney, Kiki Layne


Who would I recommend this to?
Animal comedy fans.

What is this about?
The Rescue Rangers reunite to save their friend from certain doom!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need a laugh or a trip down memory lane.

Where does it take place?
Hollywood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney and looked super fun.

How did I like this?
 This movie is hilarious! There are nonstop jokes, but not in an annoyingly forced way. It's more of a "if you know, you know" situation as there are so many references and cameos. I also loved the combination of all of the different animation styles and live action. It's also just a fun movie in general even if you weren't a Disney Afternoon fan.

Have you seen Chip 'n Dale? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Lightyear (2022)

Title: Lightyear
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release Date: June 17, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn


Who would I recommend this to?
Toy Story fans.

What is this about?
A space ranger must fix his life-threatening mistake by learning to work with others.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon, if you haven't already.

Where does it take place?
Space.

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

How did I like this?
I adored it! It made me laugh! It made me cry! It made me feel in general. It's definitely a fun and unique spinoff to a well-loved series. The "twist" was kind of weird, but I still enjoyed it.

I do have to say, that while I adored Sox, I was kind of annoyed how he was a blatant ripoff of Baymax, who is my absolute favorite robot companion ever.

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

Turning Red (2022)

Title: Turning Red
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Release Date: March 11, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Domee Shi
Starring: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse


Who would I recommend this to?
Definitely young girls on the verge of, or in the middle of, puberty. And everyone else.

What is this about?
A young girl turns into a giant red panda when her emotions run high.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have 2 hours for an emotional rollercoaster.

Where does it take place?
Toronto, Canada.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Pixar.

How did I like this?
I'll admit that I was not excited for this one. The previews did nothing for me. But I loved how this one definitely stepped out of the squeak clean Disney-Pixar box. It deals with some major topics! INCLUDING PERIODS!!! Meilin's mom goes all out when she thinks Meilin has become a woman!

It did a lot of things wonderfully, and it's cute, but I didn't cry. But I am now a 4-Town fan, because A+ soundtrack.

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

Encanto (2021)

Title: Encanto
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: November 24, 2021
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone looking for magical families and adventure.

What is this about?
The only non-magical member of a family must save the family's magic!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have two hours.

Where does it take place?
Colombia.

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

How did I like this?
It's so colorful and vibrant! I'm such a sucker for colorful animation. The music is also pretty great. I wasn't a fan of every song, but most were good.

The message is pretty typical of these Disney movies, but it was sweet. And made me cry, like always.

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

Olaf Presents (2021)

Title: Olaf Presents
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 4 minutes
Release Date: November 12, 2021
Genre(s): Animation, Series, Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation
Starring: Josh Gad


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who thought Olaf retelling Frozen was the best part of Frozen 2.

What is this about?
My favorite snowman retells Disney stories.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. You need some joy.

Where does it take place?
Olaf's imagination, Arendelle.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Olaf retelling Frozen was the best part of Frozen 2 (aside from Kristoff's awesome power ballad).

How did I like this?
That was hilarious! Well, The Lion King was moderately traumatizing, because it was too real, but still hilarious.

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

Jungle Cruise (2021)

Title: Jungle Cruise
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
Release Date: July 30, 2021
Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramirez


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the ride and those who are looking for more adventure flicks like Jumanji.

What is this about?
An adventure down the Amazon River to find a place that cannot be found.

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

Where does it take place?
On the Amazon River.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it looked like the awesome lovechild of Jumanji and Pirates of the Caribbean.

How did I like this?
This was so fun and funny and exciting! At times ridiculous and cheesy, just like the ride. Surprises galore! Basically, it's a must watch.

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

Toy Story of Terror (2013)

Title: Toy Story of Terror
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 2013
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Angus MacLane
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack


Who would I recommend this to?
Toy Story fans!

What is this about?
The toys have to survive the night in a potentially haunted motel!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky season, or when you need a quick Toy Story fix.

Where does it take place?
A random motel somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Spooky Season and I love Toy Story.

How did I like this?
I loooved it! I can't believe I hadn't seen this until now! I think it's great that we got to explore Jessie's trauma and see her overcome it! Plus, I loved seeing more of Trixie! Mr. Pricklepants is the absolute worst in the best possible way! And meeting Combat Carl was a total treat! This was just an all-around great short about our favorite toys.

Have you seen Toy Story of Terror? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Cruella (2021)

Title: Cruella
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Release Date: May 28, 2021
Genre(s): Drama
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry


Who would I recommend this to?
People who want villain origin stories, or who like '70s fashion and music...and dogs.

What is this about?
How Cruella became the villainess we all love to hate.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need nearly two and a half hours of chaos!

Where does it take place?
London, England in the 1970s.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney and I think Cruella is the most evil Disney villain (who wants to kill puppies??!!?)

How did I like this?
 First, I hated the beginning. It was like the writers just needed a way to kill of Cruella's mom and give her a reason to hate Dalmatians despite loving dogs. Check and check, in the most bizarre scene of the movie. Not buying it. Honestly, a lot of the Dalmatian connections felt forced, like they HAD to include them. But they never mentioned her obsession with fur...

The rest was pretty darn good though. I loved seeing chaotic, anarchist, wild Cruella. It perfectly explains how she became the crazy woman she was. That moth scene was most excellent.

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

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?