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?

Pokemon 4Ever: Celebi - Voice of the Forest (2002)

Title: Pokemon 4Ever
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Release Date: October 11, 2002
Genre(s): Anime, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Pikachu Project 2001
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama, Jim Malone
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rica Matsumoto, Rachael Lillis


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever is watching Season 4.

What is this about?
Pokemon poachers and time travel.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right before the final four episodes of Season 4.

Where does it take place?
The Forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was watching Season 4.

How did I like this?
I really liked this one! It seemed more grounded in "reality" rather than some random thing Ash and friends must face just because it's exciting.

Have you seen Pokemon 4Ever? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pokemon: Johto League Champions (2000)

Title: Johto League Champions
Rating: G
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: August 3, 2000
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: OLM
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart


Who would I recommend this to?
Pokemon people.

What is this about?
Young Pokemon trainers make their way to another tournament, and the friends they make along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever, but after Season 3.

Where does it take place?
Across the Johto region.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm still enjoying this series.

How did I like this?
It's Pokemon. It's fun. Not as many touching moments as in previous seasons, but still fully enjoyable.

Have you seen Johto League Champions? 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?

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?

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?

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?

Pokemon: Spell of the Unknown (2001)

Title: Pokemon: Spell of the Unknown
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Release Date: April 6, 2001
Genre(s): Anime, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: 4 Kids Entertainment
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Eric Stuart, AMy Birnbaum


Who would I recommend this to?
Pokemon fans or even those new to Pokemon.

What is this about?
Ash and friends must save his mother from the Unknown!

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

Where does it take place?
Greenfield.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm bingeing Pokemon for the first time.

How did I like this?
This is my favorite of the movies thus far! That was insane! And a certain returning Pokemon made me cry. I loved this wild dream world, and it was much more emotionally driven than the previous movie.

Have you seen Spell of the Unknown? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Pokémon the Movie 2000 (2000)

Title: Pokémon the Movie 2000
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: July 21, 2000
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: GAME FREAK
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart


Who would I recommend this to?
Pokemon fans.

What is this about?
Ecological collapse thanks to someone capturing the legendary Pokémon.

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

Where does it take place?
The Oranges Islands.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I'm binging Pokemon for the first time.

How did I like this?
 This one didn't hold my attention as well as the first movie. The story was fun and exciting, but didn't have that intensity. Also, the animation style was really distracting. It mostly looked like the anime, but with hyper-realistic objects thrown in, which looked off. But it was the '90s...

Have you seen Pokémon the Movie 2000? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1999)

Title: Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Bac
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
Release Date: November 12, 1999
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Oriental Light and Magic
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama, Michael Haigney
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart


Who would I recommend this to?
Pokemon fans.

What is this about?
A genetically engineered Pokemon tries to take over the world.

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

Where does it take place?
New Island.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I'm binging Pokemon for the first time.

How did I like this?
 That was way more intense than I was expecting! Kind of dark, but fit the story being told. And yes, I cried even though I knew everything would turn out fine. I just can't stand to see Pikachu upset!

Have you seen Mewtwo Strikes Back? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Baymax! - Season 1 (2022)

Title: Baymax!
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 10 minutes
Release Date: June 29, 2022
Genre(s): Comedy, Animation, Series
Production Co.: Disney Television, Animation
Creator: Don Hall
Starring: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Dichen Lachman


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
Puffy healthcare companion helps random people with their problems.

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

Where does it take place?
San Fransokyo.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Big Hero 6 is one of my all-time favorite movies.

How did I like this?
This had no reason to be that good. Every single short made me cry, and that last one had me losing my freaking mind.

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

The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)

Title: The Princess Switch: Switched Again
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: November 19, 2020
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Netflix
Director: Mike Rohl
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, John Jack, Sam Palladio


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first movie.

What is this about?
A princess and a duchess attempt to switch places again, but then a third look-alike wants her own switch.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Christmas, after the first one.

Where does it take place?
Montenaro.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the first one.

How did I like this?
Vanessa is great again at playing three distinct personalities who all are pretending to be each other as well! Fiona was a great addition, but I found her sidekicks to be annoying and unnecessary. The triple switch was a lot of fun, since no one was in on the other switches! Twisted! Of course, Fiona wants to switch for selfish reasons, while Margaret and Stacey were doing it for love!

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

Christmas Again (2021)

Title: Christmas Again
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Disney Channel
Director: Andy Fickman
Starring: Daniel Sunjata, Scarlett Estevez, Gary Anthony Williams


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into these Groundhog Day-esque holiday films.

What is this about?
After ruining Christmas, a girl has to relive the day over and over, but decides to have fun with it.

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

Where does it take place?
Chicago.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a new movie on Disney+, so duh.

How did I like this?
It was fun! Rowena totally didn't ruin Christmas. She was being a typical 12 year old girl reacting to her family being kind of awful. I felt most bad for Uncle Gerry though; don't put people on the spot like that! But she does purposely ruin a few repeat Christmases by being selfish, but I'd probably do the same thing knowing I'd just get to do it over the next day. Of course, she has to learn a lesson about the meaning of family and the spirit of Christmas.

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

 

All I Want For Christmas is You (2017)

Title: All I Want For Christmas is You
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre(s): Animation
Production Co.: Magic Carpet Productions
Director: Guy Vasilovich
Starring: Mariah Carey, Breanna Yde, Henry Winkler


Who would I recommend this to?
Toddlers.

What is this about?
All Mariah wants for Christmas is a dog, so her dad tests her by having her take care of her uncle's dog.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never...or as background noise during the holidays.

Where does it take place?
Mariah Carey's imagination.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Mariah Carey....

How did I like this?
You know straight to video sequels? Most of those are better than this. There was no imagination at all. The animation looks bad, and the voices don't match at all.

Have you seen All I Want For Christmas is You? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Castle for Christmas (2021)

Title: A Castle for Christmas
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Release Date: November 26, 2021
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Motion Picture Corporation of America
Director: Mary Lambert
Starring: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, Lee Ross


Who would I recommend this to?
Romance readers who also like movies.

What is this about?
An author faces scandal and runs away to Scotland

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

Where does it take place?
Edinburgh, Scotland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded like the exact kinda Romance novel that I'd read, so why not?

How did I like this?
A grumpy duke with a cute dog. An author who pissed off her fan base. A drafty castle. What's not to like!? It's seriously cute and happy-making.

Have you seen A Castle for Christmas? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008)

Title: A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa
Rating: G
Run Time: 46 minutes
Release Date: December 17, 2008
Genre(s): Comedy, Short Film
Production Co.: The Muppets Studios
Director: Kirk R. Thatcher
Starring: Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta


Who would I recommend this to?
Muppet Christmas fanatics and kids.

What is this about?
Gonzo, Kermit, and Fozzie must deliver some forgotten letters to Santa!

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

Where does it take place?
New York City and the North Pole.

Why did I decide to watch this?
'Tis the season, and I'd never seen it before.

How did I like this?
I didn't really. Obviously, this is no Muppets Christmas Carol, but it's also missing that extra something that makes Muppets movies special. The songs felt forced, like they were just stuck in because it was time for a song. The only one that truly fit and felt special was "I Wish I Could Be Santa Claus." Other than that, this is a disappointment.

Have you seen A Muppets Christmas? 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?