Pokémon Adventures in the Orange Islands (1999-2000)

Title: Pokémon Adventures in the Orange Islands
Rating: TV-Y7
Run Time: 20 minutes
Release Date: December, 1999
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Series
Production Co.: GAME FREAK
Creator(s): Junichi Msauda, Ken Sugimori, Satoshi Tajiri
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who watched the first season.

What is this about?
Legal, nonlethal animal fighting...and the friends we made along the way.

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

Where does it take place?
The Orange Islands.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was already extremely late to the party, was actually enjoying myself, and decided to stay.

How did I like this?
It's so fun! I flew right through all of the episodes! While none of them made me cry like during Indigo League, there were still several emotional moments. I liked how this arc focused on teamwork. Ash doesn't just need to catch Pokémon and battle with them, they all need to learn to work together on and off the battlefield.

I also liked Tracy so much more than Brock!

Have you seen Adventures in the Orange Islands? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Pokémon Indigo League (1997-1999)

Title: Pokémon Indigo League
Rating: TV-Y7
Run Time: 20 minutes
Release Date: April 1, 1997
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Series
Production Co.: GAME FREAK
Creator(s): Junichi Msauda, Ken Sugimori, Satoshi Tajiri
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
Legal, nonlethal animal fighting...and the friends we made along the way.

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

Where does it take place?
The Kanto region.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm extremely late to the party and thought it was about time I arrived.

How did I like this?
It's so fun! I couldn't believe how many episodes actually made me cry or gasp out loud. I was invested. Sure, the thought that these innocent creatures are being forced to fight for sport kept creeping in. But none of them actually die or get seriously injured. It's all very low stakes...in general. I also grew attached to Ash, and I never realized what a little menace Pikachu is!

Have you seen Pokemon Indigo League? 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?

Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You (1999)

Title: Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You
Rating: NR
Run Time: 22 minutes
Release Date: February 13, 1999
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film, Musical
Production Co.: Disney Television Animation
Director: Keith Ingham
Starring: Jerome Beidler, Brady Bluhm, Peter Cullen


Who would I recommend this to?
Pooh fans.

What is this about?
Pooh and Co get the wrong idea about Valentine's Day and fear losing Christopher Robin.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Around Valentine's Day or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Where does it take place?
The Hundred Acre Wood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Valentine's time and I had no idea this existed.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! This probably contains my favorite Winnie the Pooh songs too.

Have you seen A Valentine for You? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Forrest Gump (1994)

Title: Forrest Gump
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Release Date: July 6, 1994
Genre(s): Drama, Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A simple mans lives an anything-but simple life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a long flight, right now, tomorrow...

Where does it take place?
All over, but mostly Greenbo, Alabama.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because everyone was watching it.

How did I like this?
I absolutely love this movie and have seen it countless times! The story is super weird if you think about it, but it's just so charming and entertaining and you can't help by get swept up in the many coincidences of Forrest's life.

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

Clueless (1995)

Title: Clueless
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: July 19, 1995
Genre(s): Comedy, Romance
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Amy Heckerling
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone needs to see this at least once, or twice.

What is this about?
A rich girl and her rich friends and their rich people problems, but they're just like us!

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

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, I saw this countless times! It's a classic!

How did I like this?
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Watching it as an adult, I pick up on more of the jokes and references and makes me enjoy it even more! And the clothes! I always wanted to dress like this.

Even though this is about rich white girl problems, it's still mostly relatable and fully entertaining.

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

Don't Look Under the Bed (1999)

Title: Don't Look Under the Bed
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: October 9, 1999
Genre(s): Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Television
Director: Kenneth Johnson
Starring: Erin Chambers, Ty Hodges, Robin Riker


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s kids.

What is this about?
Teen girl and imaginary friend versus boogeyperson!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Spooky Season or when you need to remind yourself that YES, this movie did actually exist.

Where does it take place?
Middleburg.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid...because Halloween and Disney Channel. Now because I haven't seen it in a billion years.

How did I like this?
Another movie I was obsessed with as a kid and thought I had hallucinated because it totally disappeared for awhile. Which it did because parents said it was too dark. It actually is quite mature when compared to other DCOMs, but it is also one of the best! It handles several serious topics in an approachable and fun way without minimizing the seriousness.

I loved that Francis skipped a grade! So did I! Not at the time this movie came out, but later. She's a 14 year old freshman, which I always thought was normal. I was 12. It was an uncommon choice to make her act more grown up as part of the plot conflict.

Have you seen Don't Look Under the Bed? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Practical Magic (1998)

Title: Practical Magic
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 1998
Genre(s): Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: DiNovi Pictures
Director: Griffin Dunne
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes dark chick flicks.

What is this about?
A family of witches are cursed to have the men they love most die.

When would be a good time to watch this?

Where does it take place?
An island off Massachusetts.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I've always heard it was great and wanted something witchy.

How did I like this?
This was darker and much more intense than I was expecting. But it's super good. I can't believe I never saw it until now. It came out on my 9th birthday and I can guaranteed this would have been one of 9-year-old me's favorites.

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

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: July 31, 1992
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Fran Rubel Kuzui
Starring: Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s fans.

What is this about?
A cheerleader learns that she is destined to protect humanity from vampires.

When would be a good time to watch this?
A Halloween slumber party.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles, California.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it on Starz and had always wanted to watch the show, sooo...

How did I like this?
This was delightful, cheesy, and fun. I wish I had seen this back in the day! Little vampire-obsessed me would have been all over this, but in like '98 or '99. Can we get a remake!? I guess I should watch the show...

Have you seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997)

Title: Casper: A Spirited Beginning
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Release Date: September, 1997
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Saban Entertainment
Director: Sean McNamara
Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Lori Loughlin, Rodney Dangerfield


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like their ghost stories family friend and enjoy really bad straight to video prequels.

What is this about?
Casper's first days as a ghost, making friends, and saving historical mansions.

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

Where does it take place?
Deedstown.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I saw it as a kid because I loved Casper. I remembered nothing about it by now though.

How did I like this?
I don't remember animation being this bad in 1997, or was it just for straight to video prequels? Or just this one? Yikes!

Also, this completely ignores everything we know about Casper from the original movie. He lived at Whipstaff Manor, not Applegate. And he had lived there when he was alive, he didn't just stumble upon it. They could have easily worked the "save the historical house" plot with Casper's actual home.

It's not totally terrible, as it was fun seeing the Ghostly Trio training Casper to be a ghost, and there's a lot of familiar '90s faces and voices. But that's about it...and it feels like 4 hours long...

Have you seen Casper: A Spirited Beginning? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Titanic (1997)

Title: Titanic
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Release Date: December 19, 1997
Genre(s): Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
Star-crossed lovers on a ship destined to sink.

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

Where does it take place?
In the middle of the Atlantic.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because I got the VHS as a gift and then I became addicted.

How did I like this?
Top ten for sure. I am absolutely obsessed with this movie. I wasn't actually interested when it first came out, probably because I was 7, but after I watched it...OMG. Still, to this day, OMG. I always cry even though I know what's coming. It never hurts any less.

Have you seen Titanic? What did you think?
I not, would you watch it?

Blast from the Past (1999)

Title: Blast from the Past
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: February 12, 1999
Genre(s): Romance, Comedy
Production Co.: New Line Cinema
Director: High Wilson
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverston, Christopher Walken


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s lovers!

What is this about?
A man raised in a bomb shelter goes to the surface for the first time to find a wife.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Date night, slumber party, any relaxing evening.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was obsessed with this movie as a kid.

How did I like this?
This movie is super adorable! I definitely don't think some of the jokes have aged well, but the overall movie still holds up.  It's cheesy and funny and quirky and sweet.

Have you seen Blast from the Past? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Title: Romeo + Juliet
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours
Release Date: November 1, 1996
Genre(s): Romance, Drama
Production Co.: Twentieth Century Fox
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo


Who would I recommend this to?
I legit thing everyone needs to see this at least once.

What is this about?
Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy and girl commit suicide.

When would be a good time to watch this?
While studying the play.

Where does it take place?
Verona Beach.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I actually saw this for the first time in 8th grade English. Seriously.

How did I like this?
I was super shocked that we watched this in class and that it was so good! I went on to be completely obsessed with it! And I honestly do believe this is a great way to teach kids Shakespeare. It doesn't have to be stuffy and boring. It can be fun! It's so unique to use the original language but adapt it to modern times. GENIUS!

Have you seen Romeo + Juliet? 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?