Cars 3 (2017)

Title: Cars 3
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Genre(s): Animation
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Brian Fee
Starring: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper


Who would I recommend this to?
Cars fans!

What is this about?
Lightning McQueen must deal with being an aging race car and adapt to the changes or get washed up.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a rainy afternoon.

Where does it take place?
An alternate America where technology got rid of all the humans. Or California and Florida.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I loved the first one! But let's pretend the second one doesn't exist.

How did I like this?
I thought it was super fun! WAY better than #2. It's been interesting to see Lightning go from cocky rookie to unsure near-retiree to confident mentor. Cruz was also a delightful addition to the cast!

Have you seen Cars 3? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Bears (2014)

Title: Bears
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Release Date: April 18, 2014
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director:  Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Starring: John C Reilly


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like nature documentaries that are more story driven than purely observational.

What is this about?
The first year of life for two brown bear cubs, Scout and Amber. And salmon migration.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now, while you're probably in isolation or at least social distancing.

Where does it take place?
Alaska.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I generally love these Disney Nature documentaries.

How did I like this?
Baby bears are absolutely adorable. However, while I like John C Reilly as an actor, I did not enjoy his narration. His voice wasn't engaging and didn't have that emotional pull these films require. Thankfully, this one was more uplifting than the others.

Have you seen Bears? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Aladdin (2019)

Title: Aladdin
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Release Date: May 24, 2019
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott


Who would I recommend this to?
Aladdin fans, but not the purists. Disney fans in general.

What is this about?
A "street rat" named Aladdin who stumbles upon a genie, and Princess Jasmine who dreams of being a strong leader.

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

Where does it take place?
Agrabah!

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Aladdin is my fourth favorite Disney movie, and I basically watch all things Disney.

How did I like this?
I really enjoyed it! I love how they fleshed out all of the stuff glossed over in the animated version (but still didn't fix Aladdin's second wish). Jasmine is a strong woman without being the stereotypical kick-ass variety. Dahlia adds another feminine touch to the screen. I am still conflicted over finding the villain hotter than the romantic lead, but oh well. The only thing I'm disappointed in was Will Smith's "singing." I certainly didn't expect Robin Williams levels of epicness, but Will could have put some more OOMPH and pizazz into it.

Have you seen Aladdin? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)

Title: Olaf's Frozen Adventure
Rating: G
Run Time: 22 minutes
Release Date: October 27, 2017
Genre(s): Animation, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Kevin Deters, Stevie Wermers
Starring: Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell


Who would I recommend this to?
Hardcore Frozen fans.

What is this about?
Olaf sets out to find a Christmas tradition for Anna and Elsa!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have a half hour to kill during the Christmas season.

Where does it take place?
Arendelle, Norway.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like Olaf, sooo...

How did I like this?
It was okay. They really played up Elsa's emoness and Olaf's cluelessness. But it made me cry. WTF. A 20 minute Christmas short made me cry! Dammit, Disney!

Have you seen Olaf's Frozen Adventure? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic (2017)

Title: Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 42 minutes
Release Date: December 18, 2017
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: T Group
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Paul-Dean Martin




Who would I recommend this to?
Disney fanatics!

What is this about?
How Disneyland and Disney World get decorated (overnight!) for the Christmas season.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you feel like getting into the holiday spirit.

Where does it take place?
Disneyland and Disney World.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I am a Disney fanatic and absolutely love the parks at Christmas time!

How did I like this?
I almost cried. I love Disney Holiday Magic that much. I did want a full hour about the Haunted Mansion though. And it made made me want to immediately book another Disney trip even though I just got back from two.

Have you seen Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

How Dogs Got Their Shapes (2016)

Title: How Dogs Got Their Shapes
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 44 Minutes
Release Date: April 17, 2016
Genre(s): Documentary
Production Co.: Lion Television
Starring: Jake Robards


Who would I recommend this to?
Dog lovers!

What is this about?
Almost exactly what the title suggests. I felt like it was more about what different body shapes do for the dog, rather than how they actually got them (through breeding, obviously).

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you want something quick and cute and moderately educational. I watched it at work.

Where does it take place?
All over. Wherever the dogs are.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love dogs and thought it would be cute and interesting. It was a fun way to kill time on a slow work day.

How did I like this?
I thought it was adorable. I did learn some things about dogs, but felt like it didn't really go too in detail about the different body parts and shapes. They also seemed to focus on more common breeds, rather than the really unusual ones.

Have you seen How Dogs Got Their Shapes? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Lady and the Tramp (2019)

Title: Lady and the Tramp
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Genre(s): Romance
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Charlie Bean
Starring: Tessa Thompson, Justin Theroux, Sam Elliott


Who would I recommend this to?
Dog lovers. Love lovers. Disney fans.

What is this about?
A family dog and a street dog fall in love! You know the story!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now. Date night. Family night. A stormy afternoon.

Where does it take place?
New Orleans!

Why did I decide to watch this?
I love dogs. I love Disney. I have a Disney+ subscription. To hang out with my mom. I like the original animated version.

How did I like this?
I freaking adored it! It's sooo cute! It sticks pretty close to the original, but there are some changes. They're good changes though. I did miss the Siamese cat song, but I'm so glad they cut it! Because obviously.

Have you seen Lady and the Tramp? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?