Mulan

Length: 88 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Based on a poem. And there are quite a few differences.

Best character: Mulan! Title character for the win! She is strong, clever, brave, kind, and... based off a real person? Apparently, though legend might be a better term.

But is it art? The scope of this sucker is amazing. Several sequences are outstanding, but the scene of the Huns coming over the mountain ridge is chill-inducing. And the score? Tops.

Major Flaws: The sequel. Who thought that was a good idea? Also the official soundtrack doesn't have the movie version of 'Mulan's Decision', soundtrack people... you messed up.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Length: 94 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Lizzie McGuire. Though I dig her friend Gordo... (that is his name, right?)

But is it art? Before there was the Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus... there was LIZZIE MCGUIRE. My generation didn't need double-identity-pop-singing-deal-with-the-fame hijinks to make our show totally worth it... except that that is pretty much what this is. But it was first!

Your life is now fuller. And you're welcome.

Major Flaws: Yes. Just yes. But I will keep it over many much better quality films because it's just so much fun.

The Lion King 2

Length: 81 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? NOOOOOOOO. After The Lion King Disney actually wrote a follow-up series. Which they proceeded to ignore for this movie.

Best character: I actually really dig newcomers Kiara and Kovu.

But is it art? Not bad for a sequel. Gives us marvelous songs (one of those came for the story but stayed for the soundtrack sort of films); in fact it includes the incredible 'He Lives in You' aka The Clean-Up Song, aka My Ringtone, aka The Best Song in the Broadway Musical...

Major Flaws: Good Lord Simba, man up. You are not the king I know you would admire.

The Lion King

Length: 97 Minutes

I've seen this one... on occasion.

Is it loyal to the book? Not based on a book per se... Influenced quite a bit by Kimba (regardless of what Disney says), Disney's own movie Bambi, and Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Best character: HFIHRBNG

But is it art? YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES. So it turns out that this is my favorite movie. You may borrow it but if it is damaged you will be buying me a brand-new copy. Capishe? I was too young for this movie's original theatrical run, but I was first in line for the 3D re-release.

Major Flaws: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

The Jungle Book

Length: 78 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No. Disney famously had people that hadn't read the book write the script after he didn't like the first one.

Best character: Bagheera is my favorite in both the book and the movie. In fact pretty much every incarnation of Bagheera rocks.

But is it art? It hardly gets any more classic than this. The backgrounds are gorgeous, the characters are memorable, and if you hear the songs and forget them forever you are an atonal robot.

Major Flaws: Not enough Shere Khan? Although maybe he is made more menacing by being the non-present.

The Journey of Natty Gann

Length: 101 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: I came for the wolf and I stayed for Natty Gann. She is a very strong personality and it is hard not to root for her.

But is it art? This is a film that Disney hasn't advertised very well. There were some ads when I was really little and then nothing since. I'm not sure why because it is a great coming of age story and an on the road story.

Major Flaws: The romance feels a little awkward considering the ages of everyone involved.

The Horse Without a Head

Length: 89 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Don't think there is a book.

Best character: I can't remember character names (French) but the children are all charming.

But is it art? This gem is one of Disney's 'forgotten' films. I'd be willing to put down $.10 that you haven't seen it before. 

Major Flaws: As my college roommate pointed out over and over again, why don't they call the police? But that would make the movie much shorter, so sei la vie. (I'm completely aware that that most certainly isn't how to spell it... but my French is a little limited.)

Homeward Bound

Length: 84 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? I haven't read the book.

Best character: When I was little it was Sassy all the way. Now that I'm older I appreciate all three animals but really love the gentle wisdom from Shadow.

But is it art? Hmmm... the scenery is beautiful and the animals are superbly trained. Some people are annoyed by talking animal narration and they'd be wise to avoid this movie. I don't mind except when the dialogue tries too hard to be hip.

Major Flaws: The aforementioned hipness.

Flight of the Navigator

Length: 90 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Max, the wise-guy compu... spacesh... naviga... ali... I'm not sure it is ever really cleared up what he is. But as a little kid I found him ridiculously hilarious.

But is it art? Considering this is children's sci-fi from the 80s it has held up remarkably well. Sure, some of the alien puppets were lousy but again, 80s. Plus it still has the funniest E.T. reference of all time.

Major Flaws: Child actors are always somewhat of a mixed bag and here is no exception. The star of the film gives a nice performance but sometimes he struggles with the emotions he should be portraying.

Escape to Witch Mountain

Length:  97 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? I wasn't even aware there was a book until writing this blip.

Best character: Jason O'Day portrayed by the wonderful Eddie Albert... another jerk with a heart of gold type. I'm apparently set in my ways.

But is it art? One of the first science-fiction films for children; this film remains among the classics in the genre. The bad guys are believable, the suspense is real, and the children manage unearthly quite well.

Major Flaws: Some of the special effects show their age, but overall not too shabby on that front. The random bear subplot seems a little odd, but again, liveable. (Also, I hear that there is a remake (sequel?) with The Rock in it. Horrors!)

DarkWing Duck

Length: 22 Minute Episodes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book. (Spinoff of DuckTales.)

Best character: DarkWing Duck is, without a doubt, one of the most hilarious characters in Saturday morning history. He both IS a hero and is a spoof of everything a hero is.

But is it art? Better than modern cartoons... but definitely not high art.

Major Flaws: I hate, hate, hate, hate... okay, strongly dislike Goslyn.

Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers

Length:  22 Minute Episodes

I've seen this one. (MANY times.)

Is it loyal to the book? No books.

Best character: Chip. But everyone else is pretty great as well.

But is it art? I won't even dignify that with a response.

Major Flaws: Come along, you belong, feel the fizz of Cooku Cola!

Cars 2

Length: 106 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Spy car whose name escapes me...

But is it art? Backgrounds. This film has gorgeous backgrounds. But the story isn't the strongest the world has ever seen... though it isn't that shabby either.

Major Flaws: Sometimes it tries just too hard for the joke. When it falls, it plummets. (Conversely, when it nails it, it soars.)

Brother Bear

Length: 85 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Kenai

But is it art? Yes, particularly the beginning, before the forced perspective shift. But the other parts (particularly during songs are good too). Watch the above video for what I am convinced is in the top ten cinematic moments of all time.

Major Flaws: Sometimes Koda is a bit too cutesy, but oh well.

Brave

Length: 93 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: I'm supposed to say the strong-willed Merida... but I keep remembering this:

But is it art? The animation... sometimes Pixar is TOO good, it looks like they just set up a camera and filmed a lot of their backgrounds. They are mastering the art of imitating life. Also, one of my top five scariest movie bears appears in this film.

Major Flaws: A lot of this film feels like a.) rehashing and b.) marketing. Like Pixar gave us a movie about a girl not getting married... by making the movie about NOT GETTING MARRIED. I liked the first fifteen minutes or so best, when it was just her lessons clashing with adventuring. Pretty sure a good story could have been built there.

Benji the Hunted

Length: 89 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Ummmm. Benji? Let me be honest, there aren't really characters in this film in the traditional sense.

But is it art? Not really what I would call a great example of the art of film... but still enjoyable.

Major Flaws: You have to actually watch to know what is happening because this is one of those rare Disney animal films without narration. Is it worth it though? YES.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Length: 140 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? I haven't read this one, I'll get on it.

Best character: Ms Eglantine Price rocks. She is and always will be the pinnacle of Angela Lansbury's roles. Also, my cat Cosmic Creepers was named by her.

But is it art? The animated sequences are pretty sappy, but very similar to Mary Poppins. (This film is often called the ugly stepsister of Mary Poppins, but I prefer it.) The live action stuff is kind of dark and grimey, but appropriately so. And the special effects aren't too shabby considering how old this film is.

Major Flaws: The edition I have has the extended scenes put back in, most are no problem at all but the delightful Portobello Road song has been extended to a dance sequence that might just be longer than the monarchy of Luis Filipe of Portugal. (Look that up.)

Beauty and the Beast

Length: 92 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? There are several versions, and some of them are not so pleasant. At least this one has talking furniture.

Best character: So many good characters... but the trio of servants found in Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, and Cogsworth is the bomb-diggity.

But is it art? If you seriously need to ask that question go sit in the corner and think about your life. Disney had pretty much mastered their art at this point and nearly everything is perfect. If you need convincing watch the ballroom dance scene (where Disney showed mastery over their CAPs program, I shelled out the money to see the movie in theatres during its 3D release JUST to see this part) over the transformation scene, which Glen Keane described as the best work he'd ever done.

Major Flaws: The plot hole that you can drive a semi through... sideways... in a dense fog... while the semi is on fire.

Bambi II

Length: 73 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No? The book Bambi does have a sequel (which this doesn't even pretend to be). But the original Bambi didn't follow the book and this follows the movie... got it?

Best character: The Great Prince (how's that for a name?) went from mysterious background figure to... well, mysterious foreground figure. But he feels a lot more genuine.

But is it art? The animation is pretty, and you can tell they definitely studied the original film, however this one comes off a little more cartoony than its predecessor.

Major Flaws: I'm not sure this film was really needed. Plus the climax has absolutely zero payoff if you've seen the original, because this isn't really a sequel, it is an in-the-middle-of-the-original-movie-quel. 

The Aristocats

Length: 79 Minutes

Yes, I have seen it.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Abraham D'Lacey Giuseppe Tucacy Thomas O'Malley the Alley Cat

But is it art? Another of the sketchy movies that I love. You can see the art, it is oozing out of the film.

Major Flaws: The plot isn't as strong as most of the previous Disney films had been. The studio was suffering from a serious case of "How can we go on without Walt?"