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 Magic School Bus

Length:  20 Minute Episodes (Nearly Complete set, missing Disc 1)

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Although the TV series and the (original) book series don't sync up perfectly the series is very definitely in the spirit of the books and is one of the better 'for TV' adaptations.

Best character: Uh, hello. Miss Frizzle, she is one of my teacher inspirations. Take Chances! Make Mistakes! Get Messy!

But is it art? Fairly high-quality animation for syndicated children's television combined with a witty script make this a show that can be enjoyed by almost anyone.

Major Flaws: Really for what this show was trying to be there are no major flaws to speak of. Being a show about science it does have a couple episodes where the ill-effects of being a couple decades old show through. (Personally I also get kind of sick of Phoebe.)

The Lorax

Length: 86 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Artistically, yes. Narratively, not as much.

Best character: The Once-ler. Who has shades of grey in this fairly heavy-handed story. That is until...

Neon subtlety.

But is it art? Such. Catchy. Songs. It definitely looks like a Dr. Seuss work. But the story is not entirely... Seussical.

Major Flaws: Subtlety does not exist here. Nor do moral shades of grey.

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.

Little House on the Prairie Seasons 1 and 3

Length: 50 Minute Episodes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...... Sometimes?

Best character: Pa Ingalls. Because he is well-rounded, well-written, morally upright, and... ah, hell. He's played by Michael Landon. Who physically is my ideal man. The characters he play are also ideal.

I'm posting a picture of Little Joe from Bonanza... because after that confession of my undying crush for M-Lan I thought a picture of the middle-aged man that starred in Little House might raise a few eyebrows. So here is, pictured a decade or so closer to my current age.

But is it art? In the way that all family-friendly, pioneer soap-operas are art. Yes.

Major Flaws: Well... occasionally it can be filled with smarmy feel-good fluffiness. But at the time you like it.

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: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Kung Fu Panda

What do you mean that song is from a different movie? I thought it was from ALL movies?

Length: 95 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Shifu, Shifu, Shifu, Shifu

But is it art? I was not expecting big things from this movie. I ignored it. Then I rolled my eyes at the previews. I scoffed at the DVDs in the stores. Then I watched it. Holy. Dreamworks, I apologize, but if you hadn't advertised the darned thing as being Panda Shrek back in the day I might have bee more eager. After all pandas are my favorite.

Major Flaws: Besides the aforementioned advertising fail? There are a few instances of crude humor that I could have easily lived without.

Legend of the Viking Cross

Length: 94 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Haven't read the book. Christmas present anyone? lol

Best character: Awasis, I loved him in the first film and I still love him. If he isn't a well-rounded character than I don't know who is.

But is it art? So not only does this one have the made-for-TV vibe but it also has the sequel vibe, and as both o those things go, it isn't bad. I prefer the first, but this is still a good option for movie night at my place.

Major Flaws: Seriously, do archeologists often become obsessed to the point of craziness? It seems to be a theme.

The Legend of Korra: Books One and Two

Length: 24 Minute Episodes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book, this is a sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender

Best character: Tenzin and Jinora are both awesome, wonderfully subdued characters in a show full of energetic fighters.

But is it art? Just like its predecessor this show has very high production standards and gorgeous artwork. I prefer the original series, but this one is much better than I thought is would be.

Major Flaws: Must there be a new objective every season? The original show was so much more focused, but I don't suppose that the exact same formula would be exciting either... I don't know what I want.

Legend of the Guardians

Length: 97 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No. It is supposedly an adaptation of the first three books in the series, but you get an entirely different story if you want.

Best character: Ezylryb, Soren, Twilight, Gylfie, Digger, I can't decide, just like in the books!

But is it art? It is gorgeous, if they'd have stayed true to the movies I might have gotten more, but noooooo. If you missed this in theatres in 3D I feel bad for you. Even my mother, who normally is meh about effects, was oohing and awing over how gorgeous this film was in 3D. The owls are so lovely and someone obviously did their research, just look at the way they move!!! And the music - chills. There is also a lot of social commentary going on (though it was pretty heavy-handed compared to the books).

LOOK.

AT.

IT.

Major Flaws: Like I said, I could have gotten more movies if they had stayed true to the books, I'm sure of it.

Kung Fu Panda 2

Length: 90 minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: It has been a while since I've seen this one, but I do like several characters including the newly introduced villain.  Shifu was my favorite in the first film and he still rocks, but Mr. Ping and Po are great as well.

But is it art? The fight sequences are stellar and the father-son moments are among the best that film has to offer. The backgrounds call Chinese art to mind quite well and if you know anything about Eastern architecture you won't be disappointed.

Major Flaws: Not enough Shifu. He's seriously one of my favorite animated characters ever, and the only one I ever wanted to just pick up and give a big hug.

Just look at him, he's so cute.

Kimba the Lion

Length: Haven't a clue Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? I don't think there are books.

Best character: Kimba.

But is it art? Consider this the unofficial inspiration for The Lion King. Disney will deny it until the company goes belly-up... but everyone knows it is true. Just look at these pictures and tell me any different.

There is a scene with a river that you can almost match up perfectly... but for some reason no one posts that.

Major Flaws: Certainly is early Japanese animation. Not really quite its own thing yet.

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.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Length: 92 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? So not true to the book. Has some elements from it but that is about it.

Best character: No preferences.

But is it art? Not too shabby, the story holds up fairly well on its own.

Major Flaws: This was the very beginning of the 3D craze. THEY MILKED IT. There are so many gimmicky distracting shots. Also, there is a dinosaur in this film that is almost forgettable, dinosaurs shouldn't be forgettable.

Ice Age: Continental Drift

Length: 94 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: I like Diego, because he is a saber-toothed cat and I dig those.

But is it art? None of the Ice Age films are going to be candidates for films to send out on deep space probes. But as sequels go (even compared to preceding sequels) it isn't bad.

Major Flaws: You spend a good chunk of the film wondering how many of these they're going to make.

Hugo

Length: 126 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Yes, the book was practically made to be filmed.

Best character: The loveable Hugo.

But is it art? This film looks stunning. Even though it is technically a children's film it was nominated for Best Picture... that doesn't happen to just any film. If you've read the book you'll understand why this is the perfect story for film.

Major Flaws: I'm not sure why they chose a comic to play the inspector but whatever, he pulled it off. I wish that his backstory had been fleshed out a teensy bit more.

Hotel Transylvania

Length: 92 Minutes

I haven't seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: ?

But is it art? ?

Major Flaws: ?

Horton Hears a Who

Length: 86 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? They've embellished a bit to make enough for a feature film.

Best character: I think the mayor is hilarious. But Morton the mouse is awesome as well. Ohmigosh I forgot about that vulture!!! Igor? Ivan? Somin' like that.

But is it art? Certainly went to prove that animated Dr. Seuss will always be better than live action *shudder*. Still has some really goofy moments that comes from having full-length movie based of a picture book.

Major Flaws: Nothing terribly major stands out as awful. I do think that the city council was a little unkind.

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.)

Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil

Length: 87 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Probably Wolf. I guess... I don't really even know why I'm holding onto this one...

But is it art? It lacks the quirky charm that made the first one so utterly watchable.

Major Flaws: They tried to repeat the formula from the first film and failed. We aren't given any real reason to like this film...