G Force

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  G Force
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  Jonathan picked it b/c it was his b-day

Welcome to the world of talking guinea pigs!

Fat Jesus from The Hangover (Zach somebody … you know, the guy with the beard) is in charge of a crazy animal experiment with the FBI.  He's trained guinea pigs, moles, roaches and flys to be full fledged agents.  They can even talk!

The FBI is tired of wasting money on training animals, so in the morning they are going to shut them down.   So the guinea pig and mole set out on their very first mission. If they are successful, then maybe they can prove that this section of the FBI is worthy, and they can all keep their jobs.  Otherwise, it's back to the pet store.

Well, thanks to a computer genius mole and 3 super charged guinea pigs, they break into Bill Niegy's (the bad guy) house during a huge party, download a file from his computer and escape. Success!

Unfortunately, the file they downloaded from the computer doesn't show the "world domination" that the guinea pigs thought, it just shows how to make a coffee maker.  Not a success.  They are shut down and shipped off to the pet store.

Silly pet owners and realistic (ha!) escape plans later, the 3 guinea pigs (plus 1 stray guinea pig they found at the pet store) are back together, and ready to prove that they didn't screw up their mission.  They know they downloaded the correct file.  Why couldn't the computer genius mole find it to show the head FBI guy?   Could it be because he's a "mole"!?!  Get my drift …

This movie was ok, but I don't need to see it again.  The guinea pigs were cute (and not super CGI looking), but the circumstances were way ridiculous.  The bad guy was trying to make all his home appliances come to life like transformers and take over the world. Riiiiiiight.

The Strongest Man in the World

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Strongest Man in the World
Where:  @ home on cable
Why:  Classic Disney!

In the age of steroids in sports, this movie is a little less funny than it probably was back in the '70s.   I mean, these kids are eating cereal spiked with some sort of crazy science formula, and they can suddenly clean and jerk over 1000lbs.  But I digress ...

Disney has taken us back to Medford College (which, I believe was the setting for another Kurt Russell Disney classic The Smartest Man in the World).  The dean of Medford is a total bonehead, and he needs to cut costs quickly.  Getting rid of the super cool science professor should do the trick!  He's always spending way too much money to silly science experiments.

Walking into the science classroom, he find a cow.  He is flabbergasted!  (He's pretty much flabbergasted the entire movie).  The Dean causes a ruckus, which causes the cow to go a little nuts, and 2 science experiments get mixed together and spill into some cereal.

Pan to the next day, when Kurt Russell is eating cereal.  His head hurts, he winces, and smoke comes out of his nose.  Pretty weird huh?  He tries to tie his shoe, and he tears the laces right off.  He pulls the doorknob right off the door.  He dunks a basketball and breaks the rim right off!  What the heck is going on?!?

It's the cereal mixed with science experiment!  It made him incredibly strong.  He tells the dean, who immediately goes into nutso mode.  This could make a ton of money for the school. He takes the "spiked" cereal to the head of the cereal manufacturer, eats some, and demonstrates how strong he all of a sudden is.

Naturally, the cereal manufacturer is thrilled.  And, naturally, she challenges a rival cereal manufacturer to a weigh lifting match.  She can't loose with her 'spiked' cereal!!  (how silly is this movie)

Of course, things don't go as planned.   The Medford kids are all really scrawny, the rival college guys are professional bodybuilders.  Medford is getting crushed in the competition, because the cereal mysteriously doesn't work anymore.

Can Kurt Russell save the day?!?

The Parent Trap

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Parent Trap
Where:  Fort Wilderness campfire movie
Why:  I've never seen this movie!

I highly recommend this movie to everybody.  This is the version from the early 90s staring a new actress … maybe you've heard of her … Lindsay Lohan.

Say with you will about current Lindsay, but little 11 year old Lindsay Lohan is adorable and a wonderful kid actress.

Halley is a tomboy from California.  Annie is a proper girl from London.  Both are *ironically* sent to the same summer camp.  When they first lay eyes on each other, they are stunned.  Besides Annie's long hair, they are identical.  As 11 year old girls go, being identical is not cool, so they dislike each other.  Silly camp pranks ensue, and Halley and Annie are sent to the "Isolation Bunk".  Stuck all alone, they eventually being buds and talk about their lives.  Halley has a father but no mother.  Annie has a mother but no father. Their birthday is the same … dum, dum, dum … they are related!!

Since neither one has met the other parent, they decide to switch places.  Halley learns a fake British accent and Annie cuts her hair, and the switch is on!

Neither parent knows what's up, the Halley's cook and Annie's grandpa seem to think something is off.

A problem arises when the father is remarrying a 26 year old bimbo!  The girls must stop it and get their parents back together.  They all meet up in California and the parents are totally shocked, but pleased to see the family is all together again.  A ruckus at a hotel pool and a camping trip gone awry, and everything is happily ever after (in true Disney style).

This movie is very sweet, and little Lohan is adorable. The mother is played by Natasha Richardson, who recently passed away.

Up

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  UP
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  It's Pixar!

I had been seeing previews and photos for UP for about 8 months now.  Since it was Pixar, I knew it would be good, but I wasn't so sure about the story and if it would be as good as all the other Pixar movies.

And, as a friend mentioned to me today, if I told you the plot and the funny scenes of the movie, it would just seem ridiculous and lame.  But the movie is WONDERFUL.

Maybe because I'm such a sap for seeing movies with cute old couples who have been happily married for ever ... or maybe because my life is kind-of like Carl and Elle Fredrickson.  They are happy to be around each other, and they happily just live their lives.  They aren't really extravagant or noteworthy.  They just build a home for themselves and enjoy being married.

If you don't really want to see UP, or if you're embarrassed that you want to see UP, but your friends won't see it with you, I highly encourage you to at least watch the first 15 minutes.  After that, you're ok to leave.

Also, the classic Pixar short film before the the movie is adorable.  I think it might be my favorite yet!

Go see this movie immediately!!!  Adults will love the romance, kids will love the adventure.  It's a win/win!

Oliver & Company

Who: Bill and Melanie
What: Oliver & Company
Where: DVR recording from The Disney Channel
Why: Bill had never seen it.

The classic Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” has been adapted to film numerous times, both as a drama and even as a musical-- 1968’s Oliver!, which itself was adapted from a musical play in England and on Broadway. In 1988, Walt Disney Pictures gave the story a contemporary animated “twist” set in the gritty streets of New York City and featuring all-star vocal talent.

Oliver (Joey Lawrence) is an abandoned kitten who is befriended by a group of street-smart dogs led by Dodger (Billy Joel). The pack‘s owner, bumbling but good-hearted Fagin (Dom DeLuise), owes a huge debt to a powerful loan shark named Sykes (Robert Loggia) and in danger of losing his life if Fagin can‘t come up with the needed funds. Meanwhile, Oliver is soon befriended by a sweet young girl named Jenny much to the chagrin of her spoiled prize-winning poodle Georgette (Bette Midler). The kitten unexpectedly departs his new friends, but they haven’t forgotten about Oliver and manage to get him back in the pack. But Fagin plans to hold Oliver for ransom once realizing the wealthy nature of Jenny’s family. This being a Disney movie, of course there has to be a happy ending for all involved… but maybe not.

Disney animation was on the verge of a second “golden age” of highly successful features when Oliver & Company came out in 1988. In addition to Billy Joel and Bette Midler, musical contributions are provided by Huey Lewis, Barry Manilow, Ruth Pointer (from The Pointer Sisters) and lyricist Howard Ashman. Other characters in the film are voiced by Cheech Marin, Richard Mulligan, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Roscoe Lee Browne and the versatile Frank Welker. And for the first time, CGI effects were put to extensive use in supplementing the hand-drawn animation. Yet while an entertaining movie, Oliver & Company is lacking as an overall engaging story. Certainly Oliver the kitten is cute enough, but none of the other characters are especially lovable. The music is well-done, but ultimately forgettable. Still, its worth recommending as fine family entertainment and possible musical nostalgia for children of the 80’s. For fans of Disney’s animated classics, look for cameos from dogs seen in Lady and the Tramp and the original One Hundred and One Dalmatians.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Where:  @ home - we own it on DVD
Why:  It recently celebrated an anniversary (20 years maybe?)

This movie is soooooooooooooo good.  If you haven't seen it, you will be amazed.  Especially when you think about the fact that it was made in the late '80s.  The effects are pretty impressive.  I mean, when you watch an 80's movie, you can totally say, "arg - nice '80s effects!", but not this movie.  It's totally seamless between the animated characters and the human characters.

The story revolves around Roger Rabbit (a cartoon rabbit) and Eddie Valient (a human detective).  Eddie used to enjoy working for 'toons', until a toon killed his brother.  Dropped a piano on his head.

Well, Eddie is down on his luck, and gets involved in sleuthing around the death of RK Maroon - one of the main lovers of toons.  If RK's will doesn't show up soon, anybody will be able to buy Toontown!  Will Eddie get over his hatred of toons to help them out (RK Maroon was supposed to will Toontown to the toons!)?  Or will a piano get dropped on his head, just like his brother?

What's fun about this movie is all the cartoon characters.  You'll see Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop,  Dumbo, Yosemite Same and hundreds more!  You could probably watch this movie a zillion times and still not catch all the cool background stuff.

Best line of the movie:

"What's the password?"

"Walt sent me"  

(as in Walt Disney!)

Freaky Friday

Who:  Amber
What:  Freaky Friday
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  It's a cute movie

Say what you want about Lindsay Lohan, but she was one super cute (and really good) child actor.

And, as usual, I forgot the character's names already.  So it's Lindsay and Jamie (as in Jamie Lee Curtis!).

Lindsay is a typical 17 year old.  She is really smart, but into rock music (not your stereotypical stupid teenager).  She thinks her mom is ruining her life.  Jamie Lee is a widower about to be remarried.  She is a psychologist, and a very calm, collected woman.  Her 17 year old is a little too wild for her tastes.

At their wedding rehearsal dinner (at a Chinese restaurant) they have a huge mother daughter blow out.  Their waitress offers them a fortune cookie to calm down.  Little to they know, the fortune cookie is magical!

When they wake up the next day, they have switched bodies.  They realize this, but they can't tell anybody - people will think they're nuts.  "Suuuuuure mom - you've switched bodies with your daughter.  Riiiiight!"  Lindsay has a huge test at school this day, and Jamie is getting married the next day!  Gross - Lindsay can't pretend to be her mom and get married, b/c you know what happens on your wedding night.

I'm sure you've all heard this story before.  They both struggle thru the day, learn valuable lessons, and live happily ever after.  But how Jamie Lee Curtis takes on Lindsay Lohan's characteristics, and vice versa is really cute!  Even though I'm sure you can predict the ending, I still recommend this movie.  I'm sure you can find it on Disney channel.

Flubber

Who:  Amber
What:  Flubber
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  I've never seen it.

I took a random day off work, and Flubber was on the tube.  I work for Disney ... Flubber is a Disney movie ... I figured it was my patriotic duty to watch it.

Robin Williams is a moron.  Twice now he's missed his own wedding b/c he's tinkering with experiments in his basement.  Ok - right there buddy, this relationship is over.  But, of course, his girlfriend gives him on more chance.

(I think the original movie was called "The Absent Minded Professor", so I guess Robin Williams had to prove how absent minded he can be.)

The private college he and his girlfriend work at is going bankrupt.  They will close soon.  Until - ta da! - Robin Williams creates flubber!  It's a gooey green substance that produces energy, or something magical that can make them rich.

Of course, there are some bumbling bad guys who try to take the flubber away (Captain Stollemyer from Monk and Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore, among others).  Robin Williams puts the bouncy flubber on the baskeball players shoes to help them win a game.  More craziness happens.

Although this movie wasn't all ridiculous laughs.  There were some touching moments between the 2 lovers (who are just trying to get married) and some robots.  Yes, I said touching moments between robots.  No, I'm not kidding.

Bedtime Stories

Who:  Amber, Jonathan, MIL & FIL
What:  Bedtime Stories
Where:  Sullivan 6 - the only movie theater near Jonathan's home town (it's only about 30 miles away)
Why:  It looked cute (plus, there wasn't much choice)

This movie was really cute!  The previews kind-of give away the basic premise.  Adam Sandler (Skeeter) is babysitting his niece and nephew for 5 days.  His dad used to tell him awesome bedtime stories, so he decides to keep the tradition alive.

He tells them one story, and the next day it comes to life!  I'm sure we've all seen the 'raining gumballs' scene.  I figured all the stories would come to life unrealistically (like - it was actually raining gumballs), but it was actually 100% realistic, which I really appreciated.  I like a good old fashioned relatively realistic movie.  It actually wasn't raining gumballs, but a gumball truck has crashed (on an overhang bridge), so gum was falling out of the truck onto Adam Sandler below (although he thought it was some kind of magic).

When he realizes his stories are coming to life, he tries to tell stories that will help out him with his dead end job, and help out his niece and nephew.  Unfortunately, the kids just want a funny story, so they always end up with Skeeter not getting 100 million dollars, but he gets stuck in the rain instead.

In true Adam Sandler form, you'll see a cameo from Nick Swardsen, Rob Schneider, the QB from Water Boy, and more of his buddies.

I highly recommend this movie!  It works for adults and kids alike.

The Age of Believing: The Disney Live Action Classics

Who: Bill
What: The Age of Believing: The Disney Live Action Classics
Where: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Why: It's a new documentary about the Disney Studios

When one thinks of “Disney”, it is quite natural to think of cartoon or animated movie. But throughout its history, the Disney Studios have also put out an impressive lineup of exclusively live action features, beginning with the True-Live Adventure short Seal Island in 1948 and the full-length Treasure Island in 1950. Before that, Walt Disney and his staff would occasionally combine animation with live action, often with impressive results (early examples include the 1920’s Alice comedy shorts and 1945’s The Three Cabelleros). So why the diversion into live action? Well, they cost less to make because they can be filmed quicker than an animated movie, and when done well, they can earn a lot of money in box office revenue. However, Walt insisted on a Quality film, rather than a Quantity output each year. As a result, many if not most of the live-action films he produced have become cinema classics that continue to entertain new generations.

Think of some of the best films made by Disney which include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), Old Yeller (1957), The Shaggy Dog (1959), Swiss Family Robinson and Pollyanna (both in 1960), The Parent Trap (1961), The Love Bug (1969), The Apple Dumpling Gang and Escape to Witch Mountain (both in 1975), Freaky Friday (1976) and many more. Even those classics well-remembered for their animated sequences -- Mary Poppins (1964), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) and Pete’s Dragon (1977)-- mostly utilized live actors. The Age of Believing: The Disney Live Action Classics focuses on Walt’s sometimes overlooked achievements in full live action production, featuring interviews with the people that also made it possible. Narrated by Angela Lansbury, the interviewees are a who's who of Disney film stars including Dick Van Dyke, Kurt Russell, Dean Jones, Tim Conway, Hayley Mills, James MacArthur, Glynis Johns, Nancy Olson, Tommy Kirk, Kim Richards, Kevin Corcoran and more. Also adding perspective are Disney film historian Leonard Maltin, director Ken Annakin, author Bob Thomas, filmmaker Leslie Iwerks (and her father Don Iwerks) and Roy Edward Disney as well as others. The documentary is being presented throughout December 2008 as Turner Classic Movies showcases 26 Disney live action features each Sunday of the month.

Produced, written and directed by Peter Fitzgerald, The Age of Believing: The Disney Live Action Classics offers insightful commentary and an abundance of clips from the movies being discussed. Much ground is covered in the almost 90-minute program, but there is also lots left unsaid (perhaps awaiting a potential DVD release) particularly when it came to the post-Walt era leading up Michael Eisner’s arrival in 1984. Throughout the 1970’s there was strong reluctance to tamper with the traditional Disney “formula” of wholesome family entertainment. While there were some good if not a few excellent live-action movies, the all-too real social upheaval of the times made Disney live-action films look old-fashioned. The resistance to even try something a little different resulted in increased malaise and mediocrity with each passing year. This really began to change with the 1979 release of the big budget PG-rated film The Black Hole.

Any fan of Disney movies is encouraged to watch the documentary and to look for TCM’s showings of many of these Disney live action classics-- as the channel proudly proclaims, uncut and commercial-free.

Bolt

Who:  Amber, Jonathan & Jonathan's entire family
What:  Bolt
Where:  Sullivan 6 - tiny theater in Missour-A
Why:  It's Disney!

I also saw Bolt over the Thanksgiving weekend, and I loved it!  I had heard other people say, "meh - it was ok", but I think it was better than ok.  I, on the other hand, highly recommend it!

I was afraid it would be a cheesy "we're traveling across the country" montage.  Thankfully, there was a montage, but it was insanely cute.

Ok, I'm getting off track.  Bolt is Penny's dog.  Although Penny is no ordinary kid, she's a TV star in an action-style TV show.  But Bolt is the REAL super hero of the show.  Thanks to TV magic, he can 'bend' metal, his eyes are lasers, he can jump super far and run super fast.  Bolt believes he can actually do these things - b/c he never EVER leaves the set.  He never gets to be a real dog.  He always honestly thinks Penny is in grave danger, and he relishes his opportunity to save her each week.

Well, when Bolt gets off the set for the first time, and ends up in NYC (long story), and a wise cracking ally cat has to set him straight.  After a while, Bolt does realize he has no super powers, but actually enjoys being a real dog.  Who knew sticking your face out of a car door was totally awesome!?!?

It's Disney, so you know Bolt will make it back to Penny in LA, but he has some wild and funny adventures along the way.

Best line (by the hamster), "I'll go get a ladder."

Bolt

Who: Myself, Sister, Brother-in-law, Niece, Nephew
What: Bolt
Where: Regal - The Loop
Why: Had to see latest Disney movie and we were sick of eating Turkey

Cute movie. Cute story. The story of a dog named Bolt who thinks he is a super-dog with super powers. He is a part of a TV show filmed in Hollywood and his person, a girl named Penny, is his top priority to protect from the evil people. He never leaves the set or sees anything in real life so he has no idea that he is actually just a normal dog. He escapes one day from the set and through a series of events ends up in New York and learns the truth. He meets up with some other funny characters and tries to make his way back to his person learning valuable lessons along the way.

This is another fine example of great art and a strong story from Pixar. I felt like it was very much geared toward small children and less focused on adults. Not a bad thing but certainly different than the other Pixar-Disney movies. It was enjoyable and my 6 year old nephew couldn't take his eyes off the screen. Miley Cyrus and John Travolta gave very believable performances. The Cat and Hampster characters got most of the laughs and the actors who voiced them were memorable but not necessarily well known. This movie will be a great addition to the Disney family of movies.

The World's Greatest Athlete

Who: Bill
What: The World's Greatest Athlete
Where: Turner Classic Movies
Why: It's a classic Disney movie.

I've never seen anything like this in my entire illustrious career!
-- Howard Cosell


The Walt Disney Studios have produced some notable sports-themed films in recent memory: Invincible, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Miracle, Remember the Titans, The Rookie and others. But going back much further to 1973, Disney’s idea of a sports movie came in the form of The World’s Greatest Athlete.

Marrivale College’s head coach Sam Archer (John Amos) is in charge of perennially-losing teams for football, baseball, basketball and track and field. Seeking some relaxation, Archer and his assistant coach Milo Jackson (Tim Conway) travel to Africa where they encounter an exceptionally athletic young man called Nanu (Jan-Michael Vincent) who was orphaned and raised in the jungle. Archer and Jackson convince Nanu to go back with them to Marrivale, much to the concern of Nanu’s mentor Gazenga (Roscoe Lee Browne). At the college, Nanu excels as an athletic superpower, culminating in an exciting track and field finale where the visiting Gazenga seeks to temper Nanu’s attempts at breaking several NCAA records through witchcraft.

“Realistic” is a term that could never be applied to The World’s Greatest Athlete but it still makes for a fun family-friendly comedy. Even the romance between Nanu and his tutor Jane (Dayle Haddon) is mostly played for laughs. Three legendary ABC sportscasters are seen in cameos: Jim McKay, Frank Gifford and especially Howard Cosell. Cosell’s over-the-top commentary is not far off from what he actually did on Monday Night Football and most every other sporting event telecast by ABC from the late 1960’s through the mid 1980’s. It was a brilliant move on the part of Disney’s casting people to get Cosell to appear as himself.

Strong casting is a major reason why this movie works. Soon after its release, John Amos was cast as James Evans, the father in the classic sitcom Good Times. This was followed by a starring role in the ground-breaking mini-series Roots. Tim Conway was already well-known for his frequent (and later co-starring) appearances on The Carol Burnett Show. He would appear in several more Disney live-action comedies through the rest of the 1970’s, most of them with Don Knotts. Jan-Michael Vincent was often seen in heavier, dramatic feature film roles. His career culminated with the 1980’s action series Airwolf. Actress/Model Dayle Haddon had been appearing on many magazine covers and could have been cast in other Disney movies. A pictorial in Playboy published soon after the movie’s release changed those plans. She would continue to act and model, and has most recently been a contributor to CBS’s The Early Show and in early 2008 named a spokesperson for UNICEF. Roscoe Lee Browne was a distinguished award-winning character actor appearing in countless movies and television shows. Nancy Walker (Archer and Jackson’s landlady Mrs. Petersen) was also a recognizable supporting player primarily on television in Rhoda, McMillan and Wife and her many “Bounty”-full years advertising paper towels. Comedian Billy DeWolfe appears only briefly as Merrivale College’s Dean Maxwell, but his voice is still heard every Christmas as the inept Professor Hinkle in Frosty the Snowman.

No doubt that the all-star casting contributed to the movie’s box office success. The World’s Greatest Athlete was among the top-grossing films of 1973.

The Pixar Story

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Pixar Story
Where:  @ home - free Starz weekend
Why:  Pixar rules!

I love a documentary, but only if I'm interested in the subject.  The Pixar Story was a very enjoyable documentary!

I think a lot of people think Pixar was formed to make great movies.  Not ever close.  Pixar has been around for a while.  "Pixar" was actually the name of a computer they made, which had nothing to do with animation.  George Lucas used to own the company.  They were losing money every year, and Steve Jobs (the Apple guy) bought them.

They still lost money every year until they made Toy Story.  Even making Toy Story was a big challenge.  Besides the fact that a CGI animated movie had never been made before, they really struggled with the story and getting Disney to help them out.

Side note:  John Lassater, the director of Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Cars was a Disney animator, who was FIRED!  Smooth move Disney.

This documentary was great, because Pixar, and all the directors of various movies seemed to video tape their entire lives!  There was tons of old footage, and it was very entertaining and informative to watch.

Another side note:  This documentary was made by Leslie Iwerks.  Disney aficionados might recognize her name ... she is the grandaughter of Ub Iwerks, Walt Disney's right hand man.

I heard this documentary MIGHT be included in the upcoming Ratatouille 2-disc DVD, so stay tuned.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Who:Terry & Mitchel
What: Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Where:Beloit, Wi.
Why: Cause I am the Crazy Puppy Lady

OMG, Kerri is right, I *am* The Crazy Puppy Lady.  I guess I can confess to using Mitchel as a ploy to go see a dog movie.  And I must say, I was not disappointed!!!  I laughed, I cried and I cried again.   The dogs are totally cute in this movie, and the voices that talk for them are perfect.  Drew Barrymore as the BH chihuahua, Chloe was a great choice and George Lopez as Papi.   Chloe's owner goes off on a business trip and leaves Chloe with a niece which of course doesnt take proper care of the dog and she gets lost and the adventure begins.   Enter the cutie pie gardner with his dog Papi to help look for the dog that has gotten loose in Mexico.  There is also a rat and an iguana that are quite funny in this too.   I guess what got to me was the scenarios they set up and I was thinking how they happen in real life, minus the talking of course.   The dog fight scene made me cry cause  I know that is very real, and very sad what they do to these dogs.   Mitchel cracked up at the movie and he loved it.    So i guess from us it's a double thumbs up!!!  I will buy this movie.   Along with a herd of chihuahua's, a pit bull, a German Shepard (who was gorgeous in the movie) and a load of mutts!!!!    

Tron

Who: Bill
What: Tron
Where: Rented DVD from Netflix
Why: Believe it or not, I’d never seen the whole movie!

I admit it-- it took me 26 years to watch Tron from start to finish. There were opportunities to see it before, but for one reason or another, I never got around to watching all of it until now. But I’m glad I finally did.

Tron is one of the first movies to make extensive use of computer-generated graphics. In the early 1980‘s, the emerging field of computer technology was taking hold in the workplace. Video games were capturing the imagination of people not only in dedicated arcades but in homes thanks to Atari. The timing could not have been better for a film such as Tron to take advantage of the fascination with computers and computer-based games. For Walt Disney Productions, Tron was a story well beyond the typical boundaries previously put forth by the studio. Just two years earlier for example, lackluster efforts such as Herbie Goes Bananas was standard fare when it came to Disney’s live-action product even though the studio was beginning to try out different concepts such as 1979’s The Black Hole.

Most of the action in Tron is set within the fantasy world of computer gaming. An ambitious programmer named Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has made numerous attempts to remotely hack into his former employer’s mainframe to prove the thievery of co-worker Ed Dillinger (David Warner), who stole ideas of Flynn’s in order to advance to an executive level. Dillinger has created a self-running Master Control Program or MCP and it is the MCP that prevents Flynn’s efforts to gain access. Meanwhile, Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) has developed a security program called TRON to watch over the MCP. But the MCP, which has evolved to nearly outsmart its human counterparts, doesn’t take kindly to being monitored by anyone or any program. After Flynn is brought back to the lab by Bradley and co-worker--and former girlfriend-- Lora Baines (Cindy Morgan), Flynn directly confronts the MCP and is transported into the gaming world where his program counterpart Clu is challenged to a series of games. Its up to Flynn/Clu to outsmart the MCP and stay alive to destroy it, or be erased forever. Characters in the real world have digital counterparts. Thus, Dillinger is the meanacing leader named Sark as well as the MCP’s voice, Lora is Yori, and Alan is Tron.

The visual effects make Tron stand out. It amazed audiences in 1982 and when seen from that perspective, it still looks impressive in 2008. For years, rumors of a sequel had come and gone. On July 24, 2008, guests at San Diego Comic Con were surprised when Disney presented test footage from what was termed “TR2N” or Tron 2. The projected release date is for 2011. Jeff Bridges is scheduled to return as Kevin Flynn. Director and co-writer Steven Lisberger will also be involved in the sequel as a co-producer. With the incredible advancements in CGI since Tron was released, antcipation should be high for another stunning visual achievement in how movies are made.

Monsters, Inc.

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Monsters, Inc.
Where: Fort Wilderness Campfire Movie
Why:  This was the scheduled movie of the evening

This might be my favorite Pixar movie.  It's so hard to choose, but this is top 3 for sure.

Monsters, Inc. has everything!  It's hilarious (Billy Crystal is fantastic).  It's adorable (how cute is Boo?!?  I mean, they found the most perfect 2 year old girl to babble into a microphone and it works).  It's a little adventurous, a little scary, and it's so different!

Most stupid movie studios would've made a movie about weird looking monsters, and it would've been about their wacky adventures.  But Pixar made a movie about weird looking monsters, and how they have feelings (along with their wacky adventures).  I'm hungry for a lemon snow cone all of a sudden ...

I think Jonathan said it best ... "This is the best ending of a Pixar movie ever.  Look how happy (Sully) is."  Amen to that!

Gus

Who: Bill
What: Gus
Where: Old tape from a Disney Channel airing in the 1990's
Why: Are you ready for some football?

It’s that time of year again for high school, college and NFL action. It seems appropriate to look back at an unusual sports film. In 1976, Walt Disney Productions presented the story of Gus, the place-kicking mule.

In Yugoslavia, Andy Petrovic (Gary Grimes) discovers his pet mule Gus is quite adept at kicking a soccer ball pretty far. All it takes is a ball at Gus’s feet and a call of “Oyage!” But Andy’s family is less-than-impressed, considering their other son is a famous soccer player. Meanwhile in California, the Atoms football team is dead last in the NFL. After reading about Gus’s kicking abilities, team owner Hank Cooper (Ed Asner) and Coach Venner (Don Knotts) arrange to bring Andy and his “miracle mule” over to the states if only to entertain the audience during halftime. But then Cooper has an idea: why not use Gus in the games themselves to kick long-range field goals? Improbable it is, but Cooper uses a loophole in the NFL rules book to let Gus become a team player. Soon, the Atoms are easily winning their games and become contenders for the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Will Gus take them all the way? Do Disney movies have happy endings?

It is a silly premise, but very entertaining. Incredibly, Gus was filmed with the cooperation of the National Football League. So expect to see plenty of references to actual teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and a few made-up for the movie. There are also some famous names from the NFL’s past who turn up: Dick Butkus (Chicago Bears), Johnny Unitas (Baltimore Colts), Timothy Brown (Philadelphia Eagles) and in an unaccredited role as an Atoms player, Fred Dryer (at the time of filming, he was a Defensive End for the Los Angeles Rams). Producer Ron Miller, Walt’s son-in-law, was a tight end for the Rams in 1956. Along for the fun are other familiar faces including Tim Conway, Tom Bosley, Bob Crane, Harold Gould, Dick Van Patten and Dick Enberg.

As is the case with most Disney live-action films of the 1970’s, Gus is suitable viewing for the whole family. Dads and sons will especially enjoy the football sequences. However, the movie comes up short in two areas: first, many of the close-up shots in the football scenes were done in a studio against a backdrop and this looks too obvious, even by mid-1970’s standards. Second, a scene where Gus gets loose and causes chaos in a supermarket is funny, but lasts far too long.

Still, Gus is a movie that can be enjoyed anytime of year, football season or otherwise. Oyage!

3 Caballeros

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  3 Caballeros
Where:  at home - Jonathan bought the DVD
Why:  We love the ride at Epcot, now it was time to see the movie!

I love old Disney cartoons.  Jose Carioca (green parrot) is smoking a cigar 24/7 and Panchito (red bird) has 2 pistols and he shoots wildly into the air constantly.  That sort of thing would never fly these days!  It's fun to see.

This movie/live action flick stars Donald Duck.  It is kind-of a sequel to Saludos Amigo, where we first met Jose Carioca.  Donald receives many birthday presents from his friends he met in South America (from Saludos Amigos).  Every time he opens one, a new adventure is around the corner. 

He visits Mexico City and Baja (in Brazil I think?).  We also meet Pedro, a cute little penguin who lives on the South Pole, but longs for warm weather (ahhhh - don't we all!).

This movie is a little hard to understand, since it's 90% Donald Duck talking and 10% in Portugues and Spanish.  Although it's classic Disney, so you have to love it!

Saludos Amigos

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Saludos Amigos
Where: @ home - Jonathan bought the DVD
Why: Jonathan is a Disney freak, and he has never seen this movie before!

I hesitate to call this a "movie", since it's only about 40 minutes long ...

Back in the '40s (??) Walt Disney took a airplane full of animators down to South America for a goodwill tour. This movie chronicals their journey.

At first, this "movie" starts pretty slow, and I got worried that I was about to bore myself with a boring documentary. But in true Disney fasion, there are hilarious cartoon segments staring Donald Duck, Goofy and a cute little airplane called Pedro (he's adorable!). 

And, introducing ... Jose Carioca! (that green parrot from the 3 Caballeros).