He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special

Who:  Amber
What:  He-Man and She-Ra:  A Christmas Special
Where:  I borrowed a friend's DVD
Why:  Why not!

Oh wow - was this Christmas special super cheesy.  I loved watching He-Man when I was a kid, but I knew that 20 years later, it would look utterly ridiculous, and I was right.  It was silly. Why does He-Man wear animal skin undies?  And She-Ra's normal outfit is a leotard, but when she transforms, she's wearing a cute little skirt.  And she flies around on a rainbow unicorn.  It's so 80s, I love it!

So He-Man and She-Ra are getting ready to celebrate their birthdays (they are twins - remember?).  Actually, their real names are Adam and Alura (I think that's She-Ra's name).  All their cheesy superhero friends are helping to decorate for a rockin' party.

In the meantime, He-Man, and some creepy looking guy with a creepy looking mustache (maybe He-Man's dad?!?) have built a 'sky spy' rocket ship to help spy on Skeletor.  He-Man's doofis magical flying guy hops in the rocket, and accidentally launches it.  He crash lands on … guess where … Earth, where Christmas is a few days away.

Doofis magical flying guy runs into 2 young kids who are lost in the woods looking for a Christmas tree.   They are cold, so they go to the rocket ship to warm up.  Doofis magical flying guy  asks the kids all about Christmas, since he's never heard about it before.  The young girls talks about presents, but the older boy mentions that it's not all about presents.  He tip toes around the religious reason for Christmas.  I am proud of this cheese ball Christmas special.  It's now all about Santa and presents.  It's more about the real reason for the season.  Kudos He-Man!

Well, of course He-Man has the power to bring back the 'sky spy' rocket back to Eternia (their planet).   Well, the kids are still stuck in the rocket ship, so they come back to Eternia too.

The kids tell He-Man and She-Ran all about Christmas.  And the story spreads to their cheesy super hero friends as well.  Even Skeletor gets in on the Christmas spirit!

I don't think this special is on TV any longer, but if you have Nexflix, check it out!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Star Wars:  The Clone Wars
Where:  @ home on DVD
Why:  It was Jonathan's b-day present

**Warning - I will be spelling every single Star Wars name incorrectly!**  Ever since we went to Disney's Star Wars Weekends and saw Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Asoka), we've been The Clone Wars fans.  Thanks to DirectTV, we recorded all of season 1 of the animated series.  But the movie preceded the animated series, and I've always been curious about where Asoka came from.

Unfortunately, this movie doesn't answer any of those questions.  Asoka just shows up because Obi Wan Kanobi wanted another padawan learner.  Since Anakin turned out awesome, he's ready to teach again.  Asoka shows up and says she's here to learn from Anakin, not Obi Wan.  Well, he has no interest in a padawan learner.  He's a free spirit, he's reckless, he can't teach somebody. Nice switcher-o Obi Wan!

The Clone Wars is in full swing.  Obi Wan, Anakin and Asoka go from one battle to another. When to Jedi's rest or even eat or sleep?

Then Jabba the Hutt calls.  His son is missing!  Even though he's not a friend of the Republic (the good guys), helping out Jabba will be a great ally for later.  The Jedi's find Jabba's son right away, but he's very sick.  They need to get him back to Jabba alive, or he'll kill the Jedi's.  Also, the Empire (the bad guys) are trying to kill the Jedi's as well.  Count Duko (the main bad guy) has Jabba convinced that the Jedi's have already killed his son, and they are coming to kill Jabba as well.  Of course, the opposite is true.  Count Duko is the one who has actually captured his son.

Holy cow - Jabba is ugly, but his little baby son is adorable!  It makes me wonder, where do little Jabba's come from?!?  Think about that for a moment.

In typical Star Wars fashion, many droids are killed.  Red and blue gun fire is everywhere.  The clone troopers also fall dead left and right.  It's not bloody or anything, but those are still people dying.  It's kind-of graphic for little kids.  Although, also in typical Star Wars fashion, the Jedi win, and the bad guys loose.

The movie doesn't really end per say … this part of the battle is over, but there are many, many other battles to be won.  Stay tuned to Comedy Central for the continuation of the story.  Star Wars just keeps going and going and going!

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!)

Kung Fu Panda

Who:  Amber, Jonathan & Jonathan's family
What:  Kung Fu Panda
Where:  @ the in-law's house
Why:  Jonathan bought it on Black Friday

Jonathan normally has a semi prejudice for non-Disney/Pixar animated movies, so I'm surprised he bought this movie (granted, it was only $9) before we've even seen it!  I think the barrage of marketing finally pulled him in.  Plus that fact that is made tons of money this summer made me believe it was a "decent" movie.

This flick was 'ok'.  But it was your typical animated movie.  It was funny for the kids, and it tried to be funny for adults.  It had way to much childish chatter.  Plus all the A list celebrity voices ... totally unnecessary!  I mean, Angelina Jolie?  There were 2 female characters, and I knew she was a voice in the movie (b/c The Soup made fun of her), but I couldn't pick her out!  Why even pay her all that money to lend her voice.  I wish there were more oriental sounding voices.  This movie was supposed to be based in China.

Ok - on to the plot:  The Dragon Warrior is about to be picked for the first time in China's history.  Po, the fat, noodle-loving Panda (Jack Black) is too late to watch the ceremony.  He managed to light a chair on fire with a firecracker and blast himself right into the middle of the ceremony.  He gets picked on accident!  Oops - I didn't see that coming!

Of course, all the real kung-fu animals (who have been training all their lives to be the Dragon Warrior) are annoyed.  As Jonathan said, "and hilarity will ensue ..."

Did I mention an evil kung-fu warrior has escaped from prison?  This evil warrior wants to be the Dragon Warrior!  Oh no, Po, the fat Panda will have to fight him!  I can't imagine what will happen next ...

It was a cute movie.  I'm glad Jonathan bought it for only $9.  I kind-of hope he decides to sell it on ebay ... after I watch all the special features.

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.

Madagascar Escape 2 Africa

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Madagascar Escape 2 Africa
Where:  AMC at Pleasure Island
Why:  It looked cute

I like to move it, move it!  You like to move it, move it.  We like to move it, move it.  You like to ... MOVE IT!

Most sequels (especially animated sequels) are so overdone and a little ridiculous, but this movie was pretty good!  I don't remember the first one much, but I'd say it's just as good at the first.

At the beginning of the movie, they give you a quick recap of the 1st movie, in case you forgot how they got from the NYC zoo to Madagascar (thank you - I didn't remember that at all).  Then the movie jumps right to the 4 animals boarding an airplane (one they obviously found in the middle of the jungle) and are planning to fly back to NYC.  Good thing the penguins know how to fly (irony!).

Of course the beat up plane doesn't make it very far.  The animals have crash landed in Africa.  They all have a sense of deja vu ... wait a minute ... the 4 animals were originally from Africa!  Ironically the plane has crashed where Alex the lion used to live.  And his parents still live there!

There's a back story about the penguins and some monkeys trying to fix the plane.  There's a back story about a group of people from NYC on a safari trip.  More back story about all the animals finding their nitch with all the wild animals.  Etc, etc ...

All in all, this was a great movie!  I highly recommend it.

Dudley DoRight

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Dudley DoRight
Where:  @ home - free HBO weekend
Why:  Jonathan picked

Man, this movie was pretty bad.  And it wasn't bad b/c all the actors were acting like cartoon characters (very fake-ish), the plot line was just pretty slim.

We meet Dudley DoRight (Brenden Fraiser), a Canadian Mountie.  We don't get much of his background.  All we know is he has wanted to be a Mountie his entire life, and he's some kind-of moron.  Then there is Nell (Sarah Jessica Parker).  She's the sweetest gal in town.  And our villian is Snidley Whiplash (Doc Oc from Spiderman 2).  He's got a kick butt name, and he lives for causing trouble.

The problem is, I'm kind-of confused about Snidley's plan.  He buys some gold, plants it all over town, and tells the media that there is "free gold here in Canada!".  All the Americans sprint up to Canada to pan for the gold.  They are getting rich, and spending money in their town.  That doesn't seem so bad.  Oh yeah, Snidley has pretty much bought everything IN town, renamed it "Whiplash City" ... so he is making a huge profit off this.

Snidley and Dudley duel over Nell.  They have a final showdown with the help of some local Indians, and of course Dudley wins.  It was all just ... over.  Not much plot happening.  Even some random Eric Idol and Regis and Kathie Lee (yes, this was in the Kathie Lee days) can't save this movie.

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!

Open Season

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Open Season
Where:  @ home - free Starz weekend
Why:  Jonathan picked it 

Normally non-Pixar movies are always 100% kid and kind-of lame.  But I really enjoyed this movie!

Boog is a bear.  A bear who lives in a garage of a forest ranger.  I guess she rescued him when he was a cub, and Boog is very happy living in a garage.  He's got a warm cozy bed, an adorable teddy bear, a toilet (how does a bear use a toilet and not break it?), and a great forest ranger mom who loves him very much.

Elliot is a deer.  A little teeny tiny weeny deer.  Elliot breaks into Boog's garage, introduces him to candy ... and then run into town to eat more candy at a 7-11 type store.  When the cops find the animals, they send Boog & Elliot into the wild to live.  Boog is just too big and potentially dangerous to live with people anymore.

Unfortunatly it's Open Season for hunters.  Plus Boog has no clue how to live in the wild!  The best part of his 'getting to know the wild' learning was going to the bathroom with out a toilet.  He asks Elliot where he goes to the bathroom and he replies, "you know, I never thought about it."  All the while, little deer turds are falling out his butt.  It sounds lame and gross, but it was just very realistic (and hilarious!) poop.

Hunters show up, so Boog and Elliot round up all the animals (crazy squirrels, cute beavers, war veteran ducks, etc...) to scare the hunters away.

Will Boog scare the hunters away and find his way back to down to his safe garage?  Stay tuned ...

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).

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Who: Mitchel & Kerri
What: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Where: In the Theatre
Why: Mitchel wanted to see it

Like any Star Wars movie, they aren't rocket science, they are just for fun. This one is CGI animation and the story takes place between the live action movies Episodes II (The Clone Wars) and Episode III (Revenge of the Sith). And Anikin gets a padawan learner. There's tons of light sabre fighting, and stupid droid jokes. Anikin's dark side isn't present as a plot point just a mention of his anger while on Tatooine, it's mostly about him growing while having this padawan.

Plot is simple, Dooku working with Palpatine/Emperor to trick Jabba into siding with them against the Republic. Most of the original voices are not used, but matched well. Samuel Jackson, Christopher Lee and Anthony Daniels Do appear in this film though voicing their characters.

If you are a Star Wars fan it's entertaining, not necessarily a 'must see' or does it add to the overall story, but just gives you another chance to hear that theme song in the theatre again, which is always fun.

South Park: Imagination Land

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: South Park: Imagination Land
Where: @ home on Comedy Central
Why: We love it!

Since Family Guy did a Star Wars episode and Robot Chicken did a Star Wars episode, I guess South Park figured they also had to do a Star Wars episode. Or maybe they did it first - who knows and who cares. Actually, all this had to do with Star Wars is the classic opening with the words flying off into space, and it was a 3-parter (with names like Episode 1, 2 and 3).

If you can tolerate the crudness (and all the swearing) of a South Park episode, then I highly encourage watching this movie. I find it HILARIOUS! It helps a little if you are a fan of the show. I got the reference to the Cartman's Christmas Critters episode (best episode EVER - IMO), but I didn't get the reference to Al Gore's Man-Bear-Pig (Jonathan had to tell me about that previous episode). If you have no clue what I'm talking about, that's ok too.

Basically, the boys take a hot air balloon ride to Imagination Land. As a child of the '80s, I thought Imagination Land rocks! Every single cartoon or Imaginary character lives there. Every single one you remember (Capt. Crunch, Strawberry Shortcake), and didn't remember (Snarf) is there. It's so much fun to watch and point out random characters in the background. As soon as the South Park boys land there, the evil imaginary characters (Freddy Kruger, that buffalo warrior from Narnia, Cartman's Christmas Critters) attack! Butters is the only one that can save Imagination Land!

There is a side story about the governmant trying to save Imagination Land. And there is a really, REALLY crude story about Kyle and Cartman, and a bet they made.

This movie is in stores now, but I watched it on Comedy Central. Check it out! It's not every day you see a Smurf trying to pick up a sword.

Kung Fu Panda

Who: Jaclyn
What: Kung Fu Panda
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Ellen had free movie passes

This movie looked good yet cheesy when the previews first rolled out, but I embraced my inner child (as did Ellen) and we said "we should see that sometime". Well, we figured we were being smart when we waited for much of the hype (and children) to die down but we were not that fortunate. There was a pretty full house...and most were LOUD CHILDREN!

Anyway, this is a very cute movie about a panda named Po who dreams of being a Kung Fu fighter. His father wants him to carry on the family business of noodles. When the time comes where the "Dragon Warrior" must be named to fight a past enemy of the Kung Fu master Shifu, Po wants to see who it will be.

When Po finally reaches the palace, it turns out he is destined to be the Dragon Warrior and Shifu thinks he's a joke. However, after much deliberation, he finally believes he can train him to be a warrior and does.

I laughed many times during this movie. Sure, some parts are only humorous to 5 year olds, but it does have stuff for the older kids too.

Futurama The Beast with a Billion Backs

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  Futurma The Beast with a Billion Backs
Where:  @ home - Jonathan bought it on DVD
Why:  The animated series Futurama is genius!

I could've waited to see this movie (for free) on TV - but it was still pretty funny.  If you saw the 1st Futurama movie, it ended with a tear in the space time continum (sp?).  This movie carries on where that one leaves off (although, no need to see it to follow along), and a space creature comes thru the tear in space.

It's a creepy octopus guy who latches on to everybody's necks.  The best part about this movie is all the random characters from the TV series who come back.

If you love Futurama, you'll love this movie.  If you casually like Futurama, then I would probably pass, or wait until it's on Comedy Central.  This cartoon movie was also REALLY long.  Most animated movies are only about 1 hour long; this one seemed to go on forever.

Mary Poppins

Who: Amber & Jonathan
What: Mary Poppins
Where: @ home on DVD
Why: Jonathan picked it out

I've seen Mary Poppins about 100 times (it used to be my favorite Disney movie - recently beat out by Bedknobs and Broomsticks), but I realized something. Mary Poppins is kind-of a jerk!

I mean, the kids are sad and ask her a question, and all she can answer with is "spit spot". And "Practically Perfect in every way"? She's kind-of full of herself!

Regardless, she still rules! And I could watch 2 straight hours of Dick Van Dyke doing his "Step In Time" song. And Mr. Banks (David Tomlinson - also from Bedknobs and Broomsticks) rules! I was very sad when he died a couple years ago.

If you haven't seen this movie (for shame!), or if you haven't seen it in a couple years, it's worth your 2 hours. If nothing else, just watch "Feed the Birds" and "Step in Time".

Monsters Inc.

Who: Monica
What: Monsters Inc.
Where: Home
Why: B/C I bought the 2 disc version a month ago and hadn't watched it yet.

Last night I pulled out my brand new 2 disc version of Monsters Inc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the extras on these movies and couldn't wait to see what goodies I'd find in Monster world. I decided to watch the movie first, I think it's been a few years since I've seen it.

Every time I watch a Disney movie, I am always joyously surprised about how much I adore each and every one. I have favorites yes, but they are all amazing in their own way. Sulley (John Goodman) has to be one of the most lovable characters ever created by Disney, despite the fact he's.. well, a monster!! Mike (Billy Crystal) is a hoot and full of energy, just like Billy Crystal. Randy Newman songs and music run throughout, there is nothing greater in Disney films than music that sets the stage, tugs at your heart strings and sticks in your head for days!!

The detail in these movies are fascinating when you stop to notice!! I do love Pixar despite many "old school" Disney traditionalist who'd want to shoot me with that confession. There is something to be said for both kinds of animation I believe. The details in monster world are crazy: door knobs that are horns, paperwork and posters around that are designed for monsters, the props/characters that go into the "other worlds" when the monsters step out of monster world, the kids rooms and on and on and on... It's just one of the things that sets Disney movies out of the league with all the others!

The plot: Mike & Sulley are best friend monsters who work at the energy company in Monstropolis.. To get energy for Monster world, they must capture screams of children in our world, the monster in the closet. Then the worse thing to ever happen, happens .... a CHILD gets into Monster World!!! The monsters are terrified and much chaos follows. The child, Boo, is the cutest thing ever. Her unintelligible babbles (and singing when she's on the potty) are the sweetest sounds! There are things to make you laugh out loud, a plot to be solved and some touching moments as well.

If you haven't seen the "out takes" at the end of this movie, you have missed something incredible. I think this is my favorite part of Disney movies, when the characters have out takes. Are you kidding, who thinks of this stuff?? I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! It's in the details...

Then there is the bonus material. This may very well be my favorite bonus material of all time. It lets us look around the Pixar buildings where it all happens, the secret room (that even Roy Disney has visited) is just craziness. The monkey, what's with that? You get to see how much work goes from story boards and pencil drawings, to animation and character development, to adding color, details, shadows and lightning. It's a crazy process and I have no idea how people are so creative. I am thankful they are though! I loved each and every minute of the extras and watching the movie again with commentary on. So much to soak in.

If you haven't pulled out a favorite Disney animated movie lately, do it, you wont be sorry!!!!