Share: As a child, my family and I would take our annual trip to Disneyland. At a young age, the park filled me with pure bliss as I believed it was what it was promoted to be: magical. But with age and years away from the park, I began to grow skeptical of its legend, especially its well-kept secrets. Many injuries have come out of Disney’s theme park, stemming from ride malfunctions, violence between park-goers, and general accidents like tripping over something. Disney is also …
Everybody scream! ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ returns for 30th anniversary
Share: T’was a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that you’ve probably seen on your screens. This year, Tim Burton’s iconic and dreary “The Nightmare Before Christmas” turns 30 years old. But if even after all this time you still haven’t seen it, I’d say it’s time you get to it. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” originated as a poem written by Burton in 1982 while he worked as an animator for Disney. While it was far away from the fleshed-out …
Dear Hollywood, let go of Leto!
Share: Hollywood has had its fair share of comeback stories, with Ke Huy Quan and Brendan Fraser enjoying new career highs and recent Oscar nominations. It’s important not to forget how the same Hollywood celebrating these people had once forgotten them. And yet, someone like walking vampire and overall creep Jared Leto has continued to book roles in prominent films. Leto has a long history of criticism, including this paper less than a year ago. But his casting as the lead in Disney’s new “Tron” …
Disney’s ‘Turning Red’ turns animation into gold
Share: Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is an exciting and fun animation movie telling the familiar story of a young girl coming into puberty. On this journey Mei lee is trying to balance her traditional family life of honoring her ancestors, parents and chores as well as her teenage social life with her friends all to the musical sounds of 4*Town. This dilemma leaves Mei Lee in a constant tug of war between the expectations of her mother, the desires of her friends, and who …
‘Encanto’ captures the magic of family dynamics
Share: Most classic Disney movies are rooted in the idea of a damsel in distress. A princess unhappy with her current situation seeking a knight in shining armor to save her from misery. Disney seemingly stepped away from that format to provide their audience with a film that can be entertaining, culturally educational, and heartwarming in a time when hope and magic are needed. Like the 2016 film “Moana” which strays from the conventional lead female character but instead portrays a modernist independent-no-prince-princess, “Encanto’s” protagonist …
‘Cruella’: A fashionable force of villainy
Share: Emma Stone and Emma Thompson vamp the screen in a female empowering tale of one of Disney’s most famous villains, Cruella De Vil. Directed by Craig Gillespie “Cruella” was released May 28th in theaters as well as Disney+ with premiere access. Immediately we get a glimpse of a young Cruella, whose name is actually Estella, the alternate personality known as Cruella is established as a side of Estella who just wants to rebel against conformity in style as well as attitude, which doesn’t bode …
‘Raya’ soars with magic during COVID
Share: The newly released Disney animated film, “Raya and the Last Dragon”, is a family movie with complex themes. The film delivers three aspects to the audience: the glimpse of Southeast Asia, promotion of feminism, and addressing the current racism issues. The film consisted of beautiful animation, a charming sense of humor, and exciting actions. “Raya and the Last Dragon” is a huge success for Disney’s original story, it will leave the audience with a smile on their face, warmth in their heart, and hope …
‘Mulan’ live-action remake leaves audiences confused and alienated
Share: A live-action remake of Disney’s 1998 animated film “Mulan” premiered on Disney+ on September 4, and will be available for standard Disney+ subscribers on December 4. The main message from “Mulan” is to embrace oneself and to not be what others want you to become. However, the live action film manages to make the audience feel even more confused and alienated than before. Follow:
Pixar’s ‘Onward’: The next children’s classic
Share: Following the formula to pull on heartstrings with an extraordinary quest, a devoted big brother and a teen trying to find his way, “Onward” is incredibly moving. “Onward” takes place in a fantasy world, but is centered around common, realistic problems. The story follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, on a mission to find any remaining magic in their world. Their eager quest is fueled by a heart-felt story of loss. The two brothers defy all the odds against them while discovering their …
Disney + equals disenfranchisement
Share: When Disney+ launched on November 12 to popular fanfare, the new streaming service promised to add more depth and story to their popular franchises, including giants such as Star Wars and Marvel, outside of their respective movies. But what most viewers aren’t considering are those who are locked out of Disney’s story paywall are the same people who only watch the blockbusters of the franchises, and not all of the other movies. Follow: