THE SWORD IN THE STONE (1963 DISNEY)
THE IRON GIANT (1997 BRAD BIRD/WARNER BROS.)
KUNG FU PANDA (2008 DREAMWORKS)
THE PRINCE OF EGYPT (1998 DREAMWORKS)
ANASTASIA (1997 DON BLUTH/WARNER BROTHERS)
Have you seen all 5 of these? Lately? If not, that is your homework. As you see, I’ve left out Pixar films for a reason. I feel they are well known and often watched (I must say A Bugs Life is quite underrated so watch that if you haven’t).
THE SWORD IN THE STONE (DISNEY)
A childhood favorite. My brother and I watched this VHS tape a thousand times. It’s whimsical, funny, has great animation, excellent characters and isn’t too heavy for the kids. It was also one of Walt’s last animated features he worked on. Excellent.
THE IRON GIANT (BRAD BIRD/WARNER BROS.)
A Brad Bird masterpiece. (Brad Bird also known for: The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and his work on The Simpsons-- also-- he was trained by Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men” until the Disney Company fired him in the 80’s for “demanding quality”- LAME). The Iron Giant is a must-see. A serious work of traditional animation art about a kid and the 50-foot robot he finds. Good ol’ Warner Bros. chose not to market this film with the intent of shutting down their feature animation department with the excuse of “see, these things just don’t make money anymore”. Losers. A top-notch flick.
KUNG FU PANDA (DREAMWORKS)
Ok, this one may appear as a surprise. I didn’t think much of this film the first time I watched it but now after several times seeing it, I love it. Great look. Great performances. Fun.
THE PRINCE OF EGYPT (DREAMWORKS)
Another traditional animation masterpiece. Go Dreamworks. What happened to your other traditional animated films?? (Ok, I did like The Road to El Dorado). I was lucky enough to spend the day at Dreamworks Studios in 1998 when this was being made. Until I saw it on the big screen, I had no idea how great it would be. This is my staple Sunday afternoon movie. Religious but in a way you’d never know you’re watching a religious movie. Very entertaining.
ANASTASIA (DON BLUTH/WARNER BROTHERS)
Wow. When it came out, as I was leaving the theater, I said, “this is the best non-Disney animated film I’ve ever seen.” Don Bluth, who also left Disney in the 80’s (tells you something about the company at the time), presents a semi-fictional version of the true story of the murdered Russian royal family and the daughter who is rumored to have survived. Fantastic.
Let me know what you think. And for those of you (if any) who have seen all 5 of these lately, here are a few more must-sees:
ROBIN HOOD (1973 DISNEY)
Cute characters- all animals.
THE EMPORER’S NEW GROOVE (2000 DISNEY)
Very beautiful. Very funny.
AN AMERICAN TAIL (1986 DON BLUTH/UNIVERSAL)
Heart-warming.
THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER (1990 DISNEY)
Fun.
MICKEY AND THE BEANSTALK (1947 DISNEY- Released as part of FUN AND FANCY FREE)
Classic! And Walt himself did Mickey’s voice.
