Originally Posted By friarthe Want to hear something depressing? "Keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet in the train at all times, and be sure to supervise children." For crying out loud, is this what parenting in the USA has decended to? Big Thunder Mountain has to teach us to show a little responsability? I couldn't agree more with Ken (on the DL issue) and with the prior postings.
Originally Posted By SFH Thanks, everyone. Let me reiterate again: I enjoyed the film. I laughed hard. I was touched. I just don't want to see Disney make ONLY films like this. Some of their animated features still should be grand epics, and some statements from Disney officials make it sound like they will never make any more. My column was asking if Disney is playing is too safe. That's all. Ken "SFH" Pellman <a href="http://I.Pellman.com" target="_blank">http://I.Pellman.com</a>
Originally Posted By teri Well... if playing safe means we get this kind of heartwarming, quality animation, then I hope they continue to play it safe and produce this kind of film. It is so easy to get so wrapped up in the technology that you overdo it and it overwhelms the storyline. To me, this film seemed balanced between storyline and action animation - the flight scenes and surfing scenes gave plenty of action. I am actually surprised that people are not objecting to some of the cultural stereotypes in the film.
Originally Posted By SFH I hear the Russians are livid ;-) Okay, folks, if you don't believe I liked the movie, check out my review of the film at: <a href="http://www.flash.net/~kpellman/FA.htm" target="_blank">http://www.flash.net/~kpellman /FA.htm</a> That page is just test- very easy loading with no cookies, counters, banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, foreground animated ads, or any ads of any sort. The review is not associated with LaughingPlace.com. You can send me feedback about it at KensList[at]flash[dot]net Time for a nap... Ken "SFH" Pellman <a href="http://I.Pellman.com" target="_blank">http://I.Pellman.com</a>
Originally Posted By jmbostick Stipulating that Ken *actually* likes L&S, I still would like to add my meager two cents to the pot... First, as a recovering trekker, the Kirk reference actually erred thrice: 1) The "T" is obvious 2) Kirk doesn't *do* undercover, except to stop history from changing... 3) Kirk would kick a** in a room full of Klingons But to more interesting matters, I think the comparisons between Lilo & Stitch and Dumbo are more valid than even the Disney Press Packet wants us to believe. One of the best extras on a Disney DVD recently has been John Canemaker's commentary on the anniversary Dumbo edition, especially regarding the context of Dumbo's production and, on a separate issue, Bill Tytla's animation. Remember that "Happy Hearted Roustabouts" and "We're Gonna Ask the Big Boss for a Raise" both point to the sharp undercurrent of labor tension created by the animator's strike during (or just preceding--it's too late to fact-check tonight) Dumbo's production. My short point is that both were produced in the face of labor troubles of a kind. Also, both were specifically designed to make a relatively quick profit. DUMBO only made limited use of the multi-plane camera, especially compared to BAMBI and PINOCCHIO and it had none of the detail work (nor has any movie since, for that matter) found in PINOCCHIO. Of course, DUMBO's great innovation is the surreal "Pink Elephants" but that's part of the point. They innovated artistically, not technically. But what really made DUMBO work was Bill Tytla's intense emotions, both in Dumbo/Mrs. Jumbo and in the Ringmaster. DUMBO went down in history because it was the first animated feature to make an audience really cry. (SNOW WHITE made an audience care about a character's welfare, as in the now-legendary production meeting where one of the animators asks, "won't she get hurt?" Possible exception made for the "Dwarfs grieving" sequence...) Most people remember DUMBO for "Baby Mine" and that's why it still works today. Fast forward sixty years. MONSTERS, INC., IMHO, wuz robbed at the Oscars not because it had better CGI than SHREK (tho' I think it did) but because MI had miles 'n' miles of heart. It was a better story, period. Shrek was a smartass declaration against the "Disney" formula, but after the first shock, it had nothing to cherish. Like the deconstructive impulse still in vogue at the university, once you're done breaking all the idols, what have you got to offer? Nothing. All hat and no cattle. The DVD is gathering dust on my shelf. I guarantee, however, that my 3 yr old son will watch Mike and Sulley and Boo again and again and I won't mind the repetition because Lassiter and Co. transcended their technology to tell a wonderful story. That's why Lilo and Stitch will continue to be a bright star in the Disney universe for the next century. People will pay full freight for this DVD for years, long after SCOOBY-DOO has hit the bargain bin because they did this one right. And if you need your CGI gee-whiz techno fix? Then go to the Disney Store and watch the teaser trailer for TREASURE PLANET. I do.
Originally Posted By SFH Yes, I'm looking forward to Treasure Planet. I was disappointed that a preview wasn't run before the screening of L&S that I saw. L&S not being Laverne & Shirley. Hopefully, TP won't be JUST technical wizardry and lavish artwork, but have a good script as well. Ken
Originally Posted By teri Ken, I can't wait to read your review of the Country Bear Movie... now that one looks like a Masterpiece.... I am glad you liked L&S.
Originally Posted By FourHatters So sad to see what's happening with safety issues at Disneyland (WDW, etc). When I was a kid, my parents watched out for what we (kids) were up to. Now, as a parent, my kids know the "rules of the road" for rides: all hands, legs, feet, extremities, INSIDE THE CAR!!! Don't the recordings repeat it a million times while we're standing in line? As a DISNEY shareholder, I plan to vote accordingly. Come on, fellow shareholders, do the same!
Originally Posted By ChipandDale Ken, I I like you liked Lilo and Stitch. I didn't think I would, but did. I wasn't wild about Stitch, but was blown away about the rest of the film. It was nice to see a film that didn't rely on the WOW of past few films and but instead relied on character and story. I think the public was too hard on you, a Lion King it wasn't but it was a pleasant little film all the same, the thing that Dreamworks, etc. don't get. As to your comments about the regulations on theme parks is right on. We don't need Big Brother to breath down on our necks when we go to have fun. What ever happened to common sense? When we were growing up we relied on it and our parents, not a theme park. Maybe that would make a great idea for an attraction, reminds me of the series Disney did with Jiminey Crickett.
Originally Posted By DLFreak71 I agree about safety. I've riden every ride at D-land. I've seen nothing that would cause harm (as long as you follow the signs, remain seated and keeping your arms, legs and body inside the vechile at all times). The signs are blunt and easy to see and understand. It's sad that people are greedy and out for money. It's simple, read the signs and stay in your seat!! The operators make sure everyone is safe, but at the same time, they aren't your babysiter.
