Strangers and Aliens: Science Fiction & Fantasy from a Christian Perspective

Ep. 46 — The Wonderful World of Disney (Animation Only)

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PodcastArt46In this episode, we have fun reminiscing and dissecting our favorite (and least favorite) Disney movies!

We are also joined by special guest Daniel Butcher, who has two different venues he contributes to:

Between Disney — http://www.betweendisney.com/ and
https://www.facebook.com/BetweenDisney — This is Daniel’s blog, which reviews movies, books, and everything else possible by and about Disney. Here is a direct link to the book review he mentioned about John Carter and the Gods of Hollywood — http://www.betweendisney.com/2013/01/between-books-john-carter-and-gods-of.html

The Sci-Fi Christian — http://thescifichristian.com — Oddly enough, this is a podcast about spec-fiction and Christianity. If you like Strangers and Aliens, you may enjoy The Sci-Fi Christian as well. (Ben recently joined them to talk about one of his favorite DC Comics characters, Aquaman — http://thescifichristian.com/2013/02/episode-114-superhero-spotlight-on-aquaman/)

Free audio book trial at Audible.com — http://audibletrial.com/strangers

Free Kindle copy of the book Daniel mentioned: John Carter and the Gods of Hollywood

 

 

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7 responses to “Ep. 46 — The Wonderful World of Disney (Animation Only)”

  1. Michael Poteet Avatar
    Michael Poteet

    Fun episode, guys. You reminded me of some ones I’d like to see again (I saw the “trilogy” of MERMAID, ALADDIN, and BEAUTY/BEAST in college and was simply amazed at how good they are), or see for the first time (I’m very eager to see WRECK-IT RALPH). Your glowing reviews of TANGLED made me put it on my Netflix queue and bump it up to the top, actually!

    I know MERMAID gets lots of criticism, but the point isn’t that she has to change to get the prince to love her – she wants to make her own choices about her life. And parents do have to let their kids grow up. I will grant, though, that BRAVE handles a similar story in a much more nuanced fashion, because there *is* something to be said about obeying/honoring your parents…! I actually do have some concerns about the whole “Princess” ethos, especially now that I have a five-year-old daughter. Hopefully we can talk through those issues when we watch these movies, and emphasize the difference between make-believe and real life.

    I still haven’t actually seen BLACK CAULDRON. I know it gets a bad rap, too, but I am a fan of Prydain, so I do want to see it sometime…

    Huzzah for SWORD IN THE STONE! I had never seen that before I watched it with my son when he was young, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it (even the goofy bit with Merlin in Bermuda beach-combing gear!)

    My only memory of FANTASIA is that it was in theatrical re-release at the same time as LADY & THE TRAMP once when I was a kid, and somehow I got the deciding vote as to which movie we would go see. I chose LADY, and was glad I did, because, as one of you said, it actually had a story to follow. That Siamese cat song was one of my favorites for a long, long time. It’s probably not politically correct any more, but it sure was fun to sing…

    POCAHONTAS I refuse to see on principle, for Ben’s reasons. That woman did not have a happy ending. Every time I think about POCAHONTAS, I half-expect Disney to announce a G-rated cartoon version of Joan of Arc…!

    One quibble: for the record, there was, in fact, a novelization of JOHN CARTER, packaged as an omnibus volume with A PRINCESS OF MARS: http://www.amazon.com/John-Carter-Movie-Novelization-Princess/dp/1423165586/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360683362&sr=8-1&keywords=john+carter+novelization. Viva Barsoom! 🙂

    I assume/hope you’ll be doing a live-action Disney episode shortly…?

    Reply
    1. Ben Avatar
      Ben

      “I assume/hope you’ll be doing a live-action Disney episode shortly…?”

      Yes, although we’re also going to have to limit it somehow. So many!

      Reply
    2. Ben Avatar
      Ben

      Re: Black Cauldron — I haven’t read the books, and it’s been years since I’ve seen it, but I fear if I DO read the books now it will be like when I read The Hobbit…all I could see was the Rankin Bass Bilbo.

      Reply
  2. Michael Poteet Avatar
    Michael Poteet

    PS. Ok, so I read your question on Facebook wrong — mea maxima culpa!

    Reply
  3. RC Avatar
    RC

    Oh Daniel,

    Don’t forget that the farmer’s uncle didn’t forbid transfering his application to the academy, just wanted him to wait one more season…. WHICH the farmer boy was going to stay due out of dedication to his uncle. He was going to stay despite the promise of great things out in the universe. Not until the death of his family, did he leave.

    Reply
  4. RC Avatar
    RC

    As far as my favorite Disney film

    It’s hard to pick out favorites.

    If everyone was allotted 5 Disney animated films, mine would have to be

    Tangled (much better than Brave IMO)
    Robin Hood
    Emperor’s New Grove (Funniest Disney Animated Film)
    Sword in the Stone
    Sleeping Beauty (something about the imagery)

    I haven’t seen Wreck it Ralph yet…

    Honorable mention Lilo and Stitch. One of my favorite lines “Oh good, my dog found the chainsaw.”

    Reply
  5. RC Avatar
    RC

    Regarding Beauty and the Beast
    *
    I think it’s a good example of how forgiveness works. IF you have been a terrible person, but truly change, then yes… forgive them. Regarding age, an age difference (if both are adults) isn’t nearly as important as character… at least that’s what I think on the matter.
    *
    Ultimately, I think we have to accept that Disney films are fairly superficial. It’s just the nature of film pop film really.

    Reply

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