Disney Movie #7: The AristoCats (1970)

Hey everyone! With a little encouragement from Nate, I decided to continue with my Disney movie list. Thanks, Nate, for bolstering my self-confidence! 8-D
I admit that part of my love for this movie comes purely from my love of cats. As a cat lover, I feel somewhat responsible for supporting cat-centric movies. But it really is cute! It centers around Duchess, a pampered, rich house cat who is trying to raise her three spirited children to be "lovely, charming lady and gentlemen." Duchess and her kittens are owned by Madame Adelaide, a kind, rich, retired opera singer. As Madame has no living relatives, she wants her cats to inherit her whole fortune, with the promise that her faithful butler, Edgar, will inherit her fortune after her cats have lived their lifespan. Edgar, who eavesdrops on the will conversation Adelaide is having with her ancient but energetic lawyer (Yay, a good lawyer character!! :) ), is frustrated with this idea and decides to dispose of the cats. He tries to dispose of the cats in the country, but after being chased by two watchdogs, the cats' basket falls off Edgar's motorbike, leaving the cats stranded in the French countryside. As fate would have it, the family meets Thomas O'Malley the alley cat, who takes it upon himself to help the family back to Paris and win the fair Duchess's affections.
This movie may not be epic or spectacular, but it is still a fun romp. It has excellent voice casting, including Pat Buttram as Napoleon the watchdog and Sterling Holloway as Roquefort the mouse. Eva Gabor and Phil Harris also do an excellent job as Duchess and Thomas, respectively. The watchdogs are one of the highlights of the show, and the geese Abigail and Amelia are funny, if a little annoying. (It's their Uncle Waldo who really steals the show.) The art is a little sketchy, but I think that's the look the animators where going for and it helps give the movie its own style. Thomas's alley cat friends add a fun, jazzy flavor to the movie.
Good Quotes from the AristoCats:
1. Marie: "Ladies do NOT start fights, but they can finish them!"
3. Berlioz: "We were just practicing biting and clawing."
Duchess: "Aristocats do not practice biting and clawing, and things like that. It's just horrible!" (Ha, try telling that to Alexander... Doesn't Berlioz have the coolest name? He must be named after Hector Berlioz, the French composer who had a rare appreciation for the viola. It's true that Berlioz is the most talented of the kittens. Like Colonel Brandon, "he plays the pianoforte very well...")
4. Lafayette: "Okay, let's charge!"
Napoleon: "Wait a minute, I'm the leader, I'm the one that says when we go...Here we go. Charge!!"
5. Thomas: "Basted? He's been marinated in it!"
6. Thomas: "You know something...I like Uncle Waldo."
Duchess: "Especially when he's marinated!"
7. Lafayette: "I still say it was a little old cricket bug!"
Napoleon: "Wait a minute, I'm the leader, I'll decide what it was...It was a little old cricket bug."
8. Napoleon: "Lafayette! Lafayette, listen."
Lafayette: "Oh, shucks, Napoleon. That ain't nothin' more but a little ol' cricket bug."
Napoleon: "It's squeaky shoes approachin'."
Lafayette: "Oh, cricket bugs don't wear shoes!"
Napoleon: "Hush your mouth! [cocks his ear up] Let's see. They're Oxford shoes, size nine and a half. Hole in the left sole, it sounds like."
Lafayette: "What color are they?"
Napoleon: "why they're bla... Now how would I know that?"
9. Thomas: "Hiya chicks."
Abigail Gabble: "We're not chickens. We're geese."
Thomas (sarcastically): "No... I thought you were swans."
10. Georges Hautecourt: "Whoops! Not as spry as I was when I was eighty."
For more quotes, go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065421/quotes or just watch the movie.

Disney Movie #8

Hi!! Yes, it has been a while... I thought I would go ahead and continue my Disney list. I know nobody cares about it, but I feel that I should finish what I start, so I shall continue. I promise, however, that I won't make these Disney posts so long anymore. One last note: I made this list before I saw The Princess and the Frog for the first time. If I were to make the list again, I would definitely include this wonderful film, but since I've already started, I'll just continue with the original list.

#8. Cinderella (1950)

As the title suggests, this is a Disney version of the classic fairytale, Cinderella. I used to think that it was a sugar-coated version of the original fairy tale, as the much darker Grimm Brothers' version is quite different. However, the last time I watched the movie, I noticed on the credits that Disney's version was based on the Charles Perrault version. After a little Google and Wikipedia research, I learned that this version of the story by French author Charles Perrault is actually older than the Grimms' version, so I guess you could say that this Disney movie is a relatively accurate version of a famous fairytale. Of course, there are versions of the story even older than Perrault's, which was written in 1697, so the Grimms may have also based their version on some of these. So, it's hard to say which is the "real" version of Cinderella, but I least I now know that this this movie isn't radically different from its source material.
This is a pretty typical Disney princess movie, complete with talking cutesy animals that dance and sing. Parts of it are kind of cheesy, but I still like it and think it's fun. I like Cinderella. She's kind, sweet, and hard working, but she has just the right amount of attitude. As my sister says, "she only takes so much guff." She's not afraid to stand up for herself.
I like the parts with the King and the Duke. I think the King is hilarious. I love his utter disregard for his son's happiness. He just wants grandkids, end of story.
A few funny quotes from Cinderella:
1. Stepmother: "if." (it's more funny if you know my mother)
2. King: "Ah! The boy isn't cooperating." "I can't understand it. There must be at least one who'd make a suitable mother!"
Grand Duke: "Shh. Sire."
King: "Er, a suitable wife."
3. Grand Duke: "But, Sire, this slipper may fit any number of girls!"
King: "That's his problem. He's given his word, we'll hold him to it."
4. Anastasia: "And I'm so eligible!"
5. Grand Duke (After the glass slipper has shattered): "No, no, nothing can help now. Nothing!"
Cinderella: "But, you see, I have the other slipper."

Disney Movie #9

#9. The Rescuers Down Under

This movie is about Bernard and Bianca, two mice who are part of the all-mouse Rescue Aid Society. They get called on a mission to Australia, where they rescue a little boy named Cody who was kidnapped by the evil poacher, McLeach. They hire Wilbur, an albatross, to fly them to Australia. Once they get there, they face many dangers. Wilbur gets sent to an old mouse-run hospital when he throws out his back, and Bernard has to learn to put up with romantic rivals. Everything turns out happy of course, and Bernard finds his courage and leadership skills.

Random Personal Thoughts: Okay, so this movie isn't perfect, but I still like it. :) It's actually a sequel to an older Disney movie called The Rescuers, which was released in 1977. I like that movie too, but I actually prefer the sequel. Watching the original may increase your appreciation for this movie and its characters, but it's not necessary. (I recommend it if you have time, though. It's a good little movie :) )

The Rescuers Down Under has a taste of animal rightsiness, but it doesn't really bother me in this case because McLeach really is a bad guy. He's not just a hunter, put a poacher who is breaking the law, killing endangered species (he's wants to kill the baby eagles purely for the purpose of keeping them rare so he can get more money), and worst of all, he's willing to do anything to get what he wants, even if it means kidnapping and harming an innocent little boy. (Sorry, Nate and Meridy. I know you love McLeach. He's very funny, but you've got to admit he's a bad guy.)

Bernard and Bianca have a really cute relationship. (Yes, I know they're mice. They still have a cute relationship.)

Who does that kangaroo lady think she is?!! Making poor little Cody climb that humongous red cliff without any equipment or adult supervision? That thing's got to be over a thousand feet high!! (Hmmm... how'd McLeach even get up there?)

Good Quotes From the Rescuers Down Under

1. McLeach: I didn't make it all the way through third grade for nothing.

2. McLeach (singing to tune of "Home on the Range): Home, home on the range / Where the critters are tied up in chains / I cut through their sides / and I rip off their hides / and the next day I do it again. Everybody!

3. Bianca: Oh, Captain. Is this a non-stop flight to Australia?

Wilbur: Well, no, no. I can definitely say no. We're gonna have to make connections with a bigger bird. Non-stop? Who do I look like, Charles Lindbergh?

4. Bernard (to a razorback): Now, look! I've got a long way to go. You're, you're gonna take me there, and you're not gonna give me any trouble about it, right? [razorback shakes head]

Bernard: Good! Now git!

5. Bianca: Bernard! This is no time to play in the snow!!

6. Doctor: Forceps!

Nurse Mouse: Forceps!

Wilbur: Oh, what now?

Doctor: Spinal streculator!

Wilbur: Oh, that's gonna hurt.

Doctor: Artery router!

Wilbur: Mother!

Doctor: This is rusted tight. I wouldn't dream of using such tools. Bring me the epidermal tissue disrupter!

Wilbur: The epidermal WHAT?!! [the nurses start a chainsaw]

Wilbur: Oh! Oh,no! Aaah!

7. Wilbur: Wait a minute. What the heck are you doing up here?

Bernard: The kidnapper took the boy and Jake,...and Miss Bianca.

Wilbur: Miss Bianca? Miss Bianca's in trouble? Oh, no! That's terrible! We gotta do something. I'm very disappointed in you, Bernard. Hiding under a nest while Bianca's in danger. Let me tell you something, buddy!

Bernard: Wilbur...

Wilbur: You-you-you look in the desert, and I-I-I'll scan the coast line. Yeah, that's what I'll do.

Bernard: Wilbur...

Wilbur: I'll ask the chicks on the beach to...

Bernard: Wilbur!

Wilbur: Huh? What?

Bernard: Listen. There are some chicks here that need your help.

Wilbur: Really?

[Bernard sits on one of Marahute's eggs and pats it with his hand]

Wilbur: Oh, no! I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong. Don't look at me like that. You're getting no from me! No! I am never going to sit on those eggs!

-Cut to Wilbur sitting on eggs-

Wilbur: Aw, nuts! I gotta learn to be more assertive. No is no is no. Hey, quit moving in there.

8. Bianca: Oh, Bernard. You are magnificent. You are absolutely hero of the day.

Bernard: Miss Bianca, before anything else happens... will you marry me?

Bianca: Bernard! Of course I will!

Jake: Well done, mate.

9. Doctor: I've already missed tea, Mr. Albatross. Don't force me to take drastic measures. You must relax.

Wilbur: Relax? I have never been more relaxed in my life! If I were any more relaxed, I'd be dead!

Doctor: I'm not convinced. 60 milligrams!

Nurse Mouse: 60 milligrams! [Loads a syringe of tranquilizer onto a shotgun]

Wilbur: What? Are you guys crazy? You can't do this to me! I'm an American citizen, buddy!

Doctor: Better double it.

Wilbur: Double?

Nurse Mouse: Double, coming up! [Loads a second syringe]

Wilbur: No!

Doctor: Prepare the patient for medication.

Wilbur: This can't be happening! I must be dreaming! Come on, Wilbur, wake up! Come on!

Doctor: Three degrees right!

Nurse Mouse: Three degrees right!

Doctor: Down two degrees!

Wilbur: No! Don't go down two degrees!

Nurse Mouse: Down two degrees!

Doctor: Ready...

Wilbur: No, I'm not ready!

Doctor: Aim...

Wilbur (Whimpers): Please don't do this to me!

Doctor: Fire!

[Gunshot]

Wilbur: Aahh, whoa! Oh, whoa!

10. Bianca: Don't worry, Bernard. Jake has everything under control.

Bernard: Yeah, I-I noticed.

For more good quotes go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100477/quotes (or simply watch the movie.) :)

Here are two silly clips from this movie for your enjoyment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5rCvNII7go&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNujIOK7eKo&feature=related

Mandy Rates the Disney Movies

I've been on a bit of a Disney kick lately, rediscovering the movies of my childhood. When I was little girl, I watched many Disney movies because doing so was expected of me and I soon grew very fond of many of them. As a grew older, I stopped watching them so much because I had seen them all a billion times and didn't really feel a need to watch them again. By high school I felt I was too old for such movies. But as a senior in college a curious thing has happened. I find myself drawn (heehee, no pun intended) to these movies once more. Perhaps, as a stressed out college girl having a hard time in the "adult" world, these movies are like a security blanket I can run to for comfort and happy childhood memories. Maybe this sort of thing happens to lots of women my age, but since I don't have any kids, I don't have a rock solid excuse for watching them. But at any rate, even if I never grow out of my love for animated films, that's okay. Watching them as an older person has shown me that many of them really are good movies. Although animation is sometimes brushed off as nothing more than a technique for making kiddie films, I have respect for it as an art form. I've got to respect the artistic and talented people who are patient (and crazy) enough to create thousands of individual beautiful drawings then put them together to create the illusion of movement. Making these movies takes a lot of work and talent and skill, and it's sad that they don't always get the same respect as live-action films. (It's probably a little easier nowadays what with all the amazing technology we have, but it's probably still a meticulous process.)
And so (drum roll, please) I have decided to honor those Disney movies that I deem worthy:

Mandy's Ramblings Presents:

The Top Ten Greatest Fully Animated Disney Movies Ever Made

(If you can only see ten Disney movies in your life, see these)

Some additional info: I'm not going to include Pixar movies in this listing, as I see them as a separate entity. (Also, with Pixar under consideration, I would have a much harder time selecting only ten :) )

Disney has made many great live-action films, and partially live action films, and even a few decent direct-to-video films, but as I haven't seen most of these, I'm only going to consider fully animated theatrical films.

The following Disney movies have NOT been considered because I either have not seen them, or have not seen them all the way through. (So I'm sorry if they are your favorites. Feel free to recommend them to me if they are good movies.)

Saludos Amigos

The Three Caballeros

Make Mine Music

Fun and Fancy Free

Melody Time

The Black Cauldron

Fantasia 2000

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Treasure Planet

Home On the Range

Bolt

The list will be roughly in order with #1 being my favorite

So, without further ado, here is my top ten list (though I probably won't get to them all today)

#10. The Jungle Book (1967)

This movie is about the adventures of Mowgli, a young Indian boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India. It is (loosely) based on the Mowgli stories by Rudyard Kipling. The story mainly involves Bagheera, the wise and faithful panther, trying to return Mowgli to the Man Village, where he (Mowgli) belongs, and where Mowgli will be safe from the murderous, man-hating Shere Khan the Tiger, who wants to kill him. Mowgli is a stubborn, (and occasionally annoying) ten year old boy who refuses to leave the Jungle and would rather stay with his care-free friend, Baloo the sloth bear.

My thoughts: This is a great movie, with fun, jazzy songs and a nice musical score. (I love that alto flute! Or is it a bass flute...? anyway...) It has a unique feel to it when compared to other Disney films. Perhaps it's the setting of the mysterious Indian Jungle which makes it feel different to me. I love the voices in this film. They chose the actors perfectly, and it's so fun to hear Sterling Holloway voice a bad guy. (He does Kaa's voice, and he also did the voice of Winnie the Pooh and Roquefort the Mouse in "The AristoCats.") That guy had the second coolest voice in the world. (Pat Buttram had the coolest) This is one of the few, if not only Disney movies to quote scripture. This is also one of the few Disney movies my dad likes, as demonstrated by a conversation we had when I was watching "Sleeping Beauty" one day. I don't remember it exactly but it went something like this:

Dad (singing these words to the Sleeping Beauty Waltz): Movies made by Disney drive me so crazy...

Me: Why do hate Disney movies so much?

Dad: Because they're all so girly!

Me: "The Emperor's New Groove" isn't girly

Dad (impatiently): Yes, yes, but that was long after Disney died. All the older Disney films are extremely girly!

Me:..."The Jungle Book" isn't very girly.

Dad: Yeah, that one's better. You can get a few guffaws out of that one.

Me: Oooh, I love this part! See, the goblins throw boulders over the wall, and then they turn into bubbles! Isn't that great!

Dad: If you're a girl!

My dad thinks, and with good reason, that Disney cared nothing for little boys and what they thought. He only wanted to impress their mothers. Luckily, as a girl, I'm much more likely to enjoy girly shows.

But anyway, back to The Jungle Book. This movie does have a lot of funny parts, and I highly recommend it to both my male and female readers. (Which amounts to about two people, but that's okay! :) I'm still having fun!)

Good Quotes from the Jungle Book

1. Baloo: Now when you pick a pawpaw / Or a prickly pear/ And you prick a raw paw / Well, next time beware / Don't pick the prickly pear by the paw / When you pick a pear try to use the claw / But you don't need to use the claw / When you pick a pear of the big pawpaw!

2. Mowgli: You're just like... like old Bagheera!

Baloo: Now just a minute! That's going too far!

3.Kaa: Look me in the eye when I'm speaking to you.

Bagheera (pleadingly): Please, Kaa...

Kaa: Both eyes, if you please!

4.Mowgli (to the unconscious Baloo): Baloo, get up. Oh, please get up.

Bagheera: Mowgli, try to understand.

Mowgli: Bagheera, what's the matter with him?

Bagheera: You've got to be brave, like Baloo was.

Mowgli: You... you don't mean... Oh, no. Baloo.

Bagheera: Now, now. I know how you feel. But you must remember, Mowgli. Greater love hath no one than he who lays down his life for his friend.

(Baloo starts to wake up, without letting his friends know)

Bagheera: Whenever great deeds are remembered in this jungle, one name will stand above all others: our friend, Baloo the bear.

Baloo (sniffling): He's cracking me up.

Bagheera: The memory of Baloo's sacrifice and bravery will forever be engraved on our saddened hearts.

Baloo: Beautiful.

Bagheera: This spot where Baloo fell will always be a hallowed place in the jungle, for there lies one of nature's noblest creatures.

Baloo (choked up): I wish my mother could have heard this.

Bagheera: It's best we leave now. Come along, Man Cub.

Baloo: Hey, don't stop now, Baggy. You're doing great! There's more, lots more!

Bagheera (surprised and angry): Why, you big fraud! You-you-you four-flusher! I-I'm fed up!...

5. Baloo: Forget about those, they ain't nothing but trouble!

6. Baloo: Mowgli... Come back, Come back!

Bagheera: Go on! Go on!

7. Baloo: What do they call you?

Bagheera: His name is Mowgli, and I'm taking him back to the man village.

Baloo: Man village? They'll ruin him! They'll make a man out of him!

8. Mowgli: Look, Bagheera, he's got a knot in his tail!

Kaa (imitating Mowgli sarcastically): He-he-he, he's got a knot in his tail!

9. Bagheera: Baloo, birds of a feather should flock together. You wouldn't marry a panther now, would you?

Baloo: I don't know. (laughs and elbows Bagheera) Come to think of it, no panther has ever asked me. Ha-ha.

10. Winifred: Now you listen to me, you pompous old windbag!

(For more good quotes, you can go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061852/quotes I had to go there to refresh my memory :) )

Also, here is a fun scene from "The Jungle Book" in case your interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T0I5UepXMA

*sigh* I feel so long-winded. Sorry about this uber-long post. I'm too tired to do the rest of the list now, so I'll just have to come back and do it later. bye! and thanks for visiting me! ;)

~Mandy

P.S. :0 Oh No!! I forgot to mention the vultures!! They're great, too! :) (Especially now that I realize they resemble a certain British music group.)

You can find more good info on this movie at Wikipedia and http://www.imdb.com/. When my memory failed me, or I wanted to verify something, these websites were very helpful. I also found the complete list of animated Disney films by doing a Google search and finding an article on Wikipedia.