Summer of Magic- "Hercules"

From the opening frame, it is clear that Hercules is not your typical Disney film. The narrator begins telling the story of the son of Zeus only to be interrupted by the legendary Muses, explaining how their version of the story will be infinitely better and more entertaining. When the narrator plainly says, "You go, girls," to use a lyric from one of this film's classic songs, a star is born. Like its predecessor, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules is one of the most criminally underrated films in the Disney canon. Boasting an extremely high entertainment level with exemplary characters and amazing musical anthems, this is a film that works in all phases.

Our protagonist, Hercules, reminds me of Aladdin is a few different ways. First of all, they are both great creations by Disney. Hercules has a dream, and he is determined to make that dream a reality. This is the classic Disney character arc that continues to work in this film. Secondly, Hercules and Aladdin are the heart and soul behind their respected films. We care about this film as a whole because of Herc's actions and quest, but perhaps the greatest comparison I can make between Hercules and Aladdin is that both iconic figures are surrounded by scene-stealers in their ensembles. Meg is legitimately one of Disney's best characters from the Renaissance. I cannot applaud and praise Susan Egan's performance more because it is simply sensational. Every scene starring Meg is an instant classic. Herc's trainer, Phil, is brought to life by the incomparable Danny DeVito, and that fact alone should be enough to explain why I love Phil so much. In the same line of dialogue, DeVito makes us laugh hysterically while also touching our hearts in the process. When Phil is explaining to Hercules about his dream of having a trainee of his recognized by the gods, DeVito shines like never before. Herc's trusty steed, Pegasus, provides some superb physical comedy, especially during their first encounter with Meg. The entire cast of gods is spectacular creations as well. As I huge fan of Greek/Roman mythology, seeing Disney bring these legends to life is still astonishing to behold.

Once again, though, it is a villain that stands out among the crowd. If The Hunchback of Notre Dame is the most underrated film in my book, Hades may just be the most underrated villain of all-time. Disney's unprecedented string of bonafide casting moves for their villains continued in Hercules as James Woods provides the perfect voice for Hades. The film is at its best when Hades is on the screen. Our introduction to Hades near the beginning of the film when he crashes Herc's birthday party is one of the film's many highlights. It allows for a supremely entertaining scene to transpire while also developing this fantastic villain beautifully. Beyond being downright dastardly, though, Hades knows how to entertain us as Woods continually makes us laugh time and time again. His sidekicks, Pain and Panic, are solid additions to the ensemble as well. To this day, whenever someone starts a sentence with "If," I cannot help but to respond, "If...if is good."

The Disney Renaissance and Alan Menken are truly synonymous with one another, and with Hercules, Menken strikes yet again! The entire soundtrack for Hercules is just about as underrated as the film itself. The Muses provide such a spark whenever they are performing, and luckily for us, that happens often. The opening number, "The Gospel Truth," is such a creative and lively way to set up the story without getting bogged down in the details. Through the three unique renditions of this song, the story is set and then progressed, our characters are developed splendidly, and the audience is thoroughly entertained. "Zero to Hero" is similar to The Lion King's "Hakuna Matata" in the sense that it occurs about halfway through the film to bridge the gap between the first and second halves of the film. However, it not only is inserted to progress the story, but it is extraordinarily entertaining as well. Herc's inward thought song, "Go the Distance," is a powerful anthem featuring superb animation and a knockout performance from Roger Bart. Meg's defining moment, "I Won't Say I'm in Love," is the highlight of the entire film in my opinion (read more about this number below). Finally, the Muses bring this epic film to an epic conclusion with "A Star is Born." You will not be able to avoid singing along to this song as the closing credits roll.

I think Hercules gets an unfair treatment by some Disney fans. Some consider it to be too playful and too tailor-made for children. For me, though, therein lies the charm of this film. Its uniqueness should be celebrated. Honestly, Hercules is probably a film that some folks want to dislike, but when they actually watch it, it is impossible to dislike this film. Just because something is different doesn't make it any less classical. Hercules is a phenomenal film that earns its spot among the great animated films in Disney history undoubtedly, and that's the gospel truth.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: Disney has always displayed a tremendous ability to cast the perfect actor to voice their villains, and James Woods as Hades is yet another brilliant casting choice. Hades was originally going to be a rather slow character, conniving villain, but once Woods was cast, the character was drastically changed because the filmmakers were so impressed by his quick, witty improvisations. While the character and script were altered, Woods ad-libbed most of Hades's lines anyway. He claims that Hades is his all-time favorite character he has ever portrayed. To prove this love, Woods told Disney that he would voice the Lord of the Underworld anytime the studio was going to use him in future projects. Disney took advantage of that offer, periodically bringing back Woods for the House of Mouse television series, the Kingdom Hearts video games, and the Hercules television series.

Behind the Scenes: Immediately, you can tell that the tone of Hercules is drastically different from the tone of Disney's previous two films, Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The studio had received criticism for the darkness and mature themes found in those two films, so in response, Disney created Hercules to lighten the mood. Also, perhaps the best Disney Easter egg appears in Hercules. In The Lion King, Zazu mentions that Scar would make for an excellent throw rug. In Hercules, when Herc is posing for a painting, he is wearing a lion's skin that Phil eventually uses to wipe paint off his face. That lion skin belonged to Scar, fulfilling Zazu's prophecy. Furthermore, the Hydra scene was widely considered to be the most difficult scene to animate in the entire film, and one of the toughest ever for the studio. In fact, it would take the animators anywhere from six to fourteen hours to animate the Hydra depending on how many heads it had at that particular moment.

Favorite Character: I almost went with Meg for this section, but I just couldn't pick against Hades. James Woods turns in one of the best vocal performances of all-time, making Hades a villain we love to hate. Hades is everything a villain should be: charming, witty, diabolical, contriving, and the list goes on and on. Every time he is on the screen, I find myself laughing hysterically while also being terrified simultaneously. The filmmakers and animators did an outstanding job bringing Hades to life. My only problem with Hades in this film is he never sings, and who wouldn't love to hear Hades sing? However, therein lies the awesome characteristic of Hades: he doesn't need a show-stopping number to prove his vileness, and that is why he is one of my favorite villains of all-time.

Favorite Scene/Song: Meg is such a fascinating character. Susan Egan brings so many layers and adds multiple dimensions to this complex character, and her shining moment comes in the "I Won't Say I'm in Love" sequence. Up to this point, we have felt Meg's heartbreak as she forcefully serves Hades, and when Hercules enters her life, we are cheering wholeheartedly for her to break through and admit that life does indeed have purpose now. This song is an excellent way of accomplishing just that in one of the most entertaining and tender scenes in the entire film. Plus, the Muses arrive and, as per usual, steal the show. Whenever they align into the Haunted Mansion bust formation, I have the biggest smile on my face every time. Add that to Alan Menken's superb music, Egan's performance, the character development of Meg and you have one of the best scenes from the Disney Renaissance.

Updated Ranking: I made the statement in my review yesterday that Hercules may be the second most underrated film in the Disney canon. I believe this ranking reflects those thoughts.

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. The Lion King
3. Aladdin
4. The Little Mermaid
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
7. Peter Pan
8. Cinderella
9. The Jungle Book
10. Sleeping Beauty
11. Hercules
12. Pinocchio
13. Lady and the Tramp
14. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
15. Alice in Wonderland
16. Dumbo
17. Bambi
18. 101 Dalmatians
19. Pocahontas
20. The Great Mouse Detective
21. Fantasia
22. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
23. The AristoCats
24. The Rescuers Down Under
25. Fun and Fancy Free
26. The Fox and the Hound
27. Robin Hood
28. Melody Time
29. The Three Caballeros
30. Saludos Amigos
31. Oliver & Company
32. The Rescuers
33. The Sword in the Stone
34. Make Mine Music
35. The Black Cauldron

I will be out of town for the next week and a half, so the Summer of Magic will be taking a quick hiatus from June 30 to July 9. However, we will return on July 10 with Mulan! Until then, rank these films for yourself, choose a favorite character or song, and, above all, appreciate the magic. After all, that is why the Summer of Magic exists in the first place.

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

The second half of the nineties for Disney may just be the most underrated time period in the studio's history. Following a first half that included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, this second half contains four of the most criminally underrated films in the official Disney canon. The first one of this quartet is the most underrated of them all in my book: The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is a travesty that this film is not considered one of Disney's best. Tackling bold themes and proclaiming powerful messages, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a masterpiece that grows on me exponentially upon each additional viewing. If one is going to have the discussion on what is the best Disney film, there is no doubt in my mind The Hunchback of Notre Dame deserves to be in that conversation, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.

While Quasimodo rightfully receives top billing among the film's characters, the entire ensemble is equally fantastic, rivaling Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King for the best character ensemble in Disney history. Akin to Pocahontas, Quasimodo is a character steeped in legend, but Disney has once again given new life to an iconic character. Tom Hulce's performance is sensational as he balances Quasimodo's innocence and spirit of adventure beautifully. When Quasimodo hurts, we as an audience hurt too, and when he saves the day at the end, we cannot resist rejoicing wholeheartedly. He truly is one of Disney's finest creations. Esmeralda is a fascinating character and such a unique creation for the studio. After creating royal princesses, Disney turns around and gives us a character from the polar opposite end of the spectrum with Esmeralda, the gypsy. By doing this, Disney allows itself to stretch is creative legs like never before by bringing to life one of their greatest characters. Demi Moore is absolutely perfect for this role as she hits it out of the park. Kevin Kline's Phoebus is yet another great character along with the three hilarious gargoyles (Victor, Hugo, and Laverne) and Clopin, the master of ceremonies during the Feast of Fools.

Perhaps the best character from this film comes in the form of our villain: Judge Frollo. If Maleficent is my favorite villain and Cruella De Vil is the runner-up, Judge Frollo rounds out the top three. He is menacing, vile, and downright despicable. The reason Frollo is such an interesting villain, though, is because of his humanity. He doesn't wield any supernatural powers; he has no physical prowess to intimidate like Maleficent or Ursula. Frollo's evil is simply a byproduct of his position. He is a judge, and with that authority comes the idea that he can do whatever he wants and get away with it while doing the will of God in the process. We may not go to the extremes that Frollo went to, but how many people in our society today have a position of power and only abuse it? The character development of Frollo sparks a conversation, and I think that is one of the cornerstones of this film. The Hunchback of Notre Dame aims to entertain, of course, but below the surface, it is an indictment of religious fanaticism, sexual obsession, and the lack of empathy afforded to outsiders. This is a Disney animated film, but to me, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most thought-provoking, mature films in the history of cinema. It just so happens to be animated.

The trend of excellent songs appearing in the Renaissance films continued with The Hunchback of Notre Dame as this film's soundtrack is easily in my top three of all-time. The opening number, "The Bells of Notre Dame," is supremely epic, setting up the story exquisitely while also thoroughly entertaining us. Plus, the animation on display is gorgeous during this sequence, flawlessly combining hand drawn animation with the latest in computer technology. Quasimodo's "Out There" is this film's inward thought song that Alan Menken invented during this time period, and it is superb. The song performed during the Feast of Fools, "Topsy Turvy," is one of the most entertaining numbers in Disney history, but beyond mere entertainment, this entire sequence progresses the story expertly while also developing those legendary characters extraordinarily. Esmeralda's prayer, "God Help the Outcasts," gives me an innumerable amount of chills every time. It is a powerful song in a powerful moment for the film. Quasimodo's "Heaven's Light" is just the song he needed upon receiving unprecedented kindness from Esmeralda. Then, of course, there is "Hellfire" as performed by Judge Frollo. This is how you do a villain song, ladies and gentlemen. Its unflinching darkness is exactly what Frollo's song should consist of.

To anyone reading this who doesn't like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I legitimately want to know why you dislike this masterpiece. It has everything that one could possibly want in a Disney classic film: excellent characters, stellar songs, breathtaking animation, and a profound message. What more are you looking for? The Hunchback of Notre Dame should be synonymous with Disney's best. It is truly one of a kind, and its uniqueness should be applauded. If you haven't watched this film in a while, I implore you to seek it out and give it another chance. I think you might discover that this film is a form of heaven's light.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: Frollo's song, "Hellfire," is widely considered to be the darkest song in Disney history. In fact, this scene alone almost caused The Hunchback of Notre Dame to receive a rating of PG from the MPAA. The original cut of the sequence did not adequately show the appropriate outline of Esmeralda's clothing, prompting the MPAA to encourage Disney to make the necessary changes to avoid her seeming nude if the film was going to be rated G. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Tony Jay providing the voice of Frollo, but before he was cast, Disney was eyeing two X-Men stars to voice the legendary villain. Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart were rumored to be up for the role, but directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale (who had previously directed Beauty and the Beast) chose Jay after remembering back to Jay's performance as Monsieur D'Arque in Beauty and the Beast, and they couldn't resist casting Jay as Frollo.

Behind the Scenes: In Victor Hugo's original novel, Frollo is actually an archdeacon, not a judge. Disney decided to make Frollo a judge to make him seem more sinister since he controls the entire city and no one would question his quest to rid the world of gypsies. Furthermore, the film shows Quasimodo's mother dying by being pushed to the ground and hitting her head. In the novel, though, this is how Esmeralda's mother dies. The film pays tribute to the classic author by naming two of the gargoyles Hugo and Victor. The third gargoyle is named Laverne after Laverne Andrews, one of the Andrews Sisters who starred in Make Mine Music and Melody Time for Disney in the forties. Also, to properly capture the beauty of the real Notre Dame, animators spent several weeks inside the cathedral to ensure the best detail possible. Their headquarters were found in nearby Disneyland Paris.

Favorite Character: It is difficult to pick against Quasimodo, but that is exactly what I am doing. Judge Frollo is my favorite character from The Hunchback of Notre Dame because he is simply one of the best villains in the studio's history. Like this film, Frollo is criminally underrated as he possesses everything you could possibly be looking for in a Disney villain. His physique alone strikes fear into the hearts of the bravest of men (chills travel up my spine every time he gives us one of his signature stare-downs). Tony Jay's performance is spectacular and deserves to be mentioned in the conversation as one of the greatest vocal performances of all-time. In a film for the ages, Frollo is a villain for the ages, perfectly embodying the conflict plaguing the citizens of Paris throughout the film in his own menacing way.

Favorite Scene: The Feast of Fools sequence is not only my favorite from this film; it is one of my favorite scenes ever, Disney or otherwise. Paul Kandel's Clopin steals the show like no character before him as he entertains and serenades his way into our hearts forever. Whenever I think of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this scene is usually the first image that comes to mind. It allows for some genuinely incredible character development for Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Frollo. Plus, it is the very definition of entertaining. Menken's "Topsy Turvy" is one of my favorite songs as well. Deftly blending fun with superb storytelling, this scene is downright legendary.

Favorite Song: Yes, Alan Menken strikes again! This is an extremely difficult decision for this category, but I must go with Esmeralda's "God Help the Outcasts" as my favorite from the film. For one, the scene in which this song is found is impeccably animated, highlighted by the moment Esmeralda walks down a hallway lighted by hundreds of candles. Heidi Mollenhauer (the singing voice for Esmeralda) absolutely slays with this song. The lyrics are so honest and heartfelt, offering Esmeralda to instantly become someone we invest in. It is such a tender song, and a perfect addition to the perfect soundtrack.

Updated Ranking: I think it is an atrocity that The Hunchback of Notre Dame is as underrated as it is. For me, it belongs in elite company.

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. The Lion King
3. Aladdin
4. The Little Mermaid
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
7. Peter Pan
8. Cinderella
9. The Jungle Book
10. Sleeping Beauty
11. Pinocchio
12. Lady and the Tramp
13. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
14. Alice in Wonderland
15. Dumbo
16. Bambi
17. 101 Dalmatians
18. Pocahontas
19. The Great Mouse Detective
20. Fantasia
21. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
22. The AristoCats
23. The Rescuers Down Under
24. Fun and Fancy Free
25. The Fox and the Hound
26. Robin Hood
27. Melody Time
28. The Three Caballeros
29. Saludos Amigos
30. Oliver & Company
31. The Rescuers
32. The Sword in the Stone
33. Make Mine Music
34. The Black Cauldron

If The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Disney's most underrated film, tomorrow's film may be the studio's second most underrated film. We go the distance next with Hercules!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "Toy Story"

As film critic Josh Larsen writes, "When Woody perks up in the opening scene, it's not only the cowboy who comes to life- we're watching the rebirth of an art form." There are a handful of films in the history of animation that have defined the genre. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Little Mermaid are two prime examples of these kind of films, but outside of Snow White, no other film has been quite as ground-breaking for the genre as Pixar's first film, Toy Story. Over twenty years later, Toy Story is still as awe-inspiring, sensational, and incredible as it was upon the film's release. I have always said that it was no accident that Toy Story was released in 1995, the year I was born. I consider Toy Story to be the film that ignited my love and passion for Disney and animation in general. Every computer animated film produced today owes something to this Pixar masterpiece.

Pixar chief and the director of Toy Story John Lasseter once said, "The way the film looks will never entertain an audience alone. It has to be in the service of a good story with great characters." Sure, Toy Story changed the game forever with its use of computer animation, but the main reason it is still beloved by millions around the world today is because of its characters. Seventeen films into its run and the hallmark for Pixar has always been its characters, and Toy Story introduces us to perhaps their greatest creations. Buzz and Woody are simply legendary. They may actually be the best characters in the history of animation. Their unique personalities and dynamic interactions with the entire character ensemble are outstanding. It helps that Pixar assembled two of the most talented voice actors ever to bring Buzz and Woody to life. The performances of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks are career-bests for the two actors as they bring so much life and exuberance to these characters. Whenever Woody and Buzz are on screen together (and luckily for us, that happens often), Pixar magic is at an all-time high. You know how much I love a great character arc, and in Toy Story, we have two great character arcs with Buzz and Woody, allowing for genuine character evolution throughout the film as we fully invest into the lives of Andy's toys.

Buzz and Woody are the center of attention for most of the film (and rightfully so), but that doesn't mean that Pixar hasn't also created some iconic supporting characters to steal the show. Legends such as Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Rex, and Slinky provide excellent comedy throughout the film. Once again, the voice actors turn in superb performances, especially Don Rickles (Mr. Potato Head) and Wallace Swann (Rex). While the voice actors deserve a ton of credit, I would be remiss if I failed to praise the fantastic script from Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Coen, and Alec Sokolow. Toy Story became the first animated film to ever be nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, and it may be the most deserved nomination in the history of the Academy Awards. Endlessly quotable and dynamically hilarious, this script gives each character a chance to shine, and with this massive ensemble, that is a feat in and of itself. Then, you throw in the fact that each character has a chance to be funny and dramatic, and suddenly you have one of the best scripts ever written for an animated film. Also, if the Academy ever gave out a Best Idea for a Story Oscar, Toy Story would win hands down. This concept is so cleverly ingenious, and its creativity amazes me every time I watch it,

It really goes without saying that the animation on display here is spectacular. I hope you don't diminish the work of these animators working on computers simply because of the lack of hand drawing. These animators are artists simply using a different method of creating their art. Lasseter and company set the standard for this medium with Toy Story. Every scene is flawlessly executed and impeccably detailed with beautiful sequence after beautiful sequence. Speaking of those sequences, in my book, there are four signature scenes in Toy Story. The first one is, obviously, the "You've Got a Friend in Me" sequence. That scene is a childhood-definer for me personally. Watching that scene immediately transports me back to a simpler time, and that is such a joy. The second scene would have to be Woody's first encounter with Buzz. I have watched Toy Story countless times, and I am still catching new jokes nowadays just in that one scene. It offers some great character development while also being downright hilarious. The next signature scene would be the famous scene with the Claw inside Pizza Planet. Those green aliens don't get much screentime, but that is one of my favorite scenes of all-time! The final scene I will mention here is Buzz's flight with Woody towards the end of the film. The friendship of these two characters finally comes together beautifully in a sincere and touching way as Buzz falls into Andy's van with style.

I am legitimately running out of ways to praise Toy Story. It is literally a perfect film. I could be a tad biased due to my memory of the obsession I had with this film in my childhood, but I truly don't care. I love this film and its characters just as much as one could love an animated film and its characters. It will always hold a special place in my heart and it will forever be a part of my life. The Disney/Pixar obsessed man you see today got his start with Toy Story.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: It is hard to imagine anyone other than Tim Allen voicing Buzz Lightyear, but Allen was not Pixar's first choice. Billy Crystal was originally offered the role, which he obviously declined. Allen was then brought on, and upon seeing the final product, Crystal said that passing on that film was the biggest mistake of his career. John Lasseter heard Crystal's remarks, so he called him one day while Pixar was working on Monsters Inc. to offer him the role of Mike Wazowski. Crystal's wife answered the phone, turned to Billy and said, "John Lasseter is on the phone for you." Crystal took the phone from his wife, and before anything else was uttered, he simply said, "Yes." The rest, as they say, is history. Crystal would voice Mike Wazowski in Monsters Inc. (2001) and its prequel, Monsters University (2013). Allen would provide the voice for Buzz in all three installments of the Toy Story franchise and will do it again soon in Toy Story 4, expected in theaters in 2018.

Behind the Scenes: During the staff meeting in the beginning of the film, Woody asks the toys sitting on a high shelf if they could hear him. You'll notice that one toy in particular is a pink teddy bear that looks suspiciously like Lotso from Toy Story 3. This is because Lotso was originally suppose to appear with an expanded role in Toy Story, but the animators could not quite master making the bear's hair believable, so they scrapped those plans and kept the bear in that one shot only. Furthermore, appearing in the background of where Woody is standing during the staff meeting are four books entitled Tin Toy, Knick Knack, Luxo Jr., and Red's Dream. Those are the names of the four short films created by Pixar prior to the release of Toy Story. While Toy Story is cited as the beginning of Pixar, the film may have never got funded without the success of those four shorts, so I encourage you to do yourself a favor and check those shorts out!

Favorite Character: I have wavered back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to go with Buzz or Woody for this section, and my conclusion is that I am going to cheat and pick both as my favorite characters. It is basically impossible to choose one over the other because both of them are legendary Pixar creations. They carry this film on their shoulders from start to finish and prove that they are more than capable of working their way into our hearts like no other character before them. They set the foundation for Pixar's winning character formula that they still institute today. Every line recorded by Hanks and Allen is quotable, deftly blending comedy and drama. From the show-stopping scenes (the Claw sequence) to the tender moments (that finale, though!), Buzz and Woody are two of my favorite characters of all-time.

Favorite Scene: I have to go with Buzz and Woody's first encounter with one another as my favorite scene from Toy Story. This scene is a masterclass in how to introduce your characters to each other in a creatively unique way. Once again, Hanks and Allen shine as they fire off one quotable line after the next ("We've got double A's"). The script shows its superiority in this scene above all due to its fast paced banter. If I could watch one scene on repeat for the rest of my life, I would probably choose this scene above the rest.

Favorite Song: "You've Got a Friend in Me," duh. Randy Newman rocks. No further comments necessary.

Updated Ranking: In addition to my rankings of the official Disney animated canon films, I will also be ranking Pixar's films on a separate list. Therefore, today, we start with Toy Story as the lone entry thus far.

1. Toy Story

Pixar changed the game in a way nobody truly anticipated, and they continue to do so even today. Next up, we're back to the Disney canon with one of my favorite films in the studio's history: The Hunchback of Notre Dame!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "Pocahontas"

We are halfway through the Disney Renaissance, and in 1995, a film is released that has split Disney fans for twenty-one years and counting. After a trio of critical and financial successes, Pocahontas brought Disney back down to Earth just a little. However, that does not mean in any regard that this is not a good film; in fact, I think it is a great film that receives far too much criticism and not enough praise. Sure, it is not a perfect film, but not every film can be Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King. To me, Pocahontas falls into the same category as The Great Mouse Detective: a splendid film that just falls shorts of achieving classic status.

I'll start where I always start: the characters. Pocahontas is an excellent Disney creation. The legends of Pocahontas are immense from all throughout the history, but Disney breaths fresh life back into this historic figure and makes her one of the most well developed characters from the Renaissance. Following in the footsteps of Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine, Pocahontas stakes her claim in the pantheon of great leading characters from this incredible era in Disney animation. The animators really hit this character out of the park. Pocahontas is truly life-like in her movements and facial expressions, providing a realism like never before. She is instantly relatable because we all want to know what is just around the proverbial riverbend even if it terrifies us. Through the life of Pocahontas, we are given one example of how to pursue our dreams and our future: by making our own path. The messages proclaimed throughout Pocahontas are powerful as Disney continues the trend of providing layers and adding dimensions to their tales.

The rest of the ensemble, though, cannot quite match the excellence of Pocahontas, and I think that is what holds it back from being a classic. John Smith is a fine character, but rather unremarkable overall. We get a nice glimpse into his inward thoughts in the "Mine, Mine, Mine," sequence, but he is essentially just there, inserted into the story with no real purpose. His development stalls far too often. Our villain, Governer Ratcliffe, is a solid antagonist, but like Smith, he is not given enough material to fully develop. He's just another greedy colonist. Therein lies my only complaint with Pocahontas, actually. Other than developing the character of Pocahontas exquisitely, the rest of the characters and story in general lack dimensions and layers. By deciding to focus on the romance between John Smith and Pocahontas, the big picture conflict of the colonists invading the New World is relegated to a secondary story arc when it deserves better. A story with that kind of focus would be a knockout for Disney, but instead of going that route, they settled, in my opinion.

Despite what I just wrote, though, I still think Pocahontas is a great film. The songs and score found in this film are quite amazing. The first two numbers, "The Virginia Company" and "Steady as the Beating Drum," are outstanding tone setters for the film for both groups represented in the story. Plus, whenever those drums start beating, my heart rate and excitement rise significantly. Pocahontas's first song, "Just Around the Riverbend," is one of my favorite scenes/songs from the film. This song is Pocahontas's equivalent to "Belle" in Beauty and the Beast or "Part of Your World" in The Little Mermaid. It offers us a chance to hear what Pocahontas is thinking and dreaming of, and therefore, we are challenged to think of our dreams in turn. "Savages" is sometimes criticized for being stereotypical, but I think it reflects the history and conflicts abounding during this time period expertly. Plus, Alan Menken knows how to write a "prepare for battle" number (Look at "The Mob Song" from Beauty and the Beast). Finally, the film's signature moment comes when Pocahontas serenades John Smith with "Colors of the Wind." Judy Kuhn's performance is spectacular in this scene, and the song itself is legendary. It is not just a simple ode to nature and its inhabitants; it is a challenge, not only to John Smith, but to us as an audience. Its powerful message is bold, daring, and just what this film needed.

I feel as if Pocahontas gets a bad reputation due to the simple fact that it is not as good as The Lion King, Aladdin, or Beauty and the Beast, but in my opinion, that doesn't make it a bad film whatsoever. While it may not be a masterpiece worthy enough to be a classic, Pocahontas is still a fascinating film that challenges, entertains, and inspires, and at the end of the day, isn't that what we expect from Disney?

Rating: 9/10

Historical Significance: In an early draft of the story, Grandmother Willow was written for a male and was designed to be the spirit of the river, appropriately called Old Man River. This character would then sing "Just Around the Riverbend" instead of Pocahontas. The role was initially offered to Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird), who had been a huge fan of Disney for decades (while president of the Academy, he campaigned for The Jungle Book to win Best Picture, and he also placed The Lion King in his top five favorite films of all-time). It devastated him, but Peck had to decline the role because he felt as if the character needed to be a motherly figure. This suggestion inspired the filmmakers to change everything about the character and also allowed Pocahontas to sing that classic song.

Behind the Scenes: A number of interesting choices were made in the casting process. John Smith is voiced by Mel Gibson as Pocahontas became the first film featuring Gibson singing. Christian Bale provided the voice of Thomas, and in an interview, Bale mentioned that the animators modeled Thomas after him. The filmmakers originally wanted Richard White, the voice of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, to bring Governor Ratcliffe to life, but they were afraid that the two characters would sound too similar. They cast David Ogden Stiers instead, who, ironically, voiced a character from Beauty and the Beast as well: Cogsworth. Furthermore, Richard Means plays Powhatan, and he has often offered support for the film in the face of criticism for Native American stereotyping. Means, a Native American himself, calls Pocahontas the "single best representation of Americans Indians that Hollywood has ever done."

Favorite Character: Pocahontas is undoubtedly the star of her own film. First of all, the character animation on display here is simply superb. Pocahontas is one of Disney's best characters from a creative standpoint as well as an animation standpoint. She reminds me of Ariel from The Little Mermaid, in a way. Society has a certain expectation for what Pocahontas is suppose to become just as is the case with Ariel, but above all, she is fiercely determined to follow her own path and pursue her dreams. One of the film's highlights is at the end of the "Just Around the Riverbend" sequence when Pocahontas is at a crossroads, and she must decide whether to take the path of the calm water or the tumultuous water. When she eventually begins rowing towards the rapids, we know that Pocahontas is one special character.

Favorite Scene/Song: The theme of these two sections having the same answer continues with Pocahontas. The "Colors of the Wind" sequence is a spectacle to behold. Yes, Alan Menken strikes again! This song is a powerful anthem for the film and its intended message. Within the lyrics of this number are so many poignant ideas and thought-provoking questions, so when those lyrics are combined with the wondrous animation on display in this sequence, Pocahontas truly shines. As an audience, we essentially become John Smith during this scene because we all just watch in amazement as Pocahontas and Menken create Disney magic.

Updated Ranking: I came so close to awarding Pocahontas a perfect ten on my rating scale, but since I decided to go with nine instead, that puts Pocahontas just behind the tens.

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. The Lion King
3. Aladdin
4. The Little Mermaid
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. Peter Pan
7. Cinderella
8. The Jungle Book
9. Sleeping Beauty
10. Pinocchio
11. Lady and the Tramp
12. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
13. Alice in Wonderland
14. Dumbo
15. Bambi
16. 101 Dalmatians
17. Pocahontas
18. The Great Mouse Detective
19. Fantasia
20. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
21. The AristoCats
22. The Rescuers Down Under
23. Fun and Fancy Free
24. The Fox and the Hound
25. Robin Hood
26. Melody Time
27. The Three Caballeros
28. Saludos Amigos
29. Oliver & Company
30. The Rescuers
31. The Sword in the Stone
32. Make Mine Music
33. The Black Cauldron

The second half of the Disney Renaissance doesn't get as much publicity and acclaim as the first half, but genuine gems are to be found in the coming days. Our next film begins a new era for Disney as Pixar arrives on the scene with Toy Story!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "The Lion King"

It is a rarity in Hollywood for a film to find the appropriate balance of comedy and drama. When it is executed properly, that film usually becomes a classic, but when it fails, you finish watching the film wishing you could get those two hours of your life back. Disney has always had the incredible ability to deftly blend the two, and never has that ability been on display more prominently than with The Lion King. I have wrote the following phrase in regard to Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin over the last couple of days, and now, I will state it again for The Lion King: this film is a masterpiece. Boasting some of the most hilariously entertaining scenes as well as some life-changing sequences, The Lion King belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Disney animation. It simply never ceases to take my breath away in amazement.

As per usual with Disney, the characters are the highlights of the film. Simba is one of the most underrated leading characters Disney has ever created. His character evolution from beginning to end is actually quite obvious, but it is nonetheless fascinating to watch unfold. As the film follows his journey in every stage of his life, we care deeply for Simba in each phase, feeling his pain and loss while also witnessing his triumph and glory. He is endlessly jovial throughout his childhood while uncertainly leading to determination defines his adulthood. His character is so complexly developed that when Simba finally defeats Scar and assumes the throne, you cannot help but to cry tears of joy while rising to your feet in thunderous applause. Since I just mentioned him, I will go ahead and remark that Scar is one of Disney's best villains in its history and one of my personal favorites. Jeremy Irons's performance may just be the best vocal work for a villain in the studio's history. Scar is just as witty ("I'm surrounded by idiots") as he is vile ("I killed Mufasa!"). He is the ultimate villain that you love to hate. Additionally, Scar's song, "Be Prepared," will have your heart rate rising as you tremble in fear. It is one of my favorite villain songs with some of the best and most interesting animated sequences on display as well.

Elsewhere in the character ensemble, Timon and Pumbaa are two excellent sidekicks that provide the necessary comedic relief in the final half of the film. Smiles are abundant as long as these two are gracing the screen with their presence. Plus, their musical number, "Hakuna Matata," is simply legendary. That entire sequence, highlighted by the growth of Simba while crossing the log, is a crowning achievement for Disney animation. Zazu is also afforded numerous chances to shine. One of my favorite scenes from the film is when Zazu is giving Mufasa the Morning Report. His dialogue is filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, and it is absolutely delightful. Furthermore, when Zazu serenades Scar (much to Scar's displeasure), I laugh hysterically every time. Also, Mufasa is a great character as James Earl Jones provides the perfect voice. His interactions with Simba give this film its meaning and purpose, and their relationship is the driving force behind the entire plot. Whoopi Goldberg and Cheech Martin are nice additions to the cast as Shenzi and Banzai as well.

I have already referred to The Lion King's soundtrack on a couple of occasions, and that is because it is my favorite Disney soundtrack of all-time. Elton John and Tim Rice have crafted some of the most powerfully poignant songs in the history of entertainment. "Circle of Life" will have you cheering just as much as it will have you sobbing. Its message is beyond incredible, and the way this scene is staged to open the film is quite possibly the greatest sequence in Disney history. Simba and Zazu's argumentative "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a show-stopper, allowing the animators to stretch their legs and amaze once again. Plus, it offers a chance for further character development on Simba's behalf. Scar steals the show with his diabolically commanding number, "Be Prepared." This is perfect for Scar, and the scene is perfect for this song. Jeremy Irons is sensational in this song, especially when he proclaims, "The point I must emphasize is you won't get a sniff without me!" Timon and Pumbaa's life motto, "Hakuna Matata," is a energetic and lively song that you won't soon forget. In fact, you'll probably be singing it for days upon days. Finally, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is Disney's most romantic song ever. Disney magic shines brightest in the ballad between Simba and Nala (yet another incredible character, by the way). The Lion King is known for its music, and rightfully so because this soundtrack is a masterclass in how to properly incorporate songs into the story. Also, Hans Zimmer's score is to die for. The themes he has woven throughout the film are inspired and give me chills upon every viewing. There is a reason he won an Oscar for this score, after all.

It seems as if The Lion King is filled with nothing but signature moments. I would say that this film features six signature scenes, beating Beauty and the Beast for the lead. The first one is, obviously, the "Circle of Life" opening. The film could have ended right after this scene and I would have still been amazed. Next, I would say the "Hakuna Matata" sequence is a signature moment as well. While the song is clearly awesome, I consider this a signature scene because of Simba's growth displayed in this simple song. Countless children have lost their innocence during Mufasa's death scene, making it a signature scene as well. Perhaps the most iconic of the signature sequences is when Rafiki attempts to convince Simba of his rightful place as king. Rafiki's wisdom and the changed mindset of Simba is one of the most emotionally satisfying scenes in Disney history, culminating in Mufasa reminding Simba to remember who he is. Also, The "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" sequence is stunningly beautiful in scope and lyric. Simba and Nala's relationship is front and center, and the emotional payoff is immense. The final signature scene is the climatic battle between Simba and Scar. The entire film has been leading to this moment, and when Scar is finally defeated, anyone with a soul will cheer with all their heart.

The Lion King is spectacular in every phase. Its characters are iconic, the songs are legendary, its animation is gorgeous, and the themes are extremely powerful. Decades from now, people will still be enjoying and dissecting this film for everything its worth, and its timelessness will undoubtedly prevail. It has something for everyone, and that is why it easily achieves masterpiece status.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: The team assigned to work on The Lion King was considered to be Disney's "B-team," who were suppose to just keep busy while Disney's "A-team" worked on the film with the most perceived potential, Pocahontas. For instance, Alan Menken wrote the music for Pocahontas, a proven Disney veteran, while The Lion King brought in Elton John for his first crack at writing music for a Disney film. Also, The Lion King brought in first time directors Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, while Pocahontas was helmed by Mike Gabriel, who had previously directed The Rescuers Down Under, and Eric Goldberg, who was a supervising animator for Aladdin. The final results were vastly different. While both films won two Academy Awards (Score and Original Song), The Lion King was a bonafide success critically and financially while Pocahontas was met with mixed reviews and a tepid box office. The Lion King would go on to gross over $312 million in its initial run domestically and is the second highest grossing animated film in history behind Frozen. Meanwhile, Pocahontas grossed just over $141 million in the US.

Behind the Scenes: The original version of the story did not include Scar being related to Mufasa. This is why Scar's appearance is so different from Mufasa, but as Disney began developing the story, they found that the villain would be much more intriguing if he was posing a threat from within. Furthermore, Elton John was given a special screening of the film a few weeks before the release, and to his surprise, the ballad "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" had been cut. John immediately protested and eventually convinced the filmmakers to reinstate the song into the final product. All this was after John had to convince the animators to allow Simba and Nala to sing the song, not Timon and Pumbaa like they had originally planned. In the end, John was right as "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Favorite Character: You know I am a huge fan of a nice character arc, and Simba experiences one of Disney's most well developed arcs. In a mere ninety minutes, we witness Simba's birth, adolescence, and adulthood, and we genuinely care for him every step of the way. From the moment Rafiki triumphantly lifts him above the kingdom on Pride Rock to Simba's conquest of Scar to reclaim his rightful throne, Simba is a character that we fully invest in and are never detached from. As Hans Zimmer's fantastic score swells immediately after Scar's defeat as Simba ascends Pride Rock, I have never experienced so many chills on my body. That is all made possible by the arc of this legendary character created by Disney. Sure, Timon and Pumbaa steal the show and Scar is one of Disney's best villains, but Simba is the heart and soul behind this entire film, and his life is always a wonder to behold.

Favorite Scene/Song: The iconic opening prologue featuring "Circle of Life" is one of the most powerful scenes in the history of Hollywood. Elton John and Tim Rice crafted an anthem for the ages, and the filmmakers allow this anthem to shine as the theme for the entire film. The animation in this sequence is simply superb as we are introduced to all of these classic characters in such a unique and inventive way. It is a song and scene that is generation-defining. Once you see it, you will never truly forget it. Of course, when Rafiki presents young Simba to the kingdom, an iconic moment for Disney and Hollywood was born. All in all, whenever that sun begins rising over the horizon, I know that I am about to witness yet another Disney masterpiece.

Updated Ranking: Truly, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin could really be co-leaders in my book.

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. The Lion King
3. Aladdin
4. The Little Mermaid
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. Peter Pan
7. Cinderella
8. The Jungle Book
9. Sleeping Beauty
10. Pinocchio
11. Lady and the Tramp
12. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
13. Alice in Wonderland
14. Dumbo
15. Bambi
16. 101 Dalmatians
17. The Great Mouse Detective
18. Fantasia
19. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
20. The AristoCats
21. The Rescuers Down Under
22. Fun and Fancy Free
23. The Fox and the Hound
24. Robin Hood
25. Melody Time
26. The Three Caballeros
27. Saludos Amigos
28. Oliver & Company
29. The Rescuers
30. The Sword in the Stone
31. Make Mine Music
32. The Black Cauldron

When we were in the fifties, I stated that the fifties were Disney's greatest decade due to the fact that you saw an expanded presence in cinema with more live action films, a concise focus on television, and the opening of Disneyland in addition to five classic animated films. However, if you were to simply talk about animation, the nineties are without question the greatest Disney decade as I believe the last few days have proven. Tomorrow, that trend will continue with the "A team" project, Pocahontas!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "Aladdin"

How do you follow-up the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars? That was the question everyone wanted to know the answer to after Disney's triumphant success with Beauty and the Beast, and Disney's response was yet another classic from their Renaissance. Aladdin may be Disney's most entertaining film ever, featuring iconic characters, infectious songs, and genuine emotion. This film fully engrosses you into the events transpiring on the screen and instantly has you invested in the lives of these characters. Any conversation you are going to have about which animated film is Disney's best must include Aladdin. It is a masterpiece.

Our titular character, Aladdin, is an immediate icon. Akin to what Alan Menken and Howard Ashman were able to accomplish with "Belle" in Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin's opening song, "One Jump Ahead," provides excellent insight to the character of Aladdin. The lyric in the song's reprise as Aladdin proclaims, "They'll find out there's so much more to me," is a powerful declaration and guiding force behind the entire film. What makes Aladdin such a perfect Disney creation is his imperfection. Aladdin knows exactly what he wants, but his naivety is immense. He lies and steals to progress his status because that is simply all he has ever known. He has been a street rat for his entire life, and he just doesn't know any better. This is what makes his interactions with Jasmine so inspiring. When two polar opposite worlds collide, change occurs for the betterment of them both. Speaking of Jasmine, she is a superb character that perfectly compliments Aladdin. Jasmine is headstrong in the best way possible. Like Aladdin, Jasmine knows exactly what she wants, but she is not sure of the steps she needs to take to get those things. That is why a compelling case can be made that Aladdin and Jasmine are the best Disney duo ever. They come from extremely different backgrounds, but they internally want the same thing: freedom. Freedom is a theme found throughout Aladdin, and through the lives of Aladdin and Jasmine, we are inspired to seek freedom out against all odds, and that is robust message that needs to be proclaimed.

Elsewhere with the characters in Aladdin, Genie is one of Disney's greatest creations. In fact, I would go as far to say that Genie is my favorite Disney character. When Genie is finally set free by Aladdin, I dare you to not get emotional. That scene is simply incredible. The vocal work of the late Robin Williams is the stuff legends are made of. Williams and animation were a match made in heaven as his electric energy is abundant from the Cave of Wonders onward. In his illustrious career, Williams's performance in Aladdin may be his best. Meanwhile, our villain, Jafar, is a great Disney villain. His appearance does half of the work for him because we are genuinely frightened after merely looking at the Royal Vizier. Jonathan Freeman's performance as Jafar is sublime, providing the appropriate blend of wit, sarcasm, and menace. The sidekicks in the film are also fantastic. Iago, Abu, and the Magic Carpet are exceptional supporting characters that supply extraordinary comedic relief on many occasions.

Once again, the magic of Alan Menken strikes again as Aladdin boasts one of Disney's best soundtracks. The aforementioned opening number, "One Jump Ahead," is just an amazing way to start the film. It is catchy, lively, and absolutely necessary to the story. Genie's show-stopping tune, "Friend Like Me," is rambunctiously awesome. Williams shines brightest in this scene that is impeccably animated and immensely entertaining. You will undoubtedly leave Aladdin with this song in your head for the rest of the day. The film's signature scene, though, comes in the "A Whole New World" sequence. Everything in the story has led to this moment, and the payoff is tremendously satisfying. As Aladdin and Jasmine take a magic carpet ride, Aladdin elevates from being a classic to being a masterpiece of cinema. It is an exceptional song and scene featuring superb performances by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga plus gorgeous animation. In the pantheon of classic Disney scenes, this one may be Disney's finest while "A Whole New World" is easily in the top five best Disney songs of all-time.

Cleverly imaginative and truly unlike anything else, Aladdin is a crowning achievement for Disney. This is a film that has something for everyone, and like I wrote in my review of Beauty and the Beast, I could write about Aladdin for paragraph upon paragraph. It truly is a masterpiece, and I do not use that word lightly. You have to earn that title, and Aladdin does without question. With its iconic character, classic songs, and powerful message, Aladdin is certainly a diamond in the rough.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: The performance of Robin Williams in Aladdin is one for the ages, and the filmmakers knew exactly how to manage Williams by letting his imagination soar. The merchant at the beginning of the film introducing the story is voiced by Williamst. The merchant was initially suppose to be the Genie in disguise (notice the eyebrows and beard, in particular, for similarities). That idea was scrapped, but Williams remained the voice. The filmmakers brought Williams into a room and placed various objects on a table in front of him with a simple command to make them laugh. Williams ad-libbed the entire opening scene, and most of the recorded dialogue was deemed inappropriate for a Disney film. By the time Williams was finished recording his lines for the entire film, they had nearly sixteen hours of material just from Williams. In fact, he improvised so much of the script that Aladdin was disqualified for being honored with a potential Best Adapted Screenplay nomination at the Oscars. Aladdin would go on to win two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("A Whole New World).

Behind the Scenes: Robin Williams and Disney developed significant strife towards one another in the aftermath of Aladdin. Williams agreed to voice Genie at the union scale rate, which is the lowest pay a studio can legally give actor, on the conditions that his voice would not be used for merchandise and the Genie would not appear on more than one-fourth of the space on any of the film's marketing tools (posters, trailers, etc.). Disney did not grant him his wishes (ironic, huh?), causing Williams to withdraw his support of Disney and the film. Disney CEO Michael Eisner attempted to make peace with Williams by offering him an authentic Pablo Picasso painting, but Williams refused the gift and remained distant from the studio. Then, when Jeffrey Katzenberg was fired as Disney chairman and replaced by Joe Roth, Roth offered Williams a public apology and promised to right the wrongs committed by Disney to Williams. Williams gladly accepted Roth's apology and even agreed to return as the Genie for the sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, in 1996. In 2009, Robin Williams became a Disney Legend.

Favorite Character: I stated earlier that Genie is my favorite Disney character ever, so naturally, Genie is my favorite character from Aladdin. I consider myself one of Robin Williams's biggest fans, and my love for Williams all began with Aladdin from my childhood. Genie is such a complex character because while he certainly makes us laugh hysterically, perhaps the best scenes in Aladdin are when Genie is real with Aladdin. This is highlighted in Genie's confession to Aladdin once out of the Cave of Wonders about his desire to be free. When Aladdin finally wishes for Genie's freedom, anyone with a soul will find their heart soaring. Additionally, the "Friend Like Me" sequence and the countless impressions by Williams offer the highest entertainment level of any Disney film.

Favorite Scene/Song: Just like with my selections for these two sections in my review of Beauty and the Beast, the "A Whole New World" sequence features my favorite scene with my favorite song. As I wrote before, the entire film has been leading to this romantic magic carpet ride with Aladdin and Jasmine, and the result is spectacular. The animators create a gem of a scene as Aladdin and Jasmine literally travel all over the world to picturesque destinations. Brad Kane and Lea Salonga are sensational as their vocals will induce every chill imaginable. In my book, this is easily one of the five best scenes in Disney history, and "A Whole New World" may just be my favorite Disney song of all-time. Alan Menken strikes again!

Updated Ranking: We have seen some significant movement among the leaders lately, and Aladdin has shaken things up yet again.

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. Aladdin
3. The Little Mermaid
4. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
5. Peter Pan
6. Cinderella
7. The Jungle Book
8. Sleeping Beauty
9. Pinocchio
10. Lady and the Tramp
11. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
12. Alice in Wonderland
13. Dumbo
14. Bambi
15. 101 Dalmatians
16. The Great Mouse Detective
17. Fantasia
18. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
19. The AristoCats
20. The Rescuers Down Under
21. Fun and Fancy Free
22. The Fox and the Hound
23. Robin Hood
24. Melody Time
25. The Three Caballeros
26. Saludos Amigos
27. Oliver & Company
28. The Rescuers
29. The Sword in the Stone
30. Make Mine Music
31. The Black Cauldron

I told you the Disney Renaissance would not disappoint! Here's the question, though: will any film from the nineties not receive a ten from me? Tomorrow, we'll continue to find out with The Lion King!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "Beauty and the Beast"

It is the tale as old as time, and it is the film as classic as classic can be. Beauty and the Beast may just be the definitive crowning achievement of Disney animation. Its excellence is truly unrivaled. It is not only one of Disney's greatest films; it is not only one of the best animated films ever made; it is one of Hollywood's finest films period. This is pure Disney magic from the opening prologue to the ending credits. Every Disney fan has their own favorite animated film, and Beauty and the Beast is mine. It is absolutely incredible and a genuine masterpiece of cinema.

Belle is a character for the ages. Our introduction to Belle in the film's first musical number, appropriately entitled "Belle," is an exquisite way to develop a character in a matter of minutes. Within the lyrics of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's classic song, we learn of Belle's personality, reputation, and dreams. Her personality is brimming with hope and optimism, a contagious joy in life that infiltrates the citizens of that little town. Her reputation is one that anyone should be proud of. Belle is not known exclusively for her looks or exclusively for her intellect; instead, she is known for being uniquely Belle. That is what makes Belle one of the most fascinating characters in Disney history, not to mention one of the best princesses in the animation canon. As the story progresses and Belle encounters the Beast, the message of sacrifice and selflessness is never more clearly proclaimed than through the actions of Belle. Whether she is boldly taking the place of her father or she is risking it all for the Beast, Belle exemplifies what it means to be a role model. The animators and filmmakers deserve a fair amount of credit for making this possible, but Paige O'Hara's vocal work here is truly spectacular. With every word, she brings more layers and dimensions to Belle, adding more complexity to one of Disney's most well developed characters. In the scene where Belle finally professes her love to the Beast, O'Hara shines like never before. Plus, when she sings, you have no choice but to intently listen because her voice is so angelic and captivating. Belle is a legend in every sense of the word.

Belle's supporting characters are just as sensational as well. The Beast is such a nicely developed character that possesses a great arc filled with character evolution from beginning to end. We feel the Beast's pain, agony, and heartache just as much as we feel his joy, elation, and delight. Robby Benson provides the perfect voice for the Beast and is an excellent counterpart to O'Hara's Belle. The enchanted characters found throughout the Beast's castle are absolute scene-stealers and show-stoppers. Lumiere is one of Disney's best sidekicks ever as he sings, dances, and entertains his way into our hearts that no character before him. Jerry Orbach's voice work is sensational and one of the greatest voice performances of all-time. Lumiere is hilarious, charming, and extraordinarily selfless. He is a character you just want to be able to hang out with for weeks upon weeks. Cogsworth, head of the household, is a superb compliment to Lumiere, acting as the level-headed one to Lumiere's daring persona. Cogsworth is subtly funny as well, especially in my favorite line of the entire film. When the Beast acts about what he should get Belle to express his love to her, Cogsworth responds, "Flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep," and I lose it every time (side note: that line was ad-libbed by David Ogden Stiers, the voice of Cogsworth). Furthermore, Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Potts is downright amazing. Disney's best casting choice of all-time may very well be when they signed Lansbury on for this film because her vocal work is flawless, especially in the musical numbers. She brings so much emotion and passion to every moment that Mrs. Potts is on the screen that it is outright infectious. She is simply incomparable. Finally, Gaston is an outstanding Disney villain. He is ruthless, vile, and devoted to his schemes. Moreover, his song is one of the most entertaining villain songs in Disney history.

One of the hallmarks of the Disney Renaissance is the soundtracks for these films, and Beauty and the Beast's music is in contention for Disney's best soundtrack to date. The aforementioned "Belle" is one of those inward thoughts songs I had referred to in my review of The Little Mermaid, and from the start, we care deeply for Belle and her story because of this incredible song. The reprise of this song may even be better. As Belle proclaims, "I want so much more than they've got planned," hearts soar and chills are induced. Gaston's self-titled number with his sidekick, Lefou (yet another great character), is so simple, yet so fun and provides some excellent insight to the character of Gaston. Look up the definition of "show-stopping sequence," and you may just find a picture of the "Be Our Guest" sequence right next to it. This scene is beautifully crafted with expert detail, featuring gorgeous animation and, of course, those classic characters. Plus, it is impossible not to sing along with Lumiere and company while they serenade the night away. The film's theme, "Beauty and the Beast," is one of my favorite Disney songs ever. Lansbury's performance is something you will never forget once you experience it. In fact, that entire scene is one that will go down in history as a crown jewel in all cinema. From the animation to the characters to the performance, the ballroom scene with that song is one of Disney's finest moments.

I have often wrote that the key to becoming a Disney classic is the presence of that signature, iconic scene, and Beauty and the Beast, in my book, contains four signature, iconic scenes. The first one is that incredibly well done prologue. Before a character is ever introduced in the flesh, Disney has us right in the palm of their hand, ready to take us on the journey of a lifetime. The next scene is the opening sequence with "Belle" coupled with the song's reprise. That moment in the reprise when the music swells as Belle runs to the edge of the cliff with the picturesque sunset in the background is a scene that all animators and filmmakers should be required to study. The third signature scene is, obviously, the "Be Our Guest" sequence for all the reasons I listed above and for so many countless more. It is a masterclass in entertaining through song. The final one is the ballroom dance of Belle and the Beast with Lansbury's performance of the titular song. This scene is absolutely majestic. It is Disney magic in the purest of pure forms. It is an iconic scene for Disney, animation, and Hollywood.

I could continue to write about Beauty and the Beast for paragraph upon paragraph. Beauty and the Beast is a masterpiece among masterpieces. Disney has never ceased to bring us classic film after classic film, and Beauty and the Beast is the studio's greatest creation. Everything that Disney does so exquisitely is on full display in this film, from the characters to the songs to the animation to the heart. Above all, though, Beauty and the Beast allows Disney to do what they do better than any studio in the business: create magic that transcends time.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: Beauty and the Beast would become the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards (it lost to The Silence of the Lambs). It remains one of only three films (Up and Toy Story 3) to ever be nominated for the Oscar's highest honor. However, Up and Toy Story 3 had the luxury of an expanded Best Picture field of ten nominees whereas Beauty and the Beast was one of only five nominees. Furthermore, Beauty and the Beast would be the final complete work for songwriter Howard Ashman. Ashman died eight months prior to the film's release due to complications with HIV at the age of 40. Ashman won two Best Original Song Oscars with Alan Menken for "Under the Sea" in The Little Mermaid and "Beauty and the Beast" in Beauty and the Beast. He would be posthumously nominated in 1992 for yet another Best Original Song Oscar for "Friend Like Me" in Aladdin. This film is dedicated to Ashman, and after the credits roll in Beauty and the Beast, the dedication reads: "To our friend Howard, who gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul, we will be forever grateful."

Behind the Scenes: "Beauty and the Beast" was not originally intended to be performed by Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Potts. Lansbury personally thought another character would be better suited to perform the number, but directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale asked her to record the song just once for a back-up in case nothing else worked. Lansbury obliged, and that one recording is the take used in the final product. Additionally, according to first hand accounts, Paige O'Hara literally broke down and cried during her recording of Belle's scene with the Beast dying in her arms due to the scene's emotion. The filmmakers were astounded, and O'Hara claims that it was one of the most difficult scenes of her career. Also, Chip was originally only suppose to have one line in the film as they had planned for the cute comedic character to be a music box instead. However, the filmmakers liked Bradley Pierce's performance so much when he was recording his lines that they decided to scrap that idea and give Chip an expanded role. The music box can still be briefly seen on a table next to Lumiere right before the enchanted objects attack Gaston and the villagers.

Favorite Character: Quite frankly, I could pick any character in this film and make a compelling case for why they are my favorite, but Belle is easily one of my favorite characters ever, not just in this film. Of all the Disney royals, Belle is firmly in my top two. She is benevolent, intelligent, and a person everyone should aspire to be more like. Once again, I must emphasize the importance of Paige O'Hara's voice work. Akin to what Jodi Benson did for Ariel in  The Little Mermaid, O'Hara's performance as Belle is truly spectacular. Whether she is singing her heart out or simply conversing with the enchanted objects, Belle is a generation defining character.

Favorite Scene/Song: These two categories were extremely difficult to choose a favorite for, but in the end, I had to go with the same answer for both. The ballroom dance with Belle and the Beast featuring "Beauty and the Beast" may just be my favorite scene in Disney history. Plus, this song is
easily in my top three favorite Disney songs ever. The animation is absolutely beautiful, especially when the camera zooms in on Belle and the Beast from the ceiling and through the chandelier. This is a scene I will truly never forget. Additionally, the song is a classic for the ages. Not only is it the perfect compliment to the scene, but it is the perfect compliment to the film in general. In a film that is, in my book, the best Disney film of all-time, this may just be the best scene with the best song in Disney history as well.

Updated Ranking: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs spent over a month at number one on my list. The Little Mermaid reigned for a grand total of three days.

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. The Little Mermaid
3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
4. Peter Pan
5. Cinderella
6. The Jungle Book
7. Sleeping Beauty
8. Pinocchio
9. Lady and the Tramp
10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
11. Alice in Wonderland
12. Dumbo
13. Bambi
14. 101 Dalmatians
15. The Great Mouse Detective
16. Fantasia
17. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
18. The AristoCats
19. The Rescuers Down Under
20. Fun and Fancy Free
21. The Fox and the Hound
22. Robin Hood
23. Melody Time
24. The Three Caballeros
25. Saludos Amigos
26. Oliver & Company
27. The Rescuers
28. The Sword in the Stone
29. Make Mine Music
30. The Black Cauldron

To say I am excited for next year's live action remake of Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson as Belle is quite the understatement. That film may end up being my most anticipated film ever, and it is all because of my love for Disney's classic animated original. Tomorrow, we'll meet the famous street rat called Aladdin!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "The Rescuers Down Under"

Everyone seems to have a strong opinion about sequels: you either really love them or you really hate them. To me, a sequel can be just as classical as the original as long as the story is progressed and it is not a simple retread. Disney's first sequel in the official animation canon was The Rescuers Down Under in 1990, the follow-up to a film that I did not care for whatsoever. However, Disney clearly learned from their mistakes with The Rescuers because The Rescuers Down Under is a really good film. Sure, it sometimes falls into the same traps as the original, but overall, this sequel is more inventive, fresh, and possesses a much higher entertainment level. Even as the only film from the Disney Renaissance that never achieves classic status, you could certainly do worse than The Rescuers Down Under.

I remarked in my review of The Rescuers that I did not feel as if Bernard and Bianca were well developed characters, but Disney does an excellent job in the sequel to make them surprisingly strong characters. In particular, Bernard is given a great character arc in The Rescuers Down Under. When we first see Bernard and Bianca, Bernard is frantically attempting to muster up enough courage to propose to Bianca in a nice, sweet scene. Then, due to some unforeseen distractions, Bernard gets side tracked and never has the opportunity to ask Bianca to marry him. When the Rescue Aid Society tasks them with travelling to Australia to rescue Cody (taking the place of Penny as the lovable human character in distress), Bernard's lack of self-confidence that is so abundant in The Rescuers comes back to the forefront, but instead of making him stay like that, the filmmakers give Bernard a chance to truly shine once on the ground in Australia. On numerous occasions, he must prove himself brave and worthy of Bianca through their many trials while in the land down under, especially when they meet Jake (a solid character as well), who instantly takes a liking to Bianca. We find ourselves cheering for Bernard wholeheartedly because we desperately want to see him, not Jake, end up with Bianca, and when the ending comes and he finally does propose, it is a superb emotional payoff. Bianca does not get an arc like that, but she does have a solid arc herself. Her fearlessness in the face of certain adversity is inspiring, and unlike in The Rescuers, Bianca is afforded many opportunities to be our comedic relief, which was a pleasant surprise. Bernard and Bianca are almost two entirely different characters than what they were in the first film as Disney shows us how to properly develop existing characters in sequels.

Elsewhere with the characters, Cody admirably steps in for Penny as he is also given a nice character arc. He is fiercely devoted to nature and its inhabitants, and even when faced with the vile poacher, McLeach, he stands firm in what he believes is right. Cody never wavers, and that is a powerful message proclaimed in this film. Plus, what can be wrong with a guy named Cody? Speaking of our villain, McLeach is a nice and needed upgrade from Madame Medusa in the original. There is nothing overtly evil about McLeach; in fact, he is just a greedy poacher. I am not saying that poachers aren't evil. They most certainly are, but the reason McLeach works so well as a villain for this film is that he is, above all, a human, flaws and all. He's not a sorcerer or a royal; instead, he is just a misguided man who is trying to survive in this world by any means necessary. McLeach is extraordinary because he is ordinary. Furthermore, McLeach's captured prey met by Cody about halfway through the film are solid additions to the ensemble, especially Frank the lizard, who is quite funny in his limited screentime. Also, taking the place of Orville from The Rescuers, Wilbur provides some splendid comedy throughout the film, especially in his first encounter and flight with Bernard and Bianca to Australia.

Thirteen years of technological advancement does wonders for this franchise because while The Rescuers was poorly executed from a animation standpoint, The Rescuers Down Under is oftentimes gorgeous due to the incorporation of computer technology to work alongside the hand drawn animation. The flight sequences with Cody and the rare golden eagle, Marahute, are stunningly beautiful, and the final scene featuring McLeach chasing Cody exhibits some excellent work as well. You notice by watching this film that the new generation of animators have come into their own and are getting a firm grasp on the style they want to display in their films.

The Rescuers Down Under never reaches classic status for me at least, though, because there is still something missing. Like its predecessor, it fails to give me that signature moment that sticks with me for days and weeks after I finish watching it. I feel as if I have to remind myself upon watching it every time that it is in fact a good film, whereas with films like The Little Mermaid, I know their greatness even on days that I do not watch them. That being said, The Rescuers Down Under is an extremely well executed sequel that boasts some great characters within the typically superb Disney animation and story. It is thoroughly entertaining while also maintaining its message. Therein lies the heart of this film, even if it never elevates beyond just being really good.

Rating: 8/10

Historical Significance: The box office for The Rescuers Down Under was not what Disney wanted or expected. In fact, it was by far the least successful film from the Disney Renaissance, grossing just under $28 million in its entire run. The opening weekend box office was weak enough that Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg ordered all television advertisements to be pulled immediately. The problem was that the film had been released on the same weekend as the classic Home Alone, which would go on to gross over $285 million in its initial run, over ten times as much as The Rescuers Down Under grossed. This caused Disney to reconsider its theatrical releases of sequels. After this film, to this day, only two sequels have been released by Disney in theaters (Fantasia 2000 and 2011's Winnie the Pooh). This explains why most of Disney sequels are released directly to home entertainment platforms.

Behind the Scenes: This would be Eva Gabor's (the voice of Bianca) final film before her death in 1995. A third Rescuers film was planned for home release in 1996, but once Gabor's health began deteriorating, those plans were scrapped out of respect for the late actress. This is also the reason that Orville from The Rescuers does not appear in The Rescuers Down Under. Jim Jordan voiced Orville, and he passed away in 1988. Disney wanted all of the original voices to return to the sequel, so instead of keeping Orville in the film and hiring a new voice, they created Wilbur as the new leader of Albatross Air. The two characters's names were a tribute to Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who flew the first airplane.

Favorite Character: Against all odds, I have to go with Bernard for this section. His complete arc came as a shock to me, but a pleasant shock nonetheless. He was rather unmemorable in The Rescuers, but in the sequel, he is the star of the show. His progression from timid and anxious to
daring and audacious is a wonder to behold. Whenever Bernard and Bianca are interacting with Jake, and we see Bernard trying to compete with Jake, Bernard truly shines. Disney gave this character a tremendous makeover, and the results were spectacular.

Favorite Scene: The first scene featuring Bernard and Bianca is an exceptional introduction to these characters for the sequel. By dining at a fancy restaurant with a ring in Bernard's possession, the filmmakers quickly bring us to speed with what has transpired in their relationship since the first film without any
unnecessary backstory. We dive right into learning more about Bernard and Bianca, and the scene that follows is one of pure delight. Seeing Bernard stumble about due to nervousness is a relatable, sweet moment, and when the two converse about two totally different topics (Bianca is talking about their mission to Australia while Bernard is discussing possible wedding plans), Disney magic comes alive.

Updated Ranking: I applaud Disney for giving us a more than worthy sequel, and here's how I would rank it.

1. The Little Mermaid
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
3. Peter Pan
4. Cinderella
5. The Jungle Book
6. Sleeping Beauty
7. Pinocchio
8. Lady and the Tramp
9. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
10. Alice in Wonderland
11. Dumbo
12. Bambi
13. 101 Dalmatians
14. The Great Mouse Detective
15. Fantasia
16. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
17. The AristoCats
18. The Rescuers Down Under
19. Fun and Fancy Free
20. The Fox and the Hound
21. Robin Hood
22. Melody Time
23. The Three Caballeros
24. Saludos Amigos
25. Oliver & Company
26. The Rescuers
27. The Sword in the Stone
28. Make Mine Music
29. The Black Cauldron

Brace yourself, folks. Here's a spoiler alert for this next stretch of film: It will be a true shock to me if any film over the next few weeks receives anything less than a 10 on my rating scale. It all begins tomorrow with Beauty and the Beast!

-Cody Fleenor

Summer of Magic- "The Little Mermaid"

The Disney Renaissance is a period of ten years or so which saw Disney thrive in unprecedented fashion with their animated films. Not only were basically all of these films critical darlings, but they also ignited the box office. Every great Disney era has a beginning, and the Disney Renaissance began in 1989 with The Little Mermaid. I must admit beforehand that I am struggling to find the appropriate adjectives to describe this film because there are simply not enough superlatives in the world. I will start off by firmly proclaiming this: The Little Mermaid is a masterpiece. Everything about this film is classical, from the amazing characters to the breathtaking animation to the infectious music and songs. The Little Mermaid is certainly one of Disney's crowning achievements, but it is also one of Hollywood's crowning achievements.

The characters in The Little Mermaid are downright legendary. Ariel is one of Disney's finest creations. From the moment she first graces the screen with her royal presence, she captivates the audience as we take this journey with her. Jodi Benson's voice acting is simply superb. Her vocals, whether it be in dialogue or song, are sublime and truly unrivaled. Ariel is such a memorable and classic character because of Benson's work. Additionally, the character animation of Ariel is incredible as well. When Ariel loses her voice, one would think that the character development would take a hit, but in fact, Ariel is just as strong of a character without her voice as she was when she had a voice. Her gestures and facial expressions bring so much life to this phenomenal character. Ariel earns her right to be in the conversation as Disney's greatest princess and one of its greatest characters period. Furthermore, Ariel's supporting characters are just are fantastic as they define what it means to be a "scene-stealer." Sebastian is one of my favorite characters of all-time. He is more than just the comedic sidekick; he is the heart behind the film. Akin to Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, Sebastian acts as the glue for the entire film, flawlessly supporting Ariel while also keeping her head out of the clouds on some occasions. Samuel Wright does an exquisite job providing the voice for Sebastian as he turns in one of the best vocal performances in animation history. Plus, Sebastian knows how to put on a show! Two of the greatest scenes in Disney history come in The Little Mermaid when Sebastian is our star in the "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" sequences (more on those gems in a bit). Flounder and Scuttle provide some awesome comedy and are excellent supporting characters.

Now, it is time for my seemingly daily praise of a Disney villain. Ursula is one of the finest Disney villains ever, plain and simple. Once again, the vocal work on display here elevates a character to astronomical heights. Pat Carroll's performance consists of menace, wit, suaveness, and mystery, impeccably blending them all together to create this iconic character. The character animation shines through again as the sea witch's appearance is devastatingly vicious. Before Carroll can even blow us away with her vocals, the animators have us shaking in our boots at the sheer sight of Ursula. Moreover, Ursula's diabolical scheme is spectacularly vile. She wants to rule the ocean, but her plans are far more nuanced and calculated than simply attempting to overpower King Triton (another great character, might I add). She sees an opportunity to win this battle fair and square with no rebuttals from Triton. Ariel is her target, and she will stop at nothing until she has all the power, going as far as to disguise herself as a human to trick Eric into (almost) marrying her so Ariel could not. Once more, a Disney villain steals the show as someone we just love to hate.

A review of The Little Mermaid would not be complete without mentioning the breathtakingly gorgeous music and songs from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. Each song is a genuine classic, easily allowing this soundtrack to be one of Disney's five best. Ariel's anthem, "Part of Your World," never ceases to take my breath away due to Benson's sensational performance and the stunning visuals surrounding Ariel in this scene. A hallmark of the songs in the Disney Renaissance is the ability of the main characters to express their inward wants and desires through music (Think "Belle" in Beauty in the Beast; "I Just Want to Be King" in The Lion King; "Reflection" in Mulan, etc.). With "Part of Your World," Ariel instantly becomes a legend because we can immediately relate to her hopes and dreams. The film's theme song, "Under the Sea," is a colorful, endlessly entertaining number starring Sebastian and his crew of underwater friends. It is nearly impossible to avoid singing along to this gem. Ursula's number, "Poor Unfortunate Soul," is one of the best villains songs to date. The way Ashman and Menken progress the story while also developing Ursula as a character is magnificent. The "Kiss the Girl" sequence always brings the biggest smile to face without question. It is an absolute delight from beginning to end and is a joy to sing along to. The score itself is also marvelous, especially when Prince Eric (yet another great character) takes Ariel on a tour of the kingdom and in the finale.

Perhaps the highest praise I can give The Little Mermaid is that I believe Walt Disney would have been proud of this film. This is old school Disney magic like we haven't seen since Sleeping Beauty in an animated film. Every scene is immaculately executed, each character is faultlessly brought to life, each song is vintage Disney, and the animation is strikingly brilliant. The Little Mermaid truly has everything, and if I could give it more than a ten on my ratings, I would in a heartbeat.

Rating: 10/10

Historical Significance: "Part of Your World" was nearly cut from the film because during a test screening, filmmakers noticed that children were growing increasingly restless while watching the scene. Producer Jeffrey Katzenberg even recalls a story of a child dropping popcorn on the ground and noticing that the child was more interested in picking up the popcorn than watching the scene. Katzenberg requested that the scene/song be cut from the film entirely, which was met with vehement disagreement by directors John Musker and Ron Clements as well as Howard Ashman. To prove their point, a second test screening was arranged for a more adult-skewing audience. The reaction was vastly different, even moving some adults to tears during this scene. The scene/song was, obviously, left in the film, and Katzenberg claims that he has never been happier to be proven wrong.

Behind the Scene: "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" were both nominated for Best Original Song at the 1990 Academy Awards and the score was nominated for Best Original Score. "Under the Sea" and the score would win their respected categories at the Oscars, a feat that Disney would go on to repeat with their next four musicals (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Pocahontas). The Little Mermaid was also nominated for four Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical, becoming the first animated film to ever garner such a prestigious nomination.

Favorite Character: Ursula and Sebastian are extremely worthy picks for this section, but I have to go with Ariel as my favorite. She is simply one of the greatest characters in Disney history. Whether she is under the sea or on land, she is radiant, charming, and the quintessential
Disney princess. I have already praised Jodi Benson's vocal work, but I have to praise it some more. Her performance is stunning, providing layers and dimensions to Ariel whether she is singing "Part of Your World" or conversing with Scuttle about a "dinglehopper." Ariel is the ultimate dreamer, hopelessly devoted to her dreams and desires while also never forgetting where she came from and who helped get her to this point. When she sails off into the sunset with Eric at the end, anyone with a heart will feel as if she has earned that happy ending without question.

Favorite Scene: I must preface my comments for these next two sections with this: it is literally impossible to choose a favorite scene or favorite song in a film that is packed with classic scenes and classic songs. For this section, though, if I had to choose, I would go with the "Kiss the Girl" sequence.
Undoubtedly one of the most romantic songs in Disney history, Sebastian stops the show entirely with this jovial and enchanting number. The animation on display is top notch as well, especially when the medley of creatures surround Eric and Ariel's boat for their big finale. It is a climatic moment in the film, and it just so happens to be one of the best moments in the film as well.

Favorite Song: It is hard to pick against "Part of Your World" for this section. Ariel's personal anthem is a beautiful song from Ashman and Menken (Side note: you're going to see Menken's songs in this section a lot). Once again, they masterfully progress the story while also developing the
character of Ariel and giving her a chance to brightly shine. All of these songs are spectacular, but there is just something different about "Part of Your World." Its wholly relatable, endlessly quotable, extremely powerful, and uniquely Disney.

Updated Ranking: Since we started the Summer of Magic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has led the way at #1. Today, there's a new sheriff in town.

1. The Little Mermaid
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
3. Peter Pan
4. Cinderella
5. The Jungle Book
6. Sleeping Beauty
7. Pinocchio
8. Lady and the Tramp
9. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
10. Alice in Wonderland
11. Dumbo
12. Bambi
13. 101 Dalmatians
14. The Great Mouse Detective
15. Fantasia
16. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
17. The AristoCats
18. Fun and Fancy Free
19. The Fox and the Hound
20. Robin Hood
21. Melody Time
22. The Three Caballeros
23. Saludos Amigos
24. Oliver & Company
25. The Rescuers
26. The Sword in the Stone
27. Make Mine Music
28. The Black Cauldron

That is how you kickoff a second Golden Age of Disney! The Little Mermaid is a triumph in every sense of the world, and Disney is only getting started with its Renaissance. Before we proceed to the other masterpieces, though, we must first tackle a sequel. Tomorrow, Disney's first animated follow-up, The Rescuers Down Under!

-Cody Fleenor