MOVIE REVIEW : The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Directed by David Fincher
Starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett


PLOT

Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

WHAT I THOUGHT

This weekend, I also finally got to see the Oscar film that I had been really looking forward to - Benjamin Button. I don't know why I wanted to see this one so much. Maybe it was the fantastic effects that I had seen in the trailer. Maybe it was my love for Forrest Gump. Maybe it was word of mouth. Who knows? I've seen it now though... and it didn't disappoint.

The film's tagline reads "Life isn't measured in minutes, but in moments." This is 100% true of Benjamin Button. It is a film that is compromised of moments. Moments in one man's life that are considered to be interesting, and worthy of showing. Much like Forrest Gump. I saw this film very much as the spiritual sequel to Forrest Gump. It's the same writer, and more or else follows the same path. A lot of characters follow similar traits, and you get the same feeling at the end from it. This is no bad thing though, as Forrest Gump was so good.

Anyway, where was I? Let me start with the special effects. Wow. It takes a lot for a film to fool me nowadays. There are not a lot of times where I am truly baffled... but this film did it. The whole opening, where Benjamin Button is an old young boy... how did they do it? It's Brad Pitt in heavy make up, but on a kids body that is extremely disfigured. Watching him walk along is amazing. It never stops though. I tried to work out the point in the film where Brad Pitt was playing his normal age, but I couldn't... because I'd just accepted all the makeup so much. Cate Blanchett's make up is just as good as Brad Pitt's. My girlfriend didn't even recognise Cate Blanchett at one point, because her old make up was so good. When they are both made to look younger at different points in the film, I'm not sure how they did that either. Sometimes you just have to accept a film, and not think about how they made it... its just a difficult thing for me to do.

Secondly, the score. I loved it. I'd heard mixed things... but I really enjoyed it. It seems to have elements of a clock behind it, which works amazingly.

And of course, the acting. It is great. It's not amazing in the way that they are playing eccentric roles or anything... but the two leads have a great chemistry together... and you fully accept them as they pass through time.

The only flaw that has knocked a star off for me was the running time. Though I loved going on Benjamin Button's journey, and meeting all the characters... and all the memorable moments (such a fantastic sea war bit) it did sag a little in the middle. It was mainly in Tilda Swinton's part. I understand why Benjamin having an affair is an important thing to see... I just thought it went on a little too long! I wanted to see where Benjamin was going next all the time!

David Fincher's directing is of course what holds the film together. It takes a stronger director to grasp these films made out of "moments" and glue them into place - and he did it masterfully. His past experience with Pitt really paid off - a great performance came through. And his special effects skills were used here to the max.

So, this is a truly great film. This is the one that I hope wins the Best Picture Oscar later in the month (though I'm a little annoyed that it'll probably lose out to Slumdog Millionaire - which wasn't as good!). Everything is amazing. Nothing is wrong, except a slight pace problem in the middle. I can't wait to see it again, and I know it is a film that I will watch time and time again.

BEST MOMENT

I loved the whole first hour - but this film had a tiny moment that made me fall in love with it. I love tiny moments in films. A few seconds, or a line of dialogue that make you love the film more than you were expecting to. For instance, Ivy finding Lucius stabbed in The Village, or rose petal moment in Perfume. Benjamin Button had one of these moments for me.

There's a point, quite near the beginning of the film (when the kids are both very young), when Daisy sneaks into Benjamin's room. She wakes him, and as he opens his eyes he can't make her out. He has to put on his glasses. He then beams a smile at her saying "OH HI!"

I don't know what it was... but this was a tiny moment of love for me. I think it's the perfect Benjamin Button moment where he has the problems of an old man (bad sight) but the mind of a child (seeing her). I had a grin on my face for the whole scene after that because I loved that tiny moment so much.

MY RATING
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MOVIE REVIEW : Dances with Wolves

DANCES WITH WOLVES

Directed by Kevin Costner
Starring Kevin Costner and Graham Greene


PLOT

Lt. John Dunbar, exiled to a remote western Civil War outpost, befriends wolves and Indians, making him an intolerable aberration in the military.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Whilst I was ill last week, I finally got a chance to sit down and watch a DVD that I had wanted to for ages. My Mum and Dad had bought the DVD of "Dances with Wolves" saying how great it was. I wasn't sure what to think... I'd heard of it, but didn't have a clue what to think. I wanted to see it though. Problem is that we had the extended edition which is four hours long.

It was a good four hours though.

Set in the Civil War, it follows a character as he goes in search of himself. I don't really want to give too much away, but it is a film about self discovery, and it is fantastically made.

I found myself swept away in this world that the character was exploring. It's extremely clever at its portrayal's of people. At first I hated the Indians, but by the end of the film... I was actually ashamed of being white! No film has made me feel that way before!

The cinematography is top notch, along with the epic and sweeping score. It was made on a budget of only $15 million, which is amazing as it looks like it cost so much more. There is a scene where they are all hunting buffalo, no CG is used at all... but it's one of the most exciting and thrilling action scenes I've ever watched.

If there was one fault with the film... it is that it was slightly too long. It's epic, and deserves to be this long... but it did sag a little in the middle. This may be that the first viewing I had of it was the extended edition though! It would be interesting to see the theatrical version.

Don't let the running time put you off though. You should see this film. It is fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

BEST MOMENT

Hard to say... probably the buffalo hunt though!

MY RATING
**********

Tonselitus!

Hey guys!

Sorry I've not updated in a while. On Tuesday I woke up feeling absolutely dreadful. On Wednesday I was even worse. Kept going from boiling hot to freezing cold, a headache that could've beaten up a horse, and of course a throat that was so sore I could barely swallow. Clearly something was wrong!

Turns out I had what the Doctor described as a "severe case" of tonselitus! It really took over my body for a few days, but I'm now on anti-biotics and am alive again and kicking... getting better!

Start Uni again tomorrow (I hope)... and I will post some reviews tonight that I need to catch up on!

Ciao for now!

THEATRE REVIEW : Verwood Pantomime (Cinderella)

THEATRE REVIEW : Cinderella (Verwood Panto)

This weekend I returned home to see my local Panto. This year my girlfriend and my Mum were in it... so I knew I had to see it.

It is evidentally the 25th year for the society now, and I wish I had seen some more of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this production of Cinderella.

It had everything you wanted from a Panto. Really bad jokes. Great cross dressing. Slapstick comedy and more. I really liked it.

I also don't want to toot her horn too much... but my girlfriend Lucy was fantastic playing Dandini (the Prince's servant). She was definately one of the top actors performing with clear vocals and an all round great performance.

I also liked the Ugly Sister being played by a bloke. Hilarious in every respect, and just what I would expect from a dame.

I'd also like to congratulate my Mum (who was in the chorus this year), who also did a fantastic job.

I really got into the panto... and was supposedly "very loud" shouting things out, cheering and starting clapping during songs.

So a big well done to everyone involved... I will be going back next year.

TOP 10 FAMILY FILMS

10. BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (2007)

Directed by Gabor Csupo

Starring Josh Hutcherson and Anna Sophia Robb

WHY?
I never expecting this to be in my top 10 family films. But it really is fantastic. I wasn't expecting anything from it at all... and what I got was one of the most engrossing family films I've seen that draws you in then shocks you in a way that you would never had expected! I can't say why... but those who have seen it will know! Plus Zooey Deschanel is in it... which just makes every film so much better!

BEST MOMENT
The twist... god... didn't see that one coming!

BEST QUOTE
Leslie Burke, May Belle Aarons, Little Kids: [chanting] Free the pee! Free the pee! Free the pee!


09. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

Directed by Tim Burton

Starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder

WHY?
Family films is a difficult category. I personally think this is the genre that Edward Scissorhands falls into... because at the end of the day... it is a fairytale. And a fantastic one at that! Johnny Depp is amazing as the title role, and the whole thing is controlled by the hand of Tim Burton... along with Danny Elfman's best (and most well known) score! This was the team at their prime, and everyone should have seen it!

BEST MOMENT
The Ice Dance. Mainly because of the music.

BEST QUOTE
Bill: So Edward, did you have a productive day?
Edward: Mrs Monroe showed me where the salon's going to be.
[turns to Peg]
Edward: You could have a cosmetics counter.
Peg Boggs: Oh, wouldn't that be great!
Bill: Great.
Edward: And then she showed me the back room where she took all of her clothes off.
[everyone stares, Kevin snickers]

08. MOUSE HUNT (1997)

Directed by Gore Verbinski

Starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans

WHY?
I love this film so much. It's slapstick comedy at its absolute best. Lee Evans and Nathan Lane both perform excellently together as the two brothers, and the film is carried along with an incredibly dark sense of humour. It's a film of moments that you'll never forget such as Christopher Walken as the Exterminator... or the rabid cat! There's just too many to list!

BEST MOMENT
There's so many. I'd say where the duo manage to trap themselves in a room full of mouse traps is my favourite though.

BEST QUOTE
Ernie: We're looking for a cat. And preferably with a history of mental illness. I'm talkin' one mean pussy.

07. MARY POPPINS (1964)

Directed by Robert Stevenson

Starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke

WHY?
It was a toss up here between Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But Mary Poppins will always come out on top! My childhood revolved around this film! I still know every word of all the songs. It's actually a quite sinister film at times, but it's so fantastic that you're drawn into the world and don't leave till the end!

BEST MOMENT
The chimney dance! I still always want to dance along to it!

BEST QUOTE
Mrs. Banks: As a matter of fact, since you hired Mary Poppins, the most extraordinary things seem to have come over the household.
Mr. Banks: Is that so?
Mrs. Banks: Take Ellen, for instance. She hasn't broken a dish all morning.
Mr. Banks: Really. Well, that is extraordinary.

06. FLY AWAY HOME (1996)

Directed by Carroll Ballard

Starring Jeff Daniels and Anna Paquin

WHY?
I have a real love for this film. I know some people may think it's incredibly stupid, but this is an exceptionally well made film. The acting is amazing. The cinematography is at times absolutely stunning. And it has a terrific score too! It's one of the ultimate feel good films, and I love to watch it from time to time to be taken on a journey with the characters, and always come out with a smile!

BEST MOMENT
When they manage to fly with the geese for the first time!

BEST QUOTE
DNR Officer: Who's the guy at the house?
Amy Alden: It's my Uncle David. He's got a black belt. We call him KILLER!


05. MATILDA (1996)

Directed by Danny DeVito

Starring Mara Wilson and Danny Devito

WHY?
Matilda has always been a difficult one to judge. It's a near perfect adapation of the Roald Dahl book except for the country in which it was set! If this film had been set in Britian it would have been perfect. It's still an unbelievable film though. All the cast are exceptional, especially Pam Ferris as Mrs Trunchball... who is absolutely terrifying! The music is also top notch! And this film has so many amazing scenes... like Bruce Bogtrotter's cake. Thats the thing, even though its American, the actors all fit so well that it's still amazing.

BEST MOMENT
When they break into Miss Trunchball's house. Now that was a tense scene to watch!

BEST QUOTE
Agatha Trunchbull: I need a car, inexpensive but reliable. Can you service me?
Harry Wormwood: In a manner of speaking, yes. Uh, welcome to Wormwood Motors. Harry Wormwood, owner, founder, whatever.
Agatha Trunchbull: Agatha Trunchbull, principal, Crunchem Hall Elementary School.
Harry Wormwood: Huh.
Agatha Trunchbull: I warn you, sir, I want a tight car, because I run a tight ship.
Harry Wormwood: Oh yeah, huh, well, uh...
Agatha Trunchbull: My school is a model of discipline! Use the rod, beat the child, that's my motto.
Harry Wormwood: Terrific motto!
Agatha Trunchbull: You have brats yourself?
Harry Wormwood: Yeah, I got a boy, Mikey, and one mistake, Matilda.
Agatha Trunchbull: They're all mistakes, children! Filthy, nasty things. Glad I never was one.


04. LABYRINTH (1986)

Directed by Jim Henson

Starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie

WHY?
It was a difficult decision between this and The Dark Crystal. This is by far the better film though. This is a masterpiece of puppet filmmaking. They really do blend it seamlessly because it is all executed so well. It also introduced Jennifer Connelly, and David Bowie was an amazing villain. Like I said with Mouse Hunt earlier... it is a film of moments that you will remember for a long time!

BEST MOMENT
The Magic Dance!

BEST QUOTE
The Worm: 'Allo.
Sarah: Did you say... hello?
The Worm: No, I said "'allo," but that's close enough.
Sarah: Oh... you're a worm, aren't you?
The Worm: Yeah, that's right.
Sarah: You don't by any chance know the way through this labyrinth, do you?
The Worm: Who, me? No, I'm just a worm. Say, come inside, and meet the missus.


03. BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY (1985-1990)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd

WHY?
Everyone knows of the Back to the Future Trilogy! Because its so awesome! It made time travel into an adventure that didn't involve dinosaurs for once! The Doc is one of the best characters in film history though... every thing he says could be used as a quote! I couldn't decide which one to choose, as I love them all! Each feels very unique, though all are clearly from the same storyline... a good sign of a great trilogy! WE MUST GO BACK TO THE FUTURE MARTY!!!

BEST MOMENT
I can't decide!!! From the first film it would be the awesome finale! From the second film it'd be the hoverboard chase! And in the third film it would be when the Doc is drunk!

BEST QUOTE
Marty McFly: Wait a minute, Doc, are you trying to tell me that my mother has got the hots for me?
Dr. Emmett Brown: Precisely.
Marty McFly: Whoa, this is heavy.
Dr. Emmett Brown: There's that word again; "heavy". Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the earth's gravitational pull?


02. HOOK (1991)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman

WHY?
This was so so so close to Number one. For a while it was, but I can't help but love Number one that little bit more. Don't get me wrong though. This is one of my favourite films of all time. It's just perfect. The actors are perfect in their roles. The music is perfect. Everything looks so colourful. I think its the best adaptation of Peter Pan. Many people hate it, and I hate them for hating it. If you don't like Hook... consider yourself my enemy.

BEST MOMENT
When Peter flies again for the first time!

BEST QUOTE
Captain James Hook: No stopping me this time, Smee. This is it. Don't make a move Smee, not a step. My finger's on the trigger. Don't try to stop me, Smee.
Smee: Oh, not again.
Captain James Hook: This is it. Don't try to stop me this time, Smee. Don't try to stop me this time, Smee. Don't you dare try to stop me this time, Smee, try to stop me. Smee, you'd better get up off your ass. Get over here, Smee!
Smee: I'm coming. I'm coming.
Captain James Hook: Stop me! This is not a joke! I'm committing suicide!
[Smee makes the gun go off which aims at the toy ship in the pool model]
Captain James Hook: Don't ever frighten me like that again.
Smee: I'm sorry.
Captain James Hook: What are you? Some kind of a sadist?
Smee: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. How do you feel now?
Captain James Hook: I want to die.
Smee: [kisses him] Oh, now, now.
Captain James Hook: There's no adventure here.
Smee: [hold out Hook's gun] You call this no adventure?
Captain James Hook: Death is the only adventure I have left, Smee.


01. STAR WARS SAGA (1977 - 2005)

Original Trilogy : Directed by George Lucas and Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand

Original Trilogy : Starring Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford

New Trilogy : Directed by George Lucas

New Trilogy : Starring Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christenssen

WHY?
It had to be Number one. Some people may think Star Wars is an action film... or an adventure film. But George Lucas has always said that he designed it as a family film, and I for one always saw them with my family. What can I say? The original trilogy is possibly the greatest film trilogy of all time (except Lord of the Rings for me). The sense of adventure you get from them is second to none. I openly admit to liking the new trilogy as well though. Even though the first one isn't great... I love the other two. I think Ewan McGregor is exceptional throughout, really binding the films together. I had to put the whole saga down because that is the best way to view Star Wars. Last year my house mates and I sat down and watched all six. It was an amazing experience that we all loved. And for the reason of Star Wars bringing so much joy to me after all the times I've seen it... it has crept into Number One!

BEST MOMENT
Star Wars Episode 1: The Duel of the Fates
Star Wars Episode 2: Anakin Finds his Mother
Star Wars Episode 3: Order 66
Star Wars Episode 4: The Death Star Trench Run
Star Wars Episode 5: The Final Lightsaber Duel
Star Wars Episode 6: The Opening on Tatooine

BEST QUOTE
Princess Leia: Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder.
Han Solo: Who's scruffy-looking?

SNOW!

Wow! How awesome is all this snow! It's said to be the heaviest in 18 years... I've never experienced snow like it!

Last night me and the film crew walked back for an hour at 2 in the morning, with two trolleys, trying to beat 5 cm of snow! It was awesome!

Then today we woke up and our garden was covered!

Snowball fights were had, and snow angels... plus everyone keeps falling over.

Did I also mention Smooth the Snowman?

Hope your day's are as good as mine!

Billy's Balloon

Hey everyone...

I just thought you all need to see this. Not only is it the funniest animation I've seen in a long time, it also has a strong and disturbing message... against balloons...

MOVIE REVIEW : The Day the Earth Stood Still

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

Directed by Scott Derrikson
Starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly


PLOT

A remake of the 1951 classic sci-fi film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth.

WHAT I THOUGHT

I'd heard bad things about this film. I thought the trailers looked pretty awesome though, and had heard from a friend that it was worth watching... so I did.

I don't know why this movie is getting such negative reactions. I'll admit the film is not groundbreaking in anyway, via plot or CG or whatever. But it did keep me entertained through its entire length, which is all I ask of a film.

In my previous review of Defiance... I spoke about how the film was too slow, and boring in parts. This film was the exact opposite. The film starts off on a run, and doesn't really stop till the end. I did enjoy the plot, especially the character of Klaatu (Keanu Reeves).

The acting was what you'd expect. Keanu Reeves fit the role perfectly because of his wooden performance. As is the case with some of his films, this is what he does best. Jennifer Connelly is great as always, and still hot as ever. Jaden Smith wasn't amazing, mainly because he played such an annoying role. John Cleese however was seriously underused!!!

Still, I enjoyed this film and can recommend it to sci-fi fans. I haven't seen the original, so I can't compare... but the plot was good, the CG did it's job... and I had a good time.

BEST MOMENT

The rocket powered start.

MY RATING

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MOVIE REVIEW : Defiance

DEFIANCE

Directed by Edward Zwick
Starring Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber


PLOT

Four Jewish brothers in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe escape into the Belarussian forests, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and about 1,000 Jewish non-combatants.

WHAT I THOUGHT

I was looking forward to this film. I loved the director's last two films - The Last Samurai and Blood Diamond, and I am of course a huge fan of Daniel Craig. The film wasn't as good as I was hoping though.

There were some brilliant moments, most of them being battle scenes (this is what the Director does best!)... but at points the story just seemed far too slow. I liked a lot of the scenes in the camp, but it just dragged on...

The film can be quite shocking though. Some of the deaths are truly brutal. There are also very good performances all around. I love James Newton Howard, but his music here was down so low that I could barely here it! It got nominated for an Oscar... so the Director really should have shown it off more!

One feature I did really like was showing some REAL photos of the characters at the end, emphasising that this is a true story. A very nice touch I must say.

I don't really have much else to say. It is a good film. It just seems very slow, with not a lot happening most of the time. It's just about a group of people trying to survive. It's still worth seeing though for the performances and some of the battle scenes.

BEST MOMENT

A wedding scene that intercuts with a battle scene. Very cleverly edited.

MY RATING

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TOP 2D ANIMATED FILMS 10-1

10. THE LION KING (1994) - DISNEY

Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

WHY?
For most people - this is their favourite Disney film. I think it is amazing in every single respect - but not as great as everyone makes out. The music is fantastic though... or the visuals... but its the storyline that makes this more powerful than most other Disney films!

BEST MOMENT
The stampede of course!

BEST QUOTE
[Timon and Zazu are cornered by hyenas]
Timon: Please don't eat me.
Pumbaa: Drop 'em!
Banzai: Hey! Who's the pig?
Pumbaa: Are you talkin' to me?
Timon: Uh-oh, they called him a pig.
Pumbaa: Are you talking to *me*?
Timon: Ya shouldn't have done that.
Pumbaa: ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?
Timon: Now they're in for it.
Pumbaa: THEY CALL ME MR. PIG! AHHHH!


9. ANASTASIA (1997) - FOX ANIMATION

Directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman

WHY?
I can't put my finger on what it is about this film... but I love it so much. I think it has some of the best, and the widest range of songs in an animated films - but I think the underlying romance in it is the best part to it! It makes it really rewarding at the end because of the chemistry of the two main characters.

BEST MOMENT
Probably the song sequence "Journey to the Past".

BEST QUOTE
Bartok: Master! You're alive?
Rasputin: In a matter of speaking!
[Rasputin's eyeball pops out, Bartok catches it]
Bartok: Whoa, that fell right out there, sir!


8. FANTASIA 2000 (2000) - DISNEY

Directed by lots and lots of people!

WHY?
I thought the first Fantasia was okay... but I really love this one. I think every single piece is incredibly different - some like the Firebird sequence are unbelievably epic, while some pieces like the Pines of Room with the whales are really beautiful, and some are hilariously funny! Something for everyone!

BEST MOMENT
Definately the Firebird sequence for me! I can't wait to see it in High Definition!


7. THE IRON GIANT (1999) - WARNER BROS ANIMATION

Directed by Brad Bird

WHY?
This is one of the greatest sci-fi, and action films of all time - and its an animation. Widely regarded as a masterpiece - it truly is! All the characters drive the piece making it a very emotinal film, while the actual Iron Giant is awesome as he should be!

BEST MOMENT
The whole climax of the film - it's so epic!

BEST QUOTE
Annie Hughes: Would you say grace, please?
[Hogarth sees the Giant's hand in the kitchen]
Hogarth Hughes: Oh my God... Um, uh... oh, my God! We... thank you for the... er, food that mom has put in front of us and *stop!*... uh, the Devil... from doing bad things? And er, get out of here!... Uh, Satan? Go! Go so... that we may live in peace. Amen.
Annie Hughes: Amen. That was... hmm, really unusual, Hogarth.


6. THE PRINCE OF EGYPT (1998) - DREAMWORKS

Directed by Brenda Chapman and Steve Hickner and Simon Wells

WHY?
I still can't get over how epic this film is in scope! It's got all the elements of a true masterpiece - huge setpieces, absolutely amazing music and a truly gripping storyline. You need to see it to experience it.

BEST MOMENT
I'd probably say it's The Burning Bush sequence.

BEST QUOTE
Rameses: Come on, Moses, admit it. You've always looked up to me.
Moses: Yes, but it's not much of a view!


5. THE PAGEMASTER (1994) - FOX ANIMATION

Directed by Pixote Hunt and Joe Johnston

WHY?
Even though some of this film is live acti0n - the majority is animated. It's an amazing film. It makes me so angry that this film isn't loved by audiences more. It has all the elements of an amazing film. Something for everyone... and a great soundtrack. It has so many fantastic homages to books that I can't help but always be drawn into it!

BEST MOMENT
This is a difficult one - it's gotta be the dragon at the end though!

BEST QUOTE
Adventure: Hmm, you know what would make this a happy ending? A kiss.
Horror: Doh, okay.
[the screen goes blank, a smack is heard]
Adventure: I meant from her!
[all three are heard laughing]


4. THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989) - DISNEY

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker

WHY?
A few years ago, this was my favourite Disney film. It's taken me a while to think about which one actually is... this is still one of my favourites though! Probably mainly because of Sebastian the Crab, but this also has my favourite of all the Disney songs... and great characters too. This film brought Disney back from near death... and needs to be truly respected for what it is.

BEST MOMENT
Kiss the Girl! Easily the best Disney song ever!

BEST QUOTE
Ariel: There he is! Isn't he handsome?
[Scuttle looks at the dog and scratches his neck]
Scuttle: I don't know, he looks kind of hairy and slobbery.
Ariel: No, not that one. The one playing the snarfblatt.


3. HERCULES (1997) - DISNEY

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker

WHY?
It's now getting to the stage where I really struggled to choose a favourite. Hercules is such a great film filled with amazing sequences, and catchy songs. Phil is wonderful... but Hades is the star here... who really steals the show!

BEST MOMENT
Easily the Hydra fight! How awesome is the CG in that sequence!

BEST QUOTE
Hades: I can't believe this guy. I throw everything I've got at him, and it doesn't even...
[Hades notices Pain is wearing Air-Hercs]
Hades: What... are... those?
Pain: Um, I don't know. I-I thought they looked kinda dashing.
Hades: I've got 24 hours to get rid of this bozo, or the entire scheme I've been setting up for 18 years goes up in smoke,
[begins to shout]
Hades: and you are wearing his merchandise!?
[Hades almost blows up in front of Pain, but stops to see Panic slurping a Hercules drink]
Panic: [chuckling nervously] Thirsty?
[Hades shouts out loud, blows up and the whole city rumbles]


2. ALADDIN (1992) - DISNEY

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker

WHY?
I can't put my finger on it... but this film does everything so right that its perfect in my eyes. It has all the action, adventure, mystery and comedy you could possibly want in a perfectly formed narrative that drives the story along at a rocket pace always keeping the audience interested! Also has the Genie... voiced to perfection by Robin Williams!

BEST MOMENT
The Cave of Wonders sequence - mystery and action and comedy.

BEST QUOTE
[the Genie and the flying carpet are playing chess]
Genie: So, move.
[the carpet makes a move]
Genie: Hey! That's a good move.
[as Rodney Dangerfield]
Genie: I can't believe it. I'm losin' to a rug.


1. TARZAN (1999) - DISNEY

Directed by Chris Buck and Kevin Lima

WHY?
I remember seeing this film in the cinema. I remember the experience it took me on. I literally finished watching it with a twitch. A twitch that I had just seen something incredible. Whether its the sheer scope, the fantastic music, or the groundbreaking visuals... its all done in a way that I love completely. The film can be quite shocking at times too - and the opening - well, I need say no more! I may go watch it now...

BEST MOMENT
The Two Worlds opening. The best opening to a Disney film ever. One of the best openings of all time.

BEST QUOTE
Terk: What kind of animal are you?
Tantor: You know, I've been thinking lately that Tarzan may be some sub-species of elephant.
Terk: Are you kidding... What are you talking about?
Tantor: I mean, think about it. He enjoys a peanut, I enjoy a peanut...
Terk: He looks nothing like you!

or

Tarzan: OO OO AH EE OOO!