Fetch me my slippers, Fido. It’s seven o’clock on Saturday night. The smell of popcorn, the pssst of a can of beverage, feet up in the recliner, and it’s time to relax with a movie.
But which shall I watch? I’m tired, I don’t want to have to think. That lets out ridiculous car chases, exploding people, and space-faring raccoons. I’m not a voyeur, I don’t do porn. How about some lighthearted animation?
Ah! Here’s one I’ve watched over and over again. It always gives me a giggle. And like a favorite teddy bear, it leaves me feeling comfortable and warm.
As a true vidiot, my collection consists of over three hundred animated movies alone. It contains the entire Disney Classic collection (including Song of the South), PIXAR, DreamWorks, Blue Sky, Amblin/Don Bluth, and many other full sets.
I’m often asked to share my favorite animated movies. Which do I recommend? It’s difficult to determine a favorite. There are many great ones available to enjoy, and nearly as many true stinkers.
We could argue to the death over either.
With that in mind, let me put on my pirate’s hat, step out on the plank, and —Arrrr!— list my ten personal favorites. These are movies I watch over and over. Not necessarily the best technically or artistically, but there’s something about them that leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy.
Number 10
Over the Hedge, by DreamWorks. This movie is a romp, a pure delight. Each time I watch it I catch something new. The animation is digital and pretty good. The story is unique, not a rehash of Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson. As a bonus, there are no stupid songs in it like Disney uses to take up time. Keep an eye on Stella the skunk. She steals scenes.
The biggest take-away? Never give caffeine to a squirrel. He may take over the world.
Number 9
The Secret of NIMH, by Don Bluth. Arguably, Don’s best. The art is good old-style animation with lots of rich, warm color. The story is pure fantasy, filled with love, courage, and determination. Comedic actor Dom DeLuise, the voice of the raven, steals whatever scene he’s in. “Oooh- a sparkley!”
It tends to be rather dark and scary in spots; some aspects are more for adults than children. Watch it with the kids. It’s fun for the whole family.
Number 8
Cars, by PIXAR. No, I’m not six years old. John Lassiter got the inspiration for this movie from the sad demise of Route 66, at one time the most popular road in America. The spectacular background art is an homage to the remaining part of the route through the Southwest from Amarillo, west to Barstow. If you’re familiar with the route you’ll recognize particular spots, like the old TeePee Motel. It’s the nostalgia that gets me teary-eyed. And, it’s a good story of personal growth and romance.
Number 7
Cats Don’t Dance, by Turner Feature Animation. This movie was inspired by musicals like Singing in the Rain, and was dedicated to the late Gene Kelly. Cats Don’t Dance is a fun, heart-warming movie. The animation is simple, but fits the story. The music will make your toes tap. And Natalie Cole’s torch song, Tell Me Lies, will peel the paint off your walls! Have a Kleenex handy for this one.
Miss Dimples and her henchman, Max, are scary, but fun. “Yes, Miss Dimpoles.”
Number 6
WALL-E, by PIXAR. Only PIXAR could make an animated garbage disposal the star and hero of his own movie. My favorite part of this movie is the space ballet between Wall-E and EVA. Beautiful.
Number 5
Lady and the Tramp, by Disney. 1953. How could anyone not love this movie? It has beautiful old-style hand-painted cell art, a sweet, romantic story, and award-winning music.
What more could a movie fan ask for?
Number 4
The Lion King, by Disney. Unarguably one of the best Disney movies. A typical coming-of-age story, supported by beautiful artwork in the backgrounds. The music won Academy Awards in 1994 for best soundtrack and best song.
The only bad part of this movie was the kaleidoscope of animals during the song I Just Can’t Wait to be King. What were the Disney artists thinking– a new Fantasia? Unless you’re a one-year-old attracted to moving colors, the scene is a clunker. I use it as an opportunity to get more popcorn. Hakuna Matata.
Number 3
Brave, by –who else? PIXAR. Having a Celtic background, I’ve long been a fan of Celtic history and legends. PIXAR must have done a lot of background research before making this movie. There is spectacular detail in the artwork. To say it’s beautiful is an embarrassing understatement. Until Zootopia came out, this was my favorite, hands down. It still is, from an artistic point of view.
Number 2
Zootopia, by Disney. Pure nirvana for lovers of “furry” animation. This movie has nearly every genre imaginable; romance, drama, suspense, action, intrigue, and comedy. The part with the sloths in the DMV is one of the funniest animated scenes ever written. And it forced the DMV to change the way they do business. You can go into an office now, and be out in less than ten minutes.
I just hope Disney doesn’t foul up the franchise by producing a stinker for Zootopia II, like they did for so many others. Disney, there are things more important than a quick buck.
“Do I know that? Yes. Yes I do.”
Number 1
Wolf Children, by Mamoru Hosoda. A masterpiece of Japanese anime-style art. And not only that, it’s very well written. It’s the story of the struggles of a single mother trying her best to raise two unusual children. Yes, this is more or less a chick-flick. But guys, you’ve got to watch this thing. Especially if you’re an aspiring writer or artist. And be warned; you’ll need Kleenex. Several of them. It’s OK, big guy. Let it out. You’ll feel better.
This is just a beginning. I could list twenty more.
Ice Age, by Blue Sky. “Diego, get that out of your mouth. You don’t know where it’s been.”
Alpha and Omega, by Lionsgate. A silly but sweet coming-of-age story. Wolf alphas don’t howl with commoners, even to perpetuate the species. Nice scenery of Canada’s Jasper National Park. Ignore the later sequels. Stick with the original.
Balto, by Don Bluth/Amblin. Inspired by a true story, this movie has more heart than a third grade Valentines Day party. And the artwork is pretty good, giving the viewer a true feel for winter in Alaska. Brrrr! Again, ignore the sequels. They’re just babysitters.
The Rescuers, by Disney. A romantic story that shows even a geek can get a girl. The movie features gorgeous watercolor-like artwork.
The Incredibles, by PIXAR. A very family-orientated story, the kind that’s so rare today. In this case, Incredibles II may be even better than the first.
And while I’m on PIXAR, there’s UP, a biter-sweet story guaranteed to touch the heart of older folks, especially those married forty years or more.
Spirited Away, by Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. To understand the story it helps to be Japanese. This movie is dark, even if you can follow what’s happening. Watch it for the artwork, a wonderfully beautiful example of the art of Japanese anime.
Planet 51, by Tristar/ILION. You may ask, how did this dumb thing get here? At first glance it is a brain-dead story. But if you dig a little deeper, you find biting satire on the U.S. Government and Area 51. How do you greet an alien? Shoot ‘im! It didn’t work on The Day The Earth Stood Still either. The music in Planet 51 is right out of the 50’s. That was when I grew up, so I love the nostalgia. On top of that, you will learn how to hot-wire a ‘56 Caddy.
Hoodwinked, by the Weinstein Company. Little Red Riding Hood turned upside down. This movie is a hoot. It’s full of inside jokes, innuendo and raucous humor. Nothing is as it seems, everyone has a secret, and the truth is not revealed until the end.
Frozen, by Disney. My granddaughter made me watch this thing twelve times one week end. It’s a good thing it’s a decent movie with memorable music. Do you want to build a snowman?
In my opinion, Disney’s buying of PIXAR saved Disney’s butt. Frozen and Moana are good examples. Since John Lassiter came on with Disney, they’ve actually started producing quality movies again. (With the exception of Wreck-it Ralph, which I refer to as Rip-off Ralph.)
Disney’s animation has always been excellent. It’s the pinnacle for all others to strive towards. But for quite a while, Disney lost its way and their stories suffered for it. They’re still trying to give away DVDs of Pocahontas, which actually had beautiful artwork. Too bad the story sucked. And they came out with Pocahontas II? I don’t blame Don Bluth for leaving.
This list would not be complete without two Honorable Mentions: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Warner Brothers, and, though it’s not cartoon-style animation, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, by Rankin/Bass. I’ve watched these two movies every Christmas since they first came out in the early 60’s. What can I say? At Christmas, I’m just a kid at heart.
Some ask me to rate the clunkers in my collection. Yes, there are a few. A Troll in Central Park comes to mind. I usually watch a movie before I buy it. Unless it’s part of a set I’m collecting, if the thing is odious, why waste my money?
Some would disagree with my selection of stinkers just as they disagree with my favorites. But the plank I’m standing on is shaky enough as it is. I’ll beg for clemency, and leave that battle for later.
If you’re searching for a movie this weekend, try one of these that I’ve listed. They’re all family-friendly. And unless you are a heartless monster, they will leave you, too, with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
I guarantee them.