Zootopia, 2016 This movie was inspired by the Disney classic Robin Hood. All the mammals are anthropomorphic and apparently don’t eat each other any more (they eat fish I guess?) Still, the predators and prey mistrust each other, which allows the story to explore prejudice from a different angle. It also explores sexism, where the tiny rabbit has to prove herself twice over to be accepted. I like that it’s a mystery as well. Zootopia is made up of many different environments tailored to the size and needs of each mammal. I like that they didn’t mess around with size differences too much. It makes me wonder, was there some kind of “planet of the apes” creation story behind this? Still, less disturbing to speculate on than “Cars”. There were nods to other movies/shows: Emmett Otterton, Weaselton (like in Frozen, except the weasel likes it pronounced the other way), the police chief scolding Judy that this was not a fairy tale musical and she had to “let it go”. Some good quotes: “It’s great to have dreams, just as long as you don’t believe in them too much.” – Judy’s Dad. “Turns out, real life is a little bit more complicated than a slogan on a bumper sticker. Real life is messy.” -Judy
Moana, 2016 I loved this movie- it’s beautiful, musical and the main character is brave and determined. She is the future leader of her people, and her actions are not for selfish reasons. Her grandmother helps her step out of the rut that her father is carefully carving for her and her people. Maui is not a magic fix-it, he’s actually one of her obstacles- convincing him to go on this journey. There is a scene with animation over animation that sort of reminds me of live action and animation, and of course there are the animated tattoos. They fight coconut pirates (?) and a giant crab who likes to hoard shiny things. Maui is humbled and then rebounds. He has a Han Solo moment. The ending is powerful. Great quote: “If you’re wearing a dress and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess.”
Ralph Breaks the Internet, 2018. Wait, 6 years since the last movie? It went by in a flash. Ralph is happy with routine, but Venelope is bored with her video game and hanging out with Ralph doing the same things all the time. When her game is broken, Ralph and Venelope go to the internet to find a new part- but the huge new world out there beckons, especially Slaughter Race. Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) plays Shank, the lead racer in the game. Ralph doesn’t want to let his best friend go, and accidentally breaks the internet. So many references and internet memes/jokes. I LOVED the whole comfy princess thing. Stare significantly at water (special water!) and sing a song about your dreams. Venelope’s response to some of their questions (are you ok? Should I be calling the police?) is priceless. Overall, this is a story about friendship, and dealing with change.
Frozen 2, 2019 It starts with a story of the enchanted forest hidden by a mist. Seeing tiny Elsa and Anna was wonderful, and finding that the queen could talk (and sing!) was nice. Adorkable Kristoff. That 80’s rock ballad video with reindeer. The next right thing, oh that is so powerful.. This movie had a lot to live up to, and I think it mostly did. I didn’t like the resolution of Elsa’s mystery- I wanted it to be another person, and I’m not quite sure what her new role is. Favorite quote: “Samantha? I don’t even know a Samantha.”
I’ve completed my marathon! Wow! That was….a lot. I got through the whole list! If you want the list, let me know. There were stinkers, there were amazing movies, there were shining bits in bad movies, and bad bits in shining movies. I wasn’t seeing one man’s work, I saw work done by thousands of men and women over the years- writers and artists and actors and musicians and engineers and so many other jobs I don’t even understand. Thank you. Thank you to the few people who followed along with these rambling thoughts during my marathon.
