Reviews

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

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(If this is your first time on this blog, I ask you to read my About page first! Thanks!)

In 1812, author Johann David Wyss, published Der Schweizerische Robinson (The Swiss Family Robinson), a novel about a Swiss family who were shipwrecked Robinson Crusoe-style. The first film adaptation of this novel was in 1940 and after having watched it, Walt Disney decided to make his own film version 20 years later. Directed by Ken Annakin, the Disney film has since been beloved by many and its legacy is present in the Swiss Family Treehouse attraction found in multiple Disney parks. What do I think of the film? Read on to find out!

And remember, SPOILERS AHEAD!

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Reviews

Godmothered (2020)

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(If this is your first time on this blog, I ask you to read my About page first! Thanks!)

We’ve seen multiple fairy tale revisionist stories over the years with Disney’s Enchanted probably being the best example of them. Last year, director Sharon Maguire gave us another fairy tale revisionist story, this time one focusing on the Godmother figure. Without further ado, here is my review of the Disney+ film, Godmothered!

And remember, SPOILERS AHEAD!

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Reviews

Old Yeller (1957)

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(If this is your first time on this blog, I ask you to read my About page first! Thanks!)

If you’re into live-action Disney, then you definitely know the name, Tommy Kirk. Having started out his Disney career as Joe Hardy in a The Hardy Boys serial for The Mickey Mouse Club, Tommy Kirk later went on to star in a number of theatrical and TV films for Disney. Some of these include The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland, and The Misadventures or Merlin Jones. He would act in other non-Disney films later on in his career (most notably in a number of beach party films), but his fame would always be tied to his work for Disney.

Sadly though, on September 28, 2021, Tommy Kirk passed away at the age of 79. To pay tribute to him, I decided to watch and review the very first Disney film that he acted in (and one that I’m surprised nobody up to this point has requested me to review): the beloved classic, Old Yeller! Directed by Robert Stevenson and based on the book by Fred Gipson, this is a film that has made its mark in cinematic history if only for its unforgettable ending! Heck, if you’ve never seen the film before, you already know how this film ends. Without further ado, here’s my review of Disney’s Old Yeller!

And remember, SPOILERS AHEAD!

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Notable Deaths

Actor Tommy Kirk Dies at 79

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In sad news, the Disney legend, Tommy Kirk, has passed away at the age of 79. It’s impossible to talk about live-action Disney and not mention Tommy Kirk (1941-2021)! He appeared as Joe Hardy in the The Mickey Mouse Club serial, The Hardy Boys, and went on to appear in multiple live-action Disney films including Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, The Absent-Minded Professor, Babes in Toyland, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones. He appeared in a number of non-Disney films as well, although his fame would arguably be connected to Disney.

My condolences go out to his family and friends. He shall be missed!

Reviews

The One and Only Ivan (2020)

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(If this is your first time on this blog, I ask you to read my About page first! Thanks!)

Based on the children’s novel by K.A. Applegate, inspired by the true story of Ivan the gorilla, The One and Only Ivan debuted on Disney+ on August 21, 2020. Originally planned for a theatrical release, this Thea Sharrock-directed film went straight to streaming, most likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What do I think of the film? Read on to find out!

And remember, SPOILERS AHEAD!

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