Day 354: Mr. Banks

So I finally saw Saving Mr. Banks (since I'm not actually writing this on December 20...but December 29...meaning that I had to wait a week to actually go see it), and I LOVED IT.

Honestly there's not much I can say about this movie other than praise it and praise it again. And maybe one or two more times. The movie was everything I expected and more, and is certainly a must see for everyone, especially if you love Disney. The pairing of the flashbacks and the creation of the film Mary Poppins was perfect, working together through story and song to connect the two storylines.

And I only cried 7 times.

Yes, 7 times. I knew walking into the theater that I was going to cry, since a bunch of my friends told me that they cried, and honestly I'm probably way more obsessed with Disney than they are, so I figured it was going to be interesting. I honestly can't remember the first time I cried either, but once we got to that point I was just about done for anyway. I mean, I even cried during the credits.

But by far my favorite portion of the film was the scene where Walt walked in late to find the Sherman Brothers still there, Bob asleep and Dick playing on the piano. He happened to be playing the song Feed the Birds, which was quite influential in the creation of Mary Poppins, and important to Walt himself. So seeing that scene, where Walt walked in and sat down and they sang Feed the Birds, it reminded me of the story I read in How to Be Like Walt, about how that was one of his favorite songs, and how once a week Walt would walk into Richard's office and tell him to play Feed the Birds, a tradition that goes on long after his death.

I guess, overall, I really felt that Walt would be proud of the film, because there were so many little things that really were nods to him (such as the map of Florida in his office near the end), and it really was like he was there. I think that's half the reason I cried so much (other than for the parts that made everyone cry).

And of course, watching Saving Mr. Banks gives you a new appreciation for the classic Mary Poppins, which means that it makes total sense that these two films were Jennifer Morrison movies of the week! And I did watch both, and both made me a very happy Lizzard. =)

Seriously though: go see Saving Mr. Banks. Now.

Here's today's Disney History: 1908: Actor/singer Dennis Morgan, who in 1958 hosted Disneyland's very first evening Candlelight Processional Parade, is born in Prentice, Wisconsin. In 1961, he was the very first celebrity to narrate Disneyland's new Candlelight Processional event in Town Square. He continued Disneyland's holiday tradition through 1964, and then again in 1966.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on December 29 due to time restrictions).

Day 201: Saving Mr. Banks

Now, I know this isn't exactly brand new news, because it first came out about a week ago, but I swear this is the first chance I've had to actually blog about it. Going away for a week really puts you behind schedule! I tell you, I'm pretty sure I didn't have all this work when I left! That's probably because I didn't have half this work when I left...but hey!

So this is a blog post I've been waiting for for the past few days. It just happened that there were other things I needed to blog about too. In fact, there's so many things I want to blog about that I should probably write down so I remember them all.

Anyways, last week the trailer for the new Disney movie "Saving Mr. Banks" finally premiered. Now, I admit, when I first heard about the movie and saw some first pictures of filming at Disneyland I was like "WHAT? That will never work." But now that I've seen the trailer...I can't stop watching it. I honestly think I might go to see it ASAP when it comes out too, because I am REALLY excited. Yesterday alone I watched the trailer 12 times.

Since I keep talking...you might as well watch it for yourself if you haven't already...I think I'll watch it again too.

Initial reactions (From the first time I watched it):

1. Tom Hanks as Walt Disney? I love Tom Hanks. I love Walt Disney. Will it work to put the two together? 

2. DISNEYLAND. 

And that's about it. 

My reactions after watching it about 50 times: 

1. Tom Hanks works as Walt Disney. If anyone is going to play him, I'm glad it's Tom Hanks. 

2. I love the music...and how Disney puts trailers together in general. 

3. Did anyone else notice that odd cut with the Sherman brothers? I did...seems they were wearing different clothing in the one shot. Oh well. LOL

4. My favorite parts are when she's all "No no no no" and Walt is like "Well when does anybody get to go to Disneyland with Walt Disney himself?" and then the driver is "There he is!" and Walt does that little wave thing. AND the part with the Chinese theater at the end that's paired with "I swear everytime a person walks into a movie house...they will rejoice." Although the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious thing was pretty funny too. Oh...and the ending. 

5. I think, based on what I've seen so far, they really brought a lot of who Walt was into Hank's portrayal of him, which is great. I mean, the slight swear word, and the thing near the beginning about how she has to call him Walt...brilliant and so Walt Disney. 

Other than that I really just love the whole thing. The more I watch it the more it grows on me (As if it could grow on me more than it already has). And so, I am eagerly awaiting December. Be sure to get more updates as they come through, because I am certain I'll be following everything that happens with this movie from now forward. 

Here's today's Disney History: 1969: The historic Apollo 11 moon landing is televised on Disneyland's Tomorrowland Stage. Neil Armstrong (who in July 2005 will take part in the re-opening of Disneyland's Space Mountain) becomes the very first human to set foot on the moon. 

Have a magical day!