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 163: How to Be Like Walt

Now, I said a while ago that I was going to do this blog post, but I finally got around to it.

If you remember, not that long ago I did a blog post on the Castle I made for my final in English. If you didn't see that post, you can go here to find it, because this won't make a ton of sense if you don't understand why I read it first and what all went on.

But either way, I made that castle for my final project, in which we were to read a book that we chose ourselves. I, in the tradition I've had for a while, read a Disney book. But not just any Disney book. Back in 8th grade I read Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas, so this time, as my last book to read in Seymour, I chose How to Be Like Walt, by Pat Williams.

I am very glad I decided to read this, because it is, in all honesty, the absolute best book I have ever read on Walt Disney: EVER. I'm not joking. It is a wonderful book, and if you ever have a chance to read it, do it. And if you don't have a chance, make one. It is a must read for anyone who is a serious Disney fan.

The book really takes an in depth look at Walt's life, and it really does so in a great way, starting with his childhood and going all the way to his death. It is not his life necessarily, but stories that I've never heard before, and how we can use Walt as an example on how to be a better person.

I think what really surprised me about the book is how it did make me look closer at my life, and also at how much I am like Walt. It's not to say that I'm "Walt," but just that some of the things I do are things that fit in perfectly with him. For instance, I'd read a story about Walt, and then would think about how there's a similar story in my own life, almost exactly, just with me instead of Walt. And then there are the times when I have a problem in my life, and Walt would have a similar problem in his, and with the example of what he did, it gave me advice on how to live my own life. I will never be Walt Disney, but he is my role model in life, and it was a very inspiring book to read.

And by the end of the book, you will probably cry. The story of the day Walt Disney died is heart wrenching, and I honestly can't even describe it. It doesn't affect one who hasn't read the book the way it does to those who have. Through How to Be Like Walt, you gain a personal connection with him, more than you can ever do by immersing yourself in every other book, movie and theme park.

I gave How to Be Like Walt 4 out of 4 Disneyland flags, because that was the assignment, but honestly I would give it 10 out of 4, because it really was just that excellent.

Here's today's Disney History: 1928: Disney Legend & Oscar-winning songwriter Richard Morton Sherman is born in Manhattan, New York. He and his older brother Robert wrote many memorable songs for countless Disney features and park attractions. Some of their best-known works include songs from Mary Poppins, the Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh and the Disney theme park song "It's a Small World."

Have a magical day!

Day 150: Sleeping Beauty Castle

There are some times in my life when I feel like I really would be a great Imagineer, or that I'm at least a little similar to Walt Disney. This is easily one of those times.

It is said that Walt would dream up these ideas that didn't seem possible, but that he had this picture of it in his head, and he wouldn't let go of it. Yeah...that happens to me once and a while. So when my College Credit English Teacher said we were going to read an independent book, my mind turned to Walt Disney right away. I've been reading biographies on him since eighth grade, so it makes sense that for my final book in High School, I'd read one on him again.

I ended up choosing "How to Be Like Walt" by Pat Williams, and I'll do a review of this amazing book as soon as I can. But you see, along with reading the book, we also had to do a project, either create a poster or make a powerpoint or something. I decided on the poster, and in order to create something amazing, I had this idea in my head to expand the definition of a poster and make a 3D poster symbolizing Sleeping Beauty Castle.

According to the project, the poster or presentation had to represent the book somehow, and there was nothing more obvious to me than Sleeping Beauty Castle. Of course, Mickey Mouse, but I feel like Disneyland was completely Walt's dream, as was Disney World. Mickey Mouse was created out of necessity, and while he was extremely important, he wasn't Walt's "dream." That said...I still adore Mickey, I just didn't use him for this project.

My dad and I set to work creating this...well...masterpiece...or monster depending on how you look at it. We were up until four in the morning the night before working on it...not because I didn't start early enough, but because I just didn't have time until the night before. Either way, it got done, and I have to say that it looks pretty awesome.

I even managed to fit all the necessary information onto the poster, and it really brought a smile to my teacher's face when she saw it, which totally made my day. I gave "How to Be Like Walt" four out of four Disneyland flags, which also matched the theme of the poster, and pretty much all the information is in a location that resembles a flag that exists in real life, or did at one point.

Thankfully this was the last of my final projects, because seriously...I was tired. I even had to write a paper after staying up almost all night. But, my vision worked out, and it looks just as I pictured it in my mind...although Megan would say that it lacks some pyrotechnics.

Here's today's Disney History: 2003: The Disney/Pixar animated feature Finding Nemo is generally released. The underwater adventure, directed by Andrew Stanton, features the voices of Alexander Gould as Nemo, Albert Brooks as Marlin, Willem Dafoe as Gill, Ellen DeGeneres as Dory and John Ratzenberer as Fish School.

Have a magical day!