Day 1260: A First Look at Moana

The Tony Awards offered the perfect chance for a first look at the newest addition to the Walt Disney Animation Line-Up, Moana. Of course, if you know anything about this movie and it's instant connection to musicals, you'll know that Lin-Manuel Miranda, famed creator and star of the hit musical Hamilton, did some of the music for the film, and you can actually hear him in the trailer. Because how else were they going to get the entire Hamilton fandom super excited about this new film? And I guarantee that much of that same fandom will go check out the movie just to support him. I don't blame them. Lin is a really awesome guy. 

As for the rest of the trailer, I think I feel about the same now as I do with most of the new Disney films: a little confused, and a lot suspicious. After all, before Wreck-It Ralph I figured it would be a confusing mess of candy, and Zootopia was one I couldn't wrap my head around. Even as far back as The Princess and the Frog, and probably before that, I would sit, super suspicious of whatever Disney had planned next. 

Still, every film manages to impress me, and I'm certain that Moana will be no exception. I'm particularly excited for the opportunities this might bring to the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World, because you know it will appear sooner or later there. Personally, I love the Poly, and I love the inclusion of Polynesian culture and mythology in a full length animated film even more. 

Plus, how can you not be excited about Dwayne Johnson being a part of this cast? 

Have a magical day! 

Day 1254: Bring It Home

Today's the day my friends! That's right, you can now bring Zootopia home on Blu-Ray and DVD!

To be honest, I kind of forgot this was even happening until I happened across a tweet about it last night from Walt Disney Pictures, and since the movie is quickly becoming one of my favorites, I headed out this morning to grab my own copy of the film, which just passed 1 Billion in the global box office a few days ago!

I'm not entirely sure what it is about this movie that I love so much, although from the day I heard Ginnifer Goodwin would be voicing the main character I figured that it would be added to the list of favorites. When I saw it the first time on a trip to the Twin Cities (I was bound and determined to see it that weekend, no matter what state I happened to be in) I really enjoyed it, although I'm pretty sure I felt that the main theme of the film, which is entirely necessary for our current society, was a bit "in your face." By the second time I saw Zootopia though, I fell further in love with the story, the characters, and the TONS of Easter Eggs in the film.

For instance, did you know that Josh Dallas, Ginnifer Goodwin's husband, provided the voice of the Frantic Pig in the film? You know, the one who's flower shop is robbed? This pig:

Here's a bit of a more difficult Easter Egg that I spotted the second time I watched the movie too. Can you spot the hidden Mickey? He's kind of hard to see! 

Of course, I think that at this point we've all heard about the changing Newscasters based on what country you're viewing the film in. I wonder if the Bonus Features will have all of them? 

And my personal favorite Easter Egg comes in the form of these movies, which are sold by Weaselton (and how exactly do you pronounce that?). I only caught the Frozen one the first time, but there's a whole bunch of various movies, and every time I watch the scene I pick up on a new one! 

I guess, ultimately, I knew months ago that I was going to really enjoy this movie, if only because of the puns that the world seems to be with. Back at the D23 Expo in August of 2015, they had an entire special exhibit on Zootopia, and it was filled with posters for various Zootopia Businesses and Films, and I think these are what really got me hooked on the film to begin with. 

Or, you know, maybe I just really love Flash: 

Who's your favorite Zootopia character? Let me know in the comments! 

Have a magical day!

Day 1200: At It Again

While I saw Zootopia ages ago, my friends hadn't, so as a break from all our studying, we headed to a movie theater across town to catch a late night showing of the film, and I have to say that I loved it just as much the second time as I did the first. 

Where the first time I saw the film the focus was more on the big picture and the main message, this time I tried to focus more on the details, like Easter Eggs and the quips of each character. The powerful message the film says about our society didn't seem quite as apparent this time around, but it might be because I already knew what was coming. For my friends, on the other hand, the experience of the first time seemed pretty similar to mine, with us discussing the political connections all the way back to school. 

Things I definitely loved more the second time:

The relationship between Nick and Judy. Some people are all about the romantic relationship here, and while I can certainly see it, at the same time I also feel that if you put that aside, their friendship and connection in general is really interesting. It's pretty much unlike anything we've seen before, and that's what makes it all the more special. 

Every Animal has it's own adaptations created for it. So the Giraffes have taller areas on the train and tubes that will bring them beverages higher up. Meanwhile, the smaller animals have their own entire part of Zootopia to create. 

The Pop Culture References throughout the entire film are much more apparent the second time, no matter what they are. Some you definitely notice the first time through, but things like the Carrot Phone with provider PB&J, or the plays on Macy's and Target. 

Nick's Story hit me even harder the second time than it did originally, about how all he wanted was to be a part of the group, and then they kicked him out for being a predator. Obviously the political side of this was apparent the first time I saw Zootopia, but I just wanted to hug little Nick even more the second time. 

I'm sure this was only one of many viewings of Zootopia in my future, since I think I adore this movie more every time I watch it. It's sort of clicked with me in a way nothing has since Tangled, so I suppose that means it's moved onto my list of top favorite Disney movies, which is a pretty great place to be. 

Have a magical day!

Day 925: A Month Till D23

It's been four years since my last adventure to California, and two years since the last D23 Expo, so to say I'm excited to return for the 2015 D23 Expo this August would be an understatement. I attended my first expo back in 2011, a happy coincidence based on when we were scheduling our first ever trip to Disneyland. Since then I've had an increased appreciation for Disney, and I honestly think that D23 and Disneyland played a large part in really bringing me into the extremely large Disney Fandom. After all, I think many of us have that awkward stage somewhere in Middle or High School where Disney doesn't seem as important anymore...mostly because our friends are all falling out of the Disney love and it no longer seems like the cool thing, so we play it down. But D23 brought it all back out for me, and that's why I'm THRILLED to be returning this year!

If you've never attended a D23 Expo, just know that it's HUGE. Think of pretty much everything Disney related all in one place. I'm talking Lucasfilm, The Disney Parks, Marvel, ABC, Disney Movies, Pixar and on and on. Everything. All together. For one weekend. It's Comic Con but for Disney, and this year I know what to expect going into it, and definitely have a few stops planned out already!

For those of you who might not know, I'm a HUGE fan of OUAT, although if you've read my blog for any amount of time that shouldn't be hard to figure out. That's why I've been waiting for MONTHS, actually more like over a year, for ABC to announce anything Once Upon A Time related, and let me tell you, they didn't let me down! I'm absolutely excited to announce that, for the first time ever, I'll be there for the Once Upon A Time panel at a convention, and I fully plan on waiting to get autographs from Lana Parrilla and Ginnifer Goodwin! I'm also hoping to attend the Muppets Panel on Friday morning, so be sure to keep an eye out for me at both events if you're attending the EXPO as well! For more information on these panels, you can find it HERE on the official D23 Website!

As for the rest of the EXPO, I'm saddened that due to conflicts with the OUAT Panel and Autographs I won't be able to attend the Disney Parks Presentation, which is the one big presentation I'm usually excited to attend. It seems that the chance to meet Lana, Ginny, Adam & Eddy won out this time. That's alright though, as my parents will still be at the presentation, so I'll get caught up on everything via them! I will, however, be hopefully attending the Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios Upcoming Films presentation on Friday in Hall D23, and I'll definitely be around the show floor and grounds the entirty of the three days! Keep an eye on my Twitter and Instagram for more information as we get closer to the event!

I do believe I get more excited for the D23 EXPO every single day, with chances to meet some of my favorite actors and actresses as well as get the inside scoop on everything Disney and meet many of my fellow Disney YouTubers and Bloggers!

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on July 20 due to technical difficulties).

Day 788: Big Hero 6

I can't believe how late to the game I am on this one. I love movies, especially Disney movies, and I love going to see them in theaters, but with a busy schedule like mine, sometimes it just doesn't work out very well. It means that my family never got around to seeing Big Hero 6, and now that's finally out on DVD, we had a chance to watch it.

Now, I don't think it's another Frozen, not by a long shot, but I'm certainly satisfied with the care Disney gave to this film. I'm slowly getting into the Marvel stuff (next on my list is the Captain America films), mostly due to my love of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Granted, I haven't really had time to watch that series this season either, and I have the distinct feeling that I'll catch up once I finish catching up on Chasing Life, especially now that SHIELD will be back for the spring season (just like OUAT...seems ABC has a thing going with this split season thing). Regardless, I really enjoyed Big Hero 6.

The music, and I'll mention this first since I'm currently listening to the soundtrack, was phenomenal. Very upbeat, and I know I texted Megan saying that it would make some seriously great studying or driving or superhero cleaning action music. Does this mean that the next time I'm cleaning the bathroom I'll be blasting this music? Yes, yes it does.

Second, I know that when everyone else I know saw it, they all said that I'd get super emotionally attached to Tadashi, and you know what, I tried not to. I tried so hard. And yet, I still was and I still cried when he died because that's not a spoiler because we all knew it was going to happen anyway. That being said, I'm honestly not sure who my favorite character was. I liked everyone pretty equally except for Fred. I just wasn't a huge fan of him. I mean, maybe I'm a bit bias because Go-Go was voiced by Jamie Chung, who happens to portray Mulan on OUAT, and Honey Lemon's style was just perfection, and I totally saw some of myself in Wasabi, and you just can't not like Baymax and Hiro. If I HAD to pick a favorite though I think it'd have to be Go-Go. I feel like her "superpower" is exactly what I'd want.

As for my favorite part? Definitely "Low-Battery Baymax" and the whole Fist Bump Thing. I literally laughed every single time he would fist bump and then go "Ba la la la la." Adorable. But as a college student who sees drunk people every so often, low-battery Baymax was pure hilariousness.

All in all, while it's not my favorite Disney film (remember, that's a REALLY hard list to get on), it's definitely not my least favorite either, and I plan on rewatching it very, very soon.

Oh, and Feast was adorable too. I love Winston so much.

Have a magical day!

Day 637: Keep Going

There's always so much work to be done at college, especially when you come off of a summer filled with side projects that all require their own individual attention. Then you add on some homework and practicing and classes and the simple need for sleep that a college student faces and everything just gets absolutely crazy.

Which is why it's often difficult for me to continue my Disney Movie Rewatch.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm not giving up on the entire challenge. After all, I've gotten further this time than I did the previous two times I attempted it. The first time I made it through so few movies I don't even remember where I stopped, and the second time I distinctly remember ending at Alice in Wonderland. Since I'm over a third of the way done now I figure that stopping would be ridiculous.

So today I watched The Aristocats, which has to be one of my favorites. Not in the top five, but probably in the top ten simply because of the music. I love jazz, as you probably well know, and this movie is completely filled with it. Plus there are kittens, and who doesn't love kittens?

But seriously, there are SO many Animated Disney films, and it's really interesting to see where everything started and head from that to what we see on the screen today. There's a huge difference and it's sort of beautiful to watch the progression, plus it really makes you appreciate the differences between hand drawn animation and digital animation. They're both art forms, both beautiful and both different. And each film has it's own storyline, although I find it amusing how in some of those middle films they use the same voice actors several times over. Such iconic parts, all by the same people.

As I continue on with my rewatch, I encourage you to join me or start your own rewatch of all the Disney films! It really is an interesting project and the great thing is there isn't really a time limit. It's probably best to watch them close together (and I hope to have them all finished by the end of the year), but you can space it out however you want!

Have a magical day!

Day 611: Making Frozen

Very rarely does a Disney movie become a worldwide phenomenon. In fact, there's not a time in my entire life that I can remember an animated film taking off like Frozen did in the past year. Gosh, it hasn't even BEEN a year and yet they're making a new short, have Frozen On Ice starting, Anna and Elsa are coming to Once Upon A Time and they've basically taken over the parks. And let's not forget the never-ending four hour line to meet Anna and Elsa. This film is big, and last night one improtant question was answered: how did it get that way?

My mom texted me last night asking if I was indeed watching the Making of Frozen special on ABC, and for the past couple of weeks, every time I come home my Dad asks me if I was planning on watching it. OF COURSE I'm watching the Making of Frozen special...there's a sneak peek for Once!

Maybe I need to get my priorities straightened out...or maybe not, but the special itself was absolutely wonderful. Megan had to laugh at me because I was sitting in the back room on the floor in front of the TV, and there was a perfectly good futon right there behind me, as empty as can be. But I was just so excited about all the Frozen, and let's be honest, our carpet is just as comfortable as the futon. I sit on the floor all the time, like when my roommates and I watch Chuck.

Anyway, the Frozen special offered a lot of insight into the film itself and how it was created, which isn't something we see all the time. Animation is a huge project, and a lot of people don't realize the time and careful work that goes into something like Frozen. The two things that really impressed me? The fact that it took nine months to animate the building of the castle during Let It Go and that the composers wrote Let It Go in around two days. That's crazy to me, as a music major, because I spend FOREVER trying to write the simplest piece of music. It takes forever, so to be able to write an Oscar winning song in two days is amazing.

And then there was the promo for Once, which I had pretty much already seen but makes me just as excited as ever for the show to return in just a few weeks (that's crazy since we've been waiting months now)! Plus there's going to be the new Frozen short coming out this next spring, which sounds like it shall be amazing. Because who doesn't want more Frozen in their life?

Then again, pretty sure we're all ready to get Let It Go out of our heads.

Have a magical day!

Day 433: The Next Disney Princess

One of those random Disney blog post topics suggested in my music theory class this morning was "The Next Disney Princess." My friend Brian is far ahead of me in the news on the new Disney films and productions, as I have always been more of a Disney World news kind of person. In fact, I've never really been into the Disney films as much as many of my fellow college students. It's surprising considering the rest of my life.

Anyways, so when Brian suggested this as a blog topic, I was kind of confused. Who in the world was the next Disney Princess? I know he said that the movie wouldn't be out for like a long time, but it still sparked my curiosity. So I did my research, and realized that I have indeed heard about this new Disney princess. Granted, there really isn't much information out there about her or the movie, but we do have a little bit, right?

Sounds like the next one will be Moana, a Polynesia princess and sea voyaging enthusiast who sets off on a journey against demi-gods and spirits. The film isn't set to be released until 2018, so we have some time before we actually are going to start seeing real concept art and further plot for the story, but it is interesting.

Personally, I'm excited to see a Princess from a part of the world other than Europe. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it will just be different. I mean, one of the main concerns people have about the Princesses is the lack of ethnicity within the group, and I have to agree there. I mean, our last four Disney Princesses were all from Europe: Rapunzel, Merida, Elsa and Anna. Plus, you can't deny that Elsa, Anna and Rapunzel look strangely alike. Not that it changes my opinions of them much because I still love Tangled and Frozen for all they're worth.

But it will be interesting to see how the marketing and promotion for this new film work out. With people already creating fanart for this new film that's still four years away, it's going to be a lot to live up to if you ask me. I mean, at this point, how is a film going to beat out Tangled and Frozen? It will have to have a really solid plot, with great characters and music AND everything else the world expects. That's not an easy job.

Still...I have no doubt Disney will be able to pull it off. Here's a couple pieces of fanart for the new movie.

 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on March 28 due to Midterms and Travel).