My children love this story. Given how truly subversive, or just plain awful, kids entertainment is these days, the old Disney classics are great to have around.

One thing that strikes me watching the movie as an adult is that the actors are the bad guys in the story. As they explain in the film, an actor’s life is one of selfish irresponsibility and is essentially hollow and meaningless. I like that. I like that a great deal.

If you have children, this is a safe, harmless ditty. Be mindful that Pinocchio does smoke a cigar and drink beer which may upset some parents. But those parents probably need to settle down. It is okay by me; my boys have a running shot of seeing me with a cigar and beer. As long as they don't partake until they are men, we're fine.




My long-suffering wife has just interjected that my children are also prone to seeing me turn into a jackass. That doesn't make being a jerk acceptable. Point taken.


Related Reviews:
Other animated movies
The Incredibles (2004)
Bambi (1942)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Decent Films Guide
Rotten Tomatoes



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Labels: animated, classic, Disney, film, movie review

Along with Bambi, this film is the foundation of the entire Disney empire and for good reason. This is an intricate film that stands as one of the great pieces of animation. The script captures the perfect tone and paces the story marvelously. Like Sleeping Beauty, Snow White’s villain the Queen/Witch is a notable nemesis. Her motivation is easy to understand keeping her cruel plotting in clear context. When she arrives at Snow White’s doorstep with the poisoned apple, there is actual tension, which is remarkable for a decades old children’s movie.

If you know a kid who hasn’t seen this movie, you know a kid who isn’t being raised right. This is one of maybe three family movies I consider a must-see.


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At-A-Glance Film Reviews

Labels: animated, classic, Disney, film, movie review

This is a second (or third) tier Disney movie for a reason. The story of King Arthur gets some sight gags and animated animals. The animation is uninspired, the story lags and the characterization are flat. Imagine the tale of King Arthur and Arthur is a bore.

Children will probably find the physical jokes a hoot. The evil wolf and others are constantly falling down, spilling things over and bumping into things. All of these gags are shoehorned into distract from the lacking story.

There are far superior kids movies available, including many Disney films. Why waste your time with second (or third) rate material?


Related Reviews:
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Robots (2005)
Pinocchio (1940)


Other Critic’s Reviews:
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Labels: animated, classic, Disney, film, movie review

While not the best, it is one of Disney’s more memorable films. This is a case where the villain outshines the hero. The villain Maleficent is a fully conceived, potent nasty who overwhelms the precious heroine Princess Aurora. Aurora is a wisp of a girl who has little going on other than her relationship with Prince Phillip.

The film is well structured and still entertains even in this age of hyperactive, screaming animated flicks. For a break from the breakfast cereal commercials with plots that comprise a bulk of the animated films released these days, this calm, intricately created classic is well worth your consideration.


Related Reviews:
Animated movies
The Care Bears Movie (1985)
The Incredibles (2004)


Other Critic’s Reviews:
Decent Films Guide
The Onion A.V. Club

Labels: animated, classic, Disney, film, movie review