1. A few observations on different works: 2. When Uncle Walt adapted Alice in Wonderland, he and his writers ended up giving it a bit more of a plot than the book had. Not much, but a little. And if you notice, the plot they gave it was pretty much lifted directly from The Wizard … Continue reading Flotsam: Various Writing Observations
Disney
Friday Flotsam: Mostly Alice
1. This week, as a much-needed relaxation (and to help with a ‘Batman’ fan-fiction I was writing), I revisited the Alice books. I’d almost forgotten how delightful they are. Just a wonderful romp of satirical nonsense, done in that delightful Victorian way. They’re also one of the best examples of capturing the feel of a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly Alice
Thought of the Day: Another Suggestion
Once again, Mickey Mouse's copyright is due to expire before too much longer (which would mean Uncle Walt's spirit would finally be able to rest). I'm sure Disney will try to get copyright laws extended again, but they can't keep that up for ever. I'd recommend they get ahead of things and select a new … Continue reading Thought of the Day: Another Suggestion
Thoughts on ‘Mulan’
With the unnecessary and unwanted remake becoming the ‘who the heck thought this was a good idea?’ film of the season (previously occupied by such luminary pictures as Birds of Prey and The Rise of Skywalker), I decided to revisit the original Mulan, which I had not seen in many, many years. Mulan came near … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Mulan’
A Tribute to Walt Disney
In case it's not clear, I'm a great admirer of Mr. Disney's (not going to defend what his company has become, but the man himself is something of a personal hero). Partly to tie into the relaunch of my book, I made this video tribute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4WBA81GXms
The Wisdom of Walt Disney Relaunch!
Today we're announcing the relaunch of my essay collection The Wisdom of Walt Disney: The Themes, Ethics, and Ideas of His Greatest Films. In it I take a closer look at twelve of Uncle Walt's most important films to dig out the morals and ideas woven into the story: essentially, considering the films as examples of … Continue reading The Wisdom of Walt Disney Relaunch!
Various and Sundry Cartoon Thoughts
Most of my viewing habits lately have been directed towards cartoons. Maybe it's because I find the rest of the entertainment world increasingly hostile, or just because I enjoy the medium, but in any case I've been watching a lot of animated shows lately. Stories, I find, are like relationships: made up of thousands of … Continue reading Various and Sundry Cartoon Thoughts
Dating and Disney
New CatholicMatch Post is up, where I get to talk about Mr. Disney and plug my book. Check it out here (the post, not the book. Check that out here). Sample: Had Mr. Disney waited until he was financially secure with the time to dedicate to romance, he probably would never have married. For most of his … Continue reading Dating and Disney
Fairy Tales Post at Catholic Match
I like this one. Fairy Tales are near and dear to my heart and it annoys me to no end when people attack them or sneer at them for silly reasons. It’s an odd thing about fairy tales—they’re always under attack, yet they always survive. Like Snow White, they are constantly being threatened by proud … Continue reading Fairy Tales Post at Catholic Match
Reviews: Pete’s Dragon
Pete’s Dragon, like Cinderella or The Jungle Book, is a remake of a classic Disney film that not only improves on the original, but also manages to be a refreshingly individual film in its own right. Here’s a movie that doesn’t so much defy formula as simply ignores it; it’s content to simply tell its … Continue reading Reviews: Pete’s Dragon
Serpent's Den 