111 Awesome Disney Songs, Part 4

Ryan Dosier - Hello, Disney fans! First off, an apology for the lack of updates to this series lately. I just moved across the country, so my life has been hectic as all get out. But I've found some time to settle in and listen to some of my favorite Disney music and continue 111 Awesome Disney Songs! Here's Part 4...

34.)   "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" from Cinderella
Of all the magic numbers produced by Disney animated films, the incredibly hard to spell "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" may just be the finest. The Fairy Godmother bounces and bobs her way through this delightful ditty, with some nonsensical lyrics and joyful fun. Though the Fairy Godmother's appearance is incredibly brief, the song makes it endlessly memorable. Favorite Lyrics: "Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo/Put 'em together and what have you got/Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo/Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo/It'll do magic believe it or not/Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo."

35.)   "The Phony King of England" from Robin Hood
One of the major highlights of Robin Hood is its delightful soundtrack. Most of the songs are handled by the rooster minstrel Alan-A-Dale, but the best song in the film is absolutely the jazzy tune performed by Little John. Phil Harris, who did the voice of Baloo in The Jungle Book and Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats returns for his third Disney animated feature in a row as Little John and delivers this deliciously silly and fun tune. Favorite Lyrics: "He sits alone on a giant throne/Pretending he's the king/A little tyke who's rather like a puppet on a string."

36.)   "A Guy Like You" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This song, performed by the three gargoyles of the film, Hugo, Victor, and Laverne, is vastly different than any other song in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Yet, it still fits (in my opinion). It provides a moment of levity in the middle of some pretty hefty darkness. The gargoyles are fun and bouncing and the song is the same. I adore this number so much. Favorite Lyrics: "Paris, the city of lovers, is glowing this evening... True! That's because it's on fire, but still, there's l'amore."

37.)   "Sugar Rush" from Wreck-It Ralph
Ah, Wreck-It Ralph, how I adore thee. Absolutely one of my favorite Disney animated features. Wreck-It Ralph has so much fun going on per second that it's incredible. The theme song to the candy-coated kart racer "Sugar Rush" is a blast. It's clearly influenced by many factors, including 8-bit music, Japanese anime themes, and pop music. I love it. Favorite Lyrics: "S-U-G-A-R, jump into your racing car, it's Sugar Rush! Sugar Rush!"

38.)   "When I See an Elephant Fly" from Dumbo
Perhaps one of the most racially divisive moments in any Disney animated film, but it really isn't bad as many casual fans assume it is. The Crows in the film are all voiced by an actual African American scat band and are portrayed as heroes of the film. They raise Dumbo up and allow him to fly. The song they sing pokes fun at poor Dumbo, but it's so fun that it's hard to be too upset. Favorite Lyrics: "I seen a peanut stand/I heard a rubber band/ I seen a needle that winked its eye/But I be done seen about everything when I see an elephant fly!"

39.)   "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat" from The Aristocats
Although Disney animation took awhile to find its foothold again after the passing of Walt Disney, this moment in The Aristocats, the first animated film released without Walt's input, showed signs that things would be okay. This jazzy classic song is a perennial favorite for many folks who grew up loving The Aristocats--including myself. Favorite Lyrics: "Ev'rybody's pickin' up on that feline beat/'cause ev'rythin' else is obsolete/A square with a horn makes you wish you weren't born/Ev'ry time he plays/With a square in the act, you can set music back/To the caveman days."

40.)   "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid
"Ariel, listen to me. The human world? It's a mess!" Darn right, Sebastian. I don't think there was anyone, young or old, who has seen The Little Mermaid and who didn't immediately want to jump ship and go live under the water after seeing this Oscar-winning song performed. Simply one of the finest musical numbers ever put on film, with color and charm, an endlessly catchy tune, and insane lyrics, "Under the Sea" is the best of the best. Favorite Lyrics: "Darling it's better, down where it's wetter/Take it from me!/Up on the shore, they work all day/Out in the sun, they slave away/While we're devoting, full time to floating/Under the sea!"

41.)   "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid
Sebastian's two songs from The Little Mermaid right in a row? Yup. Blame iTunes shuffle. Anyway! "Kiss the Girl" is one of the most soulful and wonderful Disney love songs there is. The slow Caribbean beat and Samuel E. Wright's vocal work as Sebastian is astounding. Plus, it's a great motivator for taking a chance with that girl (or guy or sandwich) you really like. Favorite Lyrics: "Now's your moment/Floating in a blue lagoon/Boy, you better do it soon/No time will be better."

42.)   "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella
Probably the most famous song from Cinderella, which marked a major turning point for Disney animation, saving the studio after World War II ravaged the funds. This little song is what opened this great film and set a tone for the rest of the film and the rest of Walt Disney's career in feature animation. It's beautiful. Favorite Lyrics: "A dream is is a wish your heart makes/When you're fast asleep/In dream, you will lose your heartache/Whatever you wish for, you keep."

43.)   "Circle of Life" from The Lion King
Is there any better opening to a film than "Circle of Life" in The Lion King? No. No there isn't. The stunning animation, the impeccable Swahili vocals, and every element adds together for something that will never be repeated. Perfection. Favorite Lyrics: From the day we arrive on the planet/And blinking step into the sun/There is more to see/Than can ever be seen/More to do than can ever be done."

44.)   "Gitchee Gitchee Goo" from Phineas and Ferb
I love Phineas and Ferb, unashamedly. It's so delightfully fun and inventive and bountiful. The music in every episode is flawless, and this early rock and roll ditty that Phineas performed is phenomenal. I could listen to it forever. Favorite Lyrics: My baby's got her own way of talking/Whenever she says something sweet/And she knows its my world she's a-rockin'/Though my vocabulary's incomplete/I know it may sound confusing/Sometimes I wish she'd give it to me straight/But I never feel like I'm losin' it/When I take the time to translate."

Disney Fan Art Showcase: Brittany Myers Part 2

Last week we showcased some of the beautiful and wonderful artwork from Disney fan Brittany Myers. We're once again super excited to share more of Brittany's fantastic art pieces, including art from films like Frozen, Tangled, Brave, and more! Be sure to check out Brittany's website to see more of her artwork.

Without further ado, here is part two of our showcase of Brittany's beautiful fan art:

Merida (Brave)

Nani (Lilo and Stitch) sketch 

"Life is the Bubbles!"

"I Can't!" from Disney's Frozen 

Frozen Heart

Rapunzel (Tangled) 

Violet (The Incredibles) 

Frozen Photo Portrait

That's all for now! Thanks so much to Brittany for sharing her work with us once again! Be sure to check out Brittany's website here to see even more work! 

The Mickey Mindset: mickeymindset@gmail.com

Disney Fan Art Showcase: Brittany Myers Part 1

Today we're really excited to showcase some truly incredible pieces of artwork illustrated by the incredibly talented Disney fan artist Brittany Myers. Be sure to check out Brittany's website to see even more fantastic artwork! We'll be spotlighting Brittany's wonderful Disney artwork in a special two-part fan spotlight series. Be sure to check back soon for part two:

"Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" 

Kim Possible 

"Conceal, don't feel."

Tinker Bell Sketch 

Sally (Nightmare Before Christmas)

Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Ursula 

Be sure check back for part two of Brittany's art soon! Thanks again to Brittany for sharing her work with us!

The Mickey Mindset: mickeymindset@gmail.com

Disney Animation Reviews #28 - The Little Mermaid

Disney Movie Review: 28/53 - The Little Mermaid

Ryan Dosier - I’ve finally made it through the relatively low point in Disney history that started after The Jungle Book and have come out on the other side to see The Little Mermaid (1989). This is clearly the start of a brand new animated renaissance for Disney and animation as a whole. The sheer amount of breathtaking beauty, storytelling, music, and character in The Little Mermaid makes it far and away the strongest Disney film since The Jungle Book and one of the greatest Disney animated features period.

The characters of The Little Mermaid jump off the screen in a spectacular fashion. The introductions of Sebastian the Crab, King Triton, Flounder, Ursula, and, of course, Ariel, are all incredible. Each of their first scenes immediately tells us who these characters are.

Ariel, especially, lights up the film with her electric personality, stunning animation, and outstanding voice provided by Jodi Benson. Ariel is the strongest female lead yet in a Disney feature. She is willing to give up her entire world to follow a dream that everyone calls crazy. She takes the time to fall in love with her prince and we completely root for her all the way. Ariel’s dream of a bigger and better world is what drives her and what makes her such a dynamic character for Disney.

If Ariel is not the film’s strongest character, then Sebastian certainly is. The magnificent Rastafarian crab is a crowning achievement in animation. He is completely hysterical and animated with obvious care and attention. His voice, from Samuel E. Wright, is outstanding. Sebastian is an incredible instance of voice acting prowess. Every line he delivers is better than the last. Above all, though, Sebastian cares for Ariel so much and does whatever it takes for her. He rises to be the second most important character in the film and steals every scene he’s in.

But really, all of the characters in Mermaid are magnificent. Ursula is one of my favorite Disney villains. She carries a weight and a wit with her voice and animation that makes her rise above the ranks of Disney villains. Ursula is a constant threat throughout, getting more and more evil every time she is onscreen. Ursula is theatrical and breathtaking. Then there’s Scuttle the stupid seagull with a heart of gold, or Flounder the little guppy who would do anything for Ariel, or King Triton who lets his daughter go to be happy, and even Prince Eric who is the first Disney prince to have a personality. All of the characters work and stun throughout the film.

The magic is also back with the animation of the film. Ariel is the most impressively animated character, especially during “Part of That World.” Her hair flows so beautifully underwater and she swims and dances with outstanding animated ease. Ariel is outstandingly lifelike thanks to the master animator Glen Keane, who does some of his strongest work for The Little Mermaid.

Then there’s the music. There are not enough positive adjectives to describe the songs in The Little Mermaid. Thanks to the talents of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, The Little Mermaid has maybe the best songs in any Disney feature yet. It’s not just the music or lyrics; it’s the storytelling on the screen. When Ariel sings “Part of Your World,” it is impossible not to connect with her or empathize with her plight. It is incredibly beautiful and a great story above all. “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” Ursula’s song, is a great villain song that makes Ursula even better.

Sebastian’s two songs, “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” are my favorites in the movie. They are the most lively, best written, and fun songs in the film. “Under the Sea” really can’t be beat in terms of sheer enjoyability. It makes you want to get up and dance and sing along. The colors and the characters in the song light it up so well.

From a storytelling angle, The Little Mermaid is outstanding. There are so many exciting sequences and moments in the beginning that you are drawn in instantly. Ariel and her supporting cast carry the film to great places. The filmmakers found a way to make you root for Ariel all the way through and cheer with her happiness or shed a tear when her dream is fulfilled at the end.

The Little Mermaid meant an exceptional amount to Disney animation when it achieved such huge success. It launched a total renaissance in animation that led to virtually everything animated that has come since. With wonderful characters, outstanding music, and magical storytelling, The Little Mermaid returned Disney animation to a place of much deserved prominence. It really is hotter under the water.

5/5 Rug-Cutting Slugs

Double Review: Sebastian's Caribbean Jamboree & Sebastian's Party Gras

John Viaes- The 1970’s and 1980’s were two dark decades for Disney animation. The studio was struggling after Walt Disney has passed away in 1966. Most of their newest animated films would turn out to be either commercial or critical failures. A light shined on the animation world in 1989 with the release of Disney’s 28th feature length animated feature, The Little Mermaid. Making $211,343,479 at the box office, The Little Mermaid became a cult classic and was said to have brought back life

in the art of Disney animated feature films and started a the era known as the Disney Renaissance.

        The Little Mermaid was also very popular that is still selling merchandise to this day, a broadway show was produced and lasted for a few years, a few attractions at Disney’s themed parks are inspired by the film, along with an animated television show for the Disney Channel (which is still being shown in reruns on Disney Junior) and two direct to video sequels.

            

One thing about The Little Mermaid that somehow faded away over time was the infamous stage show at Walt Disney World starring Sam Wright, the voice actor for the film’s character, Sebastian the Crab. Two filmings of the show were released onto home video by Disney in the early 1990’s. 

Sebastian’s Caribbean Jamboree was released in 1991 with Sebastian’s Party Gras to come one year later. Both videos are live action combined with animation and feature Wright communicating with the character he portrays in Disney’s animated classic. Sam performs on stage with a group of both kids and adult performers and each song they sing is either upbeat, sweet, or just flat out fun and all done Caribbean style.

           

  Sebastian’s Caribbean Jamboree focuses on Sam Wright and a group of kids putting on a show at Walt Disney World. Sebastian is anxious and worried that the show will not go all as planned. The songs in the video teach Sebastian not to worry so much and that good things will come all in good time. Songs in this video consist of such favorites as “Hot, Hot, Hot,” “Arise,” “Three Little Birds,” “Day-O (The Banana Song)” “Music Sweet,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and the academy award winning Disney classic, “Under the Sea.” The show ends wonderfully with the well-known “Jamaica Farewell.” A few of the songs also contain sing-along lyrics at the bottom of the screen. I’m not so sure where in the resort this was filmed though.

            The second video, Sebastian’s Party Gras, filmed at New Orleans Square at Walt Disney World, has more songs that give the same vibe the first video gave. In this show, King Triton discovers a secret that Sebastian has been hiding, that he performs shows on the shore with Sam when he’s not performing under the sea with Ariel and her sisters. Triton is outraged by this and tells Sebastian that this will be his last performance with Sam. Of course, Sebastian has a difficult time trying to tell Sam as he puts on a forced smile throughout the show. Triton watches the show from under the sea and soon changes his point of view. Songs include “Iko, Iko,” “In De Conga Line,” “Limbo Rock,” “Carousel,” “Octopus’s Garden,” “Twist and Shout,” “Life is a Magic Thing,” and my personal favorite, “Give a Little Love.” This video ends nicely, as Sam is invited to join Disney World’s Party Gras parade the next day.

            Both videos, though dated, are fun and colorful. Sam Wright is very upbeat, happy, and energetic all the time. He really knows how to speak to his audience and the people performing with him. The backup dancers are great as well and even the kids are just as energetic. The songs are performed wonderfully. The only problem I would have with one is also the same problem I would have with the other. Whenever Sam talks to Sebastian, the animation for the character is cut from The Little Mermaid and pasted something else. Clips of Sebastian speaking with King Triton is nothing but clips from the same film but dubbed over by the same voice actors. Aside from that, both shows are fun and colorful, and are still entertaining even when the 90’s are over. I saw both shows on VHS when I was a little kid before I saw The Little Mermaid actually and I was very enthused.

            Sadly, there are no plans for Disney to release either of these two shows on DVD. It’s a shame because I feel as if they would both have served as great bonus features for The Little Mermaid’s Diamond Edition Blu-Ray release. If you can find them on VHS or Laserdisc (try looking online), I recommend checking them out, especially if you are a fan of The Little Mermaid or of Disney’s theme parks. I think somebody uploaded both of them on YouTube as well. 

Did you see one of these shows when you were younger? Do you remember what Disney World was like in the early 90’s? Let us know in the comments below or send us an email at mickeymindset@gmail.com! 

The Mickey Mindset: mickeymindset@gmail.com

Michael Wermuth's Ten Favorite Disney Villains

Michael Wermuth, Jr. - Many of the animated Disney and Pixar shows have great villains, and today I present my list of the top ten Disney villains. Oh, and I must warn you that most of these entries contain spoilers.

10. The Big Bad Wolf, from "The Three Little Pigs" shorts 

The Big Bad Wolf is, obviously, a big bad wolf wanting to eat the Three Little Pigs. He appeared in all of the shorts with the Three Little Pigs, eventually becoming the papa to Three Little Wolves. But even The Big Bad Wolf has standards--in "The Practical Pig," when he captures two of the pigs, he orders his sons to NOT eat them until he captures the last pig (though they disobey their father and attempt to eat the others anyway).

9. Randall, from Monsters, Inc.

Randall was one of two top scarers, second only to Sully. While Sully was quite humble over being top scarer and saw it as friendly competition, Randall was a bit more competitive. When he was discovered working late hours and was responsible for Boo being let lose in the monster world, it was assumed he did this just to make his score higher, when it turns out he was really trying to kidnap her to test out a scaring invention. I can identify with Randall a bit, wanting to be a bit competitive. Though I don't think he really looked scary enough to even be #2.

8. Ursula, from The Little Mermaid

Ursula is a sea witch, banished from King Triton's underwater kingdom. She manages to make a deal with Ariel, where she'll give her legs and let her live outside the water for three days, in exchange for her voice, and if Prince Eric doesn't kiss her in three days, Ariel will become a tulip. She does a good job at preventing this, and the sun sets just in time, only for Triton to agree to be turned into a tulip instead of Ariel. And it's cool when Ursula becomes a giant. And Ursula is probably one of the hammiest Disney villains.

7. Scar, from The Lion King

Scar was hoping to be king, but then his brother Mufasa had a son, Simba. Scar set out to kill Simba and Mufasa. Scar led Hyenas in a plan, killing Mufasa and thinking he killed Simba. Scar then became king, only to cause a great drought to the pride lands. When Simba came back to challenge Scar, he ordered Scar to leave and never come back, but had to fight Scar for the throne. Simba tossed Scar over a cliff, where Scar was attacked by the Hyenas, whom he had previously blamed for everything. I can identify with Scar being jealous of his brother and wanting to be in control. And his villain song "Be Prepared" is such a great song.

6. Syndrome, from The Incredibles

As a boy, Bucky, who would become Syndrome, wanted to be Mr. Incredible's sidekick. Mr. Incredible refused because he didn't want or need a sidekick. Eventually, after superheroes were forced to retire, Bucky became Syndrome and became a villain, setting out to invent the ability to become a superhero, because when everybody is super, nobody is. And after he was defeated, he ended up going so far as to kidnap Mr. Incredible's youngest son, Jack-Jack, unaware that he had gained superpowers.

5.  Jafar, from Aladdin

Jafar was the royal visier to the Sultan, and was able to hypnotize the Sultan with his magic scepter, causing the Sultan to allow Jafar to marry Princess Jasmine. Jafar was also interested in the magic lamp buried underground, sending Aladdin in and then attempting to kill him after getting the lamp. After eventually becoming the Genie's new master, Jafar was tricked by Aladdin into wishing to be an all-powerful genie... Not realizing this means being trapped in a lamp. Of course, Jafar was freed in the sequel, Return to Jafar, where he's an evil genie but ends up being destroyed at the end.

4.  Captain Hook, from Peter Pan

Perhaps one of the most iconic Disney villains, Captain Hook is the leader of the pirates in Neverland, and wants to kill Peter Pan, particularly due to Peter being responsible for getting Hook's hand eaten by a crocodile. While a ruthless pirate, he is also quite clumsy, constantly needing his first mate Mr. Smee to help him. Captain Hook bombs Peter Pan's hideout, nearly killing Peter and Tinker Bell, kidnaps Wendy, John, Michael, and the Lost Boys, and attempts to drown the Indian princess Tiger Lily. Although a buffoon at times, Captain Hook showed he can also be truly evil.

3. Gaston, from Beauty and the Beast

Gaston started out as just an egotistical jerk who wanted to marry Belle. But her rejection of him combined with her father Maurice telling the town that Belle was locked in a beast's dungeon led to Gaston paying the head of an asylum to have Maurice committed unless Belle agreed to marry him. When Belle was able to prove that the Beast was real, Gaston set out on a new mission to kill the Beast.. Gaston showed what a real jerk he is by stabbing Beast in the back (literally) right after the Beast decided not to kill Gaston, only for Gaston to fall to the death (but nobody falls to the death like Gaston). The townspeople never turn their back on Gaston, and they follow Gaston when he wants the Beast killed. I wonder how his funeral turned out.

2. Megavolt, from Darkwing Duck

My favorite villain from Darkwing Duck, Megavolt has electrical powers and a fondness for electrical puns. Originally a science nerd named Elmo Sputterspark, he got his powers after bullies sabotaged an experiment in static electricity, and he decided to use his powers for good... By getting revenge on the bullies and becoming a bad guy. I wouldn't call him the main villain of Darkwing Duck, but he is surely one of Darkwing's most important enemies. After all, he appeared in more episodes than any other villain (17, to be exact) and he was the first bad guy Darkwing fought (in fact they went to high school together).

1. Cruella de Vil, from 101 Dalmatians

A fashion designer who went to school with Anita Darling, Cruella has a desire for a dalmatian-skinned fur coat. When Roger and Anita's dogs had puppies, she wanted to buy them all, and when they wouldn't sell them, she had her henchmen Horace and Jasper steal them, and a lot more dogs, totaling 99 dalmatians.In the sequel, she starts out being good (after being on probation and prohibited from buying furs), but after gaining an interest in art she once again desired to kidnap the puppies. Cruella de Ville is such a cool villain, with her hair being two different colors, her desire for fur coats, and her reckless driving. The "Cruella de Ville" song is awesome as well. And she has such great lines, like "Poison them! Drown them! Bash them on the heads! I don't care how you kill the little beasts, but do it, and do it now!"

These are just some of Michael Wermuth's favorite Disney Villains. If you would like to contribute a list of your ten favorite Disney Villains, email us at mickeymindset@gmail.com!

The Mickey Mindset, mickeymindset@gmail.com