Favorites

Because my obsession with Disney is back at full blast and I've been extremely bored, I'm writing this post. So if you're sick of me and my Disney you don't have to read this.

So the other day, I found a "club" if you will, The Ultimate Disney Fans. It's YouTube thing, where ultimate Disney fans put together videos and discuss their favorite parts, characters, songs, etc. The Ultimate Disney Fan Questionarre is a YouTube video that prompts the fans to answer questions through a video they've made. I have yet to make a video, but I've decided to answer the questions on this blog post. Also, there have been changes to some of my favorites since my last post about Disney (because I've finally seen Tangled!). I have already covered some of my favorites before, so I may or may not go into detail, I might just reference you to the old post.


1) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE?


The Lion King. I have mentioned this in a previous post, and even though I have now seen Tangled, The Lion King still remains in my top spot.


2) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE HEROINE?


Ariel from The Little Mermaid. This has not changed either. As much as I loved Rapunzel, she was almost exactly like Ariel, so I prefer to favorite the original adorable naiveté and curiosity. Ariel has my favorite eyes out of all the heroines, big and blue. People have said they are creeped out by Disney's huge eyes, but I love them! Ariel has the second largest eyes I think (first is Jasmine). Her blue eyes are always lit up and full of curiosity. Although not as expressive as Rapunzel's or as large as Jasmine's, her eyes still are my favorite. She is, after all, the first princess of the Disney Renaissance.


3) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY HERO?

Eugene Fitzherbert (more commonly known as Flynn Rider) from Tangled. It used to be Aladdin. Well, they've got their similarities. They're both thieves with a heart of gold. I'm used to "Flynn's" real name now. I didn't like it very much at first, but I do now. Flynn is his facade or persona. Flynn is the over-confident egotistical thief that only wants to be alone on his own private island with more money than he knows what to do with. Eugene is a sympathetic, thoughtful sort of a sap that has been buried underneath the Flynn Rider persona. As Rapunzel says, "I like Eugene Fitzherbert much better than Flynn Rider". He's my new favorite because of all I've written above, plus he's witty, swashbuckling, and... dashing, for lack of a better term. Also I LOVE his singing voice. Zac Levi should make his own album!


4) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SIDEKICK?


Ray from The Princess and the Frog. Ever since I first saw the movie, Ray has been one of my all time favorite characters in Disney history. He is very selfless and a hopeless romantic (like me :P). I don't think I ever cried harder in a movie than I did when Ray died. I could hardly believe that they would seriously kill off such a loveable character. I cried harder though when he seemingly appears as a new star next to his love, Evangeline. Even though he was dead, he ended up with his true love in the sky. I know, I'm a sap. I love Ray's accent and it just makes it better that Jim Cummings (Tigger) does his voice. One of my favorite songs is his: Gonna Take You There (or Goin' Down the Bayou).


5) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE VILLAIN?


Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. She is just an all around epic villainess. Her costume is easily the most awesome thing I've ever seen. (Someday I'll have the courage to dress up as her for Halloween). Her voice is so full of evil and other awesome. She's an actual witch (and is known throughout the land as one, unlike any of the other villains). She turns into a dragon! Can't get any more epic than that. Her evil intention is all based on a grudge, which is realistic enough for me (although I think a murder-curse is a little far to go just because you're not invited to a party :P). Plus, her name itself is beyond cool and fun to say. Maleficent. EPIC!!!


6) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE COUPLE?


Rapunzel and Eugene/Flynn. It used to be a tie between Hercules and Meg, and Tiana and Naveen. But after seeing Tangled, it was completely obvious who the cutest couple was. I seriously can't get over how perfectly well the two go together. I was shipping them before I even saw the movie, but after actually watching them fall in love... gah! I just couldn't stand the cuteness of it all! Their relationship is one of the more believable relationships of Disney's (Beauty and the Beast's is the best). Although it happens within 48 hours, their feelings are gradual. They start out at odds with one another and slowly they become more interested in each other (after several life-threatening situations). Even though they start out at odds, they don't necessarily dislike each other (that's kind of where The Princess and the Frog went wrong. They go from hating each other's guts to falling in love in such a short amount of time), but it definitely isn't love at first sight (though each other clearly thinks the other is attractive XP). They had too many cute moments (campfire, dancing, the boat, playing keep-away with the crown at the end). I've officially dubbed them Cutest Couple in Disney history.


7) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DANCE SCENE?


Beauty and the Beast. I really don't have much to say on this. I think it's my favorite because of the camera angles and movements. It just gives the atmosphere more "oomf" emotion-wise. (Also I like the movement of Belle's dress as she twirls. It is amazing to look at).


8) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KISS?


Belle and Adam (yes that is his name) from Beauty and the Beast. Beautiful, just beautiful. I mean there are FIREWORKS when they kiss, literally. Alan Menken's amazing music just puts so much more emotion into the scene than I thought was possible. Even though I've never been partial to Beast in human form, I can still believe that it's him and I am fully aware of the love the two characters have for each other. I've recently noticed that my favorite kisses include one of the partner's hands on the other's face. Plus a little 'brush-aside-the-hair' action right before they do... :D


9) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY SCENE?


Mulan. I can't decide between two scenes. The first choice is when Mulan's father comes and talks about the blossoms, using them as a metaphor to give her hope for her future. The second choice is when Mulan returns from the war and presents him with the sword and medallion and he tosses them aside and hugs her saying, "the greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter". Both scenes are just so heart-warming. You can just FEEL the love of father-daughter. It always makes me want to go hug my dad.


10) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EMOTIONAL SCENE?


When Eugene/Flynn dies in Tangled. I had a tough time picking this one. I thought when Ray dies first, but I decided it was too heart-breaking to admit to liking it the best. Then I thought about Mufasa dying, but I didn't think it was as emotional as it could have been. Lastly, I thought of the Beast dying, but I decided that I like the pure joy and excitement that comes from Rapunzel when he comes back to life instead of the uncertainty and calmness that comes from Belle when Beast comes back to life and is transformed. I did cry when Eugene dies... I really had no idea of how he could come back to life. I thought that Rapunzel would heal him with her hair, but that theory was crushed when Eugene cut it. However, I figured out that her tear would heal him once it showed it fall on his cheek. Once again, the music just made everything better. I listened to the track before I saw the movie. I had no idea what was going on, but I cried while listening to it.


11) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY CHILD?


Olivia from The Great Mouse Detective. I'm not sure why Simba is not my favorite, but he just isn't. I like Olivia for... I seriously have no idea why. I just DO! She's super cute and I like her little scottish accent. That's really all I have to say about her.


12) WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY ANIMAL?


Maximus from Tangled. Love all around for the super-cop horse! He was (as I said in my review below) the show-stealer. I can't really describe him. You just have to watch him to understand. He's non-speaking and has some hilarious facial expressions (although the entire movie wins facial-expression-wise). Who would have thought that a horse would take it upon himself to capture a thief? Haha!


13) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY SONG?


Extremely difficult choice! I've been debating on Gonna Take You There, A Whole New World, I'll Make a Man Out of You, Go the Distance, and I Won't Say I'm in Love, and finally decided on I'll Make a Man Out of You. The song is so much fun to sing along with. It's got a great and extremely catchy tune accompanied with well crafted lyrics that flow. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't get excited when they hear this song. I'll bet those really speedy runners with their iPods are listening to this song because it's so motivating. Donny Osmond singing it just makes it that much better! Whether you're a man or not, it applies :)


14) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INSTRUMENTAL SONG?


Again, extremely difficult choice. I was stuck on Transformation from Beauty and the Beast, Campfire from Tangled, Farewell from Pocahontas, Kingdom Dance from Tangled, and Mulan's Decision from Mulan. I finally chose Campfire from Tangled. Although it's not triumphant or upbeat like the others, there's just something about it that I find endearing. It's very... contemplative. The whistle/flute/or whatever it is, is my favorite (but that instrument is not included in the movie for some reason). The flute has a beautiful little solo in the middle of it with light strings in the background. I know this part is supposed to be when "Flynn" is talking about his past. The whistle just kind of tells you the "sob-story" (as he refers to it). I'm so confused as to why they kept the light strings, but not the whistle in the actual scene.


15) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTIFUL SCENE?


The lantern scene from Tangled. I know this movie's elements have been my favorites in many areas, but I can't deny the beauty of this scene. The reflections in the glassy water, the orange and pink glow, the sparkling, the realizing you're in love... ahh. Pure beauty.


16) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FIGHT/BATTLE?


The archery tournament in Robin Hood. This battle was mostly comedy all around. It has everything in it. Pie throwing, sword fighting, football, a running tent, and even a marriage proposal as well as plans for married life XD. There were some pretty funny lines included too. "Seize the fat one!" or "Who's driving this flying umbrella?" or "What a beautiful brawl" or "Six children? Oh a dozen at least!".


17) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OPENING SCENE?


The Hunchback of Notre Dame hands down. A black screen with some light bells ringing and some quiet "chanting", the disney castle logo, black again, then BOOM!!! Epic view of Notre Dame in the clouds with the amazing chorus from Hellfire. Then it proceeds with Clopin singing about the mysterious bell ringer using his puppets. It's just so... I don't know what! I get goosebumps whenever I watch it.


18) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ENDING SCENE?


Pocahontas all the way. Never in my life have I had more goosebumps while watching a movie. The music, her hair blowing, WHOO!!! The music is what really does it for me. I did mention above that it was one of the contestants for favorite instrumental music. I like this ending because it's sad, but not too sad. That's a weird thing for me to say, I LOVE happy endings. However, for some reason the whole John Smith leaving and probably never coming back thing passed with me. I can't really explain it. For some reason, I like it when things down't go perfectly... it's more realistic and doesn't give me high hopes for my future :P.


Well, that's all the questions for now. I'm sure there will be more to come.

Tangled Review

I finally saw Tangled on Friday November 26 and again the following Thursday December 2. I was so mad that I would not be able to see it opening day, as we were leaving for Utah right after school, the day it came out. I put up a fuss for several weeks and the best I could get was an agreement to see it Friday in Utah. I have been impatiently waiting for the release, but let me tell you, it was SOOOOOOOOO worth it!!! It was AH-MAY-ZING!!!!!!! The animation was spectacular. It really did seem like a traditionally animated Disney movie, except it was CG. I admit, the first time I saw it, I felt it seemed a little bit rushed, but the second time I saw it, it was even more amazing than before and did not feel rushed at all.


*****DO NOT READ BEYOND IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE*****


All the characters were entirely likable and believable. I'll give an analysis of each of the main ones below

RAPUNZEL
Rapunzel was absolutely adorable. One of my favorite moments of her was when she first leaves the tower. She goes through bipolar phases where she either dancing for joy and shouting “best day ever!” and “I’m never going back!” or she’s crying into her knees and declaring “I am a horrible daughter” or (my favorite) “I’m a despicable human being”. I found it to be quite hilarious and Flynn’s impatient facial expressions just made it better. Her hair was very well animated. I can’t imagine how painstakingly difficult it must have been for the animators to make it looks so real. I really felt bad for her throughout most of the movie. First, she has never left her tower because her “mother” has forbidden it, saying the world is full of scary, horrible men who want to steal her magical hair and use it for evil. Second, Mother Gothel is constantly putting her down; even though her jabbing remarks would always be followed by “I’m just teasing” or whatever, I still could not even stand it. The worst was somewhere near the middle of the movie when Rapunzel says that she thinks Flynn likes her and Gothel states, “Why would he like you?-- come on now, really! Look at you. You think that he’s impressed?” OMGG I just wanted to punch her. I think one of the all time most awful moments for Rapunzel (excluding the climax in the tower) was when she believed that Flynn left her for the Stabbington brothers to take, and just when they were at the peak of their blossoming romance.


FLYNN RIDER (AKA EUGENE FITZHERBERT)

Flynn was an interesting character. Over-confident and self-serving, but he has a gooey core that Rapunzel manages to uncover. He was just as much a main character as Rapunzel. He was not there just because she needed a love-interest. Tangled was every bit of his story as it was Rapunzel’s. He is probably the funniest leading man Disney has ever had (not to mention one of the best looking :P). He had most of the best lines. I was rather interested in his background. Even though he at first said “I don’t do backstory”, he eventually told Rapunzel about his past. His real name is Eugene Fitzherbert (strange name, but whatever) and he grew up an orphan with only his storybook hero, Flynnegan Rider, to keep him going (which is where her got his bandit name). Actually, funny story, right after I saw the movie, I read a review and somebody asked, “I haven’t seen it yet, does Rapunzel end up with Flynn?” and the response was, “No. She ends up with someone named Eugene.” It made me LOL. Well, that person deserved it, it’s a Disney movie for crying out loud! Of course Rapunzel ends up with Flynn! Anyways, back to my analysis: I kind of felt bad for it, but I laughed a lot because the poor guy just never catches a break. From the very beginning he is being pursued by the soldiers and a crazy horse, and if he’s not being chased, he being whacked over the head or somehow injuring himself. I liked him a lot though. He was never actually mean to Rapunzel. The worst he did was to take her to the Snuggly Duckling, hoping to scare her back into the tower. He is unbearably sweet though, especially at the boat scene. Gah! Just the way he looks at her is enough to make a hopeless romantic (such as myself) melt into a puddle of happiness. I mean just look at that face------------>



PASCAL
Pascal was adorable and the perfect companion for Rapunzel. I thought it was so clever and unique to put a chameleon in the movie. How often do you see that? He was very protective of Rapunzel and was probably the only REAL love Rapunzel knew before Flynn came along. He was always encouraging Rapunzel to do what she feared such as leave the tower or giving Flynn his satchel back. I loved it when he turned red and covered his eyes when Rapunzel and Flynn were about to kiss on the boat. One of his truly awesome moments was when Gothel was trying to drag Rapunzel off, bound and gagged, and he went and tugged on Gothel’s dress. His little squeaks and groans were the so cute. He was too adorable.


MAXIMUS
Now on to my Dad’s favorite character, Maximus the horse. He was most definitely the show stealer. Although he did not talk, his body language and facial expressions were absolutely hilarious. He is the super-cop of the movie. His main goal is to capture Flynn Rider no matter what it takes. He has climbed out on precarious tree limbs, broken down a giant dam, and survived all types of obstacles. No other horse is as daring as Maximus. I loved that Flynn called him Max. I’m not sure why, I guess I just thought it was kind of cute. It showed their developing friendship. Flynn goes from calling him “flea bag” or “bad horse” to giving him a nickname. Maximus acted more like a dog rather than a horse which I found to be hysterical. He was one of the bravest characters of the movie and he was one of the main drives that kept the story going. First off, he broke the dam that led to several important events for Rapunzel and Flynn. Also, he was the reason why Flynn was rescued from prison/execution.


MOTHER GOTHEL
Gothel was a great villain. She was manipulative, cunning, greedy, and sly. She also had a motive for her evil, she wasn’t just a straight up evil person only because she could, she needed Rapunzel’s magical hair to keep her young. She’s probably like 500 years old in the movie. I laughed so hard when Rapunzel really wanted to talk to her about going to see the lights so she sang her incantation super fast and Gothel just sort of poofs back to looking young. It was hilarious. Boy did I love to hate her though. I thought she had a spectacular singing voice, probably one of the most powerful out of any of the characters, she was fantastic in Mother Knows Best (Reprise).


PUB THUGS
The thugs were a crack up. They all seem horrible and intimidating, but they have some of the silliest dreams like baking cupcakes or collecting ceramic unicorns. My favorite thug was the short one that dressed up like Cupid. The best part was when the guards are taking Flynn to be hanged when suddenly all of the doors close and the short thug looks through one and asks “What’s the password?”. It was probably the hardest I laughed through the entire movie.


MOVING ON...
I cried three times (that I remember). The first was when the king was crying right before he and the queen went out to release the first lantern in memory of their lost daughter. The second was the whole scene when the Stabbington brothers made it seem like Flynn abandoned Rapunzel and then tried to kidnap her. The third was, of course, when Flynn died.

I noticed how very similar Tangled was to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Main character has a fake guardian who lies saying that the outside world is a terrible place. The fake guardian is constantly putting down the main character. Main character longs to get out despite the warnings and ends up sneaking out. Main character confronts fake guardian saying that they are the horrible ones, not the outside world. Fake guardian tries to kill main character’s friend/love-interest. Fake guardian falls to their death.

Also, I noticed how similar Rapunzel’s first encounter with Flynn was similar to Ariel and Eric’s from the Little Mermaid. (Not the knocking out part). Male lead is unconscious, female lead has never seen a human (or in Rapunzel’s case, a man) before, female lead moves male lead’s bangs, female lead stares at male lead obviously thinking he is handsome.

As long as I’m alluding to other Disney movies, I have to comment on the ending tower scene. EPIC!!! I noticed many similarities to Beauty and the Beast. The villain stabs the male lead then falls to their death, male lead dies as female lead cries over his body, last minute magic happens and there’s lots of cool lights in the air, male lead comes back to life followed by a first kiss (accompanied by awesome triumphant music). I was bawling at this scene. Flynn’s voice actor, Zachary Levi, did a spectacular job at making it seem like Flynn was in real pain. I didn’t know whether to be excited that Flynn cuts off her hair, or sad. I knew it would mean Gothel would die and Rapunzel would be free from her imprisonment, but it also meant Flynn could not be healed. So, unsure, I just cried. The animation as Rapunzel’s tear was healing Flynn was probably the the most beautiful animation of the whole movie. The tear thing was great, because it stuck to the original fairytale of Rapunzel’s tears healing the prince of his blindness. I love the first thing Flynn says when he is revived: “Did I ever tell you I have a thing for brunettes?”, it made me cry harder (of happiness). Of course you look forward to the kiss, but what really got me was the tackle/hug Rapunzel gives Flynn right before she kisses him; it just tugged at my heartstrings. Alan Menken’s music just made the entire scene all the more incredible.

Afton and I noticed that Rapunzel has super long blonde hair, then has really short brown hair. We found this funny because Afton has super long blonde hair and I have really short brown hair. Despite what most people have said, I think Rapunzel looks cute with her short brown hair (and not just because I have short brown hair). I do like her better with blonde hair, but the brown is good too.


FAVORITE MOMENTS:
*Rapunzel’s mood swings
*The lantern scene
*Flynn and Maximus tripping each other to get to the satchel on the tree branch
*Flynn containing his hysteria after Rapunzel heals his hand
*Pascal chuckling when he thought Rapunzel couldn’t find him during hide and seek
*The “What’s the password” moment
*When the thugs catapulted Flynn out of the castle
*Rapunzel trying to stuff Flynn in her closet (particularly when she gets him in, but he falls out again and totally flattens her XD)
*When Flynn is staring at Rapunzel after she gets her hair braided and Maximus waggles his eyebrows suggestively at him
*Rapunzel and Pascal trying to figure out what the crown is
*Maximus hiding behind a rock and bush shaped like a horse
*Maximus pushes Flynn into the dancing circle
*Rapunzel scooting closer to Flynn at the campfire, wanting to hear his life story
*The kingdom dance/montage
*The bunny hoping out of the bushes
*The rats bouncing to the music in I’ve Got a Dream (and Pascal’s face as he watches them)
*Flynn declaring he doesn’t sing, followed by all the thugs pointing their weapons at him, then it cutting to Flynn dancing and singing on the bar
*The ENDING!!!!!


QUOTES THAT MADE ME LOL THE HARDEST:
“Well, I hope you’re here to apologize” --Flynn, as Maximus is standing over him furious

“What’s the password?” “What?” “Nope.” “Open this door!” “Not even close” --Short thug and Captain of the guard

“I am a despicable human being” -Rapunzel, lying flat on her face outside her tower

“They just can’t my nose right!” “Who cares?” “Well it’s easy for you to say. You guys look amazing” --Flynn and Stabbington brother, Flynn is looking at some wanted posters

“OK give me a boost and I’ll pull you up” “Give us the satchel first” “What? I can’t believe after all we’ve been through, you don’t trust me?” “*glares*” “Ouch.” --Flynn and Stabbington brother, when they reach a dead end.

“Now help us up, pretty boy” “Sorry, my hands are full” “RIDER!!!!” --Stabbington brother and Flynn, after Flynn has been boosted up and somehow stolen back the satchel from the brothers.

“*sneezes*” “Hay fever?” “Yeah... huh?” --Guard and Flynn, as Flynn is stealing the crown

“You all tired from chasing the bad man all over the place?” “Excuse me?” --Rapunzel and Flynn, as Rapunzel tries to calm down an angry Maximus

“I feel like this whole time, we just been misunderstanding one another and we’re really just...” “*impatient face*” “Yeah, you’re right. We should go” --Flynn, talking to Maximus after he helped him escape prison

“No can do. The kingdom and I aren’t exactly ‘simpatico’ right now” --Flynn, after Rapunzel asks him to take her to the light festival

“Oh no! Where is my satchel?” “I’ve hidden it somewhere you’ll never find it” “It’s in that pot isn’t it?” *POW!!* --Flynn and Rapunzel

“You broke my smolder” --Flynn, after Rapunzel accidentally lets him fall on his face

“Who are you? And how did you find me?” “I know not who you are, nor how I came to find you, but may I just say... hi. How ya doin’? The name’s Flynn Rider” --Rapunzel and Flynn

“Careful, it can probably smell fear” --Flynn, as Rapunzel is clinging to his back terrified as a bunny hops out of the bushes

“I’ll break her [Gothel’s] heart?” “In half” “I’ll squish her soul!?” “*squish* Like a grape” --Rapunzel and Flynn, as Flynn is trying to guilt trip Rapunzel into going back to her tower

“I do like ducklings” “Yay!” --Rapunzel and Flynn, discussing the Snuggly Duckling

“Oh now they’re just being mean” --Flynn, looking at a wanted poster of himself with the ugliest nose yet

“What about you?” “I’m sorry, me?” “What’s your dream?” “Oh no, sorry guys, I don’t sing” *swords whipped out* --Thugs and Flynn, before Flynn starts singing

“I believe this is the man you are looking for” “You got me!” --Thug and Short thug, to the guards who have come to arrest Flynn

“I have a surprise for you!” “I have one too!” “I’ll bet mine’s better!” “*mumbles* I seriously doubt that” --Gothel and Rapunzel, Gothel’s surprise is Rapunzel’s favorite meal and Rapunzel’s is an unconscious man in her closet

“I’ve always had superhuman good looks, but superhuman powers? Can you imagine the possibilities?” --Flynn, after his hand has been healed

“What? I paid for them... most of them” --Flynn, after giving Maximus a bag of apples

“He seems happy, he’s never told me otherwise” --Flynn, about Ulf the mime

“The party lasted a week, and to be honest, I don’t remember most of it” --Flynn

“I know the big question remaining: did we ever get married? Well, after YEARS of asking and asking…I finally said yes.” “Eugene!” “Alright, I asked her.” --Flynn and Rapunzel

They WERE lies! :D

Yesterday, I made a post about how supposedly Disney was not going to make any more fairytales. Well, their official Facebook page has contradicted such a statement. I can't even begin to describe how relieved I was when I read this.

On the Official Disney facebook, they say “A headline in today’s LA Times erroneously reported that the Disney fairytale is a thing of the past, but I feel it is important to set the record straight that they are alive and well at Disney and continue this week with Tangled, a contemporary retelling of a much loved story. We have a number of projects in development with new twists that audiences will be able to enjoy for many years to come”

So the lesson here: DON’T ALWAYS BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU READ, DEFINITELY NOT FROM SOURCES LIKE NEWSPAPERS OR MAGAZINES!!!

LIES!!! (I hope)

I recently read an article about Disney. It has announced that they are "closing the book of fairytales". I wanted to cry when I saw that. Disney fairytales have always been my favorite. I am currently obsessing over their latest flick, Tangled (coming out in 4 days) and was looking forward to their next fairytale, The Snow Queen. However, they have scratched The Snow Queen out and will move on to other projects.

I remember when Disney announced that they would not make anymore animated films back in 2004. LIES!!!! Because in 2009, they came out with The Princess and the Frog. I am hoping this is the case with their latest heart-breaking statement. Their reasoning for going back to animation was because they "should not be ashamed of what [they] do best" (according to legendary animator, Glenn Keane). Why can't this statement hold true to fairytales as well? Their most successful films have been fairytales! Anyways, there is always hope... maybe they will see sense if Tangled does well in the box office and if not, then they will in a few years.

Disney Freak

Often when people first meet me, they become aware a a certain characteristic of mine almost right away... I am a Disney freak. No not Disney Channel or any live-action type (though some of those are good too). No, I mean the animation department. This blog post is dedicated to the most wonderful video production team that ever existed.


MY TOP 10 FAVORITES:

10) Robin Hood


9) Hercules

8) The Great Mouse Detective


7) The Hunchback of Notre Dame


6) The Little Mermaid


5) Mulan


4) Aladdin


3) The Princess and the Frog


2) Beauty and the Beast


1) The Lion King


A FEW SHOUT-OUTS TO THEM:

*I had The Lion King memorized when I was 2 years old and it will always have a special place in my heart.
*The Princess and the Frog restored my faith in Disney animation and its magic
*Beauty and the Beast scared me out of my mind so much that I refused to watch it until I was about 13. Now I absolutely adore it. The ending gives me shivers (more than any other Disney film has before).
*Despite what all my friends think, I think Ariel is one of the cutest princesses. I know she's immodest, folks, but there's just something about her that makes her so likeable.


FAVORITE PRINCESSES:

10) Snow White


9) Pocahontas


8) Cinderella


7) Jasmine


6) Aurora


5) Mulan (hey, she's part of the Disney Princess Franchise so she counts)


4) Giselle


3) Tiana

2) Belle


1) Ariel



If you look at one of my previous posts (http://kelsiameliameyer.blogspot.com/2010/08/tangled.html), you will see my review on the latest upcoming Disney movie, Tangled (November 24, 2010). I have high expectations and I predict that one of my current top 10 movies might have to make way for Tangled once I've seen it :)

So,
#) Tangled



and,
#) Rapunzel

I could of course go on all day about how much I love Disney. The songs, the animation, the characters, the magic... but I won't. I will just leave you with this: "Animation offers a medium of story telling and visual entertainment which can bring pleasure and information to people of all ages everywhere in the world." -- Walt Disney

Pizza Mishap

This happened almost a year ago, but it was so funny I just had to blog about it. I will first give you an account of the experience through my dad's words:


"I think I just lived our own version of "A Christmas Story" for the Meyer household (except, we didn't lose a turkey to the galloping dogs).

My wife left me in charge of taking out the pizzas from the oven while she went to pick up Brady and his friends from basketball practice, as they were all coming over for a birthday party/sleep over. The timer started beeping on the oven, so I opened the door to take out the bubbling cheese pizza. I discovered that my wife had simply put the pizza crust directly on the oven trays without a pizza pan... so now what to do? I quickly rolled up a kitchen towel (to be used as a hot pad) and grabbed the rectangle shaped cookie sheet on the bottom tray of the oven (which I assumed was there to catch any dripping cheese from above) -- and slipped it under the pizza crust like a pro would would have done. The only problem here is that the pizza and the pan were different shapes, thus the hot pizza was drooping over two of the pan's edges. I skillfully balanced everything out of the oven and tried to quickly place the pan on the upper section of our kitchen counter, as I didn't want our curious dogs jumping up and getting at it. Apparently, due to the centrifugal force of quickly placing the pan on the counter, the scalding hot pizza started to slip off the outside edge of the pan towards the floor. I quickly tried to stop it with my hands -- which didn't work so well (did I mention earlier that the pizza was scalding hot?)! After burning my hands, I then grabbed the rolled towel to help out, but by then half of melted cheese had already fallen to the stool and down to the floor... where the dogs were waiting and licking their chops (reminded me of the crocodiles waiting for Captain Hook in Peter Pan).

Needless to say, there were a variety of yells and frantic screams emanating from my personage -- my hands getting scalded screams... followed by yelling at the dogs waiting below... followed by calling for the girls upstairs (apparently, they were hard of hearing while watching something on the computer, so I had to yell even louder!)... at the same time yelling in exasperation over this whole scene!

Well, the girls finally came down and had a good laugh at my expense (while taking photos) as they learned what had happened to their dear old dad.

Kelsi then said, "Dad, this is the proper way of taking a pizza out of the oven..."

Aren't girls smart?!!"


Yes girls are smart :) I had to explain exactly how to take a pizza out of the oven:

1) Find the PIZZA TRAY, not a cookie sheet
2) Put on OVEN MITTS
3) Open the oven, hold the tray slightly under the oven rack
4) Use either a spatula or your PROTECTED hand to slide the pizza onto the tray
5) Use both hands to place the pizza on the CLOSEST counter
6) Close the oven as soon AFTER you put the pizza down so you don't hold the tray with one hand

I also added:

You were not screaming at us. You were just screaming. We heard you, but we thought you were putting stuff on your poison oak. The next time you need help, call our names huh? We don't know what AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!means.








Me and my mad skills of perfectly removing a pizza from the oven


Compare this picture to the first picture. Epic win vs. epic fail


It's alright, Dad. Someday you'll be a skilled as me. *cue Superman Theme*

My Future Plans

OK for my entire life I've been encouraged to make goals and write them down. Recently, this has been pressed upon me even more than before as I am getting closer to college and adult-hood. I thought I'd share some plans of mine (not too personal that is) and explain how I plan to accomplish them and such.

1) Go to BYU Idaho
2) Major in film making
3) Publish a book before I graduate college
4) Get married before age 27

NUMBER ONE:
I've always wanted to go to BYU since I knew it existed, but I always wanted to go to Provo. Idaho never seemed very appealing to me and I didn't know that there was one in Hawaii until I was like 13 or 14. I have always had my eyes set on Provo. Always, that is, until last year. I took the SAT and ACT last year and both reported that Idaho was a better match for me than Provo. That was the roots of my change of mind and I continued thinking about it for the rest of the year. I was hesitant to tell my friends about my desires to attend Idaho as they all wanted to go to Provo, so I only hinted at it every once in a while. Suddenly, practically all of them had a sudden change of mind and wanted to go to Idaho rather than Provo. Our... well at least my mind was set after a presentation on all the church schools. Idaho has a 97% acceptance rate. That seemed more appealing to me since I had received minimal grades my Junior year.

Although colleges look at your GPA from your sophmore and junior year, I am striving to do much better in school this year as a senior. I am planning on doing the school play this spring so that I have some extracurricular activities to boast about (for lack of a better term). I am hoping to attend Idaho, but if I don't get in, then I hope to make it into one of the BYU's.

NUMBER TWO:
My talent/love for movie making began when I was about 11. That was when I first discovered YouTube. I loved all the movies made and I wanted to try it for myself. I didn't write any material, nor did I actually film myself doing anything. It all started with me just putting music to clips of The Princess Bride. Therefore, my first projects were only developing my editing skills. My first real project was when I was about 13. The Beehives were going to make a movie for mutual and the presidency was in charge of writing, filming, and producing it. I helped write the script, cast the characters, put together costumes, and I even wrote an entire song (since it was going to be a musical). We utilized my dad's video camera and I was one of the directors. I edited it by myself (my first experience with iMovie). My first experience of a music video was over summer vacation the following year. I was home alone almost all day every day for a week, so I got bored. I randomly decided to make a video to Veggietales' The Hairbrush Song, starring only me and filmed by me. I found that I really enjoyed doing this and proceeded to make a video to almost all the Veggietales songs. Since then, I have written my own material (including the A Pirate's Life For Me trilogy) as well as made other music videos.

Making movies is one of (if not my number one) my favorite pastimes. I can get so into it and I love everything about it. Therefore, it makes sense for me to decide to pursue this in college. I can't decide which particular field I want, but I'll soon find out. Also, I decided on this because I have noticed that I am practically cut out to be in the movie business. I mean, I love watching movies and I love everything about them (lighting, camera movement, story, characters, actors, and so on.), I have knowledge of music, art, and technology (to an extent), I have a loud voice (I don't usually use it, but I have one), I know what makes a good story, I can take control but I can also work in a team, I am a phenomenologist, and I know there are other traits that I can't think of at the moment.

In order to fully prepare for my potential major and (possibly) my career, I am currently taking Teledramatic Arts. Tele Arts covers practically everything involved in movie making, giving me experience in several fields.

NUMBER THREE:
You can read all about my rejected manuscript in a past post as well as my progress. I am rewriting it and I plan on submitting it elsewhere once I'm in college. It's easier for authors if they are at least attending college, if not already graduated, if they want to publish something. I will not give up on Shaken Forever, I will keep rewriting it until it's accepted. I am determined to have some sort of work published before I graduate college, even if it's not Shaken Forever.

NUMBER FOUR:
There's not much to say on this. I am just determined to beat my dad's age. Also I've figured that the older I get without getting married, the higher chance I have of marrying a guy younger than me (which I don't want) because all guys my age or older will be married before they're thirty. I am counting on my patriarchal blessing's words that I will meet a worthy YOUNG man. If I do what I'm supposed to, I'm assuming I will get married before thirty (not that thirty is old, thirty it's just the marking point of middle age). However this all depends on Heavenly Father's idea of "young".