Beyond Appearances

So... I've finally noticed a pattern in my obsessions. Disney, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Merlin. I know what you're thinking, what on earth do these have in common? Well, if you noticed the title of this post you'll see that it's called "Beyond Appearances". Yes, that's right. In each of these shows, there's always something that's more than what they seem. This post is dedicated to pointing out the details that prove this point, starting with my TWO-YEAR-LONG OBSESSION (two years D:) The Scarlet Pimpernel.

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL

It was not just the movies I was in love with. It was the story in general. I was first introduced to it at my school library in 8th grade. I was at the highest level of reading, the white star books. There was a very limited selection of books in that category since not very many people can reach that level before high school. Anyways, I was supposed to pick a book for a reading log. I had never heard of any of the books in the white star section so I just closed my eyes and picked a random one. Of course, it was The Scarlet Pimpernel. I tried reading it, but I was so confused. The language was hard and the french words and names just made it worse. I couldn't get through the first chapter and I was tempted to put it back after over a week of trying. I finally asked my grandpa (since he knows literally EVERYTHING) if he knew what it was about. He gave me a brief outline of the plot and made sure I knew what the French Revolution was (which I did know a little about). Eventually I was hooked. I found a movie version made in 1982 that was absolute perfection! It was exactly how I pictured the book in my mind.
So that's how I was introduced, moving on. The whole point of the story is people (mainly a french actress married to an english aristocrat, Marguerite, and a citoyen of the Republic of France, Chauvelin) trying to figure out the identity of a man who rescues aristocrats from being executed at the guillotine. What does this have to do with looking beyond appearances? Well, the man, the Scarlet Pimpernel, is an English aristocratic fop, Sir Percival (Percy) Blakeney. And when I say fop, I mean FOP! He is like the biggest idiot ever, obsessed with fashion and making up poems. The book says that he would be abnormally handsome except for the lazy look in his eye. In the movie, he is constantly critiquing Chauvelin’s fashion sense. (In fact, one of my favorite scenes involves him completely dissing French fashion and politics. So funny!). However, despite what he appears to be, he is actually a highly intelligent, brave, and strategic man who always knows what’s up. But because of his persona of a lazy fop, no one suspects him of being the Scarlet Pimpernel, not even his wife.


DISNEY
I have divided this into three categories just because I love talking about Disney movies :P These are not the only examples, but they are the most obvious examples selected from my top five favorite Disney movies (5- Beauty and the Beast, 4- The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 3- Aladdin, 2- Tangled, 1- The Lion King).


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

This movie used to scare the bejeebers out of me when I was little (no, really. I would run out of the room crying). Not because of the beast, but because he gets stabbed at the end D: However, now that I’m older, it’s become one of my favorite Disney movies. The most obvious example of “it’s not what it seems” is the beast. He is viewed as a large, scary monster with a short temper. The first impression of him in the movie is his horned shadow looming over Maurice (Belle’s father, for those who are not clued in to this movie). Then he-- with his deep, scary voice-- threatens Maurice, telling him he’s unwelcome, and then throws him in the dungeon. Yeah, not someone you’d want to be best friends with right? Even Belle said so, “I don’t want to have anything to do with him”. Little did she know (or did we know) that he’s actually short-tempered and isolated because he is ashamed of his appearance.
I’ve also determined that he was eleven years old when he was transformed because he has until his 21st year to break the spell and Lumiere informs Belle in 'Be Our Guest' that “ten years we’ve been rusting”. This gives a reason for the beast’s lack of social skills. He grew up isolated from everyone and never really grew up, I think. This fact is further proven when he sulks about how he doesn’t know how to talk to Belle, he acts like a big baby when Belle is tending to his wounds, and he doesn’t know how to properly use silverware. In short, he is actually an insecure little boy hiding beneath his ferocious exterior. At the end of the movie, his true physical form is revealed as he is transformed into a “handsome” prince (I put quotation marks around handsome because I personally don’t think he’s that great. I think it's really the hair that ruins it for me, his face isn't so bad.)


THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

Well... there was a whole lot I missed about this movie when I was younger. Lots of adult subjects in this one. I liked it as a kid, but it wasn’t really my favorite. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to really appreciate everything in it. The music is just epic, the animation is amazing, and the story has been cleaned up a lot from the original novel (believe it or not. The novel is TERRIBLE). The movie begins with Clopin (the jester guy. Nobody seems to know his name, which depresses me, because he is one of my favorite Disney characters) telling the story of the mysterious bell ringer to some children. He tells them to determine “who is the monster and who is the man”. Quasimodo is hidden away from the world because of his physical deformities. His guardian, Frollo, is constantly telling him that he is ugly and that he would never fit in with society. This is in fact proven true when Quasimodo does eventually venture out of the cathedral to attend a festival. He is tied up and pelted with fruit for having “the ugliest face in all of Paris”. I would always skip that part when I was younger, I hated seeing such cruelties to such a sweet man.
Even as a child I clearly saw that these people were stupid for thinking him a monster just because he was deformed.
While he may be ugly, his heart is genuinely kind and full of love. He is extremely agile and athletic, spending a lot of time climbing over the roof and walls of Notre Dame. He also spend a lot of his time building a model of Paris and the people that live there. That shows a lot of talent right there. However, all his talent and potential is overlooked just because he is not physically appealing. Frollo, on the other hand, is a high official in Paris (respected? Most likely. Liked? Probably not). He kills Quasi’s mother and almost kills Quasi because he’s “a monster”. Then he literally burns down Paris, searching for Esmerelda because of his own stupid lustful desires. He sees evil in everything, but himself. By the end, Clopin’s question is answered. Just because Quasimodo is ugly doesn’t make him a monster and just because Frollo looks normal doesn’t make him a man.


TANGLED

This wouldn’t be my blog without mentioning this movie :P This one has several examples of looking beyond appearances. Rapunzel seems to be a strange girl locked away in a tower, but she’s actually a lost princess. Gothel appears to be a loving mother, trying to protect her daughter from the dangerous world, but she’s actually a conniving and selfish woman who kidnaps Rapunzel for her own gain. The pub thugs appear to be violent, scary men, but they are friendly guys who like playing the piano, cooking, sewing, putting on puppet shows, and collecting ceramic unicorns XD. However, I am going to focus on my personal favorite “it’s not what it seems” scenario. Flynn Rider. I know what you’re thinking, “but Kelsi, he’s not ugly. He’s the handsomest leading man Disney’s ever had!” (OK, you probably weren’t thinking that, but I was :P). Anyways, let me explain. From the very start, he seems to be a carefree, sarcastic, overconfident thief, whose only thoughts are on himself and getting himself richer. However, as the movie progresses, his true self begins to emerge. An orphan boy who turned to a life of thieving because he needed something to aspire to. Once he confesses his real name (Eugene Fitzherbert. XD poor guy) and life, we begin to see what he is really like. He’s kind of a sap and a sweetheart, trying to make Rapunzel’s birthday the best it can be even though it was going beyond their deal made at the beginning of the movie. So what seemed to be an egotistical liar turned out to be a sweet guy who was willing to give up his life for someone he cares about.


MERLIN

Boredom can lead to great things as the story of how I discovered this awesome TV show proves. I was extremely bored over, I think it was, Winter Break. I was on my computer, hopelessly searching for something to do since I was home alone for the day and dead bored. I thought, “I should watch a Disney movie I haven’t seen in a while”. I went and found a list of all Disney movies on Wikipedia, hoping to find one that I could look up on Youtube or something. I clicked on Sword in the Stone, deciding that it was probably a good choice, but I decided I wanted to read about it... just because. It had other references at the bottom. One talked about a TV show about Merlin the wizard. I clicked on the link and I read about the show. My curiosity was piqued so I looked up one of the episodes on Youtube. The first one got my attention enough to want to watch the second. After that, I was hooked. I watched a good portion of the first season that day. Now I’m eagerly awaiting the fourth season to come out at the end of this year. Anyways, moving on. Merlin is centered around, well... Merlin before King Arthur becomes king. Merlin is sent to Camelot by his mother as a young man because “he is special” (meaning he was born with powerful magic which is apparently unusual) and doesn’t fit in. Eventually, Merlin meets Prince Arthur, and although they hate each other at first, they become friends after Merlin is made his personal servant. There’s a catch though. Anyone caught using magic in Camelot is executed. (It’s a long story as to why this is. You find out as the series goes on, why King Uther has banned magic). So the concept of looking beyond appearances comes into play again. Merlin appears to everyone as Arthur’s bumbling idiot servant who can’t do anything right, when in fact Merlin is to one day become the most powerful wizard the world has ever known. Only a few know who Merlin really is (Gaius- the court physician and Merlin’s guardian/mentor, Lancelot, and the Great Dragon who is imprisoned under the castle). Lancelot even comments in the season 3 finale that Merlin is “the bravest of us all and [Arthur] doesn’t even know it”. Since magic is forbidden and even feared in Camelot, Merlin admits to feeling totally alone and almost frightened because of what he is. We all know though what he becomes. So what appears to be a bumbling idiot is actually a very special boy with a good heart and great bravery.


So I shall be wrapping up my very long post post on looking beyond appearances with a point. I can’t pinpoint to why exactly I find this concept so appealing, but I do. I guess it’s the intrigue of what these characters really are. Like with Merlin, I know what he is supposed to become, but I wonder when Arthur will find out that he even has magic much less how powerful he is. Or with the Scarlet Pimpernel, I enjoy watching Marguerite realizing who her husband really is as much as I enjoy watching Chauvelin get outwitted by the same man he has declared an utter fool. Disney movies in general are just awesome for a number of reasons, but I’ve noticed that the moral to a lot of them is seeing inner beauty or discovering that it’s what’s inside that counts.

Remember that always. It’s what’s inside that counts. It doesn’t matter if you’re deformed like Quasimodo or have transformed into a hideous beast. You are special. Don’t struggle with your true self like Flynn/Eugene did and someday everyone will see that your special traits are not something to hide or scorn, but they actually make you special, just like Merlin. Everyone has worth. Everyone means something, especially in Heavenly Father’s eyes. Never, ever forget that :)

Concentration

Oh the irony of writing this post when I should be concentrating on writing my english essay, but I just had to get this out there. It'll be quick (don't worry Mom).

Often with boring things like school essays, I have a hard time wrapping my mind around what it is exactly that I'm trying to say. I will go off daydreaming about a story I'm writing, or something funny someone did, or a song that's stuck in my head, or a movie I want to watch again. Well, this has tormented me for years, I have a constantly wandering mind, but recently I have found a solution to my problem.

I know I can write a decent essay if I concentrate on it, so how do I concentrate? I listen to How To Train Your Dragon soundtrack.

It is the epitome of relaxation and concentration. Particularly "Forbidden Friendship". I just turn it on in a loop and I produce well crafted essays. The music is beautiful enough to keep my mind from wandering too much, but is not too distracting itself.

Just thought I'd throw this thought out into the void. Now back to my essay.

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