Animusings

It's the season finale of Animusings, and we are wrapping things up (for now) with a sojourn to Colombia and the home of the Madrigal family. Both Seid and Benjamin are back to help us talk about this 2021 feature, with discussions including family dynamics and drama as a focal story point, the significance of Mirabel's glasses, how Dolores deserved her own musical number and why we can't stop talking about Bruno (and his ability to speed-repair drywall).

The land of Kumandra awaits in this fantasy adventure from 2021, and Kaela and David reunite with special guest Justin Quizon to take a trip down the dragon-shaped river. As they go, their discussion includes production challenges in the face of a pandemic, Southeast Asian representation, storytelling without a recognized “Disney villain,” girl crushes and the REAL Boss Baby.

2019 sees us return to Arendelle and exploring the unknown beyond in this sequel. Kaela, David, Angi and Shawn are back and have an understandably big undertaking ahead of them, with topics such as episodic vs. serial sequels, expanded character studies, power ballads done right and some disagreements about Olaf's internal struggles.

The first proper (not direct-to-video) sequel since The Rescuers Down Under sees us returning to the arcade before venturing into the unfathomable internet. Kaela, David and Sandy have a multiplayer discussion of this 2018 feature and discuss topics such as John Lasseter's departure, product placement without copyright fears, why clowns are annoying, and how Ralph's character is undermined this time around.

Kaela and David go back to a duo act as they present this last Animusings+ of the Disney run (for the time being, at least): a discussion of the 2018 sequel to the beloved MARY POPPINS. Topics of discussion includes nostalgia in the formula, weird and unintended chemistry, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and why a surprising cameo by Angela Lansbury makes sense in a most delightful way.

The ocean calls to us as Kaela, David, Seid and Raevell dive in to this 2016 voyage of adventure and discovery set in the mythic South Pacific. Discussion points in this episode include the studio's attempt at proper cultural representation, animating water and hair, sneaking in a Flight of the Concords-style song, scenes that give us chills (in a good way) and Alan Tudyk's most prolific role yet.

We've taken the train to the big city in this 2016 feature about an ideal society of animals… or is it? Madeline and Chris, visiting us from the Land Before Time Land podcast, join in for a very spicy discussion about the perceived message of the film, and how attitudes and views of its themes might have changed for them in the wake of 2020's tumultuous events.

There are robots, super heroes and Pacific Rim vibes in this 2014 feature set in the alternate universe city of San Fransokyo. Our old friend Matt joins us again as we finally touch on the impact of Disney's acquisition of Marvel. Other topics include weird exposition dialogue, how grief affects characters, the elephant in the room that is John Lasseter and the potential for Evil Baymax in a hypothetical sequel.

Neither sleet nor snow will stop us from trudging headlong into this box office phenomenon from 2013. We reunite with our longtime friends and returning guests Angi Viper and Shawn to really open doors with this discussion. Topics include the deep and personal impact the film had on our hosts, detailed subtexts, a case for the trolls and why “Let It Go” might not be the empowerment ballad most think it is.

We return from an unforeseen hiatus and hit the arcade with our old friend Sandy Stoltz. 2012's feature takes us into the world of video games as we discuss tight world-building, Disney's good luck VA, sub-themes about the homeless and why Mario is missing.

Not to be confused with The Many Adventures Of we previously covered, this 2011 return to the Hundred-Acre Wood attempts to capture the same spirit of Pooh's first feature while telling a new story. Lavecki bounces back to help as we discuss the pacing of Pooh, Christopher Robin's weird eyes, keeping humor timeless and a surprising post-credit cameo that some PBS viewers could appreciate.

Disney reaches the big 50 in 2010 and brings Rapunzel into the canon of princess stories. David and Kaela are happy to have returning guest Randy Guerra swing by to join them for a discussion, with such talking points as the mechanics of hair magic, the insidious manipulations of Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's secret swolness and the welcome return of silent-yet-expressive animal companions.

Dreams do come true in New Orleans, or at least they do for Kaela, David and Seid in this beloved 2009 return to traditional 2D animation. Topics include Clements and Musker's trip to the Crescent City, small moments that acknowledge systemic racism, a rare character arc for a prince and villain showboating at its finest.

Another dog-centric feature, this time from 2008, arrives on scene to present an adventurous road trip with animal high jinks. With our special returning guest Andrew Linde, we break down the film and discuss the film that could have been, the logic of a Truman Show for dogs, exhausting misunderstanding cliches and the saving grace of Rhino the hamster.

We keep moving forward to 2007, and are once again joined by Seid to break down this tale of very eccentric family from the future - a film that, up to this review, Kaela and David had never seen before! Major talking points include hand-waving time travel conundrums, making jokes land effectively, positive messages about failure and great big beautiful tomorrows.

Fairy tales and reality collide in this meta-driven feature from 2007, with its combination of animation and live action. Kaela, David and Papreeka go from Andalasia to the Big Apple and have quite a bit to say about this picture, with discussions including the balance of loving tribute to gently poking fun, the tricky path from princess to realized woman, spectacular musical numbers and the possible beginning of the Disney deconstruction commentary within the company’s own movies.

It’s 2005 and Disney has left traditional animation behind with its first fully CGI film. Kaela and David call on past guests Beth Morton and ClericofMadness to help them try and make sense of this unusual feature. Topics include the nonsense of corporate meddling, unearned redemption arcs, dated humor and the tremendous injustice done to Foxy Loxy.

Disney’s “last” 2d-animated feature (until Princess and the Frog) is anything but a little patch of heaven for David, Kaela and returning guests Allen Chaney and Benjamin Spiegel. This weird Western gets put to some not-so-serious scrutiny as the gang discuss the flawgic of making something “funny for kids,” when jokes aren’t given room to breathe, pacing mishaps and when the villain is the most likeable character.

We near the end of an era, but a bright spot remains with this aurora-lit film from 2003. Kylie and Eli of Animal Fact Files and Cinema Nippon return as our animal experts and all-around cool guests as we travel back in time to a post-Ice Age Alaska. Discussions include aspect ratio changes for artistic effect, misunderstandings done right, when films don’t need a villain and how not to do a montage.

A cosmic voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in this imaginative 2002 swashbuckler that takes Treasure Island well out of this world. Special guest Jackson Lanzing (writer, Star Trek: Year Five; Brandon Sanderson’s DARK ONE) climbs aboard with David and Kaela to talk about exquisite aesthetics, teenage angst, whether spinning into space counts as a Plummet and the sequel we never got.

The Hawaiian Islands are the backdrop for this oddball child-befriends-alien story that was a surprise success for Disney. Seid returns as our guest to discuss the Pudge Theory, watercolor wonders, animated crushes and the significant message of finding one’s own family.

Embark on a voyage of discovery with us in this 2001 action-adventure flick. David and Kaela conscript guest Jordin Overton to discuss how margaritas inspire, the deep lore of the S.E.A., when character development matters and the odd cast of memory over a falling balloon.

The last Disney animated feature of the year 2000 is an off-beat slapstick comedy with an intriguing and troubled production history. Kaela and David have Allen Chaney with them again to discuss topics such as a great injustice to Sting, villains stealing the comedy limelight, and why it’s hard to talk about a gag-heavy cartoon in detail.

We apologize in advance to anyone who enjoys this 2000 CG-animated feature, but David, Kaela and special guest Matt Holley are not particularly big fans. They keep things fairly short this time around as they discuss the pros of wordless storytelling, the cons of anthropomorphic lips, the virtues of helping the elderly and how Ayn Rand gets utilized in a weird way.

The concert feature returns for a new millennium, and past guests Abysmii and Papreeka join us for a discussion of this attempt at reviving the Fantasia concept. Topics include flying Doritos, how celebrity cameos can date a feature, evocations of Melody Time and Biblical stories with Disney characters.Special thanks to Ernie Hernandez, Aronzo Traylor and Austin Traylor for lending their incredible voices to the intro.

We’re back to the Hundred-Acre Wood in the year 2000 with this bouncy feature starring everyone’s favorite striped goofball. Lavecki is back to talk about Tigger’s starring role and how the story and characters compare to the previous Winne the Pooh film.

The Lord of the Apes leaps center stage in this episode as David, Kaela and special guest Sandy Stoltz discuss this 1999 animated adventure. Topics include Phil Collins explaining it all, how many montages are too many montages, animated sex appeal and the most gruesome addition to the Plummet Counter.

1998 was a year Disney attempted to bring honor to us all with this Chinese fable seen through a Western lens. David and Kaela get down to business with some help from their friend Jenny to discuss casting quandaries, the role and role-breaking of gender, silence speaking volumes and why a falcon is the greatest soldier in the Hun army.

We attempt to go the distance in this 1997 feature that goes “beyond the myth” when it comes to Greek mythology, as David and Kaela draw special guest ClericofMadness from the Underworld to discuss it. Topics include a petty deal with Jeffery, a surprising connection to Pink Floyd, Hades getting a bad rep and the subtext of Megara’s backstory.

Come one! Come all! See how Disney managed to convert Victor Hugo’s bleak and mature novel into this 1996 family feature with - believe it or not- a G-rating. Returning guests Alex and Heather are back to discuss depictions of Romani, the problem with goofy gargoyles, deep fireplace confessions and the best music Alan Menken has ever written.

Ben Spiegel is our guest once again to talk about this 1996 stop-motion marvel about a boy, some bugs, and a very big fruit. Discussion includes magical realism and defining it in the world, an introduction to Randy Newman, and rhinos being a metaphor for car accidents.

Kaela and David seek riches in the new world of 1995, and find only this VERY loosely historical animated feature instead. Joined by old friends Seid and Raevell, they’ll listen with their hearts in hopes to understand the real history, animation history and unusual expectations for this film on its release. Topics include deep-diving into Jamestown lore, comic relief dos-and-don’ts, magic wind and character chemistry in unusual places.

Kaela and David take a road trip through some 1995 nostalgia with Kaela’s sister, Marelle. This film, another follow-up to a Disney Afternoon show, sees a father-son dynamic that’s a little bit… well, goofy! Topics of discussion include liar revealed tropes, recurring nuns, the Dad Code and Chekov’s Perfect Cast.Special thanks to Ernie Hernandez for voicing Goofy in our intro.

From the day we arrived on this podcast, we knew we would get to this one. Kaela and David visit the Pridelands of this 1994 feature with their friends from Animal Fact Files and Cinema Nippon, Kylie and Eli, and talk about the surprising rise and lasting impression this coming-of-age story had on a generation. Talking points include divinely-appointed lions, figuring out where in Africa things are set, some sympathy for Scar, and the true awakening of furries.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the show, Kaela, David and Nick talk of ghosts, ghouls and snow. The unusual feature from 1993 is a stop-motion wonder that fills them with glee. They discuss Halloween Town, lost holiday doors, Tim’s lack of involvement, Oogie Boogie and more!

We end 2019 in the scorching desert with a 1992 Arabian night, with David and Kaela having pitched camp with special guest Ben Paddon as they weave their way through this mystical and madcap feature. Discussion points include the impact of Robin Williams, the possible origin of the Cave of Wonders, a fair amount of comparisons to the 2019 live-action remake, and a game called “Guess the Ashman.”

A tale as old as time in more ways than one, this 1991 musical fairy tale is considered a masterpiece of Disney’s filmography for many; Kaela, David and guest Beth Morton included. Discussion points include Howard Ashman’s swan song, the timeline confusion of an enchanted castle, village yokels bullying an old man and, honestly, a lot of gushing.

Bernard and Bianca are back after over a decade in Disney’s first true sequel, released in 1990. Joining our discussion are Brian Ward and Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions; Lattes with Leia) as we muse about what is captivating in the first 10 minutes, the practicality of the R.A.S., when cartoon animals aren’t funny and Bernard’s character arc.

Life is like a hurricane here on Animusings+, especially when Kaela and David bring back Alex and Heather to talk DuckTales, a collective childhood favorite, and the 1990 movie the series inspired.

In the longest episode to date - so long, in fact, we’re splitting it in two parts - Kaela and David ask their friends Angi Viper and Shawn Bean to be part of their world as they submerge deep into this 1989 underwater adventure. Discussion includes popular misconceptions about Ariel’s motives and voice, father-daughter relationships, fisticuffs over Sebastian’s identity and the horror of fish sentience.

In the longest episode to date - so long, in fact, we’re splitting it in two parts - Kaela and David ask their friends Angi Viper and Shawn Bean to be part of their world as they submerge deep into this 1989 underwater adventure. Discussion includes popular misconceptions about Ariel’s motives and voice, father-daughter relationships, fisticuffs over Sebastian’s identity and the horror of fish sentience.

“Once upon a time in New York City” is the setting for this 1988 film, loosely based off Charles Dickens’ Oilver Twist. Kaela, David and returning guest Randy Guerra talk about dog breed caricatures, love letters to Manhattan, the music that sticks with them, and what the heck the deal with Sykes is.

Jeepers! At nearly three hours long, you know David, Kaela and special guests the Ornelas Brothers had a lot to say about this 1988 combination of live-action and animation and a technical achievement in more ways than one.Discussion points include cartoon civil rights, what makes a good Noir, bumping the lamp and how the plight of the Disney studios in the late 40s informs the plot.

Joined by longtime friend Allen - himself related to horror legend Lon Chaney - we hit a very different London after midnight in this 1986 mystery/adventure on a mouse-sized scale. Discussions include risque club scenes, the exact relationship between Basil and Ratigan, the 60-year reign of a mouse queen and why Vincent Price was an incredible actor.

It’s our 2-year anniversary, and we’re about to enter the Disney Dark Ages with this disastrous 1985 fantasy that nearly ruined the animation studio. As such, the kid-gloves are off, and we’re going to be perfectly candid about this one, joined by special guest May Leitz (Nyx Fears) to talk editing woes, foggy conditions and why Henwen is the best character.

Abysmii is back to join the discussion of this significant 1981 feature, representing the reluctant passing of the reins from a previous generation of animators to the next. Points of discussion include Nature vs. Nurture, when and why a character should be killed off, how Tim Burton draws female foxes, and a cut scene involving Phil Harris and Charo that was indeed wise to remove.

Who will rescue special guest Papreeka (Raygun Readers) from having to discuss this mouse-driven mission from 1977? Or does she even need rescuing? Kaela and David are certainly happy to have her around as they talk about Bianca and Bernard’s developing relationship, the exact location of Devil’s Bayou, when the villain is a discount Cruella DeVille, and when it’s a good time for swamp yokels to yell “CHARGE!”

It’s a brazzle-dazzle day when Kaela, David and guest host Secoura stumble their way into this bizarre 1977 musical feature about a boy and his sometimes-animated, sometimes-invisble dragon. Discussion points include hillbilly jump scares, weird timing for breakout musical numbers, building a lighthouse vs. renting a lighthouse, and when chewing scenery is a good thing.

This treasured anthology from 1977 is a source of many fond memories for Kaela, David and special guest Lavecki, who now venture back to the Hundred-Acre Wood as adults to revisit the menagerie of animals inspired by A. A. Milne’s books for children. Topics include the return of the package film, the comedy Rule of Three, meta-humor and our hosts favorite characters.

Disney’s first proper anthropomorphic animal film gets the Animusings treatment as David, Kaela and guest Orion Moon enter Sherwood Forest and hobnob about this 1973 feature. Discussion includes the finale of the Phil Harris Trilogy, Ken Anderson versus Wolfgang Reitherman, Maid Marion’s confusing familial connections and lots and lots of recycled animation.

The debate stands: is this 1971 live action/animated fantasy adventure a spiritual successor to Mary Poppins, or is it just aping the formula hoping to produce similar results? Kaela and David aim to find out, and get a little help from guests AJ and Gwen of musical-parody channel Random Encounters. Topics of discussion in this episode include trippy bed-flying sequences, fun with rolling library ladders, cartoon soccer picks and “Mischief Nazis.”