An educational podcast providing analytical yet fun loving academic look at Disney narrative filmography from the 20th Century.
Andie Redwine and Larry Brenner
The Once Upon A Disney podcast is a delightful and insightful deep dive into the world of Disney movies. Hosted by Larry and Andie, this podcast offers a casual and enjoyable listening experience that will appeal to both die-hard Disney fans and casual viewers. Larry and Andie's astute observations and discussions make for compelling conversation, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on the story structure of Disney films as well as other movies and books.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wonderful rapport between Larry and Andie. Their chemistry shines through in every episode, creating a warm and enjoyable atmosphere. The discussions are filled with joy, humor, candor, and insightful observations that keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Larry's expertise in breaking down Disney films is truly amazing, offering unique insights into each movie they discuss. Whether you're a casual watcher or an avid fan of Disney, you'll find something to love in this podcast.
Additionally, Once Upon A Disney stands out for its playful discoveries and analysis that arise from two artists/educators who clearly love what they do. The podcast never feels dogmatic or judgmental, allowing for both agreements and disagreements to be treated as fun ways to learn more about the creations of Disney films. Each episode feels like sitting down with friends who are passionate about film critique and want to bring fresh ideas to light.
While it may not be considered a negative aspect by all listeners, some may find that the academic approach used in analyzing the films can be overwhelming or too serious at times. However, Larry and Andie manage to balance this with their lightheartedness and sense of fun throughout the episodes.
In conclusion, The Once Upon A Disney podcast is highly recommended for anyone who loves Disney films or enjoys engaging conversations about storytelling. The combination of Larry and Andie's expertise, their genuine love for all things Disney, along with their witty banter makes for an immensely joyful and intelligent podcast. Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or simply interested in learning more about the art of storytelling, this podcast is a must-listen.
Our final episode of Season 6 is a practically perfect in every way screenplay! Topics include: protagonists and deuteragonists, why this Mahnishtahnah is necessary, and a pitch from Larry that makes Andie cry!
Larry and Andie are mixed on this comic book adaptation. Topics include a tonally different mahnishtahnah, what we need from a superhero movie, and Larry's comparison of this movie to Aladdin.
Andie and Larry offer a lot of fixes to this TV-spinoff film. Topics include protagonist and inciting incident troubles, the need to re-introduce audiences to characters, and parallels to Aladdin.
Of course...you can always choose...OUR WAY! Larry and Andie unravel this spooky sleeper. Topics include a functional Mahnishtahnah, MORE CONFLICT, and Andie's billion dollar idea.
Andie and Larry manage their emotions to handle this spiritual Disney experience. Topics include a hard to find inciting incident, a discussion about different protagonists, and general cosmological questions.
Listener Beware: Larry has the darkest possible take on Goof Troop, and really goes through some things. Is this show actually a psychological horror series, as he claims?
In this bonus episode, Larry tackles the two-part launch of Darkwing Duck. Let's get analytical!
Andie and Larry are pretty whelmed by this 1999 teen rom com by Touchstone. Topics include: the dual plot, some cringey moments by modern sensibilities, and a scene that makes Larry cry!
Hakuna Matata! Larry and Andie take on this surreal "behind the scenequel" to The Lion King. Highlights include parallels to A Bug's Life, Timon as a father, and the inspiration for this piece.
What's wrong with that? Andie and Larry do their best with this musical followup to Mary Poppins. Topics include John and Bert, television structure, and how these Sherman Brothers songs mirror Walt Disney's personal philosophy.
Larry and Andie take on this Roald Dahl adaptation. Topics include the classic Disney storybook opening, the dangers of too many characters, and why this movie gets unnecessarily boring.
Playwright Elana Gartner joins Andie and Larry to analyze this Gen X teen comedy. Topics include an interesting mahnishtahnah, how Chris should save the day in the climax, and the best game time with Larry ever!
The Independent Critic Richard Propes joins the Once Upon A Disney tour to talk strengths and weaknesses of this film. Highlights include tone, protagonist problems, and answering the question 'Is This A Musical?'
Larry takes a look at the four part "Plunder and Lightning" tv movie that launched the Talespin series. Is it a rant or a rave? How did the writers adapt the Jungle Book characters for an adventure serial? Why were some characters left out? How should the series have ended?
Andie and Larry hit the run with this early 90s surprise hit. Topics include protagonist problems in the sports genre, a misleading Mahnishtahnah, and an unexpected ending.
Playwright and artist Bryn Tanner joins Andie and Larry for this underrated Disney capstone series film. Topics include structure, an engaging soundtrack, and what an antagonist needs to do.
The Holy Goof's Brett Niethamer joins the duo to navigate this Labyrinth - and Larry is squarely in his Henson element. Topics in this special extended episode include surrealism, dream logic, and nonsense realms.
Join Andie and Larry as they find the gems in this high stakes family friendly caper. Topics include what makes for a good heist movie and the case for Dr. Chase as a protagonist
Goosebumps: The Musical's John Maclay joins Larry and Andie to talk about this made for TV phantom movie. Topics include: plot twists, introducing characters too late, and the need for story logic.
Andie and Larry find themselves baffled by the choices made in this sequel - or is it a sequel? Topics include: making your comedy characters protagonists and avoiding unfunny tropes.
Andie and Larry return to the Hundred Acre Wood for an unconventional structure, some protagonist problems, and more of the villain who is Owl - but they really wanted more Piglet.
Our 102nd episode deserves equally as many puppies! For this sequel, Andie and Larry tackle some major issues with theme, story purpose, and protagonists - and offer up some fixes!
Yo, ho, yo, ho, it's time for season 6 where Larry and Andie tackle this supernatural swashbuckler. Topics include protagonists, antagonists, and who should command the climax and falling action.
Our 100th episode! Larry and Andie unpack this direct to DVD Disney feature - and one of the few starring Mickey Mouse and friends. Topics include dramatic irony, foiling, and letters from our listeners - you're why we do what we do!
Gabriel Diani (Mark Twain Today) joins Andie and Larry to unpack this Disney Channel original movie. Topics include the importance of conflict and knowing where to start and stop your movie.
WOOF! Andie and Larry engage this family favorite, noting a lot of great canine acting. Topics include nontraditional structure, the logic police, and why Andie never watches trailers.
Larry and Andie get a little silly discussing a rare direct-to-video Disney sequel they contend is better than the original. Topics include a better protagonist, a stronger antagonist, and a Pocahontas dating game.
Diving back into some DuckTales episodes like a billionaire into his money bin, Larry takes a looks at Super DuckTales, the five part story that introduces Gizmo Duck into the Duckverse
The BatmanTASticast's Mike Staub and Jordan Hue join Larry and Andie to discuss this 1960 feature. Topics include a Batman-Zorro comparison and Larry's new game Best Villain.
Larry and Andie saddle up for this Disney girl and her horse feature. Topics include didactic opening scenes and the importance of conflict with your characters.
Larry has completed the entire Gummi Bears series, and he has some thoughts! What can be learned from the lightly serialized nature of the Gummi Bears cartoon, and how do you wrap up five years of a children's television series?
Screenwriter Ashley Cook joins Larry and Andie to dig deep into the second installment of the Honey, I Shrunk franchise. Topics include escalating the inciting incident and how a child actor might limit storytelling possibilities.
Playwrights Gabriel Jason Dean and Jessie Dean join Larry and Andie to discuss Disney's adaptation of the Dickens classic. Topics include the need for a singular protagonist and reductionistic pitfalls in adaptation.
Batter up! Larry and Andie analyze this Texas baseball classic. Topics include a late inciting incident, too much dramatic irony, and a pitch certain to be a hit!
Andie and Larry explore this Wonderful World of Disney TV film. Topics include handling an adaptation, the danger of redundancy, and the need for a strong climax.
What's the craic? It's this episode! Andie and Larry enjoy a wee bit of fun while engaging with this amazing cinematic spectacle. Topics include clever dialogue, the use of subtext, and the joys of consent in romantic scenes.
Screenwriter Andrea Nasfell joins Andie and Larry for such topics as character development without the use of dialogue and the power of an ambiguous ending.
In a rare turn of events, Larry and Andie both struggle with a film they really wanted to like. Topics include a too long mahnishtahnah and the need for Medusa.
The Holy Goof's Brett Niethamer join Andie and Larry to unpack this Jim Henson masterpiece. Topics include character work, plotting concerns, and how indifference might be the worst evil.
Andie and Larry dig into the Disney Channel's answer to the ABC Afterschool Special. Highlights from this made for TV movie include character work and the theme of embracing love after loss.
Second star to the right! Larry and Andie return to the Peter Pan franchise to discuss plot questions and why Wendy should have been able to go back to Never Land.
Andie and Larry dive into Disney's wildly successful 1970's western for children. Topics include the protagonist's relationship with the villain and a problematic mahnishtahnah.
Playwright Gina Marie Dropp comes on board to discuss the last film in the Disney Renaissance. Topics include a lengthy exposition, an extended climax, and great character work.
Larry and Andie offer strong rewrite suggestions for this Disney live-action movie. Highlights include: a better mahnishtahnah, a discussion about the Dove Foundation and G rated fare, and The Glad Game!
Andie and Larry kick off Season 5 with this legendary Disney Princess. Topics include false tension, potential solutions for protagonist problems, and Larry's new game First Or False.
In this last episode of Season 4, Larry and Andie enjoy this heartwarming sci-fi story of found family and redemptive love. Topics include three inciting incidents, a romantic comedy structure, and why Jumba's role as antagonist gets skewed.
Get your tissues! Andie and Larry unpack this 'Boy and His Dog' genre classic. Highlights include character work, the theme of becoming a man, and Larry choosing a Disney dog for a pet.
In this episode, Andie and Larry dig into one of Disney's more controversial offerings. Topics include a faulty prologue, a weak protagonist, and Romeo and Juliet as a structural model for a First Nation story.
Larry and Andie go back for another round of '50s Crockett Craze! Highlights include reasons for a puzzling Mahnishtahnah and the problem with a stoic protagonist in a morality play.
Our first sports movie! Larry and Andie do a post mortem on this classic football film. Highlights include atypical structure, how narration creates aesthetic distance, and a Disney fantasy football game.
Guest star Noelle Nori joins Andie and Larry to discuss the differences between the original animated version and the live action remake - plus The Dating Game starring Cruella de Vil!!
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