Underappreciated Disney Films: The Rescuers Down Under

“The Rescuers Down Under” doesn’t stand out as much as other films in my underappreciated series.  When looking at the full catalog of Disney feature-length animated films, I can understand why RDU and its predecessor don’t get as much attention.  I could have chosen either of them for this column, but given that “The Rescuers” was popular enough when it came out to warrant one of Disney’s only three theater-released sequels, I picked the latter film.  RDU is also hurt by the fact that its release came between that of Disney powerhouses “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.” … Continue reading

Underappreciated Disney Films: Newsies

I didn’t even have to watch or re-watch the new Underappreciated Disney Film, I know it so well. I haven’t seen it in full in years, but back when I was a teenager, I had both the movie and its soundtrack playing almost constantly. In honor of International Worker’s Day tomorrow, this segment’s underappreciated film is “Newsies.” “Newsies” is one of those movies that almost always gets either one of two reactions when brought up in a group: silence, because someone doesn’t know what it is, or shrieking gasps of “I LOVE(D) that movie!” It’s also a great example of … Continue reading

Underappreciated Disney Films: Lilo & Stitch

Lilo: “We’re a broken family, aren’t we?” Nani: “No. Maybe a little. Maybe a lot. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” Lilo: “We’re sisters, it’s our job. I like you better as a sister than as a mom. And you like me better as a sister than a rabbit, right?” Whenever I bring up 2002’s “Lilo & Stitch,” most people in the room immediately exclaim “I love that movie!” But despite that it doesn’t seem to get the same sort of attention as other beloved Disney films. Due to its relatively recent release, it’s not a movie most people grew … Continue reading

Underappreciated Disney Films: Robin Hood

I’ve been talking a lot lately about Disney’s fairy-tale based films. They’re my favorite of Disney’s offerings because they appeal to the part of me that’s always loved fantasy stories. But I’ve decided to highlight some of Disney’s lesser-known but equally excellent films. Every few months I will profile one of what I call Disney’s underappreciated movies. This month I’ve chosen one of my favorite non-fairy-tale Disney films, and one that gets a bit more attention than the others due to its legendary subject: Robin Hood. The playfully anthropomorphic Robin Hood, released in 1973, is the perfect family film because … Continue reading