Staff writer Lisa Perkis answers reader mail about her movie reviews for The Shaggy Dog (link) and Bambi II (link).
Alan Cranford writes:
I read your column on The Shaggy Dog last week and watched that new movie last night. While this wasn’t The Chronicles of Narnia, I enjoyed this remake. Did you miss the commando raid in Tibet at the beginning of the movie? Or did that bit of drama turn you off immediately?
A professional film critic has to hate movies, be a poor writer, and really hate us common people. You don’t qualify—or else you’d be in the popcorn line as long as possible before subjecting yourself to 15 minutes of movie torment. So I’m guessing that you like movies in general and Disney movies in particular. There isn’t any reason to like every Disney movie.
Why should “young children” be the Disney movie target audience? Walt Disney was in the family entertainment business. Pixar’s hit parade is successful because it reaches something in every age group of the audience. On the other hand, failure to reach the “young children” is a blemish. But how young is young? Three? Two? I ask because there is a lot of awareness about current events such as the heavy topics you listed. Walt Disney never talked down to his audience—that was one secret to success and one reason movies like Mary Poppins are better the second or third time around. Subjects such as suffrage for women and workaholic banker dads and private day care for the upper class—are they not also heavy subjects?
I got a copy of the 1959 Shaggy Dog last week and watched it Friday—and realized that I hadn’t seen it before. The new remake has a lot to live up to. For one thing, the 1959 movie was the top grossing movie of 1959. For another, the ’59 edition was made on a shoestring. Walt approached a television executive about turning the Shaggy Dog into a television serial—and was turned down because the concept was “too stupid for anybody to want to watch.” Who cares about a spoiled brat that gets changed into a dog? Or a district attorney, for that matter!
Like and dislike are personal, subjective things. It isn’t always easy to recognize or admit why something doesn’t tickle my fancy. I enjoyed both editions of The Shaggy Dog, but neither are my favorite Disney movie. I did have trouble with suspension of disbelief—shape shifting? Rockets fired in the basement without destroying the entire house? DNA doesn’t alter like it did in the movie. I’ll admit some discomfort over hypodermic needles and animal testing… was it really your lack of sympathy for the main characters? The dog was there right at the beginning of the movie.
I was in a crabby mood when I went to the theater last night, too. Throw in a blizzard (it is still snowing here in Carson City, Nevada) and a few biases I had against the new Shaggy Dog, and I wonder why I got any enjoyment from the picture. Of course, I am single and I went alone. Monday night, the last showing of the Shaggy Dog, meant that the theater had less than 20 people, less than 10 percent of its seats filled. I didn’t have bored children playing tag in the aisles or antsy parents griping about being ripped off for admission or film critics breezing in and out in the middle of the show…
First of all, thanks for your feedback on the review. I must admit, I’ve been getting a few raised eyebrows over my (overly?) critical review of The Shaggy Dog—including my own children. So to defend myself…
I always head to a Disney release with an open mind. Remakes don’t bother me a bit—as I mentioned, some of my favorite live action Disney films are remakes. I’m not of the opinion that everything in the Disney cannon should remain unsullied by modern touches. However, this film didn’t do anything to warm my heart, or make me laugh, get misty eyed, or make me look forward to the DVD release. Suspension of disbelief didn’t have anything to do with it for me—take a look at Freaky Friday, for heaven’s sake.
As you mentioned, like and dislike are completely subjective and hard to explain. I tried to break down specifically where the film went wrong, but in the end, I guess I have to say, “I’m sorry, I just didn’t like it” and let the chips fall where they may.
I’m glad you enjoyed the film, though. I’m reviewing Lady and the Tramp‘s 50th Anniversary Edition at the moment; talk about your heartwarming, funny, touching stories… and dogs everywhere.
Rhonda Arias writes:
I just read your piece about Bambi II. Very nice, I am so looking forward to seeing it, just haven’t had the chance. I thought you might think is interesting to know that outside the USA, Bambi II is a theatrical release! I have been living here in Chile for the past 20 years, and I have never seen this happen before. All the other direct-to-video films have been just that. I went to Blockbuster to buy Bambi and they said I could, just as soon as it left the theaters. Maybe that’s why they upped the quality?
P.S. I love MousePlanet!
Thank you for your email. I did not know that Disney was releasing Bambi II in theatres overseas—thanks for the information! Let me know how you liked it.
Tom writes:
That was one great DVD review. Your detail and honest review is a model for how other reviewers should write about products.
I am used to one-sided DVD reviews that either praise or rain hate mail on the product. Your review covered Disney’s sequel disasters with professionalism and an honest review of their latest product. Thank you for that. Bambi still is one of my favorite movies and the lush scenes and beautiful music is what made that movie a classic even in today’s computer generated world.
It has always been story over style, which is why the folks at Pixar have always succeeded. No story, no success no matter how cool your animation is.
Keep those reviews coming!
Thanks for the feedback. I first saw Bambi when they re-released it to theatres back in the 70s—I was probably around six years old, and it left such an impression on me. I hope the DVD release will encourage the new generation to check out the original—they go very well together.
No matter what age you are, Disney theme parks are a popular destination for birthday celebrations. Staff writer Lisa Perkis answers birthday-related questions on celebrations in Disneyland. Lisa’s recent article, “Birthdays at Disneyland” can be found here (link).
Chantal Cardinal writes:
I will be at Disneyland with my family next month and would like to plan something for my daughter who will be turning 11 while we are there. I have gone through the web site but thought maybe you would know which would be better for an 11-year-old girl? Thank you for your time
Every 11 year old is different, I know, but my 11-year-old daughter is pretty much over the character meals at this point. Unless you know your daughter would really love that, I would ask her if she would like to pick out a nice restaurant in Downtown Disney or at the hotels for dinner. Hook’s Pointe at the Disneyland Hotel is a special place, but there are plenty of other options. Another thing my daughter enjoys is the Build a Bear Factory—girls never get too old for stuffed animals, especially when you get to pick out cute outfits to go with them. Another special thing to look into is the Fantasmic! dessert buffet, which is pretty pricy but very memorable. Call (714) 781-4400 for more information.
Marnie Jones writes:
I stumbled upon your site via some chat boards trying to find out more for our visit to Disneyland in June to celebrate our daughter’s 3rd birthday. The only question I had was where do I call to make a reservation for the Plaza Inn party, as well as character meals such as Goofy’s Kitchen (and where is Goofy’s Kitchen?).
Thanks so much! We’ve been several times, but this will be our daughter’s first time to either Disney parks. Can’t wait!
You can call Disney Dining at (714) 781-3463, and tell them you would like to make a reservation for the Happiest Birthdays on Earth at the Plaza Inn. Use the same number for Goofy’s Kitchen or any of the other character meals. Goofy’s Kitchen is located in the Disneyland Hotel.
Yvonne Salinas writes:
My family and I will be celebrating my 3-year-old son’s birthday at Disneyland. I want to get the most for our money but not sure what to choose. Here is what I was hoping for: There will be 15 to 20 people at our party. I wanted two or more characters, souvenir bucks for kids, party hats, balloons, birthday cake to be decorated w/characters or staff members, music if possible. I guess just something that he will not forget. I am in need of help and since this is your specialty I hope you can help me.
That sounds like some party! I think your best bet would be to call Disney Dining at (714) 781-3463 and ask about reservations at Goofy’s Kitchen. They have a birthday package for the price of the meal plus five dollars extra per person for the party favors. They will also work with you if you would like a special cake. The good thing about Goofy’s Kitchen is that it’s located outside the park, and your guests will not necessarily have to have tickets to the theme parks to attend the party.
Not to be left out, staff writer Mark Goldhaber answers a letter from Nathalie, who asks about birthday celebrations at Walt Disney World:
Hi! I just discovered this new site with your reports and I just love it. My question is, I’m going to Disney World next January (my third trip) and I want to celebrate my daughter’s 7th birthday when there… I’m planning a Crystal Palace diner on her day… but I was wondering if there’s something that I can do or maybe someone I can call, to get a special viewing spot during the parades etc… Do you have any ideas on how to make her birthday special and more magical without costing an arm and a leg? I know just being there is magical enough, but I would like just a little bit more surprises.
We’ve celebrated various events at Walt Disney World over the years. It’s a great place to enjoy an event. I don’t know that they will provide special viewing spots for parades or anything else for a birthday. However, there are a few tips that you can use to make the day special. If you are staying at a Disney resort, make sure that they note your daughter’s birthday on the reservation; likewise with any dining reservation. They don’t guarantee that they’ll do anything, and the more that you ask and push for them to do something, the less likely it is that they will. They’d much rather “surprise” and make a magical moment than feel pushed into doing something. Again, just make sure that it’s noted on the reservations, and mention it in passing when you check in, if they don’t mention it first. (They likely will, if they’re on the ball and not overwhelmed that day.)
Another thing to do is to get a birthday button. Go to Guest Services at each park and ask for a birthday button. You can also ask if Goofy left a message for the birthday girl. If your daughter wears her birthday button, many cast members (and some guests) will likely wish her a happy birthday. If you match that with a nametag (they’re sold at the Five and Dime, I believe a the Studios and at the Christmas shop at Downtown Disney), people can wish her a happy birthday by name, and she can wonder how they know her name and how they know it’s her birthday! (Many times, people forget that they’re wearing the button and tag. I even have done that.) Note that there are three or four different birthday buttons: Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom each has its own (the Studios uses the Magic Kingdom button). I’m not certain whether Downtown Disney has a different button. I’ve heard differing stories on that. Just remember to get them at Guest Services after you enter the park.
There are probably a number of other suggestions out on old threads on our MousePad discussion forums. You might want to stop by there for more ideas.
