tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47424393977286583772024-03-13T15:44:36.980-05:00Disnerd AdventuresAs a lover of Disney animation, my goal is to watch every Disney animated film from oldest to newest, and blog about it. Join me in the fun!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-87785757748181470092014-12-01T11:06:00.000-06:002014-12-01T11:06:59.026-06:00Just Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know this blog is technically in retired mode, but I just saw the latest Disney movie last night (actually, it was last Tuesday) and I felt a blog post coming on, so I'm giving it a shot. If I end up not liking it, well, then you won't be reading this. <br />
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You may be wondering, where are the reviews for <i>Wreck-It Ralph</i> and <i>Frozen</i>? Well, they're in <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/laura-li-barbour/disnerd-adventures-a-journey-of-faith-fairy-tales/paperback/product-21824124.html" target="_blank">my book</a>, which I published a couple of months ago. (Look to the left of this post). You'll have to buy it to read those reviews. :) Today's focus is on the newest addition to the animated Disney collection, <i>Big Hero 6</i>.<br />
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First of all, can I just get an AMEN that Disney is featuring an Asian American male as the film's main character? This really warms my heart. As you all know <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-honor.html" target="_blank">Mulan</a> was one of my favorites, and it's exciting to have another Asian hero (sorry, the pun was too easy not to use) in the ranks. This is additionally awesome because this is Disney's first official mash-up with Marvel after acquiring them in 2009. So we've not only got Asian Americans, but Asian American <b>superheroes</b>!<br />
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<b>*POTENTIAL SPOILERS* Do not read further if you don't want to know some key plot lines!</b><br />
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The central relationship we see in this film is between Hiro, a brilliant yet aimless orphan, and a marshmallow-like robot named Baymax. (Now, if you've ever seen <i>Wall-E</i> you know that robots don't mean stiff and heartless. I would recommend bringing some tissue with you to see this film, in fact.) As Hiro develops a bond with the helpful, huggable robot, he learns both of his need for friendship as well as his own true potential as an innovator. Soon the pair finds themselves investigating a mystery, and the truth they uncover is much darker than expected. <br />
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Hiro's discovery blinds him with grief and rage. Suddenly, he no longer sees Baymax as his friend and helper, but as his means for revenge. Hiro's story up to this point parallels that of the film's villain, whose own grief and rage leads him to violence and hatred. He resolves that the only way to make up for what he has lost is to make someone else feel that same loss.<br />
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As I write this, my heart is heavy for those who have felt deep loss this week. Seeing something terrible take place that you felt powerless to change would undoubtedly infuriate me, and would lead me to seek justice by any means necessary.<br />
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And yet, watching <i>Big Hero 6</i> during this week of tragedy and lament, I find myself learning a different way to be an agent of change in the midst of pain. For Hiro, it is only through the steady love of his friends that his pain is redirected to something more positive. They help him realize that revenge cannot bring true justice. It is only by seeking to help, protect and restore that Hiro finds peace and purpose. And ultimately, he learns from the truest helper, Baymax, that sometimes this means sacrifice. <br />
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I know that I need to be a part of a community that does not seek revenge but reconciliation. I know that this will be difficult, costly, maybe even dangerous. But I also know that our Helper, through his own costly sacrifice, gives us the only true power available to bring about <i>His</i> justice.<br />
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Today, and in the days to come, I'm praying that we will all look to the Hero, the Helper, the Healer for the justice and peace we long for.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-40735528967920407732013-02-11T16:11:00.001-06:002013-02-15T15:30:06.854-06:00Wall-e & Eve<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE: </b>We're in the top 10!! Vote for us here: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/questions/480565408669261/">https://www.facebook.com/questions/480565408669261/</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://disneybound.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">(See the other entries here)</a> <br />
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I know this blog is technically over, but there have been some fun Disnerd Adventures going on lately. My boyfriend Pat and I are entering the <a href="http://disneybound.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Disneybound</a> couples contest! Our outfits are inspired by Wall-E & Eve. Yes, somehow I managed to find a boyfriend who not only doesn't think I'm crazy but was actually excited to dress up with me. He was the one who suggested Wall-E and Eve. Hmm...I think he's a keeper. :)<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://fpphoto.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Matt</a> for such a fun photo shoot! (How crazy is it that there was a forklift right on location?) It was freezing cold but it was worth it. I want to WIN!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-69961483193141197622012-10-23T09:22:00.000-05:002012-10-23T09:22:00.422-05:00Happily Ever After<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWfZPndlUxU/UIV2kSbL2AI/AAAAAAAAHhU/5_LDMV17tsM/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2841.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWfZPndlUxU/UIV2kSbL2AI/AAAAAAAAHhU/5_LDMV17tsM/s320/2012.09.22_laura+li_2841.JPG" width="227" /></a>
When I began this blog 14 months ago, my goal was to create a fun, yet structured outlet to write. I had no idea it would become so much more. It's been an Adventure, to say the least. <br />
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<b>Finding Truth </b><br />
The writing itself turned out to be a process of discovery. Every week I would sit down at my computer and have no idea what I would end up with. But as I wrote I would stumble upon some precious truth found in the film's story, and that process became something I looked forward to every week. I will always treasure those many hours I spent alone finding clever ways to communicate my discoveries.<br />
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There were weeks where I wasn't feeling so clever. And some weeks I was feeling plain <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/45-rock-bottom.html" target="_blank">snarky</a> (though, inexplicably, those posts seemed to receive the most views. This just goes to show everyone must agree with me about <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-i-hate-tinkerbell.html" target="_blank">Tinkerbell's pantslessness.</a>)<br />
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But then there were other weeks when I realized something new or different about a familiar movie. My <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/flying-free.html" target="_blank">review of </a><i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/flying-free.html" target="_blank">Aladdin</a> </i>is one such example. Though I've seen that movie probably more than any other Disney movie aside from <i>The Lion King</i>, its theme of clinging to that which defines us was a brand new revelation this time around. In my own life this year I have especially wrestled with my identity as a <a href="http://www.intervarsity.org/blog/singleness-sucks-sometimes" target="_blank"><u>(1) single</u></a> <a href="http://la-raison.blogspot.com/2012/05/reflections-on-leadership.html" target="_blank"><u>(2) Asian American</u></a> (3) woman (4) in ministry. Each of these aspects of my life have weighed as heavily on me as Genie's shackles and often felt as frustrating as Aladdin's fleas (perhaps less itchy, though.) But as I wrote in that review and many others, I have continued to experience the freedom found in Jesus.<br />
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In some ways, this blog has provided an unexpected form of discipleship, leading me to dwell on the Gospel every week, and ponder the
ways it has taken root in the world and in my life. The True Story of redemption and hope could not stop ringing in my ears. Even
despite all the loud belting of "A Whole New World." And it wasn't
just me doing the belting. Though probably 95% of it was me. Sorry about that. <br />
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<b>Finding Disnerds</b> <br />
This project has served as a great on ramp to community and new friendships. Hosting a weekly movie night for over a year has been tiring but also a wonderful way to practice hospitality. Apparently I am not the only Disnerd out there. Over the 51 weeks I have hosted over 60 different people at my movie nights! Five of those people, Vicki, Kylene, Mimi, Tiana and Christopher, attended over half of the movie nights, and have even started calling themselves Disnerds. I've enjoyed having these friends and others along for my mostly crazy experience. It made me feel less crazy seeing their enthusiasm for what I was doing. Or maybe I just realized that I am surrounded by weirdos. Either way, I've had a blast! I've also learned that Disney is one of those universal topics that everyone can talk about. The perfect icebreaker, and so helpful for an introvert like me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk0tmII9yA4/UITTN4KF8VI/AAAAAAAAHgo/OnplpnbJMPs/s1600/IMG_4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk0tmII9yA4/UITTN4KF8VI/AAAAAAAAHgo/OnplpnbJMPs/s400/IMG_4297.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Disnerds recently went to <i>Disney in Concert</i> at the Overture Center, dressed in Disney fashion of course. Can you guess which characters inspired each of us?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhao6nJHuo/UITTFoJK5DI/AAAAAAAAHgg/g1RkE5MIGt0/s1600/2012-10-06+October+Disney+concert+%2526+Katie%2527s+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tWhao6nJHuo/UITTFoJK5DI/AAAAAAAAHgg/g1RkE5MIGt0/s400/2012-10-06+October+Disney+concert+%2526+Katie%2527s+wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a few more details pictures of our outfits! :) </td></tr>
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<b>Finding Creative Outlets</b><br />
Possibly what I have loved most is the wide variety of opportunities to channel my creativity. I never realized how energized I could be making <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/11/disnerd-halloween-adventure.html" target="_blank">Mickey Mouse mummy cupcakes</a> for Halloween or <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/12/disnerd-christmas.html" target="_blank">Mickey shaped Christmas ornaments</a>. I found so much joy in gathering data and designing the self-coined phrase <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/search/label/disnographics" target="_blank">"Disnographics."</a> (Maybe a little too much joy.) I think I hit an all-time low, or high, when I actually created Disnerd t-shirts. And my <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-disnerd-birthday-adventure-part-1.html" target="_blank">birthday party</a>. Well, we all know how that went down. ;) The passion I have always had to be resourcefully creative has been thoroughly reignited this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIfE2ptdfcY/UIYXX2-9E9I/AAAAAAAAHiA/-8nj-Dw3_E8/s1600/Disnerd+creativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIfE2ptdfcY/UIYXX2-9E9I/AAAAAAAAHiA/-8nj-Dw3_E8/s400/Disnerd+creativity.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">celebrating nearly every holiday, Disnerd style</td></tr>
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The Renaissance, which took me from about March to June this year, was an especially fun season. Who knew <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/search/label/fashion" target="_blank">getting dressed</a> could be Disnerdified? I'm pretty sure this is a part of my project I will carry into the future. I've already got my outfit planned for Halloween. I'll give you a hint, I will dress as a villain. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPQ-GyDo724/UIYaW-m4RXI/AAAAAAAAHis/KLpsZVUiGoY/s1600/disnerd+fashion+highlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPQ-GyDo724/UIYaW-m4RXI/AAAAAAAAHis/KLpsZVUiGoY/s400/disnerd+fashion+highlights.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never have I worn so many solid primary colors in one season!</td></tr>
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<b>Finding the End</b> <br />
I could probably go on and on about how this blog has changed my life. It sounds ridiculous but it's true. Not only am I proud of myself for accomplishing what I set out to do, I'm also in awe of all that God has poured onto my overflowing cup. I have learned so much about myself and God, and have made so many memories along the way. While I need a bit of a break from blogging for a while, I know I'll be itching to get back to another blog project eventually. This has been <i>way </i>too much fun.<br />
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So here we are. This leads me to my final goodbye, and my last words to you from me, the Disnerd:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Never go <b>anywhere </b>without your pants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The End!</i></span></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-76479989051542740712012-10-08T23:16:00.001-05:002012-10-08T23:17:47.543-05:00A Disnerd Birthday Adventure, part 3: Fashion & Fun<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fashion</b> </span><br />
I was absolutely GIDDY that the vast majority of my party guests showed up in Disney-inspired outfits as requested. Yes, I indicated that it was not optional, but I kind of expected that some people wouldn't take me seriously. But to my delight, most of my friends participated... or maybe I should say...humored me.<br />
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First, <i>my </i>fabulous outfit. :) As you might have guessed, I was Flynn Rider! It's not so much Flynn as it is the actor Zachary Levi that I love. But it seemed appropriate to wear this for my birthday! The teal blouse (Old Navy) and skinny jeans (ModCloth) are both new. So, not quite an outfit on a budget, but I decided they were my birthday gift to myself. Everyone's allowed an exception when they're having an epic birthday.<br />
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And here are some of the other fabulous outfits! Click on the pictures to view bigger and read captions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nX6hugKN3ts/UHHrqCqmtlI/AAAAAAAAHc4/hsZ26D6UN8c/s1600/from+abi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nX6hugKN3ts/UHHrqCqmtlI/AAAAAAAAHc4/hsZ26D6UN8c/s640/from+abi.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Abi for these photos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5RhpWbiJpc/UHHrzEomZBI/AAAAAAAAHdA/D7zBbam5MjA/s1600/from+allison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5RhpWbiJpc/UHHrzEomZBI/AAAAAAAAHdA/D7zBbam5MjA/s640/from+allison.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Allison for these photos!</td></tr>
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<i>Not pictured: Carolyn as Cruella deVil & Amy as Goofy. </i><br />
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After the votes came in, Tiana (Rapunzel), Stephanie (Snow White), Elizabeth (Eeyore) and Kylene (Maleficent) went home as reigning Disnerd Fashionistas! Seriously though, I was super impressed by everyone's outfits. From Cassie's snake skin shoes (Jafar) to Laura's fishscale nails (Ariel), everyone did a great job! I hope you had fun because I sure did! <br />
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We also had other fun Disney-themed activities to complete the epic awesomeness. A huge shout-out to Kylene and Mimi for organizing!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Matching Game</b></span><br />
Mimi led an icebreaker type game where each of us had a sticker on our back, with either a Disney hero/heroine, villain or a sidekick on it. We had to figure out who we were and then find our partner by asking each other yes or no questions. This was a great way for all my guests to meet each other, since I had friends from different areas of my life. Let it be noted that I was the first person to figure out my sticker (Pinocchio) and my partner (Abi - Jiminy Cricket)! I knew exactly who I was when I asked, "Am I human?" and someone answered, "Um...well it depends." :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHBG7DIiw-0/UHHxErXMdAI/AAAAAAAAHds/1_QvaetNVdo/s1600/from+abi-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHBG7DIiw-0/UHHxErXMdAI/AAAAAAAAHds/1_QvaetNVdo/s640/from+abi-001.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea what face I am making in the picture on the right.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Karaoke!</b></span><br />
Later on in the evening I broke out the Disney karaoke. This may have been my favorite part of the night. I found a whole bunch of karaoke videos on YouTube that I compiled into a playlist. I hooked up my laptop to my TV and we had a whole hour of Disney karaoke songs! It was both heartwarming and slightly disturbing that everyone knew all the words to every song. (I knew I wasn't the only one!) Disney songs work well for karaoke because you are allowed to be both dramatic and silly. Plus, most of the songs are within my vocal range.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t64gkKEPaBc/UHI4N5ecXsI/AAAAAAAAHeY/IcKzRHlQR7M/s1600/2012-09-22+Disnerd+30th+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t64gkKEPaBc/UHI4N5ecXsI/AAAAAAAAHeY/IcKzRHlQR7M/s640/2012-09-22+Disnerd+30th+Birthday.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">why do i look so earnest? and yes, that is a Disney Princess microphone (that someone gave me a while back)</td></tr>
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I took a couple videos but this is by far my favorite. Drew totally embraced his Gaston-ness in this clip:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who What Where</b></span> <br />
Kylene organized our last game, and by then we were down to about a dozen people. This is when things really got crazy (aren't you all wishing you had stayed longer? haha). We played a Disney version of "Who What Where". It's sort of like Pictionary but a little more involved. In each round we had to pick out pieces of paper with a "Who" - all Disney characters, a "What" and a "Where." Then we had to draw that scene. As you might imagine, hilarity ensued. See if you can guess some of these masterpieces (answers at the end of this post):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-080S7qlMWPU/UHNUB-R45jI/AAAAAAAAHfE/KehzzPq-rlw/s1600/aladdin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-080S7qlMWPU/UHNUB-R45jI/AAAAAAAAHfE/KehzzPq-rlw/s320/aladdin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my drawing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7WuNATzk18/UHNUDpo5qLI/AAAAAAAAHfM/q1wqTHnl4zc/s1600/Cheshire+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7WuNATzk18/UHNUDpo5qLI/AAAAAAAAHfM/q1wqTHnl4zc/s320/Cheshire+Cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura S's drawing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mvWvGUDUQc/UHNUELxif1I/AAAAAAAAHfU/_jtMA-M32F0/s1600/Ursula+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mvWvGUDUQc/UHNUELxif1I/AAAAAAAAHfU/_jtMA-M32F0/s320/Ursula+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy's drawing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yycm4tgF1Q4/UHNUEt3O-2I/AAAAAAAAHfc/qJ_2zE7oK8M/s1600/cogsworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yycm4tgF1Q4/UHNUEt3O-2I/AAAAAAAAHfc/qJ_2zE7oK8M/s320/cogsworth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher's drawing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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All in all, this was probably the best birthday party I have ever had. I throw a good party, if I say so myself. ;) But it wouldn't have been possible without the help of so many friends, and for everyone who came to celebrate with me. I felt incredibly blessed and cared for that night. It was the perfect way to ring in my 30th year and cap off this crazy Disnerd Adventure! Thanks for being a party of my epic day!<br />
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I've got at least 2 more posts coming before I say goodbye, so stay tuned!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Who What Where answers: (1) Aladdin break dancing in a tent (2) Cheshire Cat bowling in Madison (3) Ursula segue-ing on a mountain (4) Cogsworth pole vaulting in a cave</span>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-71636489482160428482012-10-02T09:21:00.000-05:002012-10-02T09:21:00.498-05:00A Disnerd Birthday Adventure, part 2: Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Asian in me <i>loves </i>parties that have exorbitant amounts of food. Like so much that you know you'll never finish it and have to force people to take doggie bags home. To me that's the only kind of party worth having. The problem is that whenever I host a party, I get really stressed out that there won't be enough food and then it's not very fun for me.<br />
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I didn't want my epic birthday party to be stressful, so I decided to delegate half of the food to friends and assign myself a lot of the easy prep stuff. This worked out really well! I should do this more often.<br />
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I realized that when you have every single Disney animated movie to draw from, you can pretty much make whatever you want and somehow give it a Disney spin. I did spend a lot of time brainstorming food ideas though. I even designed food labels for each item. Blame it on the day job.<br />
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Here's what we had (<i>warning: you may want to grab a napkin to wipe the drool off your mouth as you read this!</i>):<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Savory Foods:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPn2AtFRwM0/UGnMGL4a8kI/AAAAAAAAHYA/rZRvBCUEes8/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPn2AtFRwM0/UGnMGL4a8kI/AAAAAAAAHYA/rZRvBCUEes8/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2854.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>Pumbaa's in a blanket</b>, made by Kylene & Vicki<br />
haha. I used the "SHE'S GONNA EAT ME!" scene for the label. So ironic. <br />
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Koda's <b>smoked salmon</b> on crackers (Brother Bear)<br />
This is seriously the easiest finger food to make. All you need is smoked salmon, cream cheese, crackers and fresh dill! No cooking required. :)<br />
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Mushu's fire-roasted <b>dumplings</b><br />
Also very easy, when you buy them frozen. The <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/dumpling-dinner.html">handmade dumpling days</a> are gone. haha.<br />
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Genie, wake up and smell the <b>hummus</b>!<br />
Here's a little random fact: I always thought he said, "Genie, wake up and smell the homeless!" hahaha. I mean, has anyone ever thought about how Aladdin probably smelled really bad?<br />
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<b>Chicken</b> <b>Little Waffles</b><i> not pictured (somehow I forgot to get a shot of these!): </i><br />
This was fried chicken on homemade waffles drizzled with maple syrup, made by my roommate Amy, who on the day of my party had only been back from a 10 day trip to Africa for less than 24 hours. Seriously, my roommate rocks. We'll leave out the fact that her first batch of waffle batter used powdered sugar instead of flour. To be fair, the container was unlabeled. :D<br />
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<b>Corn dip & blue corn chips</b> <i>(also not pictured...oops!)</i>, made by Kylene & Vicki ("blue corn [moon]" is a reference to a lyric in "Colors of the Wind")<br />
I only ate a couple bites of this, but it was SO yummy. I'm still thinking about it a week later. Note to self: get recipe!<br />
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Non-Disney: <br />
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<b>Steak strips on baguette</b> with caramelized onion and blue cheese<br />
Who cares if this isn't Disney. They were amazing. Once again my roommate is awesome! (I suppose we could have called them <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/45-rock-bottom.html">Home on the Range</a> </i>steak? But seeing as that my life goal is to forget I ever watched that movie, I didn't think it appropriate to make it part of my birthday celebration.) <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Foods:</span><br />
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Cinderella's magic <b>pumpkin cookies</b>, made by Courtney<br />
I actually didn't get to eat any at the party but I had one of the leftovers later. They were goood! I think I'm going to have to ask Courtney to make these again. :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p90uZcsCulw/UGnMLisU5iI/AAAAAAAAHYo/4YQoHqWyV6M/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p90uZcsCulw/UGnMLisU5iI/AAAAAAAAHYo/4YQoHqWyV6M/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2865.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Snow White mini <b>apple pies</b>, made by Tiana<br />
Um, I'm pretty sure there was poison in these because they were to DIE for. <i>And </i>they were apple-shaped! How cute is that? <br />
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Dalmatian <b>puppy chow</b><br />
There wasn't really anything dalmatian-y about this chow. But it was easy to make, and a great party food.<br />
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Tarzan's <b>tropical fruit</b><br />
Another easy one! I think all parties need to have fruit. Yep, pulling the Asian card again on this one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNKaRhFIrRQ/UGr3bN51O2I/AAAAAAAAHaU/VZPJqht8M8Y/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNKaRhFIrRQ/UGr3bN51O2I/AAAAAAAAHaU/VZPJqht8M8Y/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2866.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Mickey oreo <b>cupcakes</b>, blonde and chocolate, made by Tiana <i>(sorry the picture is blurry!)</i><br />
You <i>have </i>to have something Mickey-shaped at a Disney party! <br />
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<b>Rapunzel's tower</b>, made out of cupcakes, ice cream cones, and a lot of icing, by Tiana <br />
Um, this was ridiculously awesome! I was in awe of how accurately detailed this was, and even more in awe that Tiana managed to get it to my party in one piece. No one wanted to eat it because it was so pretty! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The finale - cake & punch</span><br />
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpccQQ4F5ao/UGnT4ahCjAI/AAAAAAAAHZo/AJ32KYdHxlM/s1600/DSC_1167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpccQQ4F5ao/UGnT4ahCjAI/AAAAAAAAHZo/AJ32KYdHxlM/s200/DSC_1167.JPG" width="200" /></a> </b><br />
<b>A Disnerd cake </b><br />
What's a birthday party without a cake? My friend Stephanie likes to decorate cakes, so we worked together on the design, featuring my special 30th Mickey logo, and symbols from the 4 main eras of Disney animation: the sorcerer's hat from <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/09/wordless-stories-fantasia-review-part-1.html"><i>Fantasia</i></a>, <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/11/transformed.html">Cinderella</a>'s slipper, <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/flying-free.html">Aladdin</a>'s magic lamp, and the sun from <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/09/50-disentangled.html"><i>Tangled</i></a>. It was both gorgeous and very Disnerdy. So basically it was perfect. Thank you Stephanie for the most memorable cake I have ever had! <br />
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<b>Pink Elephant punch</b><br />
A Disney-themed birthday party for a 30-year-old needs a little alcohol. I mean really. So I Googled "pink elephant punch" and found <a href="http://www.easycocktailrecipes.com/pink-elephant-punch/">this recipe</a>! I'm guessing people liked it because there was hardly any left at the end of the night, even after making a second batch. Dumbo & Timothy would have certainly enjoyed it.<br />
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Amy and I were eating leftovers all week. Actually I still have smoked salmon and dumplings I am avoiding eating. Imagine if I had prepared all the food myself! A <b>HUGE </b>thank you to each and every friend who helped with the food. I really could not have had such a great spread without you! <br />
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<i>Next and last Birthday post: fashion & games! </i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-51197837332025942242012-09-29T10:00:00.000-05:002012-09-29T11:15:30.633-05:00A Disnerd Birthday Adventure, part 1: DecorationsMy birthday party was AWESOME! I'm still kind of on a high from all the fun I had that night. Actually, I can't really think of anything that would have made the party better, other than having my family and other close friends there. In fact there is so much epic-ness to cover that I need to break this up into a few posts.<br />
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First we will begin with <i>my </i>favorite element of the party: <b>decorations</b>! (This is a long post but it's mostly pictures.)<br />
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Those of you who know me or who have been following my blog have probably figured out that I'm a bit of a craft nerd. So I held nothing back at the challenge of creating a Disnerd-ified space on a budget.<br />
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Here's what I came up with!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFB6HSrS484/UGYH-ZIBp_I/AAAAAAAAHVs/ZLBUByT8kh4/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFB6HSrS484/UGYH-ZIBp_I/AAAAAAAAHVs/ZLBUByT8kh4/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2834.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vf1IwxS8eA4/UGYH_DGmi_I/AAAAAAAAHV0/BBC6V7rRJJY/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vf1IwxS8eA4/UGYH_DGmi_I/AAAAAAAAHV0/BBC6V7rRJJY/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2843.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Everyone at the party kept asking me, "How did you come up with all of this?" Well, part of it was my own creative genius, obviously. But the other part was lots of time on Google. The Internet is pretty handy, I must say. ;)<br />
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I started with the idea that I was going to use Disney children's books purchased at Goodwill as my materials. I bought these 14 books for a steal, $25! (Sorry to Goodwill shoppers, there are no longer any Disney books in stock.) From these books I made garland, ornaments and coasters.<br />
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<b>Garland</b><br />
<i>Materials needed: 2-inch hole punch, string, scotch tape</i><br />
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Basically I punched holes out of the paper and taped them along the string. It was pretty simple though admittedly took a very long time. In the end I think I must have made, oh I dunno, maybe 250 feet of garland? That's a rough guess. Before I put them up I laid it all out across my living room. But this is actually only a portion of it here.<br />
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I had planned on just making garland when I bought the books, but I realized I had so much paper than I should probably do some other stuff with it as well. After some Googling and browsing on Etsy, I found these two ornaments that were pretty easy to make.<br />
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<b>Pinwheels</b> (<a href="http://www.kidsbeddingblog.com/2010/09/easy-halloween-craft.html">from here</a>)<b> </b><br />
<i>Materials needed: paper trimmer, stapler, hole punch</i><i>, string</i><b><br /></b><br />
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I used two pages each cut in half lengthwise after trimming the ripped
edges. I folded each of the 4 halves into twelfths, accordion style.
This was the most time consuming, but I fell into a rhythm by first
folding in half, then fourths, to make my folds even. Then I stapled one end together to make a fan.<br />
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After all four halves were folded, I stapled the non-stapled ends together to form a circle.<br />
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Then I punched a hole through it, tied a piece of string on, and voila!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F77Izm_eZII/UGUqgu8bGiI/AAAAAAAAHSY/RllCGGIQpo8/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F77Izm_eZII/UGUqgu8bGiI/AAAAAAAAHSY/RllCGGIQpo8/s200/IMG_4237.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Lantern balls</b> (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100848948/reserved-for-ecocupcakestand-paper">from here</a>)<br />
<i>Materials needed:<span id="goog_992448323"></span><span id="goog_992448324"></span> paper trimmer, hole-poker & self healing mat, brads</i>, <i>string</i><br />
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These were a little easier, though it took me a while to figure out that I needed to start with a square shaped piece of paper instead of a rectangle.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaMQFn0EtLo/UGUtdHPTfbI/AAAAAAAAHTc/9gJ2Q1XfbGo/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaMQFn0EtLo/UGUtdHPTfbI/AAAAAAAAHTc/9gJ2Q1XfbGo/s200/IMG_4227.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaMQFn0EtLo/UGUtdHPTfbI/AAAAAAAAHTc/9gJ2Q1XfbGo/s1600/IMG_4227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
I sliced the square into 8 even strips.<br />
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Then I pierced two holes through all strips lined up together, about an inch or so away from each end. I fastened the strips together by putting a brad through each hole.<br />
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Then I spread out the strips and formed them evenly into a ball shape.<br />
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Then I tied string around the top brad, and voila!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZgTD8kyI5o/UGUr9RKt-nI/AAAAAAAAHTU/AVxnukTFnPc/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZgTD8kyI5o/UGUr9RKt-nI/AAAAAAAAHTU/AVxnukTFnPc/s200/IMG_4232.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Coasters</b><br />
I had a few board books (for babies) as well as all the hard book covers leftover. So I cut them into 3.5-inch squares and made coasters out of them! Since they have glossy surfaces I didn't need to laminate them. I did add cork board ($3 for a sheet) to the bottom of a few thinner pieces. These coasters were used at the party but I also gave them away as favors for guests. I still have a bunch left if anyone wants some! <br />
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<br />
<b>A few extra things</b><br />
I also printed out a small poster of my logo and made people sign it at the party, so I could record who came. And I put up the <i>Tangled </i>birthday banner that I got <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/10/disnerd-birthday.html">last year</a> at my work birthday celebration. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfLnzaaqffY/UGW5Q7GncQI/AAAAAAAAHU8/93KdfrJVasw/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfLnzaaqffY/UGW5Q7GncQI/AAAAAAAAHU8/93KdfrJVasw/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2839.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuOIg9TCCDU/UGW5P-KvuSI/AAAAAAAAHU0/QhsOnj2Orio/s1600/2012.09.22_laura+li_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuOIg9TCCDU/UGW5P-KvuSI/AAAAAAAAHU0/QhsOnj2Orio/s200/2012.09.22_laura+li_2831.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>The bottom line</b><br />
Total cost for decorations: <b>approximately $36. </b>Not bad, I say! <b> </b><br />
<br />
Total hours spent: <b>unknown.</b> :) I did this over the course of about 2 weeks. So yes, it took a long time. But seeing the impressed reaction of all my friends made it totally worth it!<br />
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<i><b>Next up: food!
</b></i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-76926398601874008372012-09-25T23:00:00.003-05:002012-09-25T23:00:34.926-05:00#51: In Conclusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ7SWlfoZ6A/UGHAkvlHszI/AAAAAAAAHQs/gDmeSKPgvXw/s1600/winnie+the+pooh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ7SWlfoZ6A/UGHAkvlHszI/AAAAAAAAHQs/gDmeSKPgvXw/s320/winnie+the+pooh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Winnie the Pooh</i>, 2011<br />
watched September 15, 2012<br />
<br />
I'm still in shock that I made it here. My final review.<br />
<br />
Last August when I began this crazy journey, I don't think I could have ever expected what this project would become. It's been amazing, enlightening, surprising, and a whole lot of fun.<br />
<br />
But I still have this last review to get to before I talk about all of that. It does seem a bit anticlimactic to end on <i>Winnie the Pooh</i>. Had I done this a year earlier I could have ended with <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/09/50-disentangled.html"><i>Tangled</i></a>, which I love even more now after having watched it no less than five times since its 2010 release. <i>Winnie the Pooh</i>, in contrast, feels somewhat trite and insignificant. The <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/original-toy-story.html">Many Adventures</a> </i>collection of episodes produced in the 70s far outshines this newer film.<br />
<br />
However, there's a good reason why <i>Pooh </i>endures. (Hah! I just realized what I did there. No pun or irony intended.) The endearing Hundred Acre Wood serves as the perfect venue in which to tell simple stories accessible to all ages. Though, to be honest, I felt less charmed by Pooh's selfish search for honey this time around. And I got pretty annoyed at Owl's verbose conceit. I found myself relating best to poor Rabbit, clearly the 'get it done' character of the bunch. I know how it feels, dude. (Is anyone else weirded out that Rabbit is male? I don't know why that always surprises me. Piglet, too.)<br />
<br />
In this adventure, Christopher Robin's friends find a note at his home which is grossly misspelled. (What do you expect from a seven year old? Or however old he's supposed to be.) Jumping to the wrong conclusion, they set out to find this "Bakson" monster they believe has captured their friend. The gang finds themselves in all sorts of predicaments as they follow, well, rabbit trails and winding forest paths. It's both bemusing and slightly maddening. Maybe I've lost a little patience for these toddler-targeted Disney characters. <br />
<br />
But the story still contains a valuable lesson: Read carefully. Make good observations. Understand the context. Only then
should you draw conclusions about what's true, and what your plan of
action might be. For Winnie the Pooh and friends the results were harmless, but in reality the consequences could be quite grave. <br />
<br />
So perhaps this short and sweet film <i>does </i>serve as an appropriate end to this project. In my aim to tell the stories of these fifty-one movies truthfully, I've had to apply this principle to my writing. Yes, I came in with an agenda. I knew I wanted to find echoes of the Gospel narrative in these films. But my process of discovery was certainly one that involved careful observation and interpretation. Each week as I sat down to write, I never had any expectations of what would come out at the end. In that way, I've delighted in the surprises I've found in these films: messages of hope, freedom, sacrifice and redemption.<br />
<br />
<i>Winnie the Pooh</i> will not become a classic, but as I wrap up this yearlong project I can't help but reflect on its commentary on how we approach all narratives. Whether it's a note written by a child, or a timeless film that endures through the ages, how you draw your conclusion matters. <br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
Wow...this is the end!<br />
<br />
But not quite! Stay tuned for updates coming on my EPIC Disnerd birthday party, results from a year's worth of polls, and more concluding thoughts on this entire Disnerd Adventure.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-4075914633632081532012-09-20T17:17:00.000-05:002012-09-20T17:17:12.511-05:00Disnerd Fashion: A Little Mermaid Family<div>
Since she can't be at my big party this week, my longtime friend Lindsay dressed herself and her family in Disnerd fashion for my birthday! Thanks Lindsay, these pictures make me so happy! <br />
<br />
Check out their amazing and <b>adorable </b><i>Little Mermaid</i> outfits! Descriptions are directly from Lindsay's email.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LG7T-1w0Ad8/UFtyyTkMAfI/AAAAAAAAHOw/kF6h4meILL4/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LG7T-1w0Ad8/UFtyyTkMAfI/AAAAAAAAHOw/kF6h4meILL4/s400/IMG_8715.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilly, Mia, Lindsay & Dave</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPt97z8F39U/UFt1k3GKKNI/AAAAAAAAHPU/fy73wLl5Mnk/s1600/IMG_8721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yPt97z8F39U/UFt1k3GKKNI/AAAAAAAAHPU/fy73wLl5Mnk/s320/IMG_8721.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
Lindsay - Ariel: green gaucho pants, modest purple tank
with a cream (or pearl-y) colored sweater, pink flowers in hair,
necklace with bronze/gold colors and pearls, and red shoes to represent
Ariel's red hair. I chose Ariel because I had the right clothes...
just ignore my big preggo belly.</div>
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<br />
Dave - Sebastian: red shirt and red oven mitts. <i>[note from Laura: I loved the oven mitts! Hilarious!]</i></div>
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<br />
Lilly - Flounder: couple shades of blue, blue tank has some ruffles that
remind me of ocean waves or sunlight glistening on the water, yellow
skirt and a yellow headband.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lp6Ex527xqk/UFuIJZXtJPI/AAAAAAAAHP4/CRlwMitlYpg/s1600/lilly+flounder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lp6Ex527xqk/UFuIJZXtJPI/AAAAAAAAHP4/CRlwMitlYpg/s320/lilly+flounder.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Mia - Max (Prince Eric's dog): white dress, white
leggings, furry sweater vest, white headband, and a grey and black scarf
to represent the grey fur on Max and his black nose.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89k_FoGDPu0/UFuIht09_MI/AAAAAAAAHQA/h5_aYh2VtEg/s1600/mia+max.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89k_FoGDPu0/UFuIht09_MI/AAAAAAAAHQA/h5_aYh2VtEg/s320/mia+max.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div>
Haha! We had fun getting dressed and taking the pictures. I'm
attaching two pics from our photo shoot but check out Flickr to see the
rest: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/allbyself/8006527477/in/set-72157631508091108" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/<wbr></wbr>photos/allbyself/8006527477/<wbr></wbr>in/set-72157631508091108</a></div>
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<div>
This whole Disnerd thing has been fun to follow and
fun to participate in too! :) I'm proud of you for finishing and just
in time to have a big celebration on your birthday. It's like the grand
finale!</div>
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<br />
Happy Birthday!!!</div>
<div>
Love, Lindsay<br />
----------------<br />
<br />
Wanna celebrate my birthday with me? Take a picture of your Disnerd fashion outfit and post it on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DisnerdAdventures">Facebook page</a>! </div>
</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-55233296404861213532012-09-16T21:54:00.000-05:002012-09-17T12:36:05.019-05:00#50: Disentangled<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMPAiq4hHVs/UFVHmhWQysI/AAAAAAAAHOM/fo6yXu84-bA/s1600/tangled-disneyscreencaps.com-1506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMPAiq4hHVs/UFVHmhWQysI/AAAAAAAAHOM/fo6yXu84-bA/s400/tangled-disneyscreencaps.com-1506.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i find this image both hilarious and creepy...</td></tr>
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<i>Tangled</i>, 2010<br />
watched September 9, 2012<br />
<br />
As much as it is tempting to write this as an ode to my current celebrity crush and the voice of this film's hero Flynn Rider, I've decided maybe that's <i>not </i>the best way to use my second to last (I know, right?) review. Plus, I can always do that in another post later this week. hehe. ;) <br />
<br />
After several years of wandering, Disney animation has finally arrived back at their sweet spot. Though <i>Princess and the Frog</i> was successful in its own right, it's Rapunzel and her flowing locks of hair that has won our hearts over. Flynn Rider too, of course. And <i>his </i>flowing locks of hair. And his smoulder... And... oh! Ahem. Excuse me.<br />
<br />
Moving on.<br />
<br />
It's a similar story to the last one, actually: a girl with a dream who meets a guy with a perhaps less admirable dream. They take a journey and in the process not only fall in love but discover that they have a new dream. Been there, done that. <br />
<br />
But this film features another element missing from the past several films: a captivating villain. Rapunzel's relationship with Mother Gothel is deliciously complex and fascinating. Never have we seen this kind of villain, undoubtedly evil but with the capacity to feign kindness and care in a disturbingly manipulative manner. Though the audience is aware of her schemes, Rapunzel remains in the dark until the last few scenes. It's heartbreaking to see our heroine repeatedly fall prey to Gothel's deception.<br />
<br />
And yet, this relationship strikes a familiar chord. The villain in our Story does not wear black robes and saunter around casting spells in broad daylight. (coughJafarcough!) Instead, like Mother Gothel, he pretends to be our friend, our confidant, the only one who truly knows what's best for us. He makes us value comfort and safety, as if that's how we were meant to live. When things don't go the way we think they will, he drives us back to him, promising he has answers. He hides us from the reality of a world where we bear the image of our
Parent, where we are not only loved but given a place of honor. But all along, these are complete lies.<br />
<br />
Even when Rapunzel at last sees Mother Gothel for who she is, she cannot break free from her grasp alone. That's where the hero comes in. His sacrifice enables her to finally be released from Gothel's bondage. He destroys the enemy even in his own death. <br />
<br />
Like Rapunzel we live entangled in deception, in a tower of falsehood. But we also yearn for truth. Deep inside stirs a longing for more. Just as Rapunzel knew that the light of floating lanterns would somehow show her the truth, we also need to be exposed to the light. When we see that light--in the one who gave his life for us--the villain's power over us is lost. We're finally free.<br />
<br />
I guess this still ended up being an ode to the hero. <b>The </b>Hero.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-52186027122129624652012-09-12T10:36:00.000-05:002012-09-12T11:47:26.742-05:00#49: You Must Be Dreaming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg0YzrYE7l4/UFAByQua7mI/AAAAAAAAHNo/0nt6wjxZflM/s1600/princess+frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg0YzrYE7l4/UFAByQua7mI/AAAAAAAAHNo/0nt6wjxZflM/s400/princess+frog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite line of the movie: "Just...ONE kiss?" "Unless you beg for more!" Never fails to crack me up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>The Princess & the Frog</i>, 2009<br />
watched September 2, 2012<br />
<br />
This film brings us back to familiar territory in the best way possible. We've gone a full 16 weeks since our <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/pocahontas-puh-lease.html">last princess story</a>, undeniably Disney's most popular genre. <i>The Princess and the Frog</i> also marks a return to traditional hand drawn animation. I can safely say this film redeemed <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/45-rock-bottom.html">the last one</a>! Thank. The. Lord. Also, we haven't had a full-on musical (where characters actually sing) since <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-honor.html"><i>Mulan</i></a>. I am thrilled we're back in a place reminiscent of the Renaissance. <br />
<br />
Now that Disney is a decade removed from that wonderful era, have they made any alterations to the formula? <br />
<br />
Tiana stands alone amidst the princesses as someone who knows exactly what she wants at the start of the film, pursuing it with complete abandon. Her parents (both of them!) instill in her not only to dream big but to also work hard. Whether or not she actually achieves her dream as she had imagined it, well, that's where the story unfolds. <br />
<br />
The story's prince stands out as well. Rich, spoiled Naveen, who spends most of his time in this movie as a frog, appears not to possess a heroic bone, or frog leg, in his body. Additionally, Naveen and Tiana begin their relationship at odds. She's practical, he's a romantic. He loves music and dancing, she'd rather be working. They see each other as obstacles in the way of what they want. Their witty banter and embodiment of "opposites attract" make them refreshing and engaging characters.<br />
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One thing Disney hasn't changed, however, is their emphasis on dreaming. "Dreams Come True" is unabashedly thrown all over glittery bedazzled tshirts for girls (and okay, women too. Not that I own one or anything). There's some truth here. Dreamers are compelling because they are driven by something beyond themselves. Their resilience and hope inspire us because we're built to live and hope for something beyond ourselves too.<br />
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But while dreams produce passion, if too small, they can also make us single-minded. They can become a reason to act selfishly in disregard of others. What I love about this story is how both Naveen and Tiana learn that their dreams are too narrow. Tiana spends so much time working and saving money to open her restaurant that she doesn't have time to enjoy life. Naveen, conversely, squanders his time and wealth, only to realize it leaves him empty and restless. As the two spend more time together (never mind that it's only two days), they learn the possibility of a bigger view of the world, a bigger dream, leading them to give up their own for something better. <br />
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I've had specific moments in my life where I've come to realize that my dream is too small. My idea of what happiness or success is can't be defined by myself. I need others to show me that there's much more than my own view of the world.<br />
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There's one Person specifically who can expand our dream. He helps us to stop wandering aimlessly like Naveen and pursue our calling. He helps us to not take life too seriously like Tiana and see beauty and joy in the world. Most of all, as we willingly give up our own dreams, he gives us one that's even better.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-9188035510187406412012-09-08T11:12:00.000-05:002012-09-08T11:12:01.109-05:00#48: Power Pedigree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOYfTBh-oEA/UEqMLOr5KeI/AAAAAAAAHNA/VcxpnV_mlLs/s1600/bolt+cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOYfTBh-oEA/UEqMLOr5KeI/AAAAAAAAHNA/VcxpnV_mlLs/s320/bolt+cute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Bolt</i>, 2008<br />
watched August 26, 2012<br />
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Okay, even though this movie may never become a classic, Bolt <i>definitely </i>makes the list of top 10 cutest Disney animals. Right up there with Dumbo and Baby Simba. I think it has something to do with the head to body ratio. And you thought Disney's <i>human </i>characters were disproportionate. <br />
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Bolt is a dog who has been led to believe he has super powers, allowing him to give a genuine performance as the star of a hit television show alongside his "person," a teenaged girl named Penny. Trouble is, when he's not on set, he remains locked in his trailer, never able to experience real life. <br />
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The cute canine never thinks twice about this way of life, that is, until he accidentally gets shipped to New York. Suddenly Bolt is thrust into an environment where he is most definitely not super. Slow to realize this, attempts to jump onto a moving train and other such feats leave him physically and emotionally bent out of shape. He's so overwrought that he believes the Styrofoam packing peanuts have some kind of weakening effect on him.<br />
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Clearly this dog needs a dose of reality.<br />
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Fortunately, Bolt befriends Mittens, an alley cat who unwillingly gets brought along for the trek back to Hollywood. Over time Mittens shows him what real life is like. She teaches him how to use puppy dog eyes to beg for food, how to stick his head out of car windows, and the joy of running through the sprinklers. For the first time, he feels truly alive, and truly himself.<br />
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Sometimes when we get too comfortable, we begin to think we're invincible. After all, with God on our side, what can happen to us? While belonging to God does give us access to great power, it's also true that we are not the <i>source </i>of that power. We are not superhuman; we're susceptible to pain, difficulty, and failure. Refusal to admit this, like Bolt, makes us not only frustrated but also completely deluded. Bolt's delusions seem inconsequential and even amusing within the comfort of his Hollywood home. But out in the world, his inability to grasp reality makes him a danger to himself and others. <br />
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Without a proper view of our own fragility, pride and spiritual delusion seep into our hearts, leading to sin and destruction. Not only that, but we're prevented from living the way we were meant to live. We can never be completely ourselves when we don't understand that we're prone to sin. <br />
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Once Bolt sees himself as a normal dog, he understands his relationship to Penny, his "person," more fully, knowing he is forever bound to her. This gives him a sense of belonging and direction beyond his television role. As we understand who we are, we see that we are not only fragile and weak, but also deeply connected to our Person, through whom we have power and purpose.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-47059993322774807632012-09-05T10:14:00.000-05:002012-09-05T10:14:00.223-05:00The end is near...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My birthday party/end of blog soiree is just around the corner! It's time to celebrate, cry, do a funny dance, yell at the top of your lungs: "IT'S OVER!"<br />
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That's how I feel about this blog. And turning 30.<br />
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If you are reading this, you are invited! Check the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/413455242036989/">Facebook event</a> for more details. Those of you following this blog that aren't in my neck of the woods or can't make it, I want to invite you to still participate and celebrate with me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is definitely the first time I have ever created a logo for my own birthday. Also, maybe the first paper invitations I've made since grade school! </td></tr>
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I'm requiring everyone at the party to come dressed in an outfit (<i>not </i>a costume) inspired by a Disney animated character, much like I did for my fashion project. I'd love to see out of town friends and blog followers send in pictures of their Disnerd fashion creations! Email them or post them on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DisnerdAdventures">Facebook page</a>. Remember: <b>be creative!</b> I'll post photos of everyone's outfits here after my birthday.<br />
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Get ready for some epic Disnerdy fun!<br />
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For ideas, feel free to check out the Tumblr site that inspired my fashion project: <a href="http://disneybound.tumblr.com/">disneybound.tumblr.com</a> or of course, my <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/search/label/fashion">own fashion posts</a>. :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-56472559179500360002012-08-31T11:31:00.001-05:002012-08-31T11:31:28.702-05:00#BONUS: Enchanted <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Enchanted</i>, 2007<br />
watched August 19, 2012 <br />
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Thus far I've been pretty strict about keeping to the official Disney animated canon. But I could <i>not </i>resist including <i>Enchanted</i>! Even though it's only partially animated, it probably has more in common with the animated films than Disney's live action stuff. <i>Enchanted </i>has the perfect blend of amusing self-mockery and the classic "Disney magic" that makes Disney movies what they are. I love that the film can make fun of its makers while still being thoroughly enjoyable and fun.<br />
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Since this isn't an official review, I'm sharing seven reasons why you should watch <i>Enchanted, </i>preferably multiple times:<br />
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<b>7. Amy Adam's spot-on performance</b> - You can't deny that Amy Adams has pretty much mastered the whole Disney princess thing. Though technically not a princess, her over-the-top, optimistic romantic idealism exudes exactly what is needed to play Giselle. My goal in life is to figure out how to use her ridiculously awesome hand gestures in public without freaking people out. I haven't been successful yet. <br />
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<b>6. James Marsden's singing voice</b> - Did anyone else know he could sing? <i>Man </i>can that man sing. I have a weakness for guys who can sing. SIGH.<br />
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<b>5. Patrick Dempsey's overabundant tufts of hair</b> - I have a theory that within his ridiculously thick locks of hair this guy has secret invisible womanizing lasers that target unsuspecting females. You could hide a forest in that hair. <br />
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<b>4. James Marsden's piercing blue eyes </b>- I think I could stare into his eyes forever. At least until I cried from the beauty of his voice, because obviously if I'm in his presence he is singing to me. There's pretty much no question there. <br />
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<b>3. Lots and lots of Easter Eggs</b> - Disney movies are full of clever references, and <i>Enchanted </i>probably has the most, including cameos by Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel) as Robert's secretary and Paige O'Hara (voice of Belle) as a soap opera star. I'm sure I have yet to discover all of the movie's secret references, but one of my favorites is Pumbaa, who appears in one of the very last scenes lining up to get Pip's new book.<br />
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<b>2. One of the most epic musical numbers I've ever seen</b> - "That's How You Know." Last time I was in Central Park I was really hoping to see an extremely limber and diverse crowd of people break into song and dance. It didn't happen. But I made up for it by breaking into song all on my own. I think Giselle would have been proud.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xRYU4cqUAUs" width="500">asdfasdf</iframe>
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<b>1. James Marsden's jaws</b> - that man's jaws could slice through steel. Or at least a really delicious homemade apple pie. Yummy.<br />
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There you have it, Disnerds. Some really legitimate, thoughtful reasons why you should watch <i>Enchanted</i>. Clearly I had no choice but to include this film in my blog project. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-67085879920145113822012-08-28T10:30:00.000-05:002012-08-28T18:35:04.913-05:00Fashion SummaryMy goal was to get this done before the summer ended...(according to my job, that means end of August.) So here is my <b>super nerdy Disnographic about my Renaissance fashion adventures</b>! Yup, it's probably more than you ever wanted to know. But I figure that's like my whole blog. So really I'm just being consistent.<br />
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I am <u>super</u> proud of myself for putting together a whopping 47 outfits (46 Disney, 1 Avengers) and spending only 80 bucks on 10 new items! I've realized that I'm pretty passionate about being creative on a budget. There are few things that thrill me more.<br />
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I also find it quite interesting that I created outfits for twice as many male characters than female characters. I think there are actually a lot more male characters in Disney movies. Weird, huh? <br />
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Now for my faves!<br />
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1. Favorite Hero Outfit: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/fashion-update-8-hercules.html" target="_blank">Hercules</a><br />
I <i>love </i>this color combination! It's something I definitely would not have done before... in fact, I think this is the only orange-rust colored thing I've ever owned. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5xKIpHVTdM/T8f5Kn2Ey5I/AAAAAAAAGDc/pGKhHCptp6w/s1600/hercules+-+hercules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5xKIpHVTdM/T8f5Kn2Ey5I/AAAAAAAAGDc/pGKhHCptp6w/s400/hercules+-+hercules.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Honorable mention: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/fashion-update-3-beauty-beast.html">Beast</a><br />
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2. Favorite Heroine Outfit: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/fashion-update-3-beauty-beast.html" target="_blank">Belle</a><br />
Here's an outfit that required no new purchases. Most people remember Belle's yellow evening gown but her "daytime" look is much more my style. <br />
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honorable mention: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/fashion-update-91-mulan.html" target="_blank">Mulan</a><br />
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3. Favorite Villain Outfit: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/fashion-update-3-beauty-beast.html" target="_blank">Gaston</a> <br />
I love that this outfit is both accurate and still totally wearable. I've never worn a belt around this shirt before but now I know I can!<br />
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honorable mention: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/fashion-update-7-hunchback-of-notre.html" target="_blank">Frollo</a><br />
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4. Favorite Sidekick Outfit: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/04/fashion-update-42-aladdin.html" target="_blank">Magic Carpet</a><br />
This was definitely one of my most creative outfits, straying far from the original character's look. I loved creating a new outfit from old clothes that I could wear again in the future.<br />
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Honorable mention: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/fashion-update-92-mulan.html" target="_blank">Crikee</a> and <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/03/fashion-update-1-little-mermaid.html" target="_blank">Flounder</a><br />
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How do you think I did? Which was your favorite outfit from the entire project? Leave your thoughts in the comments. I need more verbal affirmation, people! haha. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-71878375935741167492012-08-27T10:00:00.000-05:002012-08-27T10:00:06.670-05:00An Artful Accident: Milwaukee Art MuseumLast weekend I spent the day at the Milwaukee Art Museum with my artsy designer friends, Courtney and Grete. We were there especially to check out a special exhibit on Posters in Paris from the late 19th/early 20th century. I felt very sophisticated and smart talking about design with them all afternoon. (No pictures were allowed in that exhibit, unfortunately.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milwaukee Art Museum from the outside - it's a beautiful building!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the main entrance has a really amazing ceiling</td></tr>
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After that exhibit we wandered upstairs to check out other things
in the museum, and what did we come across?<br />
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<b>An exhibit about Disney
animation!!! </b><br />
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Needless to say, I was really excited. Even though the exhibit was clearly designed for people who are three feet tall.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the exhibit featured my favorite character from <i>The Incredibles</i>: Dash!</td></tr>
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The exhibit displayed how Disney artists were influenced by classical art to create not only beautiful but authentic designs. Art from throughout history have served as inspiration for the animated worlds created in Disney films. I was impressed by the wide variety of work that lent ideas towards a single film's overall look. As a designer myself, it was cool to get a glimpse inside Disney artists' "creative process."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljK1O-EVHcU/UDp74oeqdSI/AAAAAAAAGn0/sXEg_zFd7vc/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljK1O-EVHcU/UDp74oeqdSI/AAAAAAAAGn0/sXEg_zFd7vc/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beast transformation scene inspired by a Michelangelo sculpture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7u7R0e0xWo/UDp7-HcETiI/AAAAAAAAGn8/HVTxnN9RTfg/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7u7R0e0xWo/UDp7-HcETiI/AAAAAAAAGn8/HVTxnN9RTfg/s320/IMG_4166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An antique candelabra and teapot as models for Lumiere and Mrs. Potts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfxaz-7OoRk/UDp8DjwA5hI/AAAAAAAAGoE/xLOuftT3wZE/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tfxaz-7OoRk/UDp8DjwA5hI/AAAAAAAAGoE/xLOuftT3wZE/s320/IMG_4168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of concept artist Mary Blair's inspiration for <i>Cinderella </i>- Picasso, Matisse and Braque</td></tr>
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On one wall there was a matching game where you had to match up scenes from Disney or Pixar films with the art piece that inspired them. Grete and Courtney made me play the game to see if I was both a credible Disney and art fan. Since this game was clearly geared towards kids, I was relieved when I got every one correct!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leEwOWCZDCU/UDp8Js8BWUI/AAAAAAAAGoM/yIj-daWz9lw/s1600/IMG_4169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leEwOWCZDCU/UDp8Js8BWUI/AAAAAAAAGoM/yIj-daWz9lw/s320/IMG_4169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching Disney scenes with classic art that inspired them: success!</td></tr>
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In addition to the side by side comparisons, the exhibit also featured some original character sketches and scuptures, as well as storyboard excerpts. The Disnerd and art nerd in me were kind of going a little nuts at the chance to see those up close and in person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ7M4MQhdgU/UDp8P5qtQYI/AAAAAAAAGoY/tGeMMPTitxk/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ7M4MQhdgU/UDp8P5qtQYI/AAAAAAAAGoY/tGeMMPTitxk/s320/IMG_4173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An original sketch of Maleficent, from <i>Sleeping Beauty</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-j0mvIyx6I/UDp8U68x65I/AAAAAAAAGog/q7ZQeNcXf6k/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-j0mvIyx6I/UDp8U68x65I/AAAAAAAAGog/q7ZQeNcXf6k/s320/IMG_4174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">character scuptures from <i>Finding Nemo</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4c-ZMjgMMY/UDp8bL2kzII/AAAAAAAAGoo/qu-W7CkZVaQ/s1600/IMG_4176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4c-ZMjgMMY/UDp8bL2kzII/AAAAAAAAGoo/qu-W7CkZVaQ/s320/IMG_4176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storyboard pictures from various Pixar films</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, it was a wonderful day of nerding out about art. I'm really glad we decided to explore the rest of the museum. What a happy accident!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-21504603587234727792012-08-22T10:04:00.000-05:002012-08-22T10:08:51.618-05:00#47: Failing Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WA_SWSGg6w/UDRgix27BwI/AAAAAAAAGmE/XfS2dvj7qz4/s1600/meet+robinsons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WA_SWSGg6w/UDRgix27BwI/AAAAAAAAGmE/XfS2dvj7qz4/s320/meet+robinsons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Meet the Robinsons</i>, 2007<br />
watched August 12, 2012<br />
<br />
While the futuristic Jetsons-esque setting of this film may be unique in the Disney animated canon, the story still centers on a winsome orphan who longs to find where he belongs. Blah blah blah. <br />
<br />
Sorry. It's been 47 weeks; you can't blame me for being a little weary of the repetition. <br />
<br />
But okay. While the film's humor is a bit more <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/spitting-llama-image.html" target="_blank"><i>Emperor's New Groove</i></a> and less <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/10/timon-and-pumbaa-youll-learn-to-love-em.html" target="_blank">Timon and Pumbaa</a>, it's still one of the better 'modern' Disney films. (I suppose anything is a step up after <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/45-rock-bottom.html" target="_blank"><i>Home on the Range</i></a>, though. I'm still having nightmares about hypnotized cows.) <br />
<br />
Lewis is a clever orphan whose wacky inventions often interfere with his desire to become adopted. Again, we see optimism outweighing difficulties, as he makes it his goal to invent a machine that will help him remember his birth mother, believing she is the only parent who will ever love him.<br />
<br />
But in a surprising (or maybe just amusing, let's be honest here) turn of events, Lewis finds himself blasted into the future, where he meets Wilbur Robinson, a spunky teenager, and his large family of crazy characters. Unless Lewis can fix the time machine that brought him there, he may have to stay in the future forever. Gradually, however, Lewis starts to think staying may not be such a bad thing, as he spends time with this unconventional family that not only welcomes him with open arms, but also holds startlingly different values.<br />
<br />
The Robinsons love failure. In fact, they erupt with joy and excitement when Lewis tries to fix the peanut butter and jelly dispenser and doesn't succeed. Though Lewis has never had a family, he knows that this is not normal. When our own culture is so unabashedly performance-based, the audience, too, finds the family's extreme positivity towards failure quite alarming.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TNXr5Alytg4" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
Lewis realizes that the Robinson home is not only really weird and fun, but it's also a place where love is unconditional. Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn and grow, to "keep moving forward." He can't help but long to become a part of this family; in fact it seems he's always belonged there.<br />
<br />
Like Lewis, we seek love and acceptance in many places. A lot of times we try to prove we're worthy through moral behavior, financial success, or the ability to "fit in." We work tirelessly in effort to show that we deserve to be included, invited, loved. But we will never achieve perfection this way, and thus we will always feel the sting of rejection. <br />
<br />
There is one family, however, where success means nothing. And that's because it's the family where success is achieved through one family member. Through the Son all of our failures and faults become opportunities to receive grace, to learn and grow. In this family we can be just who we are, whether we wear our pants backwards, teach frogs to sing jazz, or shoot meatballs out of canons. We can create, invent, work hard. And fail.<br />
<br />
When we're adopted into this family, we quickly realize that we will always belong, now and moving forward.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-55113924166696073582012-08-14T09:30:00.000-05:002012-08-14T09:59:40.823-05:00#46: Let's cluck<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8SB2qorkdA/UCnbVOFId3I/AAAAAAAAGj4/dVicwOI4nSc/s1600/chicken+little.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8SB2qorkdA/UCnbVOFId3I/AAAAAAAAGj4/dVicwOI4nSc/s320/chicken+little.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Disney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Chicken Little</i>, 2005<br />
watched August 5, 2012<br />
<br />
<i>Chicken Little</i> is one of those familiar tales that has a variety of names and outcomes, with a single element that threads them all together, the famous adage: "The sky is falling!" <br />
<br />
But Disney's 2005 version (there was a 1943 Disney short of the same title) veers rather far from the original folk tale, taking a sci-fi spin (yup, more aliens) and adding pop culture-y humor. While the alleged falling sky plays a key role in the plot, <i>Chicken Little</i> is less of a warning not to believe everything you hear, and more about the power of believing in the people you love.<br />
<br />
Chicken Little is the ultimate underdog. He's small and unpopular, and always seems to get the short end of the stick. While he struggles to be accepted by his peers, the film's central relationship is between Chicken Little and his father, who happens to be <i>[GASP!]</i> a widower. Similar to <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/like-father-like-mother.html" target="_blank">Tarzan</a></i>, Chicken Little does not focus on redemption from his embarrassing "acorn incident," but on making his father proud once and for all.<br />
<br />
Though he is encouraged to communicate his issues to his father, instead he joins the baseball team. You know, communication, baseball. Same thing. When Chicken Little finally hits a home run against their biggest rival, their family problems appear to be resolved. Then the aliens arrive, and it all goes haywire.<br />
<br />
Dude. Aliens ruin everything. <br />
<br />
Ultimately, Chicken Little realizes he needs to talk to his father about how he feels. Amidst invading aliens wreaking havoc through their town, father and son have a heartfelt conversation for the first time. At last, Chicken Little hears the words he has longed to hear: "I love you, son." <br />
<br />
Although our Father is not at all embarrassed or unsupportive like Mr. Little, we often perceive him this way. We believe the lies that he's a father from whom we must earn love and approval. That our dreams and hopes are foolish in his eyes. That he is ashamed when we make mistakes. These ideas about our Father's character come from a lack of communication. The more we distance ourselves from him, the longer we perpetuate these false beliefs. <br />
<br />
Sometimes it takes catastrophic situations in our lives, like an alien invasion, to serve as a catalyst to push us towards him, leading us to cry out and express our despair. When this happens, we see that
he's nothing like the cold, disapproving parent we thought he was. Close conversations with him reveal the truth: our Father's love is unconditional. All along he has been waiting to tell us, "I love you, son." "I love you, daughter."<br />
<br />
Maybe aliens aren't so bad after all.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-36380017631868639612012-08-06T09:33:00.001-05:002012-09-25T23:42:36.532-05:00#45: Rock Bottom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzfBd8SKuQU/UB9Ui4PU5-I/AAAAAAAAGjM/si_MEKno8m4/s1600/home+on+the+range_capture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzfBd8SKuQU/UB9Ui4PU5-I/AAAAAAAAGjM/si_MEKno8m4/s320/home+on+the+range_capture.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Disney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Home on the Range</i>, 2004<br />
watched July 29, 2012<br />
<br />
Well friends. We've arrived. This is what it feels like. Rock bottom is pretty painful. I pray that you never have to feel this pain.<br />
<br />
(Helpful Tip: Never watch<i> Home on the Range</i>. Ever.)<br />
<br />
Want to know how to create the worst Disney movie of all time? Here are five tips from those who successfully achieved this feat:<br />
<br />
<b>1) Feature a really annoying main character.</b><br />
Disney's first mistake was to cast <u><b>Roseanne</b></u> as Maggie, the cow. I wonder if they sat around thinking, <i>"Hey, whose voice would be most annoying to listen to for 74 minutes? Oh, I know, the woman infamous for singing the national anthem in that crass, nasally voice of hers. Perfect. Let's get her."</i><br />
<br />
<b>2) Surround said main character with even more annoying supporting characters. </b><br />
Nearly all of the other characters are equally as whiny, stupid, and un-funny, possibly with the exception of Grace, one of the two sidekick cows. I about <i>died </i>when the villain, Alameda Slim, begins yodeling, and there's a sort of "Pink Elephants On Parade" thing going on, except with cows. And not died in the "I'm so excited I can't contain myself" kind of way. The other kind of dying. I want those five minutes of my life back, Disney!!<br />
<br />
<b>3) Tell a ridiculously stupid, boring story that no one cares about. </b><br />
Okay, so confession time: the DVD was slightly warped and we had to skip through about the first 20 minutes of the movie. Given my obvious feelings about this movie, I was not too upset about this. But even without the beginning, one should still be able to engage with the remainder of the film. There was absolutely nothing that pulled me into the story. I kind of just cringed whenever anyone said something and someone else said something back. So, basically the whole time.<br />
<br />
<b>4) Don't spend any time making it look good. Just get it done.</b><br />
Without knowing much about the film's production history, it's pretty clear that Disney spent significantly less time working on <i>Range</i>. It looks like a five year old could have drawn it. (Sorry to the five year olds that I know! I am pretty sure you all could do way better than this, actually.) At least with other dislikable movies such as <i>Pocahontas</i>, there is still some artistry worth observing and appreciating. Nothing to see here folks. Just a bunch of cows and a fat red-headed cowboy villain.<br />
<br />
<b>5) Include as many crappy songs as you can. </b><br />
Seriously. At the moment the first song begins, I was pretty much ready to throw in the towel. But unfortunately I still had another hour to watch. It's incredible that the same man who is responsible for <i>A Whole New World, </i><i>I See the Light, </i>and dozens of other classics also has <i>(You Ain't) Home on the Range</i> and <i>Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo</i> on his resume. Hopefully they're way down at the bottom where no one will ever remember to check.<br />
<br />
There you have it folks! A recipe for instant success. At failure.<br />
<br />
I'm kind of ashamed that this movie is counted in Disney's animated canon. How can this be included in the same list as <i>The Lion King</i>, <i>Cinderella </i>and <i>Tangled</i>? It makes absolutely <b>no </b>sense. <br />
<br />
Perhaps you're asking: <i>But Laura, you always manage to find something good in every Disney movie! What about this one? </i><br />
<br />
Here's the good news about <i>Home on the Range</i>: I will never have to watch it again.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-89023995918600416802012-08-02T09:53:00.000-05:002012-08-02T09:55:57.200-05:00#44: Taking Our Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NCwhBf7uOY/UBoHkRV5UXI/AAAAAAAAGio/7nrjRi0EdD0/s1600/brotherbear-disneyscreencaps.com-4244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NCwhBf7uOY/UBoHkRV5UXI/AAAAAAAAGio/7nrjRi0EdD0/s400/brotherbear-disneyscreencaps.com-4244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Brother Bear</i>, 2003<br />
watched July 22, 2012<br />
<br />
I've decided to set aside my issues with Phil Collins' ridiculous
soundtrack so I can focus on the story. <i>Couldn't resist those cheesy lyrics, huh Phil? Sigh.</i><br />
<br />
After several weeks in outer space, we've returned to the wild outdoors and anthropomorphic animals. <i>Brother Bear, </i>one of the few Disney films set in North America, is also unique due to its nearly all-male cast. This is undoubtedly a "bro" movie. <br />
<br />
But even though I'm not a bro, the sibling interactions featured in this film still resonate with me. Here we see Disney showcase a more complex, deeper kind of love, the love between family, like in <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/42-reaching-ohana.html" target="_blank"><i>Lilo & Stitch</i></a>. As a middle child, I especially connect to the torment of the middle brother, Denahi, who unwittingly becomes the story's villain.<br />
<br />
Beyond the three brothers, however, another relationship comes into focus as the story progresses. Kenai, the overconfident youngest brother, is turned into a bear after he unnecessarily kills one. He meets a bear cub named Koda, and as they travel together, Kenai's disdain for Koda's <i>joie de vivre</i> reveals his deep prejudice against their kind. In Kenai's mind, bears are merely savage monsters, and he is keenly intent on getting transformed back into a human as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
But, as most Disney characters eventually do, Kenai realizes that he was completely wrong about everything. As he literally steps into the life of a bear, he learns that his ignorance and unwarranted hatred has cost something, and the one who pays most dearly is Koda, whom he has grown to deeply care for.<br />
<br />
Kenai's inner and outer transformations are quite significant. While he begins the film as a selfish, impulsive guy, we find at the conclusion someone who makes a life-altering sacrifice for the sake of another. But what causes Kenai to change? It is the experience of walking in another's shoes (or paws?). It is through his relationship with a community different from his own. It is in the discovery that misconceptions come at a high cost.<br />
<br />
Change takes place when we take the place of someone else. We experience situations as well as relationships that stretch us and give us new perspectives. Only as we encounter differences do we realize that our own worldview is filled with stereotypes and prejudice. When our world expands like this, we have the opportunity to become people, or bears, who love more fully and freely.<br />
<br />
Of course, true transformation is only possible through the one who became a <i>man</i>, so he could walk in our shoes (or sandals?) and give us a completely new perspective. His life-altering sacrifice shows us the perfect example of what it looks like to take the place of another. And through him we are forever altered, taking our place as people guided by love.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-31553959555549924792012-07-30T10:00:00.000-05:002012-07-30T10:00:03.172-05:00Renaissance Parallels Pt. 5: LoveIt's the last of my Renaissance Venn diagrams! I promise. :)<br />
<br />
In this final set I focused on love, unquestionably the central theme to almost all Disney movies. But love doesn't necessarily mean romantic love (though 9 out of 10 times it does). I would like to point out the two fathers featured here: Mufasa and King Triton, both of whom give their lives for their child. Mufasa's death is one of the most emotional moments in the entire Renaissance. <br />
<br />
It's also notable that <i>Pocahontas </i>shows up the most often, whereas it had very few appearances in the previous sets. This is probably because the love story in <i>Pocahontas </i>is the most overwhelming and dominating (ie: that movie doesn't have much else going on). It's probably not a coincidence that it's my least favorite Renaissance film. I love a good love story, but not when it becomes the whole story, which is kind of <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/pocahontas-puh-lease.html" target="_blank"><i>Pocahontas'</i> downfall</a>, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NSVjLmJsnk/UBMhyQ_R3wI/AAAAAAAAGh0/X6LuDTmXSjw/s1600/disney-parallels_love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NSVjLmJsnk/UBMhyQ_R3wI/AAAAAAAAGh0/X6LuDTmXSjw/s640/disney-parallels_love.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
So, what did you think? Did I miss any major similarities? What was most surprising/interesting? Leave your comments!<br />
<br />
And check out the other sets here: <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/renaissance-parallels-pt-1-main.html" target="_blank">main characters</a> | <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/renaissance-parallels-pt-2-songs.html" target="_blank">songs</a> | <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/renaissance-parallels-pt-3-villains.html" target="_blank">villains</a> | <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/renaissance-parallels-pt-4-sidekicks.html" target="_blank">sidekicks</a>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-89826877718056279862012-07-26T23:10:00.001-05:002012-07-26T23:14:29.408-05:00#43: Drawing Lines<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_bovB9HZxY/UBH9z4TqJlI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/zSk3Fa6R3JY/s1600/treasureplanet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_bovB9HZxY/UBH9z4TqJlI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/zSk3Fa6R3JY/s320/treasureplanet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Disney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Treasure Planet</i>, 2002<br />
watched July 15, 2012<br />
<br />
"Is that even a real movie?" Yup, it is. You may recognize the novel from which it was adapted: <i>Treasure Island</i>, by Robert Louis Stevenson. Turns out we get most of our pirate stereotypes from Mr. Stevenson
(e.g.: wooden legs, parrot on the shoulder, X marks the spot, etc.). <i>Treasure Planet </i>takes the pirate theme in <i>Island</i> and puts it in outer space. Think steam punk meets Star Trek. Brilliant, eh? Well, sorta.<br />
<br />
As a troubled teen who has never quite recovered from his dad's abandonment, Jim Hawkins longs for adventure in outer space. And so, we follow him on his journey to find meaning in life. In addition to this feeling really familiar, I am bewildered at how a ship travels through space where there is no atmosphere. It's worse than <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/pocahontas-puh-lease.html" target="_blank">Pocahontas' language "miracle."</a> <i>Almost</i>.<br />
<br />
Jim develops a friendship with the ship's cook, John Silver, a cyborg to whom he has been assigned to work as a cabin boy. Over time, Jim begins to see him as something of a father figure. However, complications arise when the audience discovers Silver is planning a mutiny with the rest of the crew, who are actually pirates.<br />
<br />
In Disney films, we like to draw a solid line between the good guys and bad guys. It helps us order our emotions about the characters. We like to root for heroes and root against the villains. <i>You're a misunderstood teenager whose dad left you? I'm on your side, buddy.</i> <i>Oh, you're a one-legged cyborg? You must be bad.</i><br />
<br />
But Silver, the so-called villain, experiences the most significant transformation of any character in this story--something that usually happens to the hero. As he grows more fond of Jim, he realizes that his pursuit of Captain Flint's lost treasure is no longer his sole priority. When faced with the choice of saving Jim's life or collecting the treasure, Silver acts in a way that surprises even himself. Not your typical villain's story arc.<br />
<br />
In real life, we, too, have people pegged (no pun intended) as one thing or another. <i>What? You're gay? You're straight? You're an atheist? You're a Christian? That must mean you're _____. </i>We have all sorts of ideas about what people should be like based on some category, the way they look, who they associate with.<br />
<br />
It's significant that the audience remains undecided about Silver throughout the film, even up until the last moment. I found myself wanting to just put him in a category. <i>Are you a villain? Are you a father figure? Should I care about you or not? </i><br />
<br />
Animated characters are portrayed by simple, defined strokes, just like the lines we draw around each other. But in reality, the edges are much blurrier. People are designed for good but have potential for evil as well. Like Silver, no one fits into just one category.<br />
<br />
Perhaps instead of drawing lines between people, what we should do is see them for their capacity for change. When we do that, we see them the way that Jesus did, enabling us to love and care indiscriminately. The results are always quite surprising, no matter what side of the line you're on.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-74370142766108518892012-07-24T11:48:00.002-05:002012-07-24T11:48:54.730-05:00Top 10 obscure Disney baby names (BOYS)Well, I guess Matt and Sarah decided not to go for any of <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/top-10-obscure-disney-baby-names-girls.html" target="_blank">my suggestions</a> in naming their daughter.<br />
<br />
Whatever. I'm over it.<br />
<br />
I'm making a new list, of boy names. Maybe someone <i>else </i>will appreciate my brilliant advice! Actually, I don't know anyone who is having a boy. My sister is preggers, but they're waiting to find out the gender. If it is a boy, I think they have some great options here. Seriously.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy76W0-JloE/UA7RnaAwm7I/AAAAAAAAGhA/hEleGSnPIKo/s1600/obscure+boy+names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy76W0-JloE/UA7RnaAwm7I/AAAAAAAAGhA/hEleGSnPIKo/s640/obscure+boy+names.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Ichabod</b>, main character in <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/11/lessons-learned-sort-of.html" target="_blank"><i>The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad</i></a><br />
<i>Why it works:</i> Despite what the name might connote (socially awkward guy with a big nose - that's what I think of, at least), Disney's Ichabod Crane was quite the ladies' man. Until he was driven mad by the Headless Hunter, that is.<br />
<i>Suggested nicknames -</i> Ick, Icky, Ickers<br />
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<b>2. Mowgli</b>, main character in <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/living-in-tension.html" target="_blank">The Jungle Book</a></i><br />
<i>Why it works:</i> Ten bucks your kid will be the only one with this name in his class. Just make sure he wears more than red underwear. <br />
<i>Suggested nicknames -</i> Mo, Mowgs, Glee-meister<br />
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<b>3. Basil</b>, main character in <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/03/its-elementary-my-dear-disnerd.html" target="_blank">The Great Mouse Detective</a></i><br />
<i>Why it works:</i> British names are automatically cool. Plus, he'd be named after an herb. Yum.<br />
<i>Suggested nicknames -</i> Baz, Bazzie, Sherlock<br />
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<b>4. Phoebus</b>, love interest in <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/sanctuary.html" target="_blank">The Hunchback of Notre Dame</a></i><br />
<i>Why it works:</i> If you give him this name, your son will most likely grow some awesome facial hair one day.<br />
<i>Suggested nicknames -</i> Pheebs, Pheebers, Bus<br />
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<b>5. Clayton</b>, villain in <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/like-father-like-mother.html" target="_blank"><i>Tarzan</i></a><br />
<i>Why it works: </i>When he's not busy hunting apes, he'll be playing tennis at the country club and wearing lots of argyle sweaters.<br />
<i>Suggested nicknames:</i> Clay, Clay-boy<br />
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<b>6. Kronk</b>, villain's sidekick in <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/spitting-llama-image.html" target="_blank"><i>Emperor's New Groove</i></a><br />
<i>Why it works: </i>Um, because he's AWESOME. <br />
<i>Suggested nicknames: </i>Kronkie, Kronkers, K<br />
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<b>7. Milo</b>, main character in <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/search/label/atlantis" target="_blank"><i>Atlantis: The Lost Empire </i></a><br />
<i>Why it works: </i>I think this is a legitimately cute name. <br />
<i>Suggested nicknames: </i>Miles, Lo-Lo, Michael J. Fox<br />
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<b>8. Koda</b>, younger bear in <i>Brother Bear </i><br />
<i>Why it works: </i>Doesn't the name just sound cuddly and cute?<br />
<i>Suggested nicknames: </i>Kody, Kodes, Kody-Bear<br />
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<b>9. Pascal</b>, chameleon in <i>Tangled</i><br />
<i>Why it works: </i>Have you <u>seen</u> <i>Tangled</i>? <br />
<i>Suggested nicknames: </i>Pascie, Cal<br />
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<b>10. Maximus</b>, horse in Tangled<br />
<i>Why it works: </i>Have you <u>seen</u> <i>Tangled</i>?
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<i>Suggested nicknames: </i>Max, horsieLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-6351492657837449692012-07-18T20:43:00.002-05:002012-07-19T09:05:56.142-05:00Renaissance Parallels Pt. 4: SidekicksSo you wanna be a sidekick.<br />
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Sidekickery is a vital job in the Renaissance. Your first order of business is to tell your hero why you're so awesome. You should do this with great panache - song and dance is a must. After you've gotten the gig, your next task is to tell your hero why <i>he's</i> so awesome. (Heroes tend to have identity crises. They're high maintenance like that.) After that, finding some other talent or way to help out is a good idea. If you can fly, you're pretty much set. Otherwise, you should try to work on bossing other sidekicks around. That way you establish some authority. It also helps if you have a great sense of humor, know how to train your hero for battle, or hold a position as the king's right hand man.<br />
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If all else fails, being chubby and cute works just fine.<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-43752745742389392242012-07-16T21:26:00.001-05:002012-08-02T23:39:28.649-05:00#42: Reaching Ohana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sroNcSQAyyc/UASaBUUfxRI/AAAAAAAAGUA/Fw9fhirRR0o/s1600/lilo-and-stitch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sroNcSQAyyc/UASaBUUfxRI/AAAAAAAAGUA/Fw9fhirRR0o/s400/lilo-and-stitch3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Lilo & Stitch</i>, 2002<br />
watched July 8, 2012<br />
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Despite the intergalactic setting, <i>Lilo & Stitch</i> is actually the first animated film set in modern day whose main characters are human. (Previous modern day films in our series feature mostly anthropomorphic animals--<a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2011/12/give-helping-paw.html" target="_blank"><i>101 Dalmatians</i></a>, both <i><a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/against-all-odds.html" target="_blank">Rescuers</a> </i>films, and <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/03/oliver-company.html" target="_blank"><i>Oliver & Company</i></a>).<br />
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The humanness of <i>Lilo & Stitch</i> made it one of the first films in this blog project that I related to. I'm pretty sure I'll never ride on a magic carpet, or be raised by wild apes in the jungles of Africa. I'll never become a princess, or get taken away to an enchanted castle. But I <i>do </i>have a sister, and an imperfect family. I've experienced both joy and pain, love and loathing. <br />
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The loss of Lilo and Nani's parents puts them in an unwanted situation: Nani is suddenly forced to be not just sister but also mother and father, grappling with young romance, trying to hold a steady job, and dealing with an intimidating social worker. Lonely and misunderstood, Lilo needs not only guidance but someone to love and accept her. Though they need each other desperately, both the older and younger sister act out in frustration with their circumstances.<br />
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But as Stitch enters their world, his destructive, chaotic presence shows that this native Hawaiian family is "small, but still good." The strength of their bond, however messy and flawed somehow transforms Stitch. His instinct to destroy leaves him feeling empty and alone. He realizes that this family who has let him in has something that he does not. And that changes him.<br />
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We, too, belong to a broken Family. Sometimes we feel obligation and duty rather than love and commitment. We say things that are hurtful. We mess up each others' plans and dreams. We neglect each other. It kind of sucks. <br />
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But just like Lilo and Stitch, we belong to each other. I think we would rather stay and fight than be separated and miss each other terribly. That's the irony of family. Because even though we are a family that screws up, we're also a family where "nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten." There's nothing quite like us.<br />
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While Stitch does so much to hurt Lilo, she is ever forgiving and compassionate towards him. Ultimately, this is what changes Stitch. And this is what transforms anyone who comes into contact with our Family, no matter how much they have destroyed and terrorized us. When we have <i>ohana</i>, <u>everyone</u> is included, accepted and loved. It's something we all need, whether we're Lilo, Nani or Stitch.<br />
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It's an interesting set up we have, this flawed but beautiful Family. There are days when my faith in the Family falters, but my faith in the One who holds this Family together does not change. And that's ultimately what keeps me striving for <i>ohana</i>.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4742439397728658377.post-44019139126072547972012-07-11T10:27:00.001-05:002012-07-16T18:30:31.699-05:00#41: Passion Over Glory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWLnvXT281g/T_2TdFKWbcI/AAAAAAAAGT0/_FI-NW4L42I/s1600/atlantis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWLnvXT281g/T_2TdFKWbcI/AAAAAAAAGT0/_FI-NW4L42I/s400/atlantis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Atlantis: the Lost Empire</i>, 2001<br />
watched July 1, 2012<i></i><br />
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<i>Atlantis</i>, like <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/spitting-llama-image.html" target="_blank"><i>Emperor's New Groove</i></a>, stands apart from Disney's typical fare, delving into new genres: action and science fiction. It's probably also the darkest film we've seen since <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/02/calling-cauldron-black.html" target="_blank"><i>The Black Cauldron</i></a>. Within the first half hour, the majority of a 200-person crew aboard the ship are killed en route, leaving only a handful of them to brave the rest of the journey.<br />
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Also, there are a lot of caves. Dark ones.<br />
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While the numerous action sequences are quite a contrast from the colorful musical numbers of past films, the story still retains some familiar "Disney-esque" elements, such as the quirky main character who doesn't fit in. Add the orphan factor and aspirations to discover "a whole new world" (aka lost civilization), and Milo Thatch comfortably takes his seat at the Disney hero table. (There were times during the movie that I wanted to burst out singing <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/05/heroes-pastries.html" target="_blank">"Go the Distance"</a> or <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-honor.html" target="_blank">"Reflection"</a>. But I guess that's kind of all the time.)<br />
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And it's the nerdy linguist's path to self discovery that carries an otherwise convoluted story along. There's a reason why Disney keeps coming back to these characters who search for meaning in life. It's undoubtedly the main question at large among all of humankind.<br />
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In Milo's case, he isn't so much seeking his calling; he already knows what he's passionate about. Perhaps this comes from already being an adult (an anomaly among a <a href="http://disnerdadventures.blogspot.com/2012/06/lessons-in-adolescence.html" target="_blank">mostly teenaged hero list.</a>) But he still has yet to reach the ultimate goal of finding the mysterious island of Atlantis.<br />
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Milo experiences both ridicule and loneliness as he pursues his passion. Spending his days in a hot, dusty boiler room, he lives a fairly unglamorous life in order to research, study and (unsuccessfully) persuade others to support his mission. Even when a crew is assembled and they begin the journey under the sea, the others on the team mostly laugh at his enthusiasm. Some even have impure motives and are only in it for financial gain.<br />
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When all of his work pays off and they reach Atlantis, it is the moment we think Milo will at last be recompensed. The naysayers will finally be proven wrong. He will become famous for discovering the ancient thought-to-be-myth civilization. Glory and prestige will be guaranteed.<br />
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Here we expect the moral of the story: <i>Don't give up on your dreams, one day you will be a star!</i> And that's certainly the resounding message we hear elsewhere in culture.<br />
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But Milo demonstrates another alternative. He realizes that his dream to find Atlantis also includes a deep commitment to the Atlanteans themselves. So he chooses to give up the glory, fame and success that would certainly be his upon return to the world above water. Instead, he stays in Atlantis, in order to help preserve their dying civilization. (I suppose the beautiful Kida may have also motivated that decision. But still.)<br />
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Passion requires sacrifice. It leads to loneliness, ridicule, and leaving behind your desire for comfort, respect, or glory. It means giving up everything in order to save a dying people. When we choose passion over glory, we follow the One made the ultimate sacrifice, and whose passion saved us all.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07148953296656524813noreply@blogger.com0