Kaela and David go back to a duo act as they present this last Animusings+ of the Disney run (for the time being, at least): a discussion of the 2018 sequel to the beloved MARY POPPINS. Topics of discussion includes nostalgia in the formula, weird and unintended chemistry, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and why a surprising cameo by Angela Lansbury makes sense in a most delightful way.
Animusings+ - Enchanted (with Papreeka)
Fairy tales and reality collide in this meta-driven feature from 2007, with its combination of animation and live action. Kaela, David and Papreeka go from Andalasia to the Big Apple and have quite a bit to say about this picture, with discussions including the balance of loving tribute to gently poking fun, the tricky path from princess to realized woman, spectacular musical numbers and the possible beginning of the Disney deconstruction commentary within the company’s own movies.
Animusings+ - The Tigger Movie (with Lavecki)
We’re back to the Hundred-Acre Wood in the year 2000 with this bouncy feature starring everyone’s favorite striped goofball. Lavecki is back to talk about Tigger’s starring role and how the story and characters compare to the previous Winne the Pooh film.
Animusings+ - James and the Giant Peach (with Ben Spiegel)
Ben Spiegel is our guest once again to talk about this 1996 stop-motion marvel about a boy, some bugs, and a very big fruit. Discussion includes magical realism and defining it in the world, an introduction to Randy Newman, and rhinos being a metaphor for car accidents.
Animusings+ - A Goofy Movie (with Marelle Berry)
Kaela and David take a road trip through some 1995 nostalgia with Kaela’s sister, Marelle. This film, another follow-up to a Disney Afternoon show, sees a father-son dynamic that’s a little bit… well, goofy! Topics of discussion include liar revealed tropes, recurring nuns, the Dad Code and Chekov’s Perfect Cast.
Special thanks to Ernie Hernandez for voicing Goofy in our intro.
Animusings+ - The Nightmare Before Christmas (with Nick Barbera)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the show, Kaela, David and Nick talk of ghosts, ghouls and snow. The unusual feature from 1993 is a stop-motion wonder that fills them with glee. They discuss Halloween Town, lost holiday doors, Tim’s lack of involvement, Oogie Boogie and more!
Animusings+ - DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp
Life is like a hurricane here on Animusings+, especially when Kaela and David bring back Alex and Heather to talk DuckTales, a collective childhood favorite, and the 1990 movie the series inspired.
Animusings+ - Who Framed Roger Rabbit (with the Ornelas Brothers)
Jeepers! At nearly three hours long, you know David, Kaela and special guests the Ornelas Brothers had a lot to say about this 1988 combination of live-action and animation and a technical achievement in more ways than one.Discussion points include cartoon civil rights, what makes a good Noir, bumping the lamp and how the plight of the Disney studios in the late 40s informs the plot.
Animusings+ - Pete's Dragon (with Secoura)
It’s a brazzle-dazzle day when Kaela, David and guest host Secoura stumble their way into this bizarre 1977 musical feature about a boy and his sometimes-animated, sometimes-invisble dragon. Discussion points include hillbilly jump scares, weird timing for breakout musical numbers, building a lighthouse vs. renting a lighthouse, and when chewing scenery is a good thing.
Animusings+ - Bedknobs and Broomsticks (with Random Encounters)
The debate stands: is this 1971 live action/animated fantasy adventure a spiritual successor to Mary Poppins, or is it just aping the formula hoping to produce similar results? Kaela and David aim to find out, and get a little help from guests AJ and Gwen of musical-parody channel Random Encounters. Topics of discussion in this episode include trippy bed-flying sequences, fun with rolling library ladders, cartoon soccer picks and “Mischief Nazis.”
Animusings+ - Mary Poppins
David and Kaela think that this 1964 film, with its combination of live-action and animation, is practically perfect in every way. But what went into the production and eventual success formula for Mary Poppins beyond what’s been retold in Saving Mr. Banks? And is the title character, in fact, a Time Lord?
Animusings+ - Song of the South (with Randy Guerra)
Everybody's got a laughin' place, and we hope yours is with us as David, Kaela and special guest Randy Guerra discuss this 1946 combination of live action and feature animation, and the mixed opinions and criticisms the film has received over the years.
Animusings+ - Victory Through Air Power
Kaela and David are in for some interesting history lessons with this grim 1943 film, which hoped to inspire confidence and support for a stronger American air force during World War II.
Animusings+ - The Reluctant Dragon
David and Kaela are certainly not reluctant to talk about this film from 1941, a behind-the-scenes look at the Walt Disney Animation Studios, in their first bonus episode, tentatively labeled Animusings+.