We apologize in advance to anyone who enjoys this 2000 CG-animated feature, but David, Kaela and special guest Matt Holley are not particularly big fans. They keep things fairly short this time around as they discuss the pros of wordless storytelling, the cons of anthropomorphic lips, the virtues of helping the elderly and how Ayn Rand gets utilized in a weird way.
38 - Fantasia 2000 (with Abysmii and Papreeka)
The concert feature returns for a new millennium, and past guests Abysmii and Papreeka join us for a discussion of this attempt at reviving the Fantasia concept. Topics include flying Doritos, how celebrity cameos can date a feature, evocations of Melody Time and Biblical stories with Disney characters.
Special thanks to Ernie Hernandez, Aronzo Traylor and Austin Traylor for lending their incredible voices to the intro.
37 - Tarzan (with Sandy Stoltz)
The Lord of the Apes leaps center stage in this episode as David, Kaela and special guest Sandy Stoltz discuss this 1999 animated adventure. Topics include Phil Collins explaining it all, how many montages are too many montages, animated sex appeal and the most gruesome addition to the Plummet Counter.
36 - Mulan (with Jennifer Kelsey)
1998 was a year Disney attempted to bring honor to us all with this Chinese fable seen through a Western lens. David and Kaela get down to business with some help from their friend Jenny to discuss casting quandaries, the role and role-breaking of gender, silence speaking volumes and why a falcon is the greatest soldier in the Hun army.
35 - Hercules (with ClericofMadness)
We attempt to go the distance in this 1997 feature that goes “beyond the myth” when it comes to Greek mythology, as David and Kaela draw special guest ClericofMadness from the Underworld to discuss it. Topics include a petty deal with Jeffery, a surprising connection to Pink Floyd, Hades getting a bad rep and the subtext of Megara’s backstory.
34 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (with Alex and Heather)
Come one! Come all! See how Disney managed to convert Victor Hugo’s bleak and mature novel into this 1996 family feature with - believe it or not- a G-rating. Returning guests Alex and Heather are back to discuss depictions of Romani, the problem with goofy gargoyles, deep fireplace confessions and the best music Alan Menken has ever written.
33 - Pocahontas (with Seid and Raevell)
Kaela and David seek riches in the new world of 1995, and find only this VERY loosely historical animated feature instead. Joined by old friends Seid and Raevell, they’ll listen with their hearts in hopes to understand the real history, animation history and unusual expectations for this film on its release. Topics include deep-diving into Jamestown lore, comic relief dos-and-don’ts, magic wind and character chemistry in unusual places.
32 - The Lion King (with Kylie and Eli)
From the day we arrived on this podcast, we knew we would get to this one. Kaela and David visit the Pridelands of this 1994 feature with their friends from Animal Fact Files and Cinema Nippon, Kylie and Eli, and talk about the surprising rise and lasting impression this coming-of-age story had on a generation. Talking points include divinely-appointed lions, figuring out where in Africa things are set, some sympathy for Scar, and the true awakening of furries.
31 - Aladdin (with Ben Paddon)
We end 2019 in the scorching desert with a 1992 Arabian night, with David and Kaela having pitched camp with special guest Ben Paddon as they weave their way through this mystical and madcap feature. Discussion points include the impact of Robin Williams, the possible origin of the Cave of Wonders, a fair amount of comparisons to the 2019 live-action remake, and a game called “Guess the Ashman.”
30 - Beauty and the Beast (with Beth Morton)
A tale as old as time in more ways than one, this 1991 musical fairy tale is considered a masterpiece of Disney’s filmography for many; Kaela, David and guest Beth Morton included. Discussion points include Howard Ashman’s swan song, the timeline confusion of an enchanted castle, village yokels bullying an old man and, honestly, a lot of gushing.
29 - The Rescuers Down Under (with Brian Ward and Dr. Andrea Letamendi)
Bernard and Bianca are back after over a decade in Disney’s first true sequel, released in 1990. Joining our discussion are Brian Ward and Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions; Lattes with Leia) as we muse about what is captivating in the first 10 minutes, the practicality of the R.A.S., when cartoon animals aren’t funny and Bernard’s character arc.
28 - The Little Mermaid - Part 2 (with Angi Viper and Shawn Bean)
In the longest episode to date - so long, in fact, we’re splitting it in two parts - Kaela and David ask their friends Angi Viper and Shawn Bean to be part of their world as they submerge deep into this 1989 underwater adventure. Discussion includes popular misconceptions about Ariel’s motives and voice, father-daughter relationships, fisticuffs over Sebastian’s identity and the horror of fish sentience.
28 - The Little Mermaid - Part 1 (with Angi Viper and Shawn Bean)
In the longest episode to date - so long, in fact, we’re splitting it in two parts - Kaela and David ask their friends Angi Viper and Shawn Bean to be part of their world as they submerge deep into this 1989 underwater adventure. Discussion includes popular misconceptions about Ariel’s motives and voice, father-daughter relationships, fisticuffs over Sebastian’s identity and the horror of fish sentience.
27 - Oliver & Company (with Randy Guerra)
“Once upon a time in New York City” is the setting for this 1988 film, loosely based off Charles Dickens’ Oilver Twist. Kaela, David and returning guest Randy Guerra talk about dog breed caricatures, love letters to Manhattan, the music that sticks with them, and what the heck the deal with Sykes is.
26 - The Great Mouse Detective (with Allen Chaney)
Joined by longtime friend Allen - himself related to horror legend Lon Chaney - we hit a very different London after midnight in this 1986 mystery/adventure on a mouse-sized scale. Discussions include risque club scenes, the exact relationship between Basil and Ratigan, the 60-year reign of a mouse queen and why Vincent Price is an incredible actor.
25 - The Black Cauldron (with Nyx Fears)
It’s our 2-year anniversary, and we’re about to enter the Disney Dark Ages with this disastrous 1985 fantasy that nearly ruined the animation studio. As such, the kid-gloves are off, and we’re going to be perfectly candid about this one, joined by special guest May Leitz (Nyx Fears) to talk editing woes, foggy conditions and why Henwen is the best character.
24 - The Fox and the Hound (with Abysmii)
Abysmii is back to join the discussion of this significant 1981 feature, representing the reluctant passing of the reins from a previous generation of animators to the next. Points of discussion include Nature vs. Nurture, when and why a character should be killed off, how Tim Burton draws female foxes, and a cut scene involving Phil Harris and Charo that was indeed wise to remove.
23 - The Rescuers (with Papreeka)
Who will rescue special guest Papreeka (Raygun Readers) from having to discuss this mouse-driven mission from 1977? Or does she even need rescuing? Kaela and David are certainly happy to have her around as they talk about Bianca and Bernard’s developing relationship, the exact location of Devil’s Bayou, when the villain is a discount Cruella DeVille, and when it’s a good time for swamp yokels to yell “CHARGE!”
22 - The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (with Lavecki)
This treasured anthology from 1977 is a source of many fond memories for Kaela, David and special guest Lavecki, who now venture back to the Hundred-Acre Wood as adults to revisit the menagerie of animals inspired by A. A. Milne’s books for children. Topics include the return of the package film, the comedy Rule of Three, meta-humor and our hosts favorite characters.
21 - Robin Hood (with Orion Moon)
Disney’s first proper anthropomorphic animal film gets the Animusings treatment as David, Kaela and guest Orion Moon enter Sherwood Forest and hobnob about this 1973 feature. Discussion includes the finale of the Phil Harris Trilogy, Ken Anderson versus Wolfgang Reitherman, Maid Marion’s confusing familial connections and lots and lots of recycled animation.