Robin Hood

Posted on August 6, 2013 at 4:00 am

Disney is celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of its most beloved animated musicals with a gorgeous new Blu-Ray. It is based on the classic Robin Hood story of the man who robbed from the rich to give to the poor in 12th century England. It has cute cartoon animals playing all of the roles, a talented voice cast, and singable songs from down home country singer Roger Miller.

The story is narrated by Moore as Merry Men minstrel Alan-a-Dale, a rooster. Wicked but immature Prince John is trying to steal the crown from his brother, brave King Richard (both lions voiced by Peter Ustinov). He is backed by Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas as a gap-toothed snake). In this version of the story, Sir Hiss hypnotizes the king to get him to leave England and fight in the Crusades. With Richard gone, John abuses the populace, imposing harsh taxes. Robin (Brian Bedford as a fox) is a nobleman who fights to protect the community, stealing back the money that has been stolen from them by Prince John. Kids will especially enjoy the antics of Prince John, who reverts to babyhood and sucks his thumb when he is under pressure.

The rest of the cast includes the distinctive voices of Phil Harris (Baloo from “The Jungle Book”) as Little John, a bear, Monica Evans as Maid Marion (a vixen), John Fiedler (voice of Pooh) as a mouse innkeeper, and Andy Devine as Friar Tuck (a badger), and in addition to Miller’s songs “Ooo De Lally,” “Whistle Stop,” and “Not in Notingham,” there is a Johnny Mercer tune, “The Phony King of England.”

I have one copy to give away! Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Robin” in the subject line and tell me your favorite version of this story. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only) I will pick a winner at random on August 12. Good luck!

Parents should know that there is some mild peril and slapstick in this film.

Family discussion: Why were brothers John and Richard so different? Why is Robin Hood remembered as a hero? Who is most like Robin Hood today?

If you like this, try: “The Adventures of Robin Hood” with Errol Flynn and Disney animation classics like “Pinocchio” and “Peter Pan”

An Animated Gibran’s “Prophet”

Posted on June 23, 2013 at 8:00 am

Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, first published in 1923, has illuminated the concepts of love, intimacy, and spirituality for devoted readers for generations. Its wisdom and quiet lyricism are deeply moving. This passage is quoted in the classic movie, “The Women.”

But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

He wrote about friendship:

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

He wrote about pain:

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain. And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy; And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.

I was delighted to read on Deadline that Salma Hayek is producing a new animated movie based on “The Prophet.” The talent involved is very impressive.

Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Frank Langella, Alfred Molina andQuvenzhané Wallis have all joined the voice cast of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet, the animated feature film written and directed by Roger Allers, whose animation credits include directing Disney’s The Lion King and Open Season and whose writing and storyboard work encompasses such films as Aladdin, Beauty And The Beast, and The Little Mermaid. .. Animators include Tomm Moore (The Secret Of Kells), Joan Gratz (Mona Lisa Descending A Staircase), Bill Plympton (Guard Dog And Your Face), Nina Paley (Sita Sings The Blues), Joann Sfar (The Rabbi’s Cat), Paul and Gaetan Brizzi (Fantasia 2000), Michal Socha (Chick) and Mohammed Harib (Freej).

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Some of the Best Movie Dads are Animated

Posted on June 16, 2013 at 9:50 am

Happy Father’s Day!

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“The Emperor’s New Groove” — A Neglected Gem from Disney

Posted on June 5, 2013 at 7:19 am

I am really pleased that one of my favorite Disney animated movies, “The Emperor’s New Groove,” will be out on Blu-Ray next week. It is a neglected gem, colorful and very funny, with wonderfully executed sight gags and action and a great story, with an Oscar-nominated song from Sting. It’s about an arrogant and selfish young emperor (David Spade) who is turned into a llama by the evil Yzma (voiced by the magnificent growl of Eartha Kitt).

Here is a glimpse and a song from Tom Jones.

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MVP of the Summer: Animated Snails?

Posted on May 28, 2013 at 8:00 am

Are snails the penguins of 2013?

For a while, penguins were the adorable go-to, in movies from “Madagascar” to “Surf’s Up” to the record-breaking documentary “March of the Penguins.” But this summer, the cutest creatures in animated movies seem to be…snails. The trailers for “Epic,” “Monsters University,” and “Turbo” feature snail characters. Indeed, in “Turbo,” the lead is a racing snail voiced by Ryan Reynolds. And Chris O’Dowd’s snail and his slug sidekick voiced by Aziz Ansari are the comic highlight of the film.