Letters to the Editor
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And Jim Miles' expertise on Disney film history has been just as welcome. His article on Disney's saddest moments was a favorite and his column on Pocahontas brought out a lot of closet Poca fans.
Jim, I want to thank you so much for your insight into the business of animated film. I'm a 20 year old college student looking to become a storyboarder for animated films, and I was truly worried that animated film could be replaced in years to come with traditional animation, much like silent film went away with "talkies". However, your article has given me some hope for the future. I've talked with people young and old, and lots of them loved Lilo and Stitch. In a different aspect, many people did not even hear about Treasure Planet. I can truly see how mishandled business affairs can make it look like 2 dimensional animation is going down the tubes. Thanks again for your insight,and giving a guy hope for the future.
Jim -- I enjoyed your article on Disney's Saddest Animation moments. I agree in large measure with your choices. The scene from Dumbo especially -- it tears your heart out. I would like to suggest one other more recent scene that I was surprised wasn't on your list. Toy Story 2, the musical montage when Jessie is reliving her memories growing up with Emily, while Sarah McLachlan sings "When She Loved Me." The scene ends with Jessie being left behind in the Salvation Army drop box. Not a dry eye in the house. Keep up the good work.
Man, just reading about these scenes made me cry! I had a hard time with Lilo & Stitch, that particular scene just tore me up. I cried for the rest of the evening just thinking about all the poor kids in orphanages that probably feel that same way. Just saw Treasure Planet last night, loved it! I don't understand why it's not doing so good. But yeah, the scene when his father left was definitely a tear jerker for me.
Hi, thanks for writing your essay on what makes Pocahontas one of Disney's TRULY rare gems. I've had this feeling for a long time now and I was wondering how many years needed to pass before audiences saw how important this film is. To me, Pocahontas was judged unfairly. After a series of hilarious films (Lion King, Aladdin, even Beauty and the Beast had a lot of funny moments) comes a drastically more serious film. And in Disney's defense, how else could they tackle the subject matter? It's an important story showing two opposing sides who are very alike down in its core, as you mentioned. If Disney continued to finish this film with talking sidekicks and sidesplitting humor as they started off to do, we would have a very confused audience. I'm extremely pleased with the director's decision to make this a more serious film and that was a VERY risky move, and I applaud them for that. You also mentioned the great music in Pocahontas, and I'd have to agree. The songs are incredibly moving, but the one song that I regret that they pulled out of the film was "If I never knew you." If you haven't seen the film version duet, try finding the collector's edition Laserdisc. I think it's one of the greatest Disney love songs of all time (maybe I'm exaggerating, but I like it A LOT). Anyway... just had to back you up on some of those points. BTW, I think Hunchback is another extremely rare gem, and I think it's either #1 or #2 on my favorites list (for Disney).
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your superb article on Pocahontas!! This film is my favorite of all the Disney movies, and after reading so many negative reviews of it, this was a breath of fresh air for me! Finally, an intelligent reviewer who truly understands Pocahontas. I'm amazed by your incredible insights into it... I appreciate the film even more now than I did before! Thank you again for this terrific article... you've given me new perspectives on my favorite movie, not to mention something to throw back at Pocahontas bashers. ;^)
Thanks for this thoughtful review of one of my favorite films. I think it has also been criticized for its "girl power" (ie politically correct) message. However, that it one thing that I love about it. Pocahontas is not wilting violet. She and Mulan are real HEROines in the way the princesses can never be.
Jim is currently on hiatus from LaughingPlace.com to work on a project of his. Like the reader below, we look forward to his return:
The best on your new endeavor. enjoyed your columns and await your return. Thanks.
Benji Breitbart's new column, The Buzz, has fared well so far:
I loved your column. I laughed till it hurt. Keep it up!
This is great!!!!!!!! my new favorite column on laughing place. Benji is hilarious!!!
The Wells Fargo Wagon is an original song from the music man
Not everyone gets it. Benji will have to work harder.Daddy wants to know why he is paying rent if you are sleeping on a couch
Easy to see where Benji gets his sense of humor.
And finally, I almost hate to put this here for fearing of ruining the running gag. But somehow I don't think it'll matter. We hope no one is offended. It's all a part of te fun. Kenversations James T. Feedback:
James T. Kirk's middle name is Tiberius. Better luck next time.
You don't even know your childhood hero's middle name? Captain James Tiberius Kirk Shame on you.
"James Tyndale Kirk" - This is what I read your articles looking for. Kinda like looking for Hitchcock in his movies. That is an odd T word.
Shhhh....
Discuss It
-- Posted March 6, 2003
-- Edited by Doobie Moseley