Toon Talk - From the Other Side: - Mar 31, 2006

Toon Talk - From the Other Side:
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(c)  20TH Century Fox/Blue Sky Studios

Where the film stumbles is with the love story angle; as possibly the last two mammoths alive, it is up to Manny and Ellie to procreate the species, as it were, leading to several awkward, borderline racy exchanges touching on the mating habits of the prehistoric genus Mammuthus. These scenes are played for laughs, of course, pushing the envelope of the acceptable limits of adult-aimed humor in a film marketed to young children into uncomfortable territory.

Still, all that may go over little Johnny’s head; what is absolutely not acceptable is several uses of words and phrases you would not want your young’uns repeating, such as “damn�? and “wild ass�?. Considering how often Meltdown will be watched by kids once it hits home video, such unfortunate inclusions may come back to haunt both parents and the irresponsible filmmakers alike.

Toon Talk Rating: C+

In this ‘Toon Talk’ feature, I will briefly highlight a recommended film or DVD, outside of the Disney universe, of similar interest to the main subject.

Amazing Arctic Adventure

Widely considered the first documentary ever, Nanook of the North (1922) is a prime example of early nature photography and influenced Walt Disney’s own True Life Adventures series. Filmmaker Robert J. Flaherty capture Eskimo Nanook and his family as they struggle to survive in the frozen wastelands, complete with walrus hunting, igloo-building and even some nose-rubbing.

This silent film classic is available on DVD from the Criterion Collection.

Coming Soon in Toon Talk:

  • A pack of NYC Zoo animals goes back to The Wild in the new computer-animated comedy (Disney, April 14).
  • A group of Florida teens fight to save a flock of endangered owls in Hoot (New Line, May 5).
  • Its soccer time in the next Disney sports flick, Goal! The Dream Begins (Disney, May 12).

Discuss It

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-- Kirby C. Holt
-- Logos by William C. Searcy, Magic Bear Graphics, http://www.cafepress.com/MagicBear

Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ...

Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.

The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

-- Posted April 1, 2006

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