There’s No Need to Fear

 

 

Underdog is here.  When The Walt Disney Studios announced they would be releasing less movies so they could be more picky, I didn't expect to see movies like Under Dog.  Now I am a big fan of the director's (Fredrick Du Chau) work.  His previous film, Racing Stripes, was a highlight of my cinamatic life.  And the cast has an impressive Disney pedigree.  Jason Lee(Underdog) was great as Syndrome is Disney's presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios Film, The Incredibles.  Amy Adams(Sweet Polly PureBred) is already getting attention as Disney's newest princess in Enchanted.  Jim Belushi (Dan Unger) has been on ABC since the network launched.  And Patrick Whartburton (Cad) has been in every Disney production in the last ten years.  By the way, while watching Underdog if you don't measure up to the height indicator on your seat, put your seatbelt through the center strap before buckling.  Nice work pal!  That being said, can this all-star cast make a fantastic film?  Rotten Tomatoes says no, with a 21% fresh rating.  But I when I see the film this weekend, I will keep an open mind.  Who knows, maybe I will like it.

Quick Takes:

Media Networks: Speaking of bad Disney movies, ABC will be presenting Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen on Saturday as part of The Wonderful World of Disney.  I see every Disney film, and it is films like this that makes it very difficult some times.  This might be my least favorite Disney film of the Eisner era.  And with Lindsay Lohan's recent troubles, the movie even becomes less watchable as any sympathy you have for the seflish heroine disappears and is replaced by pity. 

Parks and Resorts:  Can you keep a secret?  The Disney Vacation Club opene its Doorway to Dreams sales center in the Woodland Mall in Chicago.  This new venture really hurt DVC's ongoing desire to be the best kept Disney secret.  If they keep this up, people might find out.  Also this store sounds and looks real nice.  It features interactive family vacation discovery zone, comfortable discussion areas, a supervised children's play area, and a full-scale model of a two-bedroom vacation home.  It also has a 3-D holographic-like video display.  This proves, once again, that no one has a budget like DVC.  The $1.2 billion approved for DCA has nothing on DVC.

Consumer Products: Here is the lowdown on Gail Carson Levine's book tour for her new book, "Fairy Haven & The Quest for the Wand."

August 1 – World of Disney Store, NY, NY
August 4 – Whale of a Tale, Irvine, CA
August 5 – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, CA
August 6 – Books Inc. Alameda, CA
August 7 – Hickelbees, San Jose, CA
August 7 – Kepler's, Menlo Park, CA – Fairies Garden Party
August 10- St. Louis Public Library
August 11 – Borders, Brentwood, MO
August 13 – Blue Manatee, Cincinnati
August 14 – Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
August 15 – Barnes & Noble, Skokie, IL