Film Study: Disney Animated Movies (CGI Era)

In 1995 Disney released the groundbreaking movie of Toy Story, which was the first ever fully computer generated animated film. This essentially marked the transition away from standard 2d animation and towards the future of CGI animations. This concept of CGI animation became relevant nearly 20 years before it's major debut of Toy Story. The Pixar Animation Studio was founded in 1979 and began as a sub-division of Lucasfilm. However by 1986 it spun off into it's own independent company and began to demonstrate new cutting edge CGI graphics.

By the early 1990s Disney had begun to collaborate with Pixar on various projects which paved the way for the production of Toy Story. It was a major $26 million deal intended to be a trilogy, and after it's release completely changed the animation industry. It marked a turning point for Disney's Renaissance that was flying high after it's release of Lion King in 1994. The CGI of Toy Story had now raised the bar for much more depth and quality to animated films. This would eventually become the norm for animated films.

By 2006 Disney bought Pixar outright and began releasing CGI films on a regular basis. They still however maintained their original Disney animated studios and continued to release standard 2d animated films such as Princess and the Frog, while also producing their own CGI animated films such as Tangled, Moana, and Frozen.

It's no question that since the release of Toy Story in 1995 we have entered a new era of animated movies. As per usual Disney has still dominated the animation market, now with 2 major studios working for it (Pixar Animation and Disney Animation). The question is whether this current age can be considered a golden era. While their major theatrical releases continue to perform well at the box office and receive critical acclaim, it's still too early to consider these iconic classics. This is simply the age we are living in now and to be fair there have been some really good Disney CGI films but I honestly prefer the classics.


Toy Story

Year Released:  1995
Running Time: 81 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Osaar Special Achievement Winner for first ever computer animated film
• Oscar Nominee for Original Screenplay
• Oscar Nominee for Music Score by Randy Newman
• Oscar Nominee for Original Song, "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman

Songs:

• You've Got a Friend in Me

My Review: Obviously the movie was very significant and ushered in the new era of CGI animated films. I remember watching Toy Story as a kid and being very impressed with the latest and greatest technology. Everything about this movie was great from the story, the voice actors of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, to the graphics, and the music provided by Randy Newman. The film did not have the classical Disney musical essence, but Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me" has become quite iconic. All-in-all for it's massive impact on the animation industry yet also it's very enjoyable story I would give this film a strong rating of 8 out of 10. (It has to be the most significant of the CGI films, but personally I would not have it in my top ten all time favorites).


A Bug's Life

Year Released: 1998
Running Time: 95 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Nominated for Music Score by Randy Newman

Songs:

• Time of Your Life

My Review: I enjoyed this film when it was released loving everything about it. I thought the premise was quite clever taking viewers inside the day to day dealings of insects. The story was good, the voice acting was good, the graphics were cutting edge, and once again Randy Newman delivered with the musical soundtrack. I would give this a favorable rating of 6 out of 10.


Toy Story 2

Year Released: 1999
Running Time: 92 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Nominated for Original Song "When She Loved Me" by Randy Newman

Songs:

• When She Loved Me

My Review: This movie was released around the time I was making the transition into high school, and began to lose track of the latest animated releases. I did not really watch the full story until just recently and for the most part I found it enjoyable. The story was nowhere near as good as the first one, however the animation and voice characters were still as impressive. I would give it a rating of 6 out of 10.


Monsters Inc

Year Released: 2001
Running Time: 92 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Original Song "If I Didn't Have You" by Randy Newman
• Oscar Nominee for Music Score
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Editing
• Oscar Nominee for Best Animated Feature

Songs:

• If I Didn't Have You

My Review: Once again a movie released during my high school years where I completely skipped out on the hype. The movie does however remind me of my days at the BACA, and one kid in particular who was very obsessed with this movie. After recently watching it all the way thru I found the movie slightly above average. The animation is good and Billy Crystal and John Goodman make a great pair for voice acting, however the story and music are kinda weak. I would give this a rating of 6 out of 10.


Finding Nemo

Year Released: 2003
Running Time: 100 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature (1st Disney film to win this award established in 2001)
• Oscar Nominee For Original Screenplay
• Oscar Nominee for Music Score by Thomas Newman
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Editing

My Review: I remember this film had some major hype to it, even during my high school senior years. I believe it was one of the few animated films I caught during this time and I found it to be very enjoyable. The underwater CGI animation was quite incredible and the story was also very original. It began with the familiar Disney early parental tragedy, however Nemo still had his father looking after him (until he lost him). The story is a great mixture of humor, adventure, and drama and perhaps the one thing it is lacking is a better musical soundtrack. All-in-all I would give it a strong rating of 7 out of 10.


The Incredibles

Year Released: 2004
Running Time: 115 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Winner for Sound Editing
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Mixing
• Oscar Nominee for Original Screenplay

My Review: This was another animated film I actually do recall the hype for during my college years just like Finding Nemo it lived up to the hype. The story of a family of superheros was quite original and made for great action and comedy. The CGI animation was also ideal for this type of action movie and provided a heightened since of suspense to the film. While the film hit a homerun on the visuals and the sound effects, once again it was definitely lacking in the musical department. Overall I would give the film another strong rating of 7 out of 10.


Cars

Year Released: 2006
Running Time: 116 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Our Town" by Randy Newman
• Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature 

My Review: Once again another animated film that was released during my college years which I missed out on the hype. Also it's premise of talking race cars never quite appealed to me. I recently watched it all the way thru and wasn't all that impressed. The film stars one of my favorite comedic actors, Owen Wilson who does well as the hot rod Lightning McQueen. However it's premise is a bit dry and lacking the magic demonstrated in Finding Nemo and Incredibes. The film does provide a decent soundtrack, however not in the usual character/musical fashion. All-in-all I'd give this film a slightly favorable rating for it's CGI graphics of 6 out of 10.


Ratatouille

Year Released: 2007
Running Time: 111 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Nominee for Original Screenplay
• Oscar Nominee for Music Score
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Mixing
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Editing

My Review: This film was once again another home run for the Disney/Pixar partnership in the likes of Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and the Incredibles. The setting returned once again to talking animals and the beautiful city of Paris (the third time Disney has presented this beautiful city after the Aristocats and the Hunchback of Notre Dame). The star character is a likable mouse named Remy who longs to be a master chef. He is able to partner with a dimwitted young man named Linguini and cooks sensational meals for a classy restaurant. The story is quite original and the setting of Paris makes it all the more visually appealing. The music provides more of a score rather than a musical soundtrack, perhaps fitting for the classy setting. The ironic comedy of this film is about mice catering to the snooty elite. For it's animation and it's story I give this film a strong rating of 7 out of 10.


Wall-E

Year Released: 2008
Running Time: 97 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Nominee for Best Original Screenplay
• Oscar Nominee for Music Score by Thomas Newman
• Oscar Nominee for Original Song, "Down to Earth" by Thomas Newman
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Mixing
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Editing

My Review: This film was critically acclaimed and garnished more Academy nominations than any Disney animated film before it. Like most Pixar films, the CGI animations were very impressive and this time took the viewers on a futuristic Sci-Fi journey. The story was very original of an old robot working with a new robot to save humanity from living in a very lazy and obese age. While I enjoyed the message of this story I still think the film lacked the usual Disney flair and music, and for that I give it a 6 out of 10 rating.


Up

Year Released: 2009
Running Time: 96 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Winner for Music Score by Michael Giacchino
• Oscar Nominee for Best Motion Picture of the Year
• Oscar Nominee for Original Screenplay
• Oscar Nominee for Sound Editing

My Review: Once again another very critically acclaimed and successful Pixar film. It went on to win the Oscar for best animated film, yet was also nominated for Best Picture which is quite rare for animated films (It was only the 2nd time a Disney animation had been nominated for best picture after Beauty in the Beast in 1991). The film was enjoyable and had a good mix of comedy and adult drama. The opening segment begins with the emotional loss of a loved one and how the elder protagonist chooses to cope with it. His stubbornness takes him on an adventure where he is able to reconnect with people and find the joy in life once again. The film does not have a soundtrack but has an iconic theme song. For it's animation, story, and melodic score I give it a 7 out of 10.


Princess and the Frog

Year Released: 2009
Running Time: 97 minutes
Animation Studios: Walt Disney Animation
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Almost There" by Randy Newman
• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Down in New Orleans" by Randy Newman
• Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature

Songs:

• Never Knew I Needed
• Down in New Orleans
• Almost There
• Friends on the Other Side
• When We're Human

My Review: After nearly a decade of successful digital CGI films, it was good to see Disney return to it's roots with a standard animated/musical film. Since the emergence of Pixar, Disney animation has also begun to shift towards CGI animations. After several sub-par films such as Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet, and Lilo and Stitch it almost seemed as if Disney animation was handing the torch over to Pixar. However at the turn of the decade they reemerged with significant titles of their own, beginning with the release of Princess and the Frog. This was a familiar return to the classic Disney fairy tale/musical setting yet also provided a new cultural portrayal. For the first time ever, Disney produced a major film with African Americans as the central characters. My favorite part of the movie was the musical soundtrack provided by Mr. Disney/Louisiana himself, Randy Newman. For it's return to colorful animation and a good musical soundtrack I give the film a 6 out of 10.


Toy Story 3

Year Released: 2010
Running Time: 103 minutes
Animation Studio: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "We Belong Together" by Randy Newman
• Oscar Nomination for Best Picture
• Oscar Nomination for Sound Editing
• Oscar Nomination for Adapted Screenplay

My Review: I distinctively remember the hype of this animated film released during my tenure at the BACA. My first impression was "not another Toy Story movie" but when I finally saw it on video I was convinced it was the best Toy Story yet. The film was far superior to the sub-par Toy Story 2, and even better than the original which is a very rare thing in the movie sequel business. The reason being was the original story, that dealt with the coming-of-age teenager Andy, abandoning his toys and moving on to college life. The film demonstrated it's usual comedic flair yet also tackled realistic mature elements of life transitions. I found the voice acting to be as good as ever and the film had so many great comedic pop culture references to it. All-in-all it was a home run for Disney/Pixar and one of my favorite CGI animations of this modern era. I give it a spectacular rating of 8 out of 10.


Tangled

Year Released: 2010
Running Time: 100 minutes
Animation Studios: Walt Disney Animations
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "I See the Light" by Alan Menken

Songs:

• When Will My Life Begin
• Mother Knows Best
• I've Got a Dream
• I see the Light

My Review: I hardly knew much about this film at all, until watching just recently during this Disney appreciation phase. This film was not a Pixar film, yet rather a 3d animation produced by Disney's Animation Studios. I recently watched it with my little nephews and parents and enjoyed the film for the most part. It had a very familiar Disney style to it, with it's fairy tale setting, comedic characters, and musical soundtrack. The story presents an interesting version of the Rapunzel tale and gives a new twist to it with her magical hair. I enjoyed the medieval setting of this film, and found the characters of Rapunzel, Flynn, and their spiteful horse to be quite humorous. I would give this film a favorable rating of 6 out of 10.


Brave

Year Released: 2012
Running Time: 93 minutes
Animation Studio: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature

My Review: I enjoyed the premise of this Pixar film immediately having a fond appreciation for history and especially Scottish culture as presented in the film Braveheart. In this Disney film we see yet another female heroine, Mirada, in the likes of Mulan. She fights to gain her independence as a young woman yet also restore the unity of her family. It's a comical movie with a powerful message of a young woman seeking to break the gender roles of old. I would give it a 6 out of 10 for its animation and good story.


Wreck-It-Ralph

Year Released: 2012
Running Time: 101 minutes
Animation Studios: Walt Disney Animations
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature

My Review: I saw this one just a couple years at Philip and Shawnna's house with the kids and found it fairly entertaining. The premise is an original one, taking the viewers into the video gaming universe. The film is filled with pop culture, movie, and video game references which always make for additional laughs. I would say overall the film is a slightly above average comedy but does not take it to that next emotional level thus I give it a 6 out of 10.


Frozen

Year Released: 2013
Running Time: 102 minutes
Animation Studio: Walt Disney Animations
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "Let it Go" by Robert and Kristen Lopez

Songs:

• Frozen Heart
• Do You Want to Build a Snowman
• For the First Time in Forever
• Love is an Open Door
• Let it Go
• In Summer
• Fixer Upper

My Review: This film had major hype to it and actually lived up to it. I did not watch it until about a year after it was released however remember seeing it at my brother and sister in-law's place with their kids. I enjoyed everything about this film, from its Nordic setting, the animation, the story, but mostly the soundtrack. I would venture to say that this was Disney's best soundtrack since Lion King, and no doubt in their top 10 best animated soundtracks. The hit song, "Let it Go" became quite mainstream, something we had not seen from a Disney film in a while. I would consider this film the crowning achievement of Disney's modern digital age, and give it a strong rating of 7 out of 10.


Big Hero 6

Year Released: 2014
Running Time: 102 minutes
Animation Studio: Walt Disney Animations
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature

My Review: After hitting a home run with Frozen, I consider this next Disney theatrical release to be very sub-par. The setting moves away from the female driven fairy-tale setting and reverts to a sci-fi genre, as demonstrated in Wall-E. This time the story is about robot fighting and a team of nerds who are able to become super heroes. While the animation and special effects were impressive, I just found this story to be somewhat flat. How it won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature is beyond me. I give it a very mediocre rating of 5 out of 10, perhaps the lowest of Disney's major theater releases.


Inside Out

Year Released: 2015
Running Time: 94 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Nominee for Original Screenplay

My Review: I remember watching this film several years ago at Philip and Shawnna's with the kids, and was not too impressed with it and it quickly lost my attention. However after watching it recently a 2nd time, I found it to be a bit more favorable. The setting gives a unique portrayal of human emotions and demonstrates a psychological story that surely goes beyond the comprehension of children. In turning the 5 emotions into characters, (joy, sadness, anger, fear, and guilt) Disney demonstrates that all emotions play a part in day-to-day life. Perhaps it's most powerful scene is towards the end when the young innocent girl must cope with change and give in to her sadness. This movie takes the viewers on a deep journey into the mysterious human sub-conscious yet does so with a light playful tone. I give the film a 6 out of 10 for it's very clever portrayal of human emotions.


Moana

Year Released: 2016
Running Time: 107 minutes
Animation Studios: Walt Disney Animations
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "How Far I'll Go" by Lin Manuel Miranda

Songs:

• Where You Are
• How Far I'll Go
• We Know the Way
• You're Welcome
• Shiny

My Review: I remember few years ago this one was all the rave with my little nephews and cousins. It was yet another recent musical/CGI production from Disney studios in the likes of Frozen. The story was so-so, and the setting of the Polynesian Islands was a familiar one demonstrated in Lilo & Stitch. However the soundtrack was very enjoyably most notably the hit song How Far I'll Go which garnished the up-and-comer screenwriter Lin Manuel Miranda his first academy nomination. I also personally really enjoyed the sea voyage song, We Know the Way. Dwayne Johnson also made for a good comical character of the demigod, Maui. I would give this film a 6 out of 10 rating for it's enjoyable soundtrack.


Coco

Year Released: 2017
Running Time: 105 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Winner for Remember Me by 

Songs:

• Remember Me
• Much Needed Advice
• Everyone Knows Juanita
• Poco Loco
• La Llorana
• The World Es Mi Familia
• Proud Corazan

My Review: I remember watching this movie at Philip and Shawnna's house with my parents and the kids and enjoyed it instantly. It was a completely originally story, with a great soundtrack, and a powerful celebration of Mexican culture. I learned quite a lot from this film regarding the Mexican customs of Dia de la Muertas, of which they celebrate their deceased family members. The film is also however a homage to music, as it's young protagonist Miguel must overcome all odds to follow his true passion. For me the film had a very optimistic message about life-and-death and there were several powerful emotional moments of sheer awe-inspiration. I found the scenes involving the bridge-way into the afterlife to be very philosophical and artistic. I also felt a sense of jubilation at the end of the film to see the family celebrating with their deceased family members. This is a concept that transcends most happily-ever-after movies and demonstrates the iconic magic that Walt Disney movies are known for. I consider this movie to be on par with Toy Story and Frozen as the most significant Disney films of the modern digital era. I give it a strong rating of 8 out of 10. 


Incredibles 2

Year Released: 2018
Running Time: 118 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Nominated for Best Animated Feature

My Review: I remember watching this at Philip and Shawnna's house with my parents and the kids and found it to be enjoyable. It seems quite shocking that Disney waited 14 years to release a sequel to the very popular original released in 2004. The story expands on the family of superheroes, by bringing their baby into the mix. It also flips the script on Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, by having Mr. Incredible stay at home and watch the kids while Elastigirl goes out and fights the crime. The movie is not quite as a good as the original however still provides great action, comedy, and animation. I would give it a 6 out of 10 rating.


Toy Story 4

Year Released: 2019
Running Time: 100 minutes
Animation Studios: Pixar
Academy Accolades:

• Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature
• Oscar Nominee for Original Song, "I Can't Let you Throw Yourself Away" by Randy Newman

Songs:

• You've Got a Friend in Me
• I Can't Let you Throw Yourself Away
• The Ballad of a Lonesome Cowboy

My Review: I was shocked to hear Toy Story was releasing a 4th movie after the very successful 3rd one which I thought had a fitting closure. But I suppose money rules over content and this one for me was nothing more than a profit grabber. The story takes Woody and the gang on a new adventure, and reunites Woody with his love interest Bo Peep as they help other lost toys. While the movie offers a decent story and some comedy I don't think it was worthy of an Oscar for best animated feature. I also don't think it was near as good as the closure the 3rd movie provided. I'd put this movie on par with the 2nd one and give it a slightly above average rating of 6 out of 10.


Frozen 2

Year Released: 2019
Running Time: 103 minutes
Animation Studios: Walt Disney Animations
Academy Accolades:

• Nominated for Original Song, "Into the Unknown" by Robert and Kristen Lopez

Songs:

• All is Found
• Some Things Never Change
• Into the Unknown
• When I am Older
• Show Yourself
• The Next Right Thing

My Review: Disney has really gone heavy on the sequels the past few years, which to me becomes more about the profit rather then the content. Consider the last few major releases of Cars 3, The Incredibles, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Toy Story 4, and Frozen II all have which been quite sub par for Disney's standards. The setting of Frozen II is hardly that different than it's original, and the music is nowhere near as good. The film still somehow got an Oscar nod for Into the Unknown which I found to be a rather annoying song. I hope this brings perhaps an end to the sequel CGI age and perhaps we can get back into some golden quality. I give this film an above average rating of 6 out of 10. 

Game Review: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood

I was somewhat disappointed after finishing AC II how little the city of Rome was included in the game. The bulk of the game took place in the maps of Florence and Venice and did not include Rome until a final mission sequence on the rooftops of Vatican City. However after I found out that AC Brotherhood was entirely set in the city of Rome I was very excited to start this next chapter in the Ezio Trilogy. I was able to beat the main story in a week and took on other side quests and objectives for another week. I finished about 80% of the game's content and after 2 weeks can say I found it very enjoyable on par with the AC franchise.

What I loved most about the game is the ability to explore the city of Rome set in 1500. All the historical landmarks are in the map including the Colosseum, the Castel S'Angelo, and the old Pantheon to name a few. The story is also quite intriguing bringing the Borgia's back once again as the primary antagonists. For some reason the assassin Ezio chose to leave Pope Alexander VI alive at the end of AC II, and he returns in this game with the help of his cruel son Cesare Borgia. It's fair to say in this game Cesare is the main antagonist while his father takes the backseat in the story. 

Another thing I really enjoyed about this game was the business aspect of it. This game basically expanded on the concept of renovating the villa of Monteriggioni in AC II, and gives Ezio the ability to renovate shops in Rome that are under the influence of the Borgias. From blacksmiths, doctors, banks, art merchants, to fabric stores each business Ezio renovates adds to his wealth income. He can also buy back historic landmarks, repair ancient aqueducts, and establish guilds of courtesans, mercenaries, and theives. The main concept here is to take the city of Rome back from the Borgia control and return it to it's citizens.

The gameplay was fairly similar to it's predecessor with the same style of assassinations, counter-attacks, and controls. One nice addition to Ezio's arsenal however was the crossbow, which brought an easy instant death to enemies. Also I found there to be many more soldiers/guards in this game compared to AC II. I believe that is because of the new feature of which Ezio can recruit and call upon other assassin's to help him. This was another part of the game I really enjoyed from recruiting assassins, sending them on missions across Europe, and upgrading their levels. This is where the game get's its title "Brotherhood".

The viewpoints in this game were also quite unique, and nowhere near as easy as in other games. Most of the viewpoints were under the control of Borgia fortifications, by which in order to climb the tower you had to kill it's captain. These Borgia Towers were a big part of the game, that unlocked regions of the map, allowed you to buy back stores, and allowed you to recruit new assassins. Some were easy while others were quite difficult to assassinate a heavily guarded captain, and furthermore the climbing of the towers was more difficult than before. Especially when soldiers are throwing rocks and shooting arrows at you.

Just like in AC II there was a tomb objective to explore 6 underground tombs and retrieve the armor of Brutus. These tombs were known as the Lairs of Romulus, occupied by cultist followers who were allied with the Borgias. Just like exploring the tombs of AC II, they were usually located at an underground historical location or up high in the rafters of a church. And just like in AC II they were all quite challenging puzzles, mixing some reactionary skills with problem solving skills. I found some of these to be a little frustrating however was a nice change of the open-map gameplay.

Other side quests and objectives in this game include helping Ezio's friend Leonardo da Vinci find and destroy military weapons that he has built. And also a restored memory by which he must recover stolen paintings of da Vinci. There is also a side story regarding the scientist Copernicus whom Ezio must help from being hunted by the church for his revolutionary ideals. Finally there is a brief story of Ezio's love affair with Cristina that offers flashbacks to his life in Florence. These quests all offer a good change of pace and scenery from the main storyline. 

My first impression of the game was that it is was flawed and far more difficult than AC II. However I quickly got the hang of it and was suddenly enthralled by the ability to explore the map of Rome. I just loved the quests involving the Castel S'Angelo and consider this to be a very impressive landmark. However the quests exploring the Colosseum while impressive were also quite frustrating. Nonetheless I still was awe-inspired by the detail inside and outside of the landmark.

 I was very surprised with the amount of content in this game, thinking it was going to be merely an extension of AC II. This game is a game in it's own right with a map much larger than AC II's Florence and Venice. I was very satisfied with it overall and look forward to begin the final chapter of the Ezio Trilogy, Revelations. This next game finally moves away from Italy and is set in the capital city of the Ottoman Empire, Constantinople. 

Game Review: Assassin's Creed II

Last November I decided to embark on a reemergence into the gaming world, more-so a reemergence into the Assassin's Creed franchise. I suppose the reasons being that I have an Xbox One that I hardly use, also because I have too much free time on my hand, but mostly because I just love the historical series of Assassin's Creed. After finishing Origins and Odyssey I bought all the other AC games that were released in the last 10 years. My goal is to finish all the following games before the latest AC: Ragnarok is released in the fall of 2020.

• AC 1: Set in the middle east during the Crusades (Released in 2007)
• AC II: Set in Venice and Florence during the Italian Renaissance (Released in 2009)
• AC Brotherhood: Set in Rome during the Italian Renaissance (Released in 2010)
• AC Revelations: Set in Istanbul during the Italian Renaissance (Released in 2011)
• AC III: Set in America during the American Revolution (Released in 2012)
• AC IV Black Flag: Set during the Pirate Age of the 1650s-1750s (Released in 2013)
• AC Rogue: Set during the Seven Years War of 1756-1763 (Released in 2014)
• AC Unity: Set during the French Revolution (Released in 2014)
• AC Syndicate: Set in London during the Victorian Age (Released in 2015)
• AC Chronicles China: Set in 1526 China (Released in 2015)
• AC Chronicles India: Set in 1841 India (Released in 2016)
• AC Chronicles Russia: Set during the Russian Revolution (Released in 2016)
• AC Origins: Set in Egypt during the Roman Civil Wars (Released in 2017)
• AC Odyssey: Set in Greece during the Peloponessian War (Released in 2018)

Assassins Creed II

I bought this game used from Game Stop as part of a trilogy package entitled Ezio's Trilogy. It had the three games in one (AC II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) all concerning the assassin Ezio during the Italian Renaissance. When I first began installing the game I was afraid the disc was corrupted but later found it just needed a good cleaning. I noticed immediately the graphics were a major step back after playing Origins and Odyssey for a couple months. However it did not take long for me to adapt to the different control settings and begin to enjoy the game-play and the story.

The historical setting of the Italian Renaissance is once that I have always admired. I remember first being intrigued by the setting after finishing AC 1 in 2012. I made a deep dive into religious studies (see ____) and intended to play AC II shortly after but for some reason I never did. I hit a long gaming hiatus, mostly just playing FIFA the next few years. Also I especially enjoyed the Netflix TV shows of The Borgias and the Medici. Everything about this age intrigues me, from the politics, the corruption in the church, the architecture, the stylish clothes they wore, yet especially the art of the renaissance. It was no doubt a very inspiring time in history and this game AC II demonstrates all of that!

The present day animus story of Desmond trying to retrieve his ancestors memories is honestly just a bunch of BS as usual. The good stuff is the historical content based on the assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze. His father and two brothers are killed by a mysterious order and Ezio vows to seek vengeance. He travels thru Florence during the 1470s, and befriends notable figures such as Leonardo de Vinci. Leonardo serves as his weapons expert and constructs various designs such as his hidden wrist blade, a gun, and a hang-glider. 

Ezio also befriends the local guilds of mercenaries, thieves, and prostitutes that help him blend in with society and achieve his quests. I found this feature of the game to be quite different than Origins and Odyssey and really made for new scenarios. The armor and fighting took some adjusting and obviously was nowhere near as involved as in Origins and Odyssey. However after some time I realized that using counter attacks with the switch blade was my best approach. There was also many other weapon options that I perhaps didn't utilize as much. 

I began the game with an intention to zip thru it, however about half way thru I found myself more intrigued by the side quests. Another different feature than the other AC games was the chance to renovate a villa located in the mountains of Tuscany known as Monteriggioni. The investment of renovated buildings and collecting Renaissance Art added to the value of the city which became more money in Ezio's pockets. 

The maps of Florence and Venice are incredibly detailed and perhaps the biggest reason I love this historical game series. To be able to climb up the Cathedral of Florence is quite surreal. I found the Cathedral of San Marco to also be as equally impressive. This game also featured a series of tombs to explore, to obtain the 6 seals of Altair's armor. These 6 tombs were extremely difficult puzzles that consisted mostly of climbing elements. Although this was a side quest I made sure to complete it before I finished the game.

I was able to complete this game in a little over a week, (compared to the 6 weeks it took me to finish AC Odyssey). I finished 82% of the game's main quest, side quests, and other various objectives which was satisfactory enough for me. I found the game very enjoyable and don't know why I waited so long to play it. However this is only chapter 1 of the Ezio Trilogy and the corrupt pope Rodrigo Borgia still lives and continues on in the next game, Brotherhood.  

Historical Study: The House of Borgia

A few weeks ago I finished playing Assassin's Creed Odyssey and decided to embark on Assassin's Creed: Ezio's Trilogy. This is a three part game, produced almost ten years ago and obviously the graphics are nowhere near as good as Odyssey. However the game is set during one of my favorite historical periods, the Italian Renaissance. I have already finished ACII, am just about finished with AC Brotherhood, and this weekend I intend to start AC Revelations. I will later have a full review of these games as I always do, but for now I want to revert to the historical premise.

I made a deep dive into historical/religious studies in 2012 after beating the first Assassin's Creed game set during the Crusades. During these studies one of the areas that most grabbed my interest was the Renaissance period of around (1450-1550). I wrote a pretty detailed post concerning everything about this period from the political families, the philosophical ideals, and of course the incredible art of it's time (see Italian Renaissance). However now I want to dive further into this period with some new angles on the era.

A good portion of my inspiration regarding the Italian Renaissance comes from the Showtime drama, The Borgias. This is in my opinion one of the best historical series out there, on par with The Tudors or Reign. I actually first watched this show back in 2012, and am now watching it thru a 3rd time thru. There is no show that does a better job of capturing all the key players of this era.

The show demonstrates the corrupt ambition of Rodrigo Borgia who comes from the powerful House of Borgia. Rordrigo's uncle Alfons first brought the house to prominence as he reigned as Pope Callixtus III from 1455-1458. However Rodrigo took his aspirations for his family to a whole other level. Thru diplomatic dealings and bribes Rodrigo is able to ascend to the papacy in 1492 and rule over some of the most defining periods of the Renaissance. His son Cesare serves as his right-hand man, doing his father's military work and quite frankly "dirty work" to sustain their power.

The show no doubt demonstrates a very dramatic account of the family and I intend to get a more fair understanding in this study. However for anyone who enjoys history, this show is bursting with historical figures such as the affable French King Charles VIII, the political philosopher Nicolas Machiavelli, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, the lady of Forli Caterina of Sforza, and the outspoken friar Girolamo Savonarla.


Pope Callixtus III (1455-1458)

The Borgia family was of noble affluence during the medieval times dating as far back as the mid-1300s. Their origins were from the Spanish town of Borja, which was located in the Kingdom of Aragon. It was however the rise of Alfons de Borja to the papacy in 1455 that brought the family heightened influence. Alfons was from the Kingdom of Valencia and studied law and worked as a diplomat before he became a cardinal.

Alfons served as a diplomat for the kings of Aragon and was able to strengthen the ties with the Catholic Church. As a result of his diplomatic relations with the church, he was made a bishop and later a cardinal in 1444. At this point Alfons left the Kingdom of Aragon to relocate to Rome as a governing member of the Roman Curia. This was essentially a committee of cardinals who deliberated over matters pertaining to the church and the state. This governing body still operates to this day, working under the pope as this administrative center of the Catholic Church.

Thru Alfon's devout faith and experience in governing, he was chosen by the cardinal conclave as pope in 1455. His tenure as pope was quite brief, only three years, and was mostly concerned with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The Ottoman Empire had begun to rise as a powerful force in the middle east, and a potential threat to the catholic church. During his papacy Alfons called for crusades against this new rising threat to take back the holy city that once belonged to the Byzantine Empire.

However Europe had just finished the Hundred Years War between France and England in 1453 and were too war weary to answer the pope's calls for another crusade.  The Kingdom of Hungary however delivered a major victory in 1456 at the Siege of Belgrade, in which they were able to delay the advance of the Ottoman Empire. Pope Alfons celebrated this victory with a papal decree that the church bells ring at noon each day to commemorate the brave crusaders.


Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503)

Rodrigo Borgia is without question the most famous of the Borgias, having ascended to the papacy and ruling over church and political matters for ten years. He was born in the Kingdom of Valencia to a wealthy family and studied law at the University of Bologna. As a young deacon he demonstrated a keen tact for politics thru his charming persona but more so his family name. In 1456 he was appointed as a cardinal by his uncle Pope Callixtus III, and later became the first ever archbishop of Valencia which strengthened his political power. Thru his political power in Spain and his position in the Roman Curia he was able to further his ambitions.

During his time as cardinal, he demonstrated early signs of corruption, nepotism, sexual promiscuity, and a general lack of integrity for the church. He had many mistresses including Vannozza dei Cattanei who gave birth to four children, Giovanni, Cesare, Lucrezia, and Gioffre. These four children, especially Cesare all played a pivotal role in strengthening the family's power. By 1492 Rodrigo had managed to swindle his way to the papacy thru careful alliances and bribery. As Pope Alexander VI he oversaw a period of great political instability as well as internal conflicts within the catholic church.

Early in his tenure, the kingdom of Spain was established thru the marriage of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle of Aragon. Also that same year the Spanish monarchy funded Christopher Columbus' discovery of America. Hence Spain had emerged as a new global power with this new marriage, the discovery of the new world, and a Spanish pope. While Pope Alexander always honored his Spanish heritage and blessed this discovery he did not play a major role in Spanish dominance. Rodrigo was rather driven by his own personal agenda to strengthen his control over the Papal States of Rome.

Throughout his papacy Rodrigo was a proponent of simony, bribery, libertinism, corruption, and nepotism. Just like his uncle did for him, Rodrigo strengthened the Borgia name by various family positioning. He  appointed his son Cesare as cardinal and archbishop of Valencia. His eldest son Giovanni was the commander-in-chief of the Papal Army. His daughter Lucrezia was placed in various political marriages with affluent families in the region. 

His tenure as pope dealt mostly with the Italian Wars and the establishment of the Holy League. Another defining event of his papacy was the excommunication and execution of the friar Savonarola. Despite the allegations of corruption Rodrigo strengthened the military might of the Papal States during his time. He died in 1503 at the age of 72 due to malaria, which nearly killed his son Cesare as well. There are some theories that it was Cesare who killed his father by poisoning however this is mostly conspiracy. Following the death of Pope Alexander the Borgia family's influence did not last much longer in Italy.

Borgia's Role in the Italian Wars (1494-1498)

Perhaps the most defining event of his papacy was the start of the Italian Wars with France in 1494. This conflict was essentially a territory dispute within the Italian Peninsula in which King Charles VIII of France intended to cease on a dynasty claim. The war is a very complicated one and I intend to right about it further in detail. At the time Italy was divided into various republics such as the Republic of Venice, the Republic of Florence, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Papal States.

The French invasion was primarily directed at their claim to Naples, however the intention was to control the entire region of Italy. The French armies had the support of Milan (which was controlled by the Sforza family) whom detested the House of Borgias. However Rodrigo Borgia was able to put his political skills to work, and called upon aid from the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Spain. Furthermore he strengthened his ties with Florence and Venice. His son Cesare commanded the papal armies and thru diplomatic guile they were able to advert the French invasion to Naples.

France was easily able to conquer Naples however they were by no means finished with their conquest over Italy. Meanwhile in 1495 Pope Alexander had managed to coordinate the first ever European super alliance known as the Holy League. The primary members were all against the French invasion and included the Papal States, the Kingdom of Spain, Holy Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice, and various other smaller Italian states.

The alliance achieved a crucial victory at the Battle of Fornovo which essentially expelled the French advance. At this point King Charles VIII grew sick and had to return to France, and died a couple years later in 1498. His territory acquired in Naples was quickly regained by Spanish Aragon forces under King Ferdinand, thus making the entire conquest for nothing. However this was only the beginning stage of the French-Italian Wars, a conflict that would go on until 1559. 

The Inquisition of Giarolmo Savonarola (1497)

Perhaps the 2nd most defining event of Pope Alexander's papacy was his dealings with the friar Giarolmo Savonarola. By the 1490s Savonarola had become one of the most prominent figures in the booming city of Florence. This was due to his outspoken preaching which ultimately condemned the corruption of the Borgia papacy. He had established many followers during the time and intended to transform the city of Florence into the "New Jerusalem".

By 1494 Savonarla had become one of the most significant figures in the city of Florence, outside of Machiavelli. In 1495 he refused to join Pope Alexander's Holy See which proved the be the final insult to the Borgia's. Furthermore Savonarla began to conduct an intensive campaign for reform. Using orphan children as his disciples he conducted processions, bonfires of vanities, and various other theatrics in the streets of Florence. Seeing Savonarla as a major threat the Borgia pope had him excommunicated in 1497 for heresy. He was arrested a year later by the city and declared a heretic by a tribunal of clerics. Shortly after his trial Savonarla was burnt at the stake in the center Piazza della Signoria of Florence.

After Savonarla's death his movement in Florence slowly withered away however would later pave the way for the Protestant Reformation. The famous reformer Martin Luther praised Savonarla as a martyr of the Christian faith. Savonarla's legacy can no doubt be disputed, as to whether he was a sincere prophet of Christ or simply a madman out for power seeking to establish his own church. The wise Machiavelli dubbed Savonarla as incompetent in his prophetic movement, and simply ill-prepared for the recourse of his actions.

Cesare Borgia

He was Rodrigo's second son and perhaps the family's most effective lieutenant. By age 17 Cesare was made cardinal by his father by which he was able to have a larger influence over political matters. However Cesare favored military matters over religious matters and often served as the true commander of the papal army. As military commander he was able to seize various Italian regions for his father to strengthen the Papal States.

Cesare also later served as "condottiero" for the French King Louis XII in 1500 as they began their 2nd push into Italy. Cesare helped the French armies re-capture the regions of Milan and Naples all while strengthening his father's control. Cesare had ambitious plans of his own to conquer central Italy most notably the region of Bologna. However after the death of his father in 1503, Cesare's influence began to dwindle.

He was able to setup a puppet pope to replace his father in Pope Pius III, however Pius died after only 26 days into his papacy. The next pope chosen was a stern enemy of the Borgia family from the up-and-coming influential family the Della Rovere's. Pope Julius II was able to exile the Borgia family back to Spain. Cesare was able to build a fortification in Viana Spain where he hoped to rebuild his forces. However in 1507 he was stabbed by a spear during a conflict with Spanish knights, and died at the young age of 31.

Lucrezia Borgia

She was the beautiful daughter of Rodrigo who was arranged in various political marriages throughout her life. Her first marriage was at the young age of 13 with Giovanni Sforza. The Sforza's were a very influential family at this period and the pope needed their alliance. However by 1497 unhappy in her marriage, Lucrezia was able to appeal to her father to end the marriage. No longer needing the support of the Sforza family the pope arranged to have her daughter's marriage annulled by charging Giovanni as impotent.

During the annulment of her marriage Lucrezia had a scandalous affair with a Spanish stable-boy named Perotto. Together it is believed they gave birth to a child, named Giovanni, however kept it secret. The child is often referred to as the "Roman Child" and his parentage remained a mystery. Her lover of Perotto was mysteriously killed, most likely by a member of her family who considered him below her.

Lucrezia's father did not waste any time to arrange another marriage for her daughter to strengthen their political power. In 1498 she was married off to Alfonso d'Aragon of Naples and together they had a child. This marriage did not last long however and he was mysteriously murdered in the year 1500, also likely by members of the Borgia family. Lucrezia's third and final marriage was with Alfonso I D'este of Ferrara of which they had 8 children together. However they were no in love and both had affairs on the side. Lucrezia died in 1519 from childbirth at the young age of 39. She was the last significant Borgia to die, thus ending the powerful house of Borgia.

Giovanni Borgia

He was the eldest son of Rodrigo and assumed the role of commander of the papal armies and duke of the province of Gandia in Spain. However his greatest claim to fame was the mysterious way by which he was murdered. In 1497 at the young age of 23, he was found dead in the Tiber River in the ghetto of Rome. While his exact murderer was never confirmed speculations often point to his younger brother Gioffre, committing the act over a woman. Giovanni's sudden death brought much grief to his father Pope Alexander. 


Gioffri Borgia

He was the youngest son of Pope Alexander and often considered as the weakest by his cruel father. Gioffri was uninterested in politics like his other two brothers, yet was still arranged in a marriage for political affluence. At the young age of 12 he was married off to Sancha of Aragon, however she was very unfaithful to him. It is believed that she had affairs with both of Gioffri's older brothers Cesare and Giovanni, and is speculated as the reason as to why Giovanni was mysteriously murdered. He lived a fairly uneventful life as prince of Squillance and died in 1517 at the young age of 35. 

Film Study: Disney Animated Movies (Renaissance Era)

Following the death of Walt Disney, the animated studios went thru a bit of a transitional decline during the 1970s and 1980s. While the 1977 adventure film The Rescuers was a financial success it did not provide any memorable quality to it. The next release of The Fox and the Hound was yet another example of a box office success without any groundbreaking quality. By 1985 the Disney Animated studios hit rock bottom with the release of Black Cauldron. The film was a box office failure and received poor reviews.

During this phase the Disney franchise began to shift more attention towards their live-action and theme-park businesses. Also new competition began to arise from Universal and Fox Animated Studios under the leadership of the animator, Don Bluth. Beginning in 1982, Bluth directed a string of successful non-Disney films, with The Secret of NIMH (1982), An American Tail (1986), The Land Before Time (1988), All Dogs go to Heaven (1989), and Anastasia (1997). In 1986 the Disney film of The Great Mouse Detective was out-grossed in the theaters by An American Tail.  It appeared Disney animation was no doubt on the downturn from it's golden era.

By 1984 however Walt's nephew, Roy Disney began a campaign to save Disney's animated department. After some firings and new-hirings he pumped more budget into the animation department with more staff and a yearly project schedule. The first release of this new campaign was the 1988 release of Oliver and Company. This film was a box office success that demonstrated hints of the iconic Disney magic. It ultimately paved the way for yet another string of iconic Disney animated films, referred to as Disney's Renaissance Era. (This era was particularly special for me as it was the films I grew up with as a kid).

These films returned to the classic fairy tale format demonstrated in the 40s and 50s, laced with a platinum musical soundtrack. It's without question that Disney's best musical songs to date were during this renaissance in the 1990s. These films were all major box office successes as well as critically acclaimed. They are considered today as among Disney's greatest and most iconic animated works. (I omitted Rescuers Down Under from this list since it was far inferior to the other string of box office/critically acclaimed Disney movies during this period)


The Little Mermaid

Release Date: 1989

Authorship: The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson (Published in 1837; Danish)

Running Time: 83 minutes

Synopsis: A young princess mermaid, Aerial dreams of exploring the world above water and falls in love with a human sailor named Eric. However her father warns her that humans are dangerous and demands that she stops with this obsession. Pushed even further by her new found love, Aerial seeks out a wicked witch named Ursela who makes a deal with the mermaid. Aerial is transformed into a human for three days without a voice, and must share a kiss of true love, if not she will forever be Ursela's minion. Aerial is able to find Eric and the two share instant romantic chemistry, despite Aerial not being able to speak. However due to sabotage from Ursela, they are unable to share a kiss before the three days expire. Aerial's father Triton intercedes on the deal and swaps his life for his daughter's. At this point Aerial and Eric both confront the wicked queen Ursela and are able to defeat her with the bowsprint of their ship. With Ursela defeated the king Triton is restored to his natural self. Seeing that his daughter is truly in love, he transforms Aerial into a human with her voice and she sails away with her lover happily ever after.

Academy Awards:

• Oscar Winner for Music Score by Alan Menken
• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "Under the Sea" by Alan Menken
• Oscar Nomination Original Song, "Kiss the Girl" by Alan Menken

Songs:

• Part of Your World
• Under the Sea
• Poor Unfortunate Souls
• Les Possions
• Kiss the Girl

Significance: This was a cherished return to Disney's classic fairy tale format as well as it's musical numbers. The film was a major box office and critical success much renowned for it's musical soundtrack. This was the first of many acclaimed Disney compositions by Alan Menken. The music tarnished two Oscar wins as well as a nomination in the music department. Today it is considered as the start of the Disney Renaissance Era and has become a modern day animated classic.

My Review: I was too young to remember the release of this film, but I certainly did watch it later in my childhood. I enjoyed the underwater mythical setting of King Triton and the many colorful characters living under the sea. I enjoyed the lobster character Sebastian mostly for his incredible renditions of Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl. The film had a great balance of drama, musical, and comical humor to it. I consider it one of Disney's all time greatest, in my top ten personal favorite list and would give it a 8 out of 10 rating.


Beauty and the Beast

Release Date: 1991

Authorship: Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (Published in 1756; French)

Running Time: 84 minutes

Synopsis: A smart pretty town girl named Belle dreams
of a greater life with the adventures she reads in books. Her scientist father is later captured by a mysterious beast that lives in a magnificent castle. Belle sets off to find her father and is able to make a deal with the beast to take her instead and let her father free. The beast agrees and Belle becomes an imprisoned guest of the castle. There she meets the many magical speaking objects such as a candlestick and teapot which bring her comfort and solace. After some time she is able to understand the Beast's crude nature and the two develop a romantic relationship. However the townspeople, led by the evil Gaston discover the beast has kidnapped Belle and lead a raid on his castle. The house objects fight off the angry mob while Gaston confronts the Beast. The Beast defeats Gaston yet chooses to spare his life, however Gaston stabs the Beast then collapses to his own death. Facing near death, Belle comes to the beasts' aid and kisses him which breaks the spell that he was under. The beast is transformed into the handsome prince he once was, and thus lives happily ever after with Belle by his side.

Academy Awards:

• Oscar Winner for Music Score by Alan Menken
• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "Beauty and the Beast" by Alan Menken
• Oscar Nomination for Best Picture
• Oscar Nomination for Best Sound
• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Belle" by Alan Menken
• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Be Our Guest" by Alan Menken

Songs:

• Belle
• Gaston
• Be Our Guest
• Something There
• The Mob Song
• Beauty and the Beast

Significance: Once again a return to it's classic fairy-tale/musical format this was another major success for Disney animated studios. It was successful at the box office yet more so it's critical acclaim. It went on to be nominated for 6 Oscar nominations, winning 2 for best original songs. It also become the first animated film ever to be nominated for Best Picture. The dance sequence in the ball room with it's 3d effect was seen as revolutionary computer-generated animation

My Review: Once again I was too young to remember the release of this film however did watch it various times during my childhood. I enjoyed it for its musical numbers such as Belle, Gaston, and Be Our Guest. However I must say that after watching this later in my adult years I was somewhat disturbed by the story. To think that this beast actually kidnapped this young innocent girl, yet she is somehow able to overlook that fact and still fall in love with him sends off a terrible message to young girls watching. I understand the message that love is deeper than the exterior, however that should not excuse his criminal act. With that being said the animation, the characters, and especially the music are quite special. I would give this film a rating of 7 out of 10.



Aladdin

Release Date: 1992

Authorship: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales during the Islamic Golden Age (800-1300 CE) published in 1721

Running Time: 90 minutes

Synopsis: A young peasant named Aladdin is manipulated by a wicked vizier named Jafar to enter a cave and retrieve a magical lamp. Aladdin however gets tramped in the cave with the magical lamp and releases the genie inside it. The genie grants Aladdin three wishes, and helps him escape from the cave (without using a wish). Aladdin's first wish is to become a prince so that he can woo the beautiful princess Jasmine he met in the streets. As Prince Ali, Aladdin is welcomed as a guest of the sultan and is able to charm the princess. However Aladdin is later recognized by the wicked Jafar as the peasant he had sent into the cave. Jafar has his guards attempt to drown Aladdin, by which Aladdin must use his second wish to be rescued by the genie. Aladdin returns to the palace and exposes Jafar's wicked plot to the sultan however Jafar is able to escape. Jafar is then able to steal the lamp from Aladdin and summons the genie to make him the sultan. With his second wish Jafar makes the genie turn him into a powerful sorcerer. When everything seems lost, Aladdin is able to trick Jafar that he will never be as powerful as the genie. At which point Jafar wishes to become a genie himself, in turn being entrapped in his lamp. Aladdin is then able to free the princess and the sultan. With his final wish he sets the genie free, and happily shares his love with the princess Jasmine.

Academy Awards:

• Oscar Winner for Music Score by Alan Menken
• Oscar Winner for Original Song "A Whole New World" by Alan Menken
• Oscar Nomination for Orignal Song "Friend Like Me" by Alan Menken
• Oscar Nomination for Sound
• Oscar Nomination for Sound Effects 

Songs:

• Arabian Nights
• One Jump Ahead
• Friend Like Me
• Prince Ali
• A Whole New World

Significance: This was yet another golden success for Disney on every front. It became the highest grossing animated film of all time, surpassing the mark held by Snow White and the Seven Dwarves for 55 years. It was nominated for five academy awards winning 2 for musical score and the song of A Whole New World. It's success brought on an entire franchise of video games, sequels, and various other adaptations.

My Review: This was perhaps the first major theater-to-VHS release I experienced in whole as a kid. I remember being in 3rd grade when the Aladdin hype took way, and I especially remember being quite fond of the beautiful princess Jasmine. I enjoyed this movie instantly especially for it's music and the cultural story. I watched it many times as a kid and still find it enjoyable as an adult. I would definitely have this in my top ten all time favorite animated films, and give it a 8 out of 10 rating.


Lion King

Release Date: 1994

Authorship: Screenplay by Brenda Chapman and Disney producers (American)

Running Time: 88 minutes

Synopsis: A young cub Simba is born and presented to the animal kingdom as the future king. He looks up to his courageous father Mufasa whom he hopes to be just like when he grows up. However his wicked uncle Scar, also desires the throne and devises a plot to interfere with the ascension. Scar has his hyenas coordinate a stampede that Simba gets caught in, of which Mufasa must come rescue him. Mufasa is able to save his son yet is killed by Scar during the stampede and Simba is able to escape. The hyenas warn Simba that if he ever returns they will kill him and so Simba decides to grow up in a far off land. He befriends a boar and a meerkat named Timon and Pumpa and adapts a carefree lifestyle for some time. However Simba is later discovered by his childhood friend Nala, who insists he help them and take his rightful place as king. After some hesitation and a bit of convincing from the wise monkey Rafiki, Simba decides to return to his land in ruins to challenge Scar. At this point a battle ensues where Simba, his friends, and the lioness fight against the hyenas and Scar. Simba is able to defeat Scar and thus return as the rightful king. The film closes with the land being restored and Simba and Nala presenting their new child, thus demonstrating the circle of life. 

Academy Awards:

• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
• Oscar Winner for Music Score by Hans Zimmer
• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Circle of Life"
• Oscar Nomination for Original Song, "Hakuna Matata"

Songs:

• Circle of Life
• I Just Can't Wait to be King
• Be Prepared
• Hakuna Matata
• Can you Feel the Love Tonight

Significance: After a string of fairy tale successes, Disney took a chance by releasing an original screenplay and it proved to be a well worth the chance. Lion King was an instant success and surpassed the mark held by Aladdin for only one year as the highest grossing animated film of all time. It went on to win numerous accolades including 5 Oscar nominations, 2 of which won for Best Song and Best Music Score. The soundtrack to this day is the highest selling animated soundtracks of all time. This film is a modern day Disney classic and marks the climax of the Disney Renaissance Big Four (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion King).

My Review: This movie was released in the prime of my childhood years when I was in 4th grade and I loved every minute of it. I remember watching this in theaters with my parents and feeling a bit sick that day but quite well when the movie was over. I remember sharing the iconic lines, characters, and songs with my friends and family. I especially enjoyed the music of the movie and it's colorful setting in Africa. It is a movie that I can still enjoy today as an adult. I would consider it among my all time favorite animated films probably at 3rd place behind Fantasia and Land Before Time. I would give this iconic Disney film an impressive rating of 9 out of 10.


Pocahontas

Release Date: 1995

Authorship: Screenplay by Glen Keane and Disney producers (American)

Running Time: 81 minutes

Synopsis: A band of British explorers in the early 600s arrive to the New World in Virginia. They intend to set up British colonies along the coastlines yet eventually discover a band of unruly Native Americans. Naturally the settlers are at odds with the local inhabitants who feel their land is being threatened. The chief's daughter Pocahontas attempts to find compromise with the settlers and eventually falls in love with the captain John Smith. In the midst of this forbidden relationship however the settlers attack the natives led by their wicked leader Ratcliffe. During the fighting Pocahontas comes to the aid of John Smith, who in turn comes to the aid of the Native Americans. Ratcliffe is sent back to England as a prisoner, while John Smith is also sent back for medical treatment thus ending his relationship with Pocahontas.

Academy Awards:

• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "Colors of the Wind" by Alan Menken
• Oscar Winner for Musical Score by Alan Menken

Songs:

• The Virginia Company
• Just Around the Riverbed
• Colors of the Wind
• Savages

Significance: While this film was yet another box office success of the Disney Renaissance it was received with mixed criticism. Much of the negative reaction came regarding the story which took significant liberties with history. The film was however praised for it's animation and musical numbers. It went on to win 2 Oscars for it's musical score and original song of Colors of the Wind. 

My Review: I remember seeing the previews for when this film was released and did enjoy the hit song Colors of the Wind. However as a kid this one did not inspire me the way Aladdin and Lion King did. I'm not sure if that's a reflection of the content or perhaps I was just getting to old and "cool" for cartoons. I think around this time I was getting more into Star Wars and sports. To be honest I hardly remember watching the film in it's entirety as a kid and just recently watched it as a part of my Disney appreciation phase. My overall assessment is that the film exceeds in great animation, yet unlike the previous 4 animated Disney soundtracks, this one only provides one memorable tune in Colors of the Wind. Furthermore the story and it's characters are just quite dull in comparison to the Disney world, and ultimately I am never a fan of movies that take liberty with history. For it's impressive animation I give the film a rating of 6 out of 10.


The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Release Date: 1996

Authorship: The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo (Published in 1831; French)

Running Time: 91 minutes

Synopsis: A Romani gypsy woman is killed near the Notre Dame cathedral by the wicked minister Frollo. However to atone for his crime the minister must raise the woman's deformed child Quasimodo. Twenty years later Quasimodo has grown into a young man living an isolated life in Notre Dame as the bell-ringer. He obeys his adopted father, Frollo and never leaves the cathedral. Until one day he meets a fleeing gypsy woman named Esmeralda and follows her to the Festival of Fools. At the festival Quasimodo is humiliated yet protected by Esmeralda who infuriates Frollo in turn. Angered by Esmeralda's resistance to order the minister enacts a harsh purging of all the gypsies in Paris. He enlists Captain Phoebus to lead the cleansing, however the captain has a soft heart and later falls in love with Esmeralda. Frollo however discovers the gypsies hideout location, known as the Court of Miracles and leads an army to purify it. Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Phoebus stand against Frollo's treachery and a battle ensues throughout the streets of Paris. The fight eventually leads to the balcony of Notre Dame where Quasimodo is able to hurl Frollo to his death. In the end Esmeralda and Phoebus end up together, while Quasimodo is celebrated as a hero by the city. 

Academy Awards:

• Nominated for Music Score by Alan Menken

Songs:

• The Bells of Notre Dame
• Out There
• Topsy Turvy
• God Help the Outcasts
• A Guy Like You
• Someday

Significance: The film was yet another box office success however similarly to Pocahontas was received with mixed criticism. The story was perhaps one of Disney's darkest ones yet and dealt with mature themes perhaps not so suitable for children. It also received criticism for the liberties it took with Victor Hugo's classic novel in it's attempt to soften the Gothic element. The film was still celebrated for it's impressive animation and music which was nominated for an Oscar.

My Review: This is yet another film that did not quite capture my attention when it was released during my childhood. I vaguely remember the advertisements and the story's premise, and believe the hideous character of Quasimodo no doubt put me off. Also the music of the film was hardly noteworthy compared to the other films of the Disney Renaissance. I hardly remember watching this one as a kid, however did recently watch it as an adult. Having acquired an appreciation for French history and literature in the past few years I was curious to see this adaptation. The film is unlike any other Disney animated film and does not have the usual comical fairy tale elements (minus a few talking Gargoyles). Instead it demonstrates religious elements of lust, damnation, humiliation, and sin. The protagonist of Quasimodo is shamed throughout the movie, and although he has his heroic moments he does not win the hand of the woman he clearly loves. Similar to Pocahontas this is a dry story, with weak music, and definitely not a happily-ever-after ending. Ultimately I believe Victor Hugo's novel was not meant to be adapted into a children's story. For it's impressive animation I would give it a 6 out of 10 rating.


Hercules

Release Date: 1997

Authorship: Screenplay written by various Disney producers (American)

Running Time: 93 minutes

Synopsis: Hercules the heroic son of Zeus is kidnapped by Hades and separated from his home on Mount Olympus. His godhood powers are stripped yet he still maintains his super strength. As a young powerful man among mortals, Hercules visits the temple of Zeus for answers. He is informed that in order to regain his godhood he must become a true hero. Hercules then enlists the help of hero trainer, Philoctetes and begins a series of heroic campaigns. He later meets and falls for the beautiful Megara, however does not know she is secretly working for Hades. Hades later strikes a deal with Hercules that he will set Meg free if he releases his super strength powers for a day. Hades than takes advantage of this deal and unleashes the titans upon Mount Olympus. Hercules without his super strength still manages to defeat a Cyclops during the battle however he is aided by Meg, who nearly dies trying to help him. This injury to Meg breaks the deal made by Hades of which Meg would not be harmed and returns Hercules' super strength back to him. He then flies to Mount Olympus on-board Pegasus and defeats Hades and the titans. Meg however dies from her injuries and her soul is once again under the control of Hades. Hercules travels to the underworld and strikes a bargain with Hades to take his life instead of hers. This act of sacrifice proves to be a true heroic act that restores Hercules' godhood. He is then able to escape from the underworld with both his and Meg's life intact. He returns to Olympus briefly but then decides to remain a mortal living happily with his new found love, Meg.

Academy Awards:

• Nominated for Original Song, "Go The Distance"

Songs:

• The Gospel Truth
• Go the Distance
• One Last Hope
• Zero to Hero
• I Won't Say I'm in Love
• A Star is Born

Significance: It received mostly positive criticism however was one of the lowest box office performers during the Disney Renaissance. With time however this film would grow in iconic status and is very similar to the Big Four musical format of Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Lion King. The song Go the Distance went on to be nominated for an Academy Award.

My Review: I remember this movie captured my interest as a young teenager in junior high, and we watched it in our art classes. At that time I was beginning to discover the wonders of Greek mythology which I had learned from my English classes and watching the show Xena. This Disney movie had an incredible soundtrack perhaps in 5th place behind the Big Four soundtracks. I also enjoyed the colorful mythological characters and the heroic element of this story. In my opinion this movie was a homerun on all fronts for Disney, after somewhat missing the mark in it's previous 2 releases. I would give it an overall rating of 6 out of 10.


Mulan

Release Date: 1998

Authorship: Ballad of Mulan by Guo Maoqian (6th century BCE; Chinese)

Running Time: 87 minutes

Synopsis: A young Chinese woman, Mulan refuses to confront to the female standards of her era that encourage woman to serve their men. Instead she courageously takes her handicapped father's place to serve in the Chinese army at war with the Huns. Disguised as a male soldier, and protected by a small magical dragon named Mushu, Mulan conforms to the requirements of her military unit and exceeds her mandate. She plays vital role during a battle against the Huns by causing an avalanche which saves her captain and troops. However she is discovered as a woman, and is forced to leave the unit. She however later comes to their rescue again in the imperial city, and protects the emperor from an assassination attempt. Mulan is thus received as a hero by the emperor and joyfully welcomed back by her family.

Academy Awards:

• Nominated for Music Score by Matthew Wilder

Songs:

• Honor to us All
• Reflection
• I'll Make a Man Out of You
• A Girl Worth Fighting For

Significance: Yet another box office success during Disney's Renaissance that was also critically acclaimed. This film marked a new era of the stereotypical male hero and presented a female hero for perhaps the first time in major Disney productions. The film also had a notable soundtrack and the music score was nominated for an Oscar.

My Review: I remember when the movie was released but yet again I did not pay much attention to it as I was beginning a big transition from 8th grade into high school. I was familiar with the story and the hit song "I'll Make a Man Out of You" but had not watched it all the way thru until just recently. I found the film to have some good cultural and historical quality, and some good songs, yet somewhat of a flat story and characters. Similar to Pocahontas and Hunchback this one lacked the flair often associated with Disney movies. Overall I would still give it a favorable 6 out of 10 rating.


Tarzan

Release Date: 1999

Authorship: Screenplay by Stephen Anderson and Disney producers (American)

Running Time: 88 minutes

Synopsis: A young infant boy Tarzan is separated from his parents in a jungle in Congo and is raised by a band of gorillas. As a young man he discovers that his parents were killed by a leopard and he later slays the beast as revenge. Tarzan then encounters a group of English scientists with a guide who are looking to study the gorillas in Africa. However the younger scientist Jane is separated from the group and is saved by Tarzan. Tarzan and Jane realize they are very different from one another yet eventually learn how to communicate. It is later revealed that the scientists guide is a hunter looking to capture and sell the gorillas. Tarzan later confronts the hunter with his gorilla father, and is able to defeat him yet his adopted father dies in the fight. Jane and her father decide to leave their lives behind and stay in the jungle with Tarzan.

Academy Awards:

• Oscar Winner for Original Song, "You'll be in My Heart"

Songs:

• Two Worlds
• You'll be in My Heart
• Son of Man
• Strangers Like Me
• Trashing the Camp

Significance: The film was an ambitious animated project for Disney that infused standard animation with CGI animation. It became the most expensive animated film up-to-date however still managed to make a sizable profit at the box office. The film was lauded for it's animation yet more-so it's music which won an Academy Award for "You'll be in my Heart". This film somewhat serves as the turning point in the animation industry where CGI would later become the new standard.

My Review: I remember the release of this film whilst I was a freshmen in high school. I enjoyed Phil Collin's rendition of "You'll be in My Heart", and N'sync's "Trashing the Camp", however I don't recall watching this all the way thru, until just recently. Ultimately I found this film to be the flattest of all the Disney Renaissance movies. The story and the characters were quite dull and did not instill any sort of inspirational quality. Perhaps it's most significant quality was the 3d scenes of Tarzan swinging from the vines. Overall I would give it a satisfactory rating of 5 out 10.