Episode 237 - SHREK

Somebody once told us the world was gonna roll us, but that was before we found the irreverent inspiration of Shrek. Kevin Chu stops by our swamp to discuss how an ugly ogre underdog turned the tables on Disney-fied fairy tales and launched a massively popular animated franchise/meme factory. Hey now, you're an all-star, so cue this 'cast up and push play!

Shrek (2001)
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
Written by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S. H. Schulman
Based on the book by William Steig
Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Vincent Cassel, and John Lithgow

Episode 145 - ALADDIN

Aladdin promised a whole new world of narrative possibilities for Disney's resurgent animation division. It expanded the studio's fantastic point of view beyond traditional European folktales while soaring and tumbling with a freewheeling attitude perfectly suited to the '90s. And with no one telling improvisational genius Robin Williams "no," the film had nowhere to go but into the endless diamond sky of our warmest childhood memories.

It's an indescribable feeling as Sean Davis shares his shining, shimmering, splendid insights on this treasured Disney classic. We've got plenty of new horizons to pursue, so come join us on this magic carpet ride!

 

Aladdin (1992)
Directed and produced by Ron Clements and John Musker
Written by Ron Clements & John Musker and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio
Starring Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker, Gilbert Gottfried, Douglas Seale, and Robin Williams

Episode 87 - BABE

A surprise Best Picture nominee at the 1995 Oscars, Babe presents an idyllic portrait of country life comprised of modest living, cross-species cooperation, and a perpetual magic hour. Thanks to its cast of cute critters (both real and animatronic), as well as the gentle stoicism of James Cromwell, this rural fable is preceded by its very amiable reputation.

But after years of more nuanced views on animal rights--and considering all the activities that must occur at the Hoggett farm--what do we think of this particular piglet and his friends, both two and four-legged?

Babe (1995)
Directed by Chris Noonan
Produced by Bill Miller, George Miller, and Doug Mitchell
Written by George Miller and Chris Noonan
Based on The Sheep-Pig by Dick King-Smith
Starring James Cromwell and Magda Szubanski, and the voices of Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, Danny Mann, Miriam Flynn, Russi Taylor, and Hugo Weaving

Episode 63 - WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Willy Wonka is a character full of contradictions. He's both a famous recluse and a consummate showman, a whimsical dreamer and a cynical realist. Such an eccentric figure could only be played by a singular performer: Gene Wilder. His personality defines Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, animating Roald Dahl's classic fable with a twinkly-eyed melancholy perfect for the story of a poor little boy realizing his one chance to live out every child's fantasy.

Much like the famous confectioner he portrayed, Wilder became a pop culture icon to several generations of viewers, and his passing in August 2016 was deeply felt by fans around the world. Come join us in a world of pure imagination and help us pay homage to the incomparable Gene Wilder as we revisit his most indelible role.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Directed by Mel Stuart
Produced by David L. Wolper
Written by Roald Dahl and David Seltzer
Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Starring Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Denise Nickerson, Paris Themmen, Michael Bollner, Aubrey Woods, Diana Sowle, and Jack Albertson

Episode 37 - PETER PAN (1960)

The story of Peter Pan has been told and retold, twisted and turned, rebooted and reimagined countless times for over a century.  And it's easy to see why: the whimsical, boisterous, and slightly melancholy story of a boy who stubbornly refuses to grow up is an argument for continuing to believe in make-believe, especially in a real world that quickly becomes all too complicated and dreary.

In this episode, we welcome special guest Matt Steele as we all reminisce about our first meeting with Peter in the 1960 television adaptation of the Broadway musical starring Mary Martin.

Peter Pan
Originally broadcast by NBC on December 8, 1960
Directed by Vincent J. Donehue
Written by Jerome Robbins
Adapted from the stage play by J.M. Barrie
Starring Mary Martin, Cyril Richard, Maureen Bailey, Sondra Lee, Joe E. Marks, and Margalo Gillmore