"Why is a Raven like a Writing Desk?"

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

So, I have a question.... and I'm gonna get a little philosophical here, so bare with me.
What is it about the human race as a species that makes us so attracted to escaping the normal everyday lives we build for ourselves? Why do we always find the grass greener on the other side? Is there something established deep within our DNA that makes us long for adventure, and yearn for what we don't have? I begin to ask myself these questions not just in relation to this movie, but almost all of the Disney movies resonate this theme in some way, shape, or form.
Anyway, adventure and escape has begun to draw itself to the forefront as the undercurrent which connects these movies with each other, and perhaps in some way, explains why Disney is so popular. The company specializes in scratching that itch we all have, to escape the norm, fall down the rabbit hole, see and experience outside of what is possible in our own lives, and perhaps keep us persevering to chase down our own happily ever after....
Anyway, sorry to ramble, but it was a bit of an epiphany for myself after this movie, but back on topic with the review!!!

So, this movie, and story in general, is such a phenomenon in so many ways. It exists so firmly in pop culture and popularity with so many people, and the odd thing about it is, it truly is a story about nothing. The original book, which the movie is based off of has almost no plot to carry it. Its mostly a series of strange and unusual scenarios, with a young girl as the only grounded character drifting her way through them all. How does this earn itself at the heights of popular storytelling?
Disney, after the massive success of Cinderella, poured the cash-flow immediately into more projects with bigger and grander ideas, the first of which was the adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic.
Unfortunately, the film under performed in the box office, which would become an ongoing theme with every film incarnation of the Alice stories. And, like Fantasia before it, found new life in the 1960's with it's surreal and head tripping themes. And now hold a cult following, with many ranking it among the best animated films.
Again, I must ask what it is about this nonsense story that holds itself with such high regard?? It has some amusement in the odd characters that populate Wonderland with their strange backwards behaviors. But other than that, the plot is simple; A young girl is bored with her everyday life, wishes for a world where everything is nonsense, gets to see it, and finds out what an awful choice that is.
As a kid, I fell into the herd, finding this movie endlessly entertaining with it's fantastic art style (due to the contribution if long time Disney artist, Mary Blair). Now, as an adult, revisiting Wonderland has me questioning what about it is so appealing. Every character Alice encounters is rude, short tempered, childish, stubborn, contrary, and even mildly malicious. Again, what about this literary place is so appealing?
I fall back once again to my earlier epiphanies. Wonderland exists to give us what we all want, in addition to reminding us of what we already have. And that perhaps is what we're supposed to walk away with from it. Turning our lives upside down to pursue ambivalence and bewilderment has its ups and downs, and most of the time, it gets old. The simplicity of everyday life may get dreary, but we must never take it for granted, otherwise you may fall too far, and truly lose your head. But every once in a while, we need adventure, to cleanse our spirit, awaken our values, and to breathe new life into the norm, and make us cherish it for what it is!
So while head cases, and shrinks can try and pick apart the symbolism that may exist between the lines of this story, I see it as an adventure for those who long for a piece of chaos to satisfy their craving, without the repercussions.
All in all, a Disney classic that will continue to reincarnate itself in every generation to come.

"If the shoe fits...."

Cinderella (1950)


With World War II finally ended, The Walt Disney Studios returned to work, with full funding and work force at their fingertips. And they set out to undertake Disney's final attempt to revive the studio from too many box office disappointments. Cinderella, would be his last chance to save the studio from financial ruin.
Luckily, a hit was exactly what they had. The profit from box office sales, music publishing, record sales, and merchandise set the cash flowing to allow Disney to slate numerous animated and live action films, in addition to tv productions, and a certain theme park we've all come to love.
Cinderella, arguably, allowed The Disney Company to be what it is today.
As I sat down to watch what many consider to be the penultimate Disney film, I reflected on my history of it. No necessarily one of my favorite from the vaults, I still overall liked it as a kid. Perhaps the heavy theme of fulfilling young girls dreams didn't sync with a young plucky kid such as myself. Anyway, after watching as an adult, the film has evolved into a mixed bag for me...
Once again, the Disney studios produced a one dimensional female protagonists for young children to idolize. She's beautiful, kind, gentle (arguably too gentle), and has a singing voice that could have easily lead her to a life far away from the oppression of her stepmother and stepsisters. But most of all, she simply wishes and dreams of a better life for herself as she works the the menial tasks her wardens come up with for her, with a ho hum and a sigh that maybe someday her dreams will come true. And nothing ever changes.
Most of the plot is carried by her small animal friends (another Disney trademark), who seem to be the only ones with a take charge attitude towards a better life for our heroine. They make her dress, drive her to the ball, help her escape captivity during the last segment of the movie.... Most of Cindy's happiness is owed to the mice and birds.
Don't get me wrong, the movie is full of charm, and catchy songs, and a heavy theme of happily ever after. However logic and reason can't help but worm their way into my critique. I mean, the whole story takes place over a twenty four hour period. Cindy wakes up, starts her chores, the ball is announced the day of, she goes, loses her slipper, the king immediately sends the grand duke out into the kingdom to find her, she puts the slipper on again the morning after, BAM, married before brunch.
Pretty nuts.
Let alone the fact that Cinderella picks up the ball where Snow White left it, a couple hours dancing with a prince is hardly grounds for declaring a lifetime of matrimony.....
Again, sorry, but logic and reason argue a strong case.
All of that aside,the movie holds up to the standards Disney has pretty much set for all it's animated movies. And most people I know love this movie, so what's one man's opinion?
On another note, I feel it must be mentioned, the traumatic scene of Cinderella getting her clothes ripped off of her by her stepsisters. I think that was not only mine, but many kids introduction into bullying. Of course, looking back now, the context of the scene makes a little more sense..... That wasn't your sash, Cindy. You need to ask first!
Despite the abuse, Cinderella's consistent optimism and her ability to find as much joy and hope in the world as she can given her dismal circumstances is pretty admirable. And something I find myself taking note of to apply to situations I find myself in my own life. Her character drove her friends to help make her dreams come true, which goes as far as to preach the idea that good things happen to good people, as naive of an idea as it is.
I only hope Cindy repayed the favor and set her rodent friends up in the castle with their own sweet digs.