Category Archives: In General

Mini Review: Saving Mr. Banks

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IMG_2400I’d been waiting a long time to see Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks.  As I mentioned a couple of days ago, Mary Poppins (the movie) and I are the same age and the movie’s songs hold a special place in my heart.  The story behind the story was something I thought too good to miss – the addition of Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P. L. Travers made the movie even more appealing to me.

I tried to avoid reading reviews of any kind before going to see Saving Mr. Banks.  I knew that the film follows Mrs. Travers and Walt Disney over a two-week period leading up to the filming of Mary Poppins.  I also knew the movie would include several flashbacks to P. L. Travers’ childhood – presumably dealing with what happened during her formative years that led to the invention of Mary Poppins in P. L. Travers’ books.  I’d heard enough to know to expect the near-perfect recreation of 1961 Disneyland – I was excited to see that for myself.

Raymond and I went to a late afternoon matinee yesterday.  After a movie, I always want to chat about it on the way home – the plot, the characters, the best parts, the funniest lines, etc.  When we got in the car to go home, Raymond said enthusiastically that he’d liked Saving Mr. Banks a lot.  I said nothing at all.  This did not go unnoticed – let’s face it – anytime I’m quiet is unusual.  After we got home, Raymond again mentioned how much he’d enjoyed the movie and asked me if my lack of response meant I hadn’t liked it.

I did like the movie.  Very much, in fact.  I was just unprepared for it.  I suppose the previews made me think it would be mostly lighthearted and fun.  There were happy and funny parts, sure, but for the most part, I found the film unexpectedly intense.  There was a depth to P. L. Travers and her story I hadn’t expected (what I get for refusing to read any reviews) and, instead of making me want to talk about the film – that intensity made me want to think about the film, its plot, the characters, the best parts, the funniest lines and so on.  I’m thinking about it still.

If you’ve planned on seeing Saving Mr. Banks during the holidays – go!  It’s genuinely a good movie with an unexpectedly touching story that has nothing and everything to do with Mary Poppins.  Every single character makes their own special contribution to the story’s overall success.  When you get back, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

 

I Have a Disney One of THESE!

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It fits in the palm of my hand – What could it be?

For Christmas this year, my sweet friend Kelly gave me a beautiful Lenox Santa to add to my Santa collection.  Along with the gift was a lagniappe (Louisiana tradition, a lagniappe is “a little something extra”).  It’s that certain little something that this post is all about!  When I tell you what it is…you’re maybe going to be happy for me – you might even be jealous.  For sure, if you don’t have one already – you’ll want one of your very own!

So, what is it?  A Mickey cookie cutter!!!!  Smallish, perfectly shaped, cute as can be.  It would actually make a really adorable Christmas ornament.  As soon as I saw it, ideas for its immediate use began to form.  Those who know me well know that I have LOTS of ideas.  About everything – I don’t have brain storms; they’re more like brain hurricanes.  I couldn’t wait to get home and get busy with my new kitchen gadget!IMG_2395

First I whipped up a batch of Raymond’s Aunt Mary’s tea cake dough – normally the dough is rolled out and cut into squares, but I had new plans for those tea cakes.  Dough chilling, next came a batch of Rice Krispies Treats – oh, they were getting some special treatment as well.  I had plans, people – I was in the zone!  The possibilities seemed endless – I was only limited by time.

New cookie cutter in hand, I went to work.  A few short minutes later…..and…..I needed something more!  Aha!  Melted chocolate – what is not better with the addition of chocolate.  And a few sprinkles.

IMG_2398So, thanks to Kelly and my new Mickey cookie cutter, I now have some adorable and delicious Disney Christmas goodies to offer family and friends as they join us for the annual Christmas Eve Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza.  If you’re in the neighborhood, we’d love to see you!

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Growing up With Mary Poppins

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musicMARYPOPPINS1I have a special attachment to Mary Poppins.  And it’s not just because the movie and I are the same age.  Oh, I’ve seen the movie a time or two – but not as many as you’d think, considering.  I will tell you that I know the words to most of the movie’s songs.

I have strong childhood ties to those catchy, cleverly composed Mary Poppins tunes – wonderful memories that are among my happiest of all – because when I was little, my mother loved to play the piano and I loved to sing along.  At some point when I was very small, my mom bought the songbook of sheet music from Mary Poppins.  I can remember her telling me a song’s  words then letting me sing them while she played each line – so this must have started before I could read.  I have vivid memories of sitting on the piano bench next to my mom (on her left) while she played.  Following along, belting out those Poppins tunes for all I was worth in my little-girly voice – “With tuppence for paper and strings, you can have your own set of wings.  With your feet on the ground you’re a bird in flight with your fist holding tight to the string of your kite…”

I’ve promised myself a treat today if I cross off everything on my to-do list – I’m going to try to see Saving Mr. Banks this afternoon – I’m a little worried about my sappy sentimentality kicking in and making me cry, but I really want to see it, so I’m willing to take my chances and bring plenty of tissue.

So off I go – gotta get busy making a quick grocery run, baking some cookies, wrapping gifts, putting this messy house in order – you get the idea.  Wish me luck!  If I do make it to the movie I’ll let you know what I thought about it.

List of Songs from the “Songs from Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins” easy piano song book:

  • Chim Chim Cher-ee
  • Feed the Birds
  • Jolly Holiday
  • Let’s Go Fly a Kite
  • (A) Spoonful of Sugar
  • Stay Awake
  • Step in Time
  • Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

 

 

Ten Excellent Disney Supporting Characters

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I like a good story – any good story will do.  The Fam pretty much all feel the same way ’cause we LOVE movies.  In the theater, on pay-per-view, TV, DVD, it doesn’t matter.  If it’s a good story, we want to see it.  Of course our favorite stories are of the Disney variety.  One of the things that makes Disney movies so wonderful is the ever-present side-kick for Disney heros and heroines.  Our favorite toy, prince, princess, clown fish, lost boy or super hero wouldn’t make it to the happily-ever-after part without a steadfast companion by their side.

Today I’ve put together a list of ten excellent Disney supporting characters and why we love ’em.

In no particular order:

1.  Jessie – Little bit tom-boy and part girly-girl – Happy by nature, Jessie’s learned from the school of hard knocks how painful loving people can be.  Jessie is a major worrier at times, but finds happiness in the little moments – like dancing with “Spanish Buzz”.  She’s at her best when overcoming her fears to prove herself a brave, loyal and trust-worthy friend.

2.  Edna Mode – Edna’s rough exterior hides a marshmallow center.  Forced to design for the IMG_2322fashion industry after the Supers go into hiding (“Super models, HA!  Nothing “super” about them.  Spoiled, stupid little stick figures with poofy lips who think only about themselves – FEH, I used to design for GODS!”).  Edna’s bark is much worse than her bite – clearly she loves the Parr family and is ecstatic to be included as an integral part of their return to the spotlight in the fight against evil – NO CAPES!

3. Lumiere – a little more fun-loving than his buddy and co-worker Cogsworth, Lumiere not only gets to sing the best (to us) big musical number of Beauty and the Beast, he remains calm under pressure and lights the way to victory in battle.

4. Abu – a monkey of few words, he stands by his BFF even when he doesn’t like Aladdin’s decisions.  Abu puts up with a lot:  hunger, poverty, homelessness, freezing, mushy lovey-dovey parts, and even being turned into an elephant – but stays the course admirably and loves our hero selflessly to the end.

General Dis Pics 11.13 1025. Jiminy Cricket – like many of our picks, Jiminy is given an assignment – to be Pinocchio’s conscience.  Appointed by the Blue Fairy, Jiminy is cheerfully up to the task – remaining by Pinocchio through thick and through thin, proving himself to be a steadfast, “got-your-back” kind of guy.  And now he gets to host Wishes – and it just wouldn’t be the same without him!

6. Sebastian – a crab with a very tough job – Keep the god of the seas happy while “managing”  King Triton’s wayward, strong-willed yet lovable teenaged daughter.  Luckily, Sebastian is Aerial’s biggest fan and believes in her happily ever after.  Bonus points for the smoothly awesome Jamaican accent.

7. Mushu – like Sebastian, Mushu has a tough job and his own agenda – sent by the ancestors to keep up with another wayward daughter, Mushu thinks it’ll be the easiest and quickest way to reclaim is Guardian status.  Little does he know he’ll have to put his own ambitions on the back burner to help our heroine save China – which he does with aplomb.  Honorable mention to “Cricky” who is the luckiest bug we know.

8. Dory – she may be forgetful, but she’s got no shortage of patience, love and understanding – plus, she speaks a mean whale – and you never know when that’s going to be a critically important skill.  We are anxiously awaiting Finding Dory in 2016.

9. Sven – another character of few words, this reindeer-that-acts-like-a-dog is Frozen’s version of a conscience for Kristoff.  Like so many of our favorite supporting characters, Sven is loving and loyal, even when Kristoff makes horrible decisions.  Believing in a hero’s ability to be a hero – even when they don’t believe in themselves – is a great side-kick’s most important task.

10. Baloo – he’s the good cop to Bagheera’s bad – fun-loving and care-free, Baloo knows in the end that he’ll have to go along with whatever is best for Mowgli, even if it means being separated – He gets to croon “Bare Necessities” while teaching Mowgli to survive in the jungle – one of the best Disney tunes EVER!

Piglet, Pascal, Tinkerbell, LeFou, GusGus and Jacques – there are SO many more!  Who are your favorite Disney supporting characters?