Episodes
-
đThank you to Disneyâs âWishâ for adding two new songs to our Disney Playlists!
đThank you, Disney, for paying $71.3 billion so that we could watch The Sound of Music on Disney Plus. It was money well spent!
đ Thank you for our Disney Murder Mystery episode which was almost better than an Agatha Christie novel!
đThank you to Captain America for letting Corban constantly make fun of him. His respect for Cap is growingâŠ.
đThank you Captain America: Winter Soldier for reminding Camari how good a Marvel movie can be!
đThank you Indiana Jones for being patient. We are glad we finally got to you this season!
đThank you Enchanto for giving us hope in unique storytelling and entertainment in an era of sequels and remakes.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
âWhatever it takes.â - Avengers: Endgame (2019)
âIâll be there.â - Captain America: Civil War (2016)
âHulk, Smash!â - The Avengers (2012)
âIf Iâm the only one than so be it. But Iâm willing to bet Iâm not.â - Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)
âItâs about whether heâs right.â - The Avengers: Age of Ultron
Honorable Mention: âAvengers, assemble.â - Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Guys. This has to be top three. But Corban was very stubbornly attached to his letter âspeech.â *sigh* You tell us! Which should have been in the number two spot.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Episodes manquant?
-
đEncanto explores non-European culture in a celebratory and authentic way
There are hints at the social unrest Columbia has experienced (Pedro and Alma having to their home because of violent conflict). But more importantly, it celebrates the diversity of the people and surroundings of an oft-overlooked, even villainized South American country.
đšâđ©âđ§âđŠEncanto centers its themes on the complexities of familial relationships
We feel Disney is at its best when it is focusing on families. When Disney anchors their stories with strong and positive family dynamics or themes, they create content for their primary audiences that resonates powerfully.
đŒEncanto is filled with music that is memorable, emotional and also carries the storytelling forward in a fun and unique way that fits the culture it is exploring
We donât know enough about the logistics of music to say what is done right in the nuts and bolts of Lin Manuel Mirandaâs songs. But Encanto feels like the charm of old Disney musical storytelling meets the freshness of a new cultural experience. He married the two perfectly.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Secretary of State - Peggy Carter from Captain America: The First Avenger
She is firm and no-nonsense. Understands the importance of diplomacy to avoid war. But will stand up to any bully who comes her way.
Secretary of the Treasury - Scrooge McDuck from Duck Tales
We arenât sure which version of Scrooge we are dealing with. But he is the economic mind of Disney characters. And if its stingy Scrooge, he could help with our national debtâŠ?
Secretary of Defense - Mufasa from The Lion King
Corbanâs trump card. When in doubt. Mufasa can do it. We trust his judgment.
Attorney General - George from The Aristocats
He was one of the only Disney lawyers we could think of who had the experience with the justice system and lawyerese to pull this offâŠmaybe?
Secretary of the Interior - Pocahontas from Pocahontas
She knows the lands intimately and respects their need for care. However, she also has an eye for innovation and curiosity. She is open to new approaches while honoring the land.
Secretary of Agriculture - Te Fiti
Basically, we have recruited Mother Nature to help cultivate and encourage agricultural growth. We are hoping she can bring in some new methods and help our agriculture be as productive and life-giving as possible
Secretary of Commerce - Bob Iger
Bit of a cheat here. But hey, if the Disney Company brought him back for another stint as CEO then there must be something to his leadership that people like and respect. And we like and need more of that.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
đ»What happens when you assemble Disneystein monsters from Disney animated characters? Letâs just say the number one thing we discovered was they are hard to dress!
Male Disney Monster #1 - Amos Slade
Head - Amos Slade from Fox and the Hound
Hairstyle - Merlin from Sword in the Stone
Arms - Winnie the Pooh from Winnie the Pooh
Torso - Shan Yu from Mulan
Legs - Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective
Outfit - Aladdin from Aladdin
Male Disney Monster #2 - Prince John
Head - Prince John from Robin Hood
Hairstyle - Anger from Inside Out
Arms - Gaston from Beauty and the Beast
Torso - King Candy from Wreck it Ralph
Legs - Flick from Bugâs Life
Outfit - Peter Pan from Peter Pan
đHappy Halloween from us and our Disneystein Monsters!
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
đWant to have your own Disney Murder Mystery? Here is the Reddit link to play along. Who will be the victim and bad guy in your version?
đWe donât want to spoil the drama of the mysteryâŠ
So we will only give you the name of the victim and the detective on the case. After that, the only way forward is to listen to the case unfold. On a dark and stormy nightâŠ
đThe victim is Pinocchio (we know, so sad!)
A mysterious dinner invitation arrives for Pinocchio. But something sinister awaits him. What did the cute, sweet, little Pinocchio get involved in that brought him to this sad end? What happened to Jiminy Cricket? Why wasnât he there to protect poor Pinocchio?
đThe detective is Snow White
After Pinocchio meets his end at a mysterious dinner party, those in attendance decide Snow White should be the one to lead the investigation. She is innocent and pure of heartâŠbut beyond that, we arenât sure what she brings to the table. But we are sure she will do her best to determine who the murderer is!
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark was nominated for 6 Oscars in 1982! Here is where we find the substance of Raiders that makes it a worthy Best Picture nominee.
đŒIconic musical score provided by the one and only John Williams (who was nominated for a Best Musical Score Oscar for this movie)
It takes six notes to get you up off the couch and ready for an adventure with Indy. It doesnât matter if it is during the movie or on the ride at Disneyland, this is one of the best character themes in movie history. Look how happy John is conducting this song!
đ„The cinematography is dynamic and gorgeous
This movie goes from basic action flick to another level when you have amazing shots like theseâŠitâs not just car chases, explosions, and punching (though there are lots of that). The cinematography creates adds additional layers of emotional depth and character development.
đ€đŒThe quality, scale, and unique experience of the stunts
Itâs an action film, yes. But the stunts are not just for stunt sake. Again, they offer important storytelling. And they are unique! The boulder chasing him? Dodging through booby traps? This is stuff that was so cool they had to put it in the ride at Disneyland. Plus the fight scene coordination of the explosions and actors fighting and running around and in the big airplane. Top notch.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Not all of our ideas are great. Honestly, most of them are pretty far reaching and ridiculous. But letâs highlight the three bestish ideas we came up with in this episode!
đ€Mexico - Coco attraction mashup with karaoke where you may end up singing with Miguel and Ernesto de la Cruz.
Think Mickeyâs Runaway Railroad meets Luigiâs Rollicking Roadsters where individual vehicles are randomly chosen to go up on stage and perform while the other cars dance around and party in the crowd with people in them.
đChina - Mulan-themed ride where you ride on a horse through the battle scenes
Corban is really attached to the idea of riding a horse on a roller coaster. Especially if the people go through the line so everyone can enjoy how silly adults look riding plastic horses.
đItaly - Luca movie ride through where you are transported to Portorosso!
We want it to be the most immersive dark ride in all the Disney parks. Take us to Portorosso and the Italian coast. We want it to be high-tech and amazing!
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Hereâs our debrief of what we learned from all these random magical Disneyland experiences:
đȘDisneyland with kids is extra work, but extra magical!
Yes, kids get hot and tired. And they cry when they are hot and tired. No, they canât ride all the rides. And yes, it is more expensive (more people, more money). BUT they understand and experience Disney magic in its purest form and will invite you to come along with them if you are down for the pixie dust-filled adventure.
đDisneyland proposals are super popular and we know the perfect spot to pop the question!
Yes, you could do the traditional castle or Millenium Falcon proposal. But we think a private dinner for two at the Blue Bayou is a quiet, more intimate way to pop the question for those looking to be non-traditional. And it is the best atmosphere in the entire park!
đIf you want amazing Disney magic, get involved with the characters (or let them get involved with you)!
We are introverts through and through over here. But! We canât deny when the characters take extra time to gesture to us at the parades or take additional time to go on a treasure hunt with kids in Fantasyland, thatâs where it happens. Where kidsâ (and adultsâ!) eyes start to glow and smiles start to grow broader than ever before.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
đ€€Fictional food we want to try most: Tianaâs beignets from Princess and the Frog
They are delicious at Disneyland. But straight from the movie with the honey drizzle on top would be even more amazing!
đFictional food that sounds better than it looks (in the quiz at least): Pumpkin pasties from Harry Potter
It is supposed to be a hand-held pumpkin pie pastry! And this picture looks all rumpled and unevenly bakedâŠ
đźMost surprising fictional food choice: Mushuâs porridge from Mulan
There may be an overabundance of oatmeal in that bowl. But the runny sunny-side-up eggs and bacon could make this a quite delicious breakfast dish!
đMost misunderstood question by quiz takers (in our opinion): Snow Whiteâs poisoned apple vs. Harry Potterâs cockroach clusters
Guys. The apple is poisoned. Just eat the cockroaches for goodness sake.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
đThe Great Muppet Caperâs Charles Grodin gives Michael Cain from Muppetâs Christmas Carol a run for his money as âbest performer opposite the Muppetsâ
Charles Grodin has to convince us that he is in love with Ms. Piggy (who is being puppeted and voiced by Frank Oz aka the performer of Yoda in Star Wars). And he is so believable it is almost too heartbreaking/awkward to watch him continually being friend-zoned. This man deserves an Oscar for creating mounds of chemistry with a pig puppet voiced by a man.
đThis is the Muppet movie to watch for amazing cameo performances!
Between Jack Warden (12 Angry Men, All the Presidentâs Men), Peter Falk (Columbo, Princess Bride), Peter Ustinov (Death on the Nile, Blackbeardâs Ghost), Oscar the Grouch (Sesame Street), and Jim Henson himself (among many others!) it is one quick hilarious hit after another. Our favorite? Monty Pythonâs John Cleese as the stuffy, boring British man whose house is broken into by Ms. Piggy. Such comedy gold!
đ”This may be the best of the Muppet musicalsâŠ.just saying.
The music in this movie is top-tier, catchy, ridiculous, tongue-in-cheek, Muppet music. The only song it doesnât have is Rainbow Connection. But it is one amazing song after another that either gets our toe tapping or puts us in tears from laughter.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Heisman Trophy Winner (best overall football player) - Li Shang
Bileitnikoff Award Winner (best receiver) - Tarzan
Butkus Award Winner (best linebacker) - Dr. Sweets
Davey OâBrien Award (best quarterback) - John Smith
Doak Walker Award Winner (best runningback) - Aladdin
Eddie Robinson Award Winner (best coach) - Yoda
Lou Groza Award Winner (best place kicker) - Groot
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Who will take on Sauron for the âMost Evil Bad Guyâ? - The Emperor, Star Wars
Who will take on Treebeard for âWisest Plantâ? - Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas
Who will take on Gollum for âMost Pathetic/Pitifulâ? - Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker
Who will go up against Arwen for the âBiggest Sacrifice for Loveâ award? - Hercules
Who will compete with Galadriel for the âWarrior Princessâ award? - Mulan
Who will go against Aragorn for the âHidden Kingâ award? - Will Turner
Who will compete with Borramir for the âAlmost Bad Guy, Good Guyâ award? - Loki
Who will go against King Theoden for the âPossessed Characterâ award? - Lawerance, from Princess and the Frog
Who will take on Sauraman for the âBiggest Traitorâ award? - Count Dooku
Who will compete with Eowyn for the âBiggest Friend Zoneâ award - Quasimodo
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Psst, just so you know: For this episode, our definition of âold school Disneyâ is any theater-released Disney or Pixar movie released before 2000. âNew school Disneyâ is any theater released Disney or Pixar movie released after 2000.
Best Disney Songs - 50/50 Split
We are split on our votes. The 90s is hard to compete with when it comes to songs. But some of the new Disney stuff is too good to imagine life without.
Best Animation Style - Old School Disney
Hand-drawn stuff like this canât be beaten (how did they do this??). And we prefer the 2-D animated style overall.
Best Stories/Plots - New School Disney
It is fun to see them push the tradition and start to subvert the tropes of villains, happily ever afters, and true loveâcase in point: Prince Hans.
Most Funny - Old School Disney
Itâs a matter of taste and itâs tough to decide. Old school goes for subtlety and charm. New school is much more on the nose and obvious in its humor.
Most Iconic Moments - Old School Disney
Itâs the 90s coming in strong again. How can you compete with these and many more magical moments?
Overall Best Iconic Moment - 50/50 Split
For one of us, itâs all about Lion King. The other loves the iconic moments in Tangled. We will say, New Disney may not have the quantity of iconic moments, but when they have them they are amazing!
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
For a full list of all the movies and series announced at D23 Expo, click here!
Incredibles 3 (In Development)
More from the Pixar super family? We are so down. All we want is a movie about the kids. Especially Jack-Jack. Fingers crossed we get a film with the super Parr kids going on an adventure together!
The Mandalorian and Grogu (In Production)
Itâs official, Star Wars is returning to the silver screen in May 2026. As they teased the Mandalorian and Grogu we got hints about AT-ATs, a Star Wars: Rebels character joining the cast, and the return of Mandoâs Razor Crest ship.
Snow White (In Post Production)
Next March we will finally see the live-action remake of Disneyâs first animated feature-length film. The trailer hosts a fun rendition of âWhistle While You Workâ and lots of color (although lots of CGI). We are cautiously curious and intriguedâŠ
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 (In Production)
For fans of the Percy Jackson books, the new series on Disney Plus is a must-watch. Season one followed the first book of the series and D23 revealed that season 2 is coming soon and follows book 2.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
đ”đŒIt is more of a spy/political thriller than a superhero movie (thank goodness).
Captain America: Winter Soldier expands the Marvel movie genre beyond just âsuperhero movies.â If you like James Bond, Mission Impossible, or the Bourne movies this has a similar vibe. Captain Americaâs super soldier-ness comes into play, but it is not Iron Man-flying-around-the-screen in your face. If Marvel is not your vibe, this may be the one Marvel movie that is.
âïžâđ„It brings up some thought-provoking points about the importance of trust/freedom versus security/safety.
The world Captain America wakes up in is no longer black and white, 1940s bad guys and good guys. With terrorism and now alien invasions in the scope of Earthâs future, world leaders are trying to figure out how to stay ahead of the threat and keep people safe. But at what cost? What happens when we start making decisions based on fear of the future?
đ€It digs deep into Capâs past and displays the power of loving, vulnerable male friendship.
Itâs not all about the punching and explosions (though there is a lot of thatâŠ). How the emotional and internal character arcs reflect the themes of trust versus fear is so well handled. And to see macho male characters show their vulnerable sides and support each other is wonderfully refreshing.
đIt still has all the great Marvel humor to balance out the action.
Considering this film lacks Iron Man and Ant-Man who are known for bringing in sarcasm and humor, this one still manages to get in the funny. Anthony Mackie aka the Falcon chimes in when Cap starts taking things too seriously and becomes the character you are always watching for their side commentary.
đđŒOverall, it is one of our favorite Marvel movies from our chronological rewatch so farâŠ
We are both a little over Marvel. But this one got one of us excited to give Falcon and the Winter Soldier another try and the other a shot of enthusiasm to continue our Marvel rewatch. Give this movie a chance. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised like we were!
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Tier One, AKA The Beauty and the Beast Tier!
These sports define the Summer Olympic experience and are âdo not miss watchingâ during the Paris 2024 Olympics!
đđŒââïžSwimming- There is excitement happening every night in the pool at the Summer Olympics. Leon Marchand, the French swimmer is âMichael Phelpsâ dominating. Katie Ledeky is becoming the most decorated American female athlete of all time. And Rowdy Gaines is the best commentator you will find at any Olympic event. It is worth it to watch just to listen to him get excited!
đRugby Sevens - After randomly watching several games, we are hooked. The games are short, and the strength and speed of the athletes are incredible to watch. American football is just not as cool now đ
đVolleyball - These men and women can jump! Not only can they jump, but they also smash the ball onto the floor. How are their not massive craters in a volleyball court?
Which Star Wars/Marvel characters should compete in all three tier-one events?
Any competition with these two is not going to be pretty. Kylo Ren and his massive shoulders will fit right in with the swimmers. And Gamora will not want to lose to someone like Kylo Ren who is a bit emotionally unhinged. Who knows who will win in any of these eventsđ
Tier Three, AKA Treasure Planet Tier!
These events are easily forgotten. But they are some of the sneaky best events to watch during the Summer Olympics!
đ§đŒââïžSport Climbing - If you want to see real-life Spidermans, watch this. It looks like someone is dragging these athletes up by a harness they are moving so fast. But it is all their legs and finger strength. Just wow.
đ€œđŒââïžWater Polo - You may turn it on and feel nothing much is happening until you realize that everyone is treading water constantly while trying to throw a ball and score goals.
đđŒWeight Lifting - Speaking of athletes who earn their medals, the amount of weight these people are lifting is incredible. You see the physical exertion all over their faces. Fingers crossed they donât drop the weight prematurely. Injuries here can be nasty looking!
Which Marvel characters should compete in all three of these tier-three events?
We are going with the mechanical limb showdown in the Treasure Planet tier. Will Doc Ocâs multiple arms win out against the Winter Soldierâs ruthless nature? And can we allow Doc Oc to participate with eight limbs? That seems a little out of bounds!
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Tier One, AKA The Beauty and the Beast Tier!
These sports define the Summer Olympic experience and are âdo not miss watchingâ during the Paris 2024 Olympics!
đ€žđŒââïžGymnastics - Simon Biles soaring in her floor routine is reason enough to prioritize tuning in! She is flipping and twisting higher and faster than any gymnast alive. Legendary.
đTrack and Field - With the variety of events and the drama of the sprinting and relays itâs a must-watch. Also, Team USA has a good chance to clench gold in the 100M for menâs and womenâs. Fastest man and woman in the world both from the USA? Yes, please!
âœFootball (Soccer) - We are biased here. We love soccer. But with the USA women competing with a new coach and all-new young blood, the world is waiting to see if the favorites can clench gold in over a decade.
Which Marvel characters should compete in all three of these tier-one events?
Spiderman may edge out Black Widow in gymnastics (just barely!) but we feel she would have the edge in soccer. Her experience at kicking faces gives her some practice in kicking a ball.
Tier Two, AKA the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tier!
These sports have (almost) been around since the beginning of time. And even though they arenât the most popular, the Olympics wouldnât be the Olympics without them!
đ„Boxing - MMA and WWE have taken fighting sports to super exaggerated heights. To reconnect with the pure athleticism and power of Muhammad Ali, watch boxing.
đŻArchery - Itâs not high-octane excitement, but the tension could be cut with a knife. Without nerves of steel, no one can even begin to compete in this sport.
đŽEquestrian - If you are looking for tradition and class in an Olympic sport, Equestrian is for you. Itâs traditional, yes. But so fascinating to watch humans be so in sync with an animal companion.
Which Star Wars characters should compete in all three of these tier-two events?
All of these sports require tradition and old-school class. No Jedi is more of a gentleman than Qui-Gon Jinn. And the EmperorâŠnot a gentleman. But! He really puts the âoldâ in old-school class đ.
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Would you rather never ride Splash Mountain/Tianaâs Bayou or never ride Space Mountain again?
Have Genie+ every day for a month or a membership to Club 33 for a month?
Get tangled in Mickey balloons or keep tripping over the Disneyland trolley tracks?
Attend an amazing Halloween party at the Haunted Mansion or attend an amazing Christmas party inside the Haunted Mansion Holiday?
Eat Mickey beignets for breakfast every day or eat Disneyland corn dogs every day for dinner?
Spend a day at Disneyland in the pouring rain or spend a day at Disneyland in 100-degree heat?
Get stuck in Small World for 30 minutes with the song playing on a loop or get stuck on Mr. Toadâs Wild Ride for 30 minutes in the hell scene?
Disneyland get rid of churros permanently or turkey legs permanently?
Have a one-time totally free shopping spree on Main Street or never have to wait for the tram or bus ever again?
Have a camp-out on Tom Sawyerâs Island or sleep overnight in Minnieâs house?
Be followed around by the Dapper Danâs singing boy band songs or the Disneyland marching band playing Frozen songs?
Bring back Captain EO for good or the people mover for good?
Travel back in time to 1955 and Disneylandâs opening day or travel forward in time to 2055 for Disneylandâs 100 year anniversary?
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! Subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe -
Nostalgia - 2/5
Neither of us can remember the first time we watched this movie⊠we remember the advertising for the film more than the actual film. SoooooâŠ.thatâs our bad, yaâll!
Characters - 3.5/5
Every character was well-written and important. No one was extra baggage that felt like we could cut out. There was room for more background in some areas. But the interconnectedness of the characterâs needs and weaknesses was done super well!
Story - 2/5
The beginning did not grab us. It misleads the viewer about the tone of the rest of the movie. And itâs only an hour and twenty-five minutes! That leaves so much time to do more background on the characters (ehmâŠ.Nani) that is more obvious than just random stuff in the background that we are supposed to use to infer a characterâs past and point of view.
Visual Experience - 3/5
A unique animation style that is very stylized with watercolor backgrounds. Not our taste necessarily. But still points to the effort to make this movie stand out and look different than other animated movies.
Music - 3/5
The incorporation of Elvis sounds good. But we were a little lost in the âwhyâ of the storytelling behind using Elvis as an actual focus in the story. The Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride song is good! And at the beginning of the movie, after so much time in space, seeing the ocean and hearing the native Hawaiian music immediately set the tone for us.
Disney Magic Moment - 3/5
The second half of this movie has two moments that hit emotionally, that we would consider a Disney Magic Moment because it gives this movie depth and soul (at least for one of us :) ).
Enjoy this episode? We have good news! If you want our Lilo and Stitch big board ranking and awards show, subscribe for extended and additional Neverland Files episodes!
This is a public episode. If youâd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theneverlandfiles.substack.com/subscribe - Montre plus
