Two life-long Disney fans take on the Disney film catalog, beginning with the animated features, and discuss with a critical lens. @DeconDisney on social media.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel return to the Hundred Acre Wood for Winnie the Pooh (2011), the sequel to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977). Although it’s stuffed with as much fluff as its protagonist, nostalgia and a 69-minute run time make this benign film pleasantly watchable. Episode Bibliography Anderson, J. [@jenna.sais.quoi.paris]. (n.d.). Reels [Instagram profile]. Instagram.…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel follow Lightning McQueen and Mater around the globe in this discussion of Cars 2 , a spy-themed sequel with a convoluted plot and disappointing politics. Episode Bibliography Abg 13. (2021, February 21). Cars 2 Tokyo Race Lap One w/ Film Maker Commentary (Subs Included) . YouTube.…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel discuss Tangled (2010), the 50th animated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios and one of Rachel’s favorites. Based on the fairytale of Rapunzel, this coming-of-age tale features songs from Disney veteran Alan Menken and impressive computer animation. Although Erin and Rachel disagree about the viability of the romantic plot, they agree that Mother Gothel is an…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel discuss Toy Story 3 (2010), the third and allegedly final installment in the Toy Story franchise. Despite some minor misogyny and heteronormativity, the film manages to delight (and emotionally devastate) the hosts. Episode Bibliography Bianculli, D. (2011, February 4). The People Behind Pixar's 'Toy Story 3' . NPR.…
In this very special episode, Erin talks to Rachel and her research assistant, Grace, about a study they recently published about the portrayal of fat characters in Disney animated films. Spoiler alert: the depictions of fat characters are rife with harmful stereotypes, and the hosts have something to say about it! Rachel's and Grace's article "'You're Getting a Little Big for This': Fat…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel hop on down to 1920’s New Orleans, where Disney’s first Black princess spends most of her time as a frog in the Louisiana bayou. The Princess and the Frog (2010) provided much needed representation, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of its race, class, and gender politics. Episode Bibliography The 82nd Academy Awards | 2010 . (n.d.). Oscars.…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel wallow through an elderly man’s grief journey with Pixar’s critically acclaimed Up (2009). They argue the beautiful art and cute sidekicks aren’t enough to redeem this (admittedly beloved) film, especially since the (admittedly moving) love story invokes the classic “dead wife” trope. We’ll keep sailing our balloon house onto the next one, please and thank you.…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel discuss Bolt (2008), a lesser known film about a dog who thinks he’s a super hero. Under new leadership, Disney Animation Studios starts to come out of their slump with this film that some people found boring (Erin) and others found heartwarming (Rachel). Episode Bibliography Amidi, A. (2006, December 18). Chris Sanders No Longer Directing American Dog . Cartoon…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel travel 700 years into the future to discuss WALL-E (2008), Pixar’s robot romance with an unintentionally anti-capitalist message. Fatphobia and misogyny make this dystopian tale unwatchable despite its endearing protagonist, striking animation, and moments of nostalgia. Episode Bibliography The 81st Academy Awards | 2009. (2009, February 22). Oscars.org.…
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel discuss Ratatouille (2007), a Pixar film about a French rat who wants to be a chef. Their discussion includes a fine stew of food politics, meritocracy, and sexism with a garnish of fatphobia. Bon appetit! Episode Bibliography Baker, J. (2005, January 17). Dan Lee . James Baker. https://www.james-baker.com/news/dan-lee/ Bird, B. [@BradBirdA113]. (2020, July 13). The…
