It’s Disney month here at ScreenAge Wasteland and with it comes the promise of fantasy, nostalgia, and endless streaming possibilities. But there’s more to The Mouse than a castle and princess weddings. That’s where this list comes in–a chance to stay on theme while celebrating a few hidden gems from the Disney vault.
Each month, I pick a short-list of under-the-radar titles waiting to be unearthed from the algorithms of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and the like. Because movie nights are important especially in the days of self-quarantines and social distancing.
Here are a few grade-A Disney picks that will upgrade your “To-Watch” list this April.
Blank Check (1994)
Hot Take: 1994 was the single-greatest year for childhood cinema. Look at this list!
- Angels in the Outfield
- Camp Nowhere
- D2: The Mighty Ducks
- The Flintstones
- Miracle on 34th Street
- The Lion King
- Little Big League
- Little Giants
- Little Rascals
- The Pagemaster
- The Santa Clause
- The Shadow
Nestled in that list is an overlooked romp dedicated to answering every kid’s most asked (and perhaps most unanswerable) question … Just how fast could you spend $1 million?
If we’re serious about talking Disney then we have to concede the fact that some choices will be made purely for nostalgia’s sake. Because once the opening credits start we’re immediately transported back to a time when life was simpler and movie criticism wasn’t even a thing. We just watched it because it was fun and it featured the unmatched talents of Tone Loc himself. So, yeah, I’m tossing Blank Check onto the list because it’s always fun to watch Preston forge that check, live the high-life of games, toys, and ice cream, and still come out of it on the other side as the hero. What’s not to love?
Now, if only I could get my hands on some Ecto-Cooler and pizza rolls then I’d really be kickin’ it old school.
PLATFORM: Disney+
FOR FANS OF: The Big Green; First Kid; The Mighty Ducks
Brave (2012)
Pixar owns the corner of innovative animation rooted in emotional humanity. They somehow manage to pack more self-discovery and inspiration in 90 minutes than just about anyone else. Perhaps that’s why all the “Best of Pixar” lists vary–we’ve all got our favorites that speak to us on a deeper level than the casual animated flick. We even laugh along the way too.
That’s why it’s so difficult to pinpoint which ones merit Top 5 status. Pixar’s Canon feels more subjective than most; they’re personal.
So here is where I enter to advocate for Brave as not just a finely crafted animated display, but the most criminally underrated of the Pixar dossier. Merida is a free-spirit that feels more actual than fantastical and, in that, we unlock a world of terrible mistakes, good intentions, and healing familial relationships. Brave, though being the only Pixar title set in a past era, feels fresh even on the seventh rewatch. Earnest in message but honest in dinged self-discovery, this exploration of Scottish lore, thick accents, and bagpipe music wraps me in a weighted blanket of therapeutic feels. I don’t just enjoy it as a fun family flick of which my kid can enjoy–I drink deeply from the well of this tapestry. It weaves an experience of pure adventure, a twinge of magic, and a healing dose of love.
Which is the best Pixar movie? I’m not sure there’s a definitive answer to that question. But I know this, Brave deserves placement on the shortlist. Chances are it’s been a while since you’ve ventured to the spell-ridden woods of aged, animated Scottish landscape; maybe it remains one of the few you’ve yet to catch. Either way, do yourself a favor and enter this space. Merida is a princess worthy of modern awareness and a timeless tale.
If you’re looking for something that packs the feels while boasting high-entertainment value (but don’t want to weep thru Inside Out again) stream this one.
PLATFORM: Disney+
FOR FANS OF: Moana; Robin Hood; Tangled
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
What’s the first movie that broke your heart? This one is mine. No matter how many times I watch it, the wounds still feel fresh. But damn if it’s not beautiful too. I mean this scene.
Now bear with me as I settle into my old-man chair and grumble for a moment. Great as Pixar is, we owe it to the younger folks to expand their Disney-pallets. It’s our responsibility to share the lesser-known-but-still-great titles of eras past. They’ll thank us for it later and learn hefty stuff along the way.
The Fox and the Hound is more than a story of friendship–it’s a fable speaking to the cruel imperfections of societal convention; a cautionary tale of losing our childlike wonder and earnestness. But you know, with Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell providing the voices. There’s so much here to unpack, but I keep coming back to a simple concept: The Fox and the Hound is an emotional, but great American movie. My daughter is just about old enough to experience the fractured innocence of this one and I’m happy this one exists to help usher-in meaningful lessons and fun animal hi jinx.
PLATFORM: Disney+
FOR FANS OF: Babe; Homeward Bound; The Lion King
Jessica Jones (2015)
Okay, so the Disney connection is a bit blurry. Deal with it. Jessica Jones is a Marvel property and those belong to The Mouse … even if it’s episodes are floating in an awkward streaming purgatory of sorts. Regardless, for three seasons Krysten Ritter anchored one of the most brilliantly conceived high-concept shows the last decade has seen.
Equal parts Bogart noir and 21st gritty character study, Jessica Jones ventures into the flawed and tragic nature of life in unbelievably relatable fashion considering it’s told through the lens of a “super”. After a bout of trying to do the right thing and save people, Jessica’s attempts to rebuild her disappointing trajectory as a private investigator with a fondness for alcohol. As she rediscovers herself by coming to terms with her past, we’re granted audience to unpack abusive relationships, damaged familial heritage, and a desperate desire to do the right thing. Truth be told, it’s difficult to capture that balance of gritty detective story and fantastical super-ism, but Jessica Jones finds that rare air after knocking the wind out of you along the way. If nothing else, I’m having a hard time identifying a more gutting (and addicting) opening episode than AKA Ladies Night. Damn. If you’ve seen it, then you know.
Come for the Marvel-ness of it all. Stay for the deep character flaws and the David Tennant, Janet McTeer, and the Carrie-Anne Moss supporting performances.
PLATFORM: Netflix
FOR FANS OF: Daredevil; Umbrella Academy; V for Vendetta
X-Men: The Animated Series (1992)
The renaissance of mainstream comic book entertainment is among us. Perhaps that’s why it’s staggering to consider the most faithful representation of page to screen was captured nearly 20 years ago with a cartoon. Yet, here we are.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said. This installment of high-octane, pre-teen-friendly entertainment truly understood nuance and the profundity of its source material’s social commentary and did so while putting a hairy dude with yellow spandex front and center. X-Men is one of those arenas that places how fractured things are and, yet, how wonderful our world could be on full display. Re-living this one isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about being reminded of the universalities and distinct varieties humanity boasts; along with Nightcrawler and Beast being really, really cool. And, of course, there’s that brilliant title sequence.
The case is simple, X-Men: The Animated Series is the single-greatest Saturday morning cartoon of all-time. Full stop.
Oh, and for the record, Storm is the low-key X-Men MVP and the whole run would be better without Gambit. There, I said it.
PLATFORM: Disney+
FOR FANS OF: Batman: The Animated Series; Gargoyles; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Bloated queue? Don’t stress. Fire up the Disney+ app and dedicate your next movie night to one of these titles. If nothing else, you’ve no excuses on finding something to stream when all the X-Men episodes are right there. Now, go watch something!
What’s the best hidden gem you’ve caught recently? Share in the comments and help me expand the list!