Day 24: The Rescuers Down Under

Taking a trip down under with The Rescuers: Our 24th Movie!

1. What movie did you watch?
The Rescuers Down Under. The film is a sequel to the 1977 movie The Rescuers, which is based on a book series. The movie is notable for being the first animated Disney movie to use the new computerized CAPS process, which is a digital paint and ink tool that replaced the traditional practice of hand- painting cells. The film also has many moments created using CGI technology, such as the opening sequence. [Not so]Fun fact: This movie is the least successful film of the Disney Renaissance. 

2. Have you seen it before/ how long has it been since you last saw it?
Maddie: I haven't seen it since I was a little girl. I didn't watch it often because it upset me how mistreated the animals were. I was also never big into the rescuers- I know I saw this movie before I saw the original.
Alexis: It's probably been 10 years since I've seen it. I watched it a lot as a kid but after we got rid of our VHS player I had no way to watch it until now (thank you, Netflix).

3. What memories did it recall?
Maddie: It really reminds of the documentary, Waking Sleeping Beauty, which chronicles the Disney Renaissance. There is a section about this movie and how it was a proving ground for CGI and because the movie flopped Disney didn't want to invest in the technology- if only they had known.
Alexis: It totally brought back memories of my animal-obsessed childhood. I was an avid watcher of The Crocodile Hunter, and I wanted to go to Australia before I even understood how long it takes to get there. I knew the names of all the Australian animals in the movie, and I was already aware of poachers and how awful they are. The animal and conservation focus of this movie made it perfect for little 6 year old Alexis, and I wanted to be Cody so badly! 

4. What did you think of it?
Maddie: I enjoyed it, but it's by no means one of my favorites. I really appreciate the camera work and the conservationist message, though.

Alexis: I really liked it! Like Maddie mentioned, I think it has a very important message and it portrays it well to children. The animation is also great, even if they did use CGI a little too much. All the animals are so cute and nicely drawn, it makes the movie very visually appealing!

5. Favorite moment:
Maddie: My favorite moment is when Marahuté flies with Cody, it's a great bonding moment and she is just amazingly animated.

Alexis: I actually agree with Maddie, those scenes are also my favorite! The first time that Cody flies on Marahuté after rescuing her is the best, and I always wanted to do that when I was little! 

6. Any other comments:
Maddie: Joanna is the actual worst. Not even Mcleach likes her. And I don't blame him.

Alexis: I still want to visit Australia.

Day 18: The Rescuers

Day 17: One big adventure with the Rescuers

1. What movie did you watch?
The Rescuers. The movie is based on the children's book series by Margery Sharp, that focuses on the Rescue Aid Society, an international mouse organization headquartered in New York and shadowing the UN. The Rescuers was Disney's first major animated success since The Jungle Book, and it is the last film of the Silver Age.

2. Have you seen it before/ how long has it been since you last saw it?
Maddie: I have seen it before but I don't think I've seen it since.
Alexis: I've seen it but it's been at least 5 years!

3. What memories did it recall?
Maddie: None really, considering I've seen it once, maybe twice.
Alexis: My sister and I would often choose this one to watch on road trips between Ohio to New Hampshire when we were kids. I think my dad had a part in that because the songs helped lull him to sleep while it was my mom's shift to drive. Also, to this day he still uses the throw away line "It's good for what ails you!" all the time.

4. What did you think of it?
Maddie: It's just okay to me. not the worst but nowhere near the best. Just Meh.
Alexis: I really enjoyed it because it's not one that I watch all the time, and I think it's really sweet. It also holds a lot of memories of watching it when I was little, so I'm sentimentally attached.

5. Favorite moment:
Maddie: This isn't really a moment, but I love the romance between Bianca and Bernard. Too cute.

Alexis: I totally agree with you Maddie, I love them! Also, I really like the scene at the beginning when we're first introduced to the Rescue Aid Society. All the different foreign mice are so cute, and I find their song very catchy.

6. Any other comments:
Maddie: I just want to know: How does Madame Medusa (so subtle, Disney) control her alligators? I just...I don't get it...

Alexis: I like all the character's reactions to the moonshine.