Doc and Bob's Disney Adventures

Release Date: July 30, 2021 Watch Date: January 28 - January 30, 2023 "Join fan favourites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney's 'Jungle Cruise', a rollicking thrill ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank's questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila, his ramshackle but charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities, and the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust together on this epic quest, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank, and their fate - along with mankind's - hangs in the balance."     I did not support Disney+ charging money, in ad...

  Release Date: December 25, 2020 Watch Date: January 27, 2023 "What is it that makes you...YOU? Pixar Animation Studios' all-new feature film 'Soul' introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) - a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before - a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what's great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life's most important questions."     Soul is a beautiful movie.     How Pixar went from telling stories about ants fighting grasshoppers to deep explorations about just what it means to be human, I'll never k...

Release Date: November 23, 2016 Watch Date: January 28, 2023 "Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped - and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Moana, a sweeping film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she's always sought: her own identity."     If all Maui can say is "you're welcome" then I suppose I should say "thank you". Thank you for a film that is visually breathtaking...

  Release Date: November 22, 2017 Watch Date: January 27, 2023 "In Disney-Pixar's vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, an aspiring young musician named Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family's stories and traditions."     Once, when our son was sick, really sick with the flu, when he wasn't even a year old, I watched this movie almost non-stop for three days. It was the only thing that would keep him from crying. I don't know why. He has never shown an interest in it since. But Coco has become weirdly important to me, part of ingrained into an important moment from early motherhood, something foundational. It has nothing to do with the story, and everything to do with my personal experience, but I think sometimes our feelings about movies are like that,...

  Release Date: November 15, 2019 Watch Date: January 21 - January 26, 2023 "Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in FORD v FERRARI, based on the true story of visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British-born driver Ken Miles, who together build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966."     I grew up loving Formula 1. This movie is not about Formula 1. This movie is about the exhausting Le Mans races, which still go on today, which are still insane. This movie is about two men who tried to help Ford win, despite all the odds. Who were friends, who were passionate about racing, passionate about cars. It is about a man who lived life to the fullest that he could.     This movie is beautifully told.     Bale and Damon are phenomenal actors and it shows. The chemistry between them is amazing, and their passion for each other ...

  Release Date: October 15, 2021 Watch Date: January 26, 2023 "From 20th Century Studios comes 'The Last Duel,' visionary filmmaker Ridley Scott's gripping tale of betrayal and vengeance set against the brutality of 14th century France. The historical epic is a cinematic and thought-provoking drama that explores the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and strength and courage of one woman willing to stand alone in the service of truth. Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France's last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, two friends turned bitter rivals. When Carrouges' wife, Marguerite, is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God's hands."     I t...

  Release Date: June 27, 1941 Watch Date: January 18 - January 21, 2023 "Hollywood funnyman Robert Benchley is on his way to see Walt Disney to present a movie idea called The Reluctant Dragon. As he stumbles through the maze of the Disney Studio, he discovers how animation is created through art, sound, color and technology. Along the way, he meets Donald, Pluto, Goofy and other Disney favorites, witnesses the birth of Baby Weems, a brilliantly funny animated work-in-progress, and enjoys the complete animated short The Reluctant Dragon."     I find it surprising that more supposed 'Disney fanatics' haven't watched this film. I can't imagine a good reason for it. A chance to get a highly cultivated tour into the early Disney film studio? Who could pass that up?     And that is really the main reason to watch this movie. Is it an accurate representation of how the studio actually worked? I have no idea. But I hope it is. I hope the place that so inspired Walt D...

  Release Date: February 8, 1940 Watch Date: January 15, 2023 "The heroic tale chronicles the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they skillfully overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a 'civilized' community. But the ultimate challenge lies ahead when a band of cutthroat pirates threaten to destroy the Robinsons' makeshift paradise."     Ah, a classic black-and-white live action film.     Honestly, I find this film incredibly charming, even if it doesn't have the pirates promised by the blurb. It is, as far as I can tell, fairly accurate to the source material. Does this mean we're gonna get some pretty heavy handed Christian messages? Absolutely.     Nature is meant to be the main villain, but honestly it's Mr. Robinson that causes most of the problems the family experiences. He decides to move his family, who are all doing exceedingly we...

  Release Date: February 23, 1940 Watch Date: January 13 - January 14, 2023 "The timeless story of Pinocchio inspires a new generation with its masterful animation, award-winning music and unforgettable characters. When loving Geppetto creates a wooden puppet, his wish is granted when it comes to life as a little wooden boy. With faithful friend and conscience Jiminy Cricket by his side, Pinocchio embarks on fantastic adventures that test his bravery, loyalty and honesty until he triumphs in his quest for his heart's desire: to become a real boy."     I'm sorry...I hate Pinocchio. Hate it. With a passion. Can't stand the book, can't stand the live action remake, can't stand the animated film.     I hate the message. I hate the character. I hate it.     It is, at it's core, a very traditional and borderline religious message - at least if you practice Catholicism. You may sin, as long as you are sorry in the end, and you will be forgiven. Consequences o...

  Release Date: November 13, 1940 Watch Date: January 10 - January 12, 2023 "Walt Disney's timeless masterpiece is a celebration of sight and sound, featuring eight sequences marrying classical music with the most innovative animation of its day. See dancing fairies, fish, flowers, mushrooms and leaves in the 'Nutcracker Suite'; follow Mickey Mouse in his iconic role as 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'; laugh along with a comic ballet starring hippos, elephants, alligators and ostriches in 'Dance of the Hours'; and hold on to your seat when the evil Chernabog summons restless souls in 'Night on Bald Mountain'. Watch the music come to life, hear the pictures burst into song and experience the excitement that is Fantasia."     It doesn't matter how many people tell me that this film is a classic. I can't. I want to. So badly. But I can't.     I'm sure, back in the day, when this first came out in the theatres that could provide...

  Release Date: December 21, 1937 Watch Date: January 7, 2023 "Forever enchanting and inspiring, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs embodies The Walt Disney Signature Collection's legacy of animation. In this epic story of love and friendship, the kind and beautiful princess Snow White wins the hearts of the Seven Dwarfs and triumphs over the evil plans of a wicked Queen. Discover the movie called 'The Greatest Animated Film Of All Time'!"      We're starting now, officially, from the beginning.     Snow White is the moment of transition - when Disney goes from shorts to feature films. Without Snow White and the film studio that came from it, the monolith built on her back, there would be no Marvel movies, no baby Yoda, no Frozen, no mermaid wishing for legs, no tale as old as time.     So even if it's boring, even if it's bad, Snow White has created a legacy - and you have to respect that.     But let's be fair - Snow White is boring. ...

  Release Date: September 27, 1985 Watch Date: January 2 - January 4, 2022 "America is in the depths of the Great Depression. Families drift apart when faraway jobs beckon. In this masterful, atmospheric adventure, a courageous young girl (Meredith Salenger) confronts overwhelming odds when she embarks on a cross-country search for her father. During her extraordinary odyssey, she forms a close bond with two diverse traveling companions: a magnificent, protective wolf, and a hardened drifter (John Cusack)."     What is it about 'The Great Depression' that Americans find so romantic? The struggle to survive? The wandering across the country looking for work? Surviving on your wits? Every American I've ever met has a story about the struggle of their relatives during this period of history. Us Canadians don't seem to have that seem experience. I'm just saying, it's become a major part of their national identity in a way I don't think any other countr...

  Release Date: November 24, 2021 Watch Date: January 1, 2023 "Walt Disney Animation Studios' 'Encanto' tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Columbia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal - every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family's last hope."     I love this movie.     I love the songs. I love that there's no villain. I love the extremely accurate family dynamics that are portrayed.     We may not talk about Bruno, but I will absolutely talk about Encanto.     I have yet to speak with anyone who's seen this film who hasn't been ab...

Release Date: June 27, 2008 Watch Date: December 31, 2022 "Travel to a galaxy not so far away for a cosmic comedy adventure about a determined robot named WALL-E. After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. Join them and a hilarious cast of characters on a fantastic journey across the universe."     This movie is magic.     Bob has always said that this was his favourite movie. He grew up watching it with his father - desperately wanting the kind of romance, the compassion, felt between WALL-E and EVE.     I like the environmental message.     Some people, lots of people, dismiss this movie as boring, or heavy handed. That couldn't be further from the truth. Just because a movie says we probably shouldn't destroy our planet through our overly materialistic and capitalistic society - and it's right! - doesn't make it a bad...

     So here it goes, if you're going to make a marathon of as large a scope as we plan to ( there's 1460 movies or specials on Disney+ with more added weekly ) then you need some rules. Otherwise, it's just complete and utter chaos. After some hours of discussion, Bob and I have fine tuned the rules we will continue to follow for the rest of this adventure. The Rules: Every month, between the days of the 1st to the 20th, we will watch Disney movies in the order of the year they were released, with a few noted exceptions. April will be Doc's picks all month, as that is her birthday month. May will be exclusively NatGeo documentaries and specials which will be watched in order of release year. October will be exclusively Halloween themed movies which will be watched in order of release year. November will be Bob's picks all month, as that is his birthday month. December will be exclusively Christmas themed movies which will be watched in order of release year. Betwee...

  Once Upon A Time...       There was a couple, they were married, had two kids. A pretty good life, by any stretch of the imagination. They were happy. And they both loved Disney movies. Then one day, they go to discussing all the Disney movies they had ever seen, and started lamenting the ones the other hadn't. After much discussion and debate, they realized, why not just watch them all? After all Disney+ is a thing, is it not? And it should, for all intents and purposes, have all of the Disney movies.      So began the adventure.     Because look, when you love Disney as much as we do, when it mattered as much to our childhoods, when it's something we've bonded over as much as we have...there's no reason not to do it.     So here we go. Off to have an adventure! Sometimes our kids will tag along, sometimes they won't. Sometimes we'll hate it, sometimes we'll drag our feet through the entire film, but we'll do it, we'll watch them...