Tag Archives: tv

A Study in Princesses

I realize I’ve been almost nothing but harsh on the Disney Princesses. Sure, I have an avowed love of the relevant movies from the late 1980s/early 90s, but I direct constant criticism at the fact that these characters are princesses. However, the trend is getting better. Disney needs to finally let go of its penchant for royalty, but it hasn’t just been twiddling its thumbs about feminism in the meantime. Let’s look at the evolution of the princesses. I don’t need to say much about the heroines from Disney Animation’s Golden Era. Their lives are basically on hold until they … Continue reading →

Walt Disney and the U.S. State Department

About a month ago I learned of the most interesting rumor about “Saludos Amigos” and “The Three Caballeros.” The little-known 1940s flicks, which feature Donald Duck traveling to Central and South America, meeting, and having adventures with Brazilian parrot Jose Carioca and Mexican rooster Panchito Pistolas, were supposedly commissioned by the U.S. State Department. As soon as I read this, I instantly had to know more. I really wanted to learn the real story, if one existed, behind the rumor and share it with you here. I couldn’t do that, however, until I was able to find at least some … Continue reading →

Art Show Coming to Downtown Disney

One thing that never comes to mind when I think of the Disney Parks is art. I know that isn’t entirely fair; I’ve pointed out in the past how members of the Disney Animation team had a hand in designing the parks. But I can’t help it; when I think of “art” and “Disney” my mind immediately goes to the movies and doesn’t stray. I’d only be interested in purchasing Disney-themed art if it was a still from one of the movies (though the movie stills I really want come from films by Hayao Miyazaki, most of which Disney distributes … Continue reading →

“Thor” A Mighty Addition to the Marvel Lineup

“Thor” officially kicked off the blockbuster season this past weekend. Its status as a comic book film qualifies it as the first of the summer’s big-budget, big-hype movies, and its place in the series of Marvel flicks leading up to the superpower-packed, Joss Whedon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)-helmed “Avengers” movie only heightened the anticipation. Here’s the rub: as my husband said to me as we exited the theater, “Thor” didn’t feel like a typical comic book movie. Unlike infamous flops “Jonah Hex” and the Ang Lee “Hulk,” however, with “Thor,” this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are two reasons … Continue reading →

“Toy Story 3” Both A Relief and A Letdown

In my very first blog for families.com I bemoaned Pixar’s current penchant for making sequels, a trend I blamed on Walt Disney Corp. CEO Bob Iger. I’ve expanded, or at least reiterated, my opinions on the matter since then. Some might say, however, that I should stop criticizing the making of all of Pixar’s recent sequels if I never bother to see them, something I just haven’t felt motivated to do. Nearly a year after it came out on in theaters, I finally decided to see “Toy Story 3.” Before I get into how I felt about the movie, however, … Continue reading →

Some Pets Help Sell Homes

The New York Times recently posted an interesting article relating to pets, one that the story itself acknowledges contradicts popular assumed wisdom: pets help sell homes. Normally one would assume that leaving pets in a house or apartment while it’s toured by prospective buyers is a bad idea, because who knows how potential buyers feel about animals? To an extent that will always be true. People touring the house might have severe pet allergies or phobias. Some pets might be ill-behaved, following the tour around the house, making noise, and perhaps even trying to jump on people. Certain hallmarks of … Continue reading →

Custody Battles Over Pets

I’ve heard of nasty child custody battles, but I’d never thought of the same for pets. However, after reading about the concept in a recent Huffington Post article I don’t find it that surprising. After all, pets are like children to many people and even those that aren’t are still beloved by their owners. It’s no surprise that either divorcing party wouldn’t want to part with their pet. Pet custody has recently become a more contentious issue. Cases have risen 23% and Harvard Law now offers a course in the field. While I imagine that pet custody struggles are not … Continue reading →

Upcoming Disney Flicks

Because it’s the first month of the year I thought I’d take a look at some of Disney’s upcoming movies for 2011. I’m going to skip over highly anticipated films like the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Cars 2,” because I’ve posted about them before, and more general knowledge is known about them. Instead, I want to feature lower-key Disney movies, ones that are perhaps more bubbly fare than blockbuster bait, but should be enjoyable nonetheless. At the moment Disney’s got three such movies announced: “Prom,” “Mars Needs Moms,” and “Winnie the Pooh.” The first, “Prom,” is a blend … Continue reading →

Save On Pet Supplies From PetCo

It’s time to stock up on all the supplies that your pets need. You can save 15% off the price of nearly everything that appears on the PetCo website right now, through Saturday, January 8, 2011. They also have a deal on free shipping, and a contest where you could win a free aquarium. PetCo is doing a “New Year, Big Savings!” sale right now. All the pet supplies that you see on their website are 15% off, until January 8, 2011. This includes crates & kennels, beds for dogs and beds for cats, cat furniture, doggy doors, fish tanks, … Continue reading →

What’s Your Family’s New Year’s Eve Tradition?

Holiday traditions are an excellent way to make and keep connections with the other members of your family. Many people turn on the TV, catch the countdown, and watch the ball drop in Times Square. A lot of people will always spend New Year’s Eve surrounded by crowds at a large gathering. Does your family have a traditional way to celebrate on New Year’s Eve? It’s fairly common to make New Year’s Resolutions on December 31, or January 1, and some family traditions include telling people what your resolutions for the new year will be. If you, and a few … Continue reading →