Wonderful World of Disney
As a kid, I looked forward to watching “Wonderful World of Disney” every Sunday night. Each week a different Disney movie was played from their vast library of animated and live films. I loved the animated classics, but Disney had a ton of fun, live-action films like “Old Yeller,” “Parent Trap,” “The Apple Dumpling Gang,” and “Freaky Friday.”
The Apple Dumpling Gang
Today, Disney live movies are best known for big budget series like Pirates of the Caribbean, big budget flops like “John Carter,” remakes like Like “Freaky Friday,” and do-overs of animated classics like “Alice in Wonderland.” Often missed though are lower budget, lower profile, family friendly fare which are reminiscent of the classic, Disney live-action movies. Here is a list relatively recent releases that I believe would have fit perfectly on “Wonderful World of Disney.”
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Holes
Holes (2003) was dystopian science fiction before that genre became so popular with “Hunger Games.” A “cursed” boy, accused of stealing is sent to Camp Green Lake where boys pay penance by digging holes for the psycho warden. Based on the 1999 Newbury Award winner for children’s literature, the plot and acting are solid. Dule’ Hill of Psych fame is among the cast which also includes Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voigt, and Shea Leboeuf.
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Secretariat
Secretariat (2010) is the true story of the triple crown winning horse Secretariat. This follows in the Disney tradition of animal movies from “Old Yeller” to “The Black Stallion.” You do not have to be a horse racing fan (I am not) to enjoy this movie.
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Odd Life of Timothy Green
The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012) is one of my personal favorites. The story works on multiple emotions, but not in an overdone or sappy way. A married couple (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) finds out that they cannot have children. They bury a box in their garden filled with mementos of their hopes for children; a sign of resignation. From this box sprouts Timothy. The movie has a melancholy, but also a joyful and uplifting tone.
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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,No Good, Very Bad Day
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014) is based on popular book from my childhood and stars Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner. The movie is fast paced and funny. Steve Carell is at his manic best. This movie takes you back to the old Disney comedies like “The Shaggy D.A.” and “Parent Trap.”
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McFarland, USA
McFarland, USA (2015) is the true story of a high school cross country team in a community of poor, Latino, field workers. Starring Kevin Costner as the coach who created the team, this is an uplifting story that will engage the whole family. Although a sports film, the movie is much more about family, community, and hope.
Disney still makes quality movies that your whole family can enjoy and that would have been worthy of “Wonderful World of Disney.” Watch these films and think that you will agree.
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