The Age Of Dead Fairytales

Do you ever end up hating that your instincts are right? It seems odd that that would be the case because most people want to trust their instincts. But that must be it--we don't trust or instincts, so we bet against them and end up wishing we hadn't, and as a result we say, "I hate that I was right!" Ladies and Gentleman, I hate that I was right. The first time I saw the Brave trailer I knew I should avoid it. Sadly, I'm a sucker to the magic of Disneyland and ended up changing my mind. Long story short, Alisa and I took an impulsive trip to see the newest Pixar flick last night. Curse you, Happiest Place on Earth! ...I don't mean that...

Now, don't jump to conclusions. You'll need to read this whole thing and not just assume I hated it; ignore my opinion and go see it anyway. Before we went, Alisa told me she didn't want to go because she (correctly) assumed my critical comments throughout the movie would ruin it for her. So, because I love her so much, I promised her and myself that I would give the movie the benefit of the doubt. So in fairness to you, I offer the benefit of the doubt and the cold hard truth.

Benefit of the Doubt

Let's face it, Pixar is a force to be reckoned with. They have made some truly outstanding movies and probably will continue to do so. I will let you know that the short before the movie (La Luna) was one of the best I have ever seen. That gives me faith that they still have great things coming for us. Brave had many of the same elements that made movies like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Ratatouille so great.

First of all, the animation was spectacular! There were several shots in the movie where I thought to myself, "Man, I wish I had a picture of that." There is a scene that shows Merida riding through the forest shooting arrows and climbing cliffs that is, to put it simply, awesome. Combine that with an incredible score and you've really got something. I'll just say I am planning on buying the score regardless of my feelings towards the movie. 

To give a truly unbiased opinion, the movie really was funny. For the most part I didn't feel that Pixar had lost any of its comedic power. I was sure that Merida's three younger brothers would be cliche slapstick material for the younger kids in the audience, but they really were hilarious. They also had some really cool ideas. For example, I loved what the did with the "wisps." They were a combination of creepy and enchanting at the same time. Plus, the casting was spot on. I mean, come on, who doesn't love Emma Thompson or Billy Connolly? So you would think all this would make a great movie right? Unfortunately, we have to face cold hard truth. If you don't have a plot, you don't have anything.

The Cold Hard Truth

Let me save you between six and ten dollars a person. If you feel like watching this movie, just go watch Disney's Robin Hood than follow it up with Brother Bear, and don't allow anyone to talk unless they use a Scottish accent the whole time, and you've got your movie. Really, with so much that came together to create a great movie, they wasted it on one of the most boring plot I've seen come out of Pixar. I'm going tell you the "secret" plot just for the simple reason that I knew it and as a result liked it more than my wife who didn't know what was going to happen and was disappointed. Merida gets a witch to make a curse that turns her mom into a bear. The plot revolves around trying to turn her back.

I mean, come on! Scottish heritage, witches, wisps and a warrior princess and the best you can come up with is turning into a BEAR! No, that's not thunder, it's the sound of failed potential. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. It seems that for some reason Pixar and Disney are trying to switch roles. Pixar came out with Brave which had more of a Disney feel, and Disney is coming out with Wreck-it-Ralph which has Pixar written all over it. I think that is a mistake.

First of all, I don't know when Pixar started slipping but the fact that naked butt humor needs to be introduced may point to desperation. Yes, you read that correctly. Naked adult male butts are used to make a joke as well as a zoom-in shot of a larger lady's chest. Classy touch Pixar. You used to be our hope for clean family humor. We can get that junk of Dreamworks if we want it. It takes more skill to not be crude.

Secondly, I like that Pixar works outside the romantic love and likes to keep it in the family. I mean look at their movies: a dad searching the ocean for his son, a family of super heroes, an old man that loses his wife and practically adopts a wilderness explorer, a rat that can cook... I love that they work the family theme into their films. However, am I just sappy for wanting a good old fashioned love story with my fairytale? Moreover, I didn't like the message of the family theme. I read a review that said Merida was the best role model Princess Disney has given us. WHAT!?!

Let me inform you that if my daughter takes Merida as a role-model she'll be spending a month grounded. Primarily because Merida causes all the trouble in the first place. All this "choose your own fate" stuff is nice (Wait, if you choose your fate doesn't that mean it isn't fate...) but it ignores that adults often have to sacrifice and do things they don't want to. Merida just comes off as a whining brat that gets back at her mom for asking her to shoulder some responsibility.  Look, I get the idea of freedom to choose, but they have a great line in the movie. "Freedom comes with a great price." And in the end Merida never learns that lesson and never matures. It's the mother that comes off looking as if she was wrong all along and needed to change while Merida merely regrets the whole bear incident.

It's also claimed that Merida is great because she goes against the romantic "Prince Charming lie." Brace yourselves my blood is boiling at this. It's claimed that Merida is a great role-model because she rejects needing a man. This is the age we've come to people. Men and women shouldn't work together anymore; they should just go it alone. I fully advocate women's equality but to claim that Disney Princesses are evil because they led to weak women is bull! 

Belle tamed the Beast, Arial fought alongside Eric, Cinderella got her own dang fairy godmother and Nala pinned Simba every time. Heck, all Prince Charming did for Snow White was give her a kiss! Furthermore why aren't feminist also pointing out that the most powerful villains in these fairytales aren't the guys like Gaston or Captain Hook? It's the Evil Queen, Maleficent, and Ursula. But for some reason Merida is the great role model cause she shuns men... nice. What makes love great is that it gives men and women the power to do anything they can imagine. In fairness they try to save face at the end by saying Merida should be able to marry for love, but it's clear she doesn't want a man. She wants to go play in the woods all day. Ladies and gentleman, we've enter the age of dead fairytales. 

OK, sorry that came off preachy but don't attack Disney classics, and we'll get along fine. For me, Brave is the movie of failed potential. It really could have been great, but I had guessed the entire plot (No, I didn't give it all way in this blog) after the first third of the movie and was bored out of my mind for the final two-thirds. If you're smart, you'll save your money and Redbox it. But I can't expect you to do what I didn't. Oh well, you've been warned. ;)

A Magic Beyond All We Do (Part Two)

Well, I hope you are all ready for another run because it's about to get epic. No really, like this is going to be a list of epic music. I know I said in my last post that the world moves really fast these days. But in some things (the things that really matter and take courage) we seem to be even more hesitant. So, this list of soundtracks is designed to get you off your romp and out to do some good. I know, I know, there are still some really great soundtracks that didn't get listed in my last blog of this one. I could only choose ten, people! There's just not enough time!! ;) That doesn't mean I'm still not looking for really great soundtracks you think I may not have heard of. By all means, send your suggestions.
"Enough talk, lets fight!" ;)

1. Requiem to a Tower
By Lux Aeterna 

This song is the definition of epic. Sadly, it is just a remix of the main score for "Requiem to a Dream" (Beautiful soundtrack but WAY depressing and a little trippy). Regardless, the score was reworked to serve as the trailer music for The Tower Towers (hence the name) with no intention of release. However, demand was so high that they finally gave in, and now you too can own the epoch inducing music. Just listen to it!! It makes me want to go... start a land war in Asia!!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean
By Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer...
"Drink Up Me Hearties"

Many of you may have been wondering why this wasn't in part one. Simple answer is that there is way more epic music on this soundtrack than peaceful. If I had to a rate a soundtrack just on its fit to the movie, this would be number one. Hans Zimmer takes the credit, but Klaus Badelt actually penned out the score for the first film (with Zimmer's help). The first three are incredible! The fourth was just a cheap trick of using score from the first three and adding a little Spanish guitar. Disappointed? Oh yeah. But it doesn't take away from the work of the first three. Honestly, I'd take time recommending other songs to listen to but it would be faster to just read the tracks in order ;)

3. Batman Begins/The Dark Knight 
By James Newton Howard!!/Hans Zimmer... 
"Molossus"

Oh yeah! James Newton Howard again! And... that Zimmer guy. It's proof that Zimmer's greatest work is only achieved working with true genius. Really, I don't need to say anything else here. It's epic and inspiring. Fun fact! All the pieces for the first soundtrack are called "Bat" just in different ways of saying it. For instance "Molossus" is the genus of bats. Pretty cool, huh?

4. Rudy
Jerry Goldsmith 
"Tryouts"

If you want to start the morning out right, you need to wake up to this every day. It's just a simple score but incredible all the same. It really makes you feel like you can achieve anything! Lucky for us, this isn't the only great piece on the soundtrack. The whole thing is inspiring. Don't believe me? Listen for yourself.

5. Hancock
By John Powell 
"Death and Transfiguration"

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to the most underrated soundtrack of all time. When I first bought this, I anticipated it might gather dust on my shelf. I just liked the movie so much I wanted it. I then spent the next month listening to nothing else. If there are any runners out there here is my suggestion: Stay hydrated. My second suggestion is that your turn this on for your sprint at the end of a long run. Every time I do I can't believe what I can pull out of myself. Try it and you'll never doubt music is magical again.

6. Sherlock Holmes
By Hans Zimmer 
"The End?"

Now I know it may seem that I'm not a Hans Zimmer fan, but I am. I just think he's got John Williams reputation without his talent. That being said, he made the perfect soundtrack for a childhood hero... can't argue with that. This remake on "Discombobulate" for the first soundtrack is even more epic. Enjoy!

7. Star Wars
By John Williams 
"Duel of the Fates"

If you didn't see this one coming... what were you thinking? You're probably just shocked it wasn't on the list earlier. Let's be honest, the new Star Wars movies... pretty much crap. The soundtracks--still genius. This seems to be the theme song for the whole series now, and I don't hear anyone complaining. Completely epic! Who wants to have a "light saber" fight with wrapping paper rolls?! 

8. Shrek
Harry Gregson-Williams/ John Powell
"Escape from the Dragon"

I debated putting this one on the list. It really is a good soundtrack, but I feel like only this piece and one other qualify for top ten. Nonetheless, this song is epic much more so than the movie. If your wondering what the other piece is I'm referring to its "Fairytale," but it belongs on the peaceful list, not this one!

9. Avatar
James Horner 
"Jake's First Flight"

I hate to put this one on. Not because the soundtrack is anything less that incredible but because the movie is SO OVER RATED!! (Yes, I know it's one word, I did it for emphasis). I'm sure your probably familiar with this one because it was pretty popular after the movie came out. I also recommend you look into "Climbing up Iknimaya." It is equaling as inspiring.

10. The Time Machine
By Klaus Badelt
"The Eloi"

Okay, I have a confession. I am the only person in the world who loves this movie! I know that it's terrible, but I still love it! Don't judge me. But even though you have every right to hate the movie, I don't see how you do anything but love this soundtrack. I'm a huge Klaus Badelt fan and wish he had more work for me to enjoy. I strongly suggest you also look into "The Time Machine" and "I Don't Belong Here." Consider yourself inspired!
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So ends my quest to convert more people to love movie scores. I'm fully aware that everyone has different tastes, and I truly do love almost all forms of music. This was just my attempted to bring a little more happiness into your life, and, lucky for me, it coincidences with the theme of this blog. For me, this is our modern classical music, and I love it. If I was able to share something new with one person it was worth it! Happy listening! :)

A Magic Beyond All We Do

When was the last time that someone asked you your favorite kind of music? I find that question to be a slight irritation, not because I hate music or answering it per-say, but because the conversation inevitably goes like this, "Hey, what's your favorite kind of music?" (Thought process: Oh, geez, here we go.) "Um, I like soundtrack music" "OH! Like musicals?!" "No, no like classical music," "Oh! Like... Beethoven?" (Thought process: Yeah, I loved Beethoven's work for Pirates of the Caribbean... REALLY!) "No... like the classical music they play in the background of movies." "Oh... that's cool.. Hey, Alisa, I forgot to tell you..." Regardless it should come as no surprise that the soundtrack of my life would consist of... well, the soundtracks of movies. Love them, can't enough of them, so guess what that means for you? That's right, another top ten list.

Our world moves too fast, people. Seriously, recall your day and try to remember a moment you spent just thinking and unwinding. For me, I try to make it a daily practice, and the thing that helps the most is--yup, you guessed it--soundtrack scores. It's amazingly therapeutic to put this music on and think about life. The following list are ten soundtracks that I recommend, highlighting just one song that will help you relax, unwind, or even fall into a peaceful sleep if ya need help with that kind of thing.

1. Lord of the Rings

By Howard Shore 
"Samwise The Brave"

I have to put this one first seeing how these were the soundtracks that started it all for me. As far as soul soothing goes, if you have a music editor you might want to cut the last minute or so off. Obviously, you love it because who doesn't, but just in case you aren't intimately familiar with the work of Howard Shore (I know, ridiculous) I also suggest you look into "Evenstar" and "Twilight and Shadow" if ya need a little help relaxing.

2. Harry Potter

By John Williams/Patrick Doyle/Nicholas Hooper/Alexandre Desplat
"Lily's Theme"

If you just listened to that, you really don't need to read this. It's probably the most hauntingly beautiful piece in the world. It's incredible that these movies got not only one but four fantastic composers and they each added to the one before. I'd also suggest you look into "A Window to the Past," "Harry in Winter," "Harry and Hermione," and "Ron Leaves." All will help you sleep like a baby.

3. How to Train Your Dragon

By John Powell 
"Forbidden Friendship"

This soundtrack, as well as the movie, surprised me beyond belief. The music truly is phenomenal. It's amazing how a great soundtrack gives a soul to a movie and this piece of work by John Powell is proof of that. I also recommend you find "Romantic Flight." 

4. Braveheart

By James Horner 
"The Princess Pleads For Wallace's Life"

Regardless of whether or not you've seen the movie, this soundtrack may just change your life if you haven't heard it before. There are so many dynamic and intricate tones; you have to listen to the whole thing to really fall in love. This is just a small sample to get you hooked. I also recommend "For the Love of a Princess" and "Sons of Scotland."

5. Stardust

By Ilan Eshkeri 
"Tristan & Yvaine"

This was the first work I had ever heard from this composer, but I was instantly a fan. This is one that my wife and I love equally. It kinda sounds like love turned into music, right? You're right, I'm right. Take a listen to relax and then check out the rest of the soundtrack.

6. Peter Pan

By James Newton Howard 
"Fairy Dance"

 Now dear friends, we enter into the brilliance, the excellence, and the genius that is James Newton Howard. It's hard not to play favorites, but, man, this guy writes the most unique and diverse music you've ever heard. If this is your first sample, you're welcome. If you already a fan... you're welcome. ;)

7. The Village

James Newton Howard 
"Rest To Resting Rock"

I don't care if you loved or hated the movie, the score is incredible! The violinist on this soundtrack is probably the best I've ever heard. This song has got to be in the soundtrack of my life. If you're looking to feel a little peace put this whole CD on, just skip "Those We Don't Speak Of" and "It's Not Real."

8. Tuck Everlasting

By William Ross 
"First Swim"

OK, I used to like this movie, but recently I think not so much. But that's just proof that movies scores are an art form all on their own and can stand alone without the movie. This soundtrack just happens to be my wife's favorite. and I can't give it a higher compliment than that. ;) The downside? Good luck finding a copy of your own, they are scarce and expensive. Thank goodness for YouTube!

9. The Last Airbender

By James Newton Howard 
"Flow Like Water"

This makes the point that I made with the last soundtrack even better. Regardless if you loved it or hated it.... forget that! If you liked this movie, I pity you. But if you don't like this soundtrack, I pity you even more. This is another that you'll need to trim off the last minute of for a relaxing evening. For all those who do Ti-Chi out there, this is a prefect song to do it to!

10. King Kong

By James Newton Howard 
"Beautiful"

By this point you have probably seen my clear bias considering that James Newton Howard is on here four times. Put simply, he's the best! Period! (Isn't it odd that we usually put an exclamation point after the word period?) Regardless, I know that you now love him just as much as me, so you are forgiven if you accused me of prejudice to begin with ;) This song matches it's title perfectly! I also recommend you take a listen to "Beauty Killed the Beast pt. 5."
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Well there ya go, and you're welcome for the good night sleep, relaxing bath, or de-stress session. Now, for all the amazing soundtracks out there, there are probably at least a few that I don't know of. If you do know about them feel free to inform me because I'm always looking for more. However, before you fellow fans get upset because I skipped a personal favorite, save the dyspepsia til you see the follow-up coming shortly. Stay tuned for the epic and inspiring music to come!

To Eliminate The Impossible

I was in sixth grade the first time that I picked up a copy of The Hound of the Baskervilles and was hooked. It's pretty impressive considering that I was most definitely a cat of the scaredy nature throughout all of my childhood. But from it I formed a new obsession: Sherlock Holmes. The Complete Set of Sherlock Holmes was the first book I ever bought with my own money. I was really impressed with myself because it was a personal fad I had created for myself with no other influence.

 

It became really bad when I started trying to emulate Holmes by observing and making ridiculous conclusion about it. "Oh! I see your wearing a gold Rolex! From that I can conclude...!!! That you like... to know the time!!!!" I think I showed real talent. Sherlock Holmes was my thing. I dressed like him for Halloween, I watched the old crappy black and white movies a lot--even though I knew they were terrible--I converted my wife to him and in our first year of marriage we celebrated Sherlock Holmes day on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday. I even planned a movie franchise around him that would great! (In case you're wondering, I had Hugh Jackman in mind to play Sherlock). I even dedicated part of the name of this blog to Sherlock!! To make a long story short I have a fixation bordering on the fanatic.

When I heard there was a Sherlock movie coming out I was conflicted. At first, I felt real jealous rage at Guy Ritchie for making the movie I clearly called dibs on! In time, I may forgive him. But being the fan that I am the excitement overcame the apprehension. 

My wife and my's first date as an engaged couple was to go see the movie. By the end, I decided I liked it, but I didn't loved it. The second time I watched it, I did love it, and I gave the movie to my wife as part of a wedding gift. NERDY. Robert Downy Jr. was amazing, the Holmes/Watson relationship was perfect, the added action element worked, and, can I just say, the Hans Zimmer blew my mind! Oh, and that slow-mo fighting stuff!! Get out of town!! My only issue was that they hadn't used a real Sherlock story... and they took a lot of liberty with Irene Adler. Overall, obsession: satisfied.

Then they announced a second movie. I began the countdown instantaneously. Saw it, loved it, got the t-shirt! But then I started reading negative reviews about how the movie had ruined Sherlock Holmes and how true fans would be disappointed everywhere. One review even said that if you wanted a summary of the movie you could do so in one word, guns. Well, stupid critics, I am a true fan, and ya'll about to get a smack down... that you'll probably never read. 

This post was actually going to be my first post ever, but events prevented it, and I decided to wait until the movie came out on DVD. Yes, ladies and gentleman, that event occurs this week! Please contain your excitement for the remainder of the ride (Sorry, still in Disneyland mode). So, here's my suggestion. If you haven't seen the movie yet, repent! Go buy it Tuesday and come back when your ready to apologize ;) I only say that cause there are some spoilers to follow.

Let's start with the obvious. This movie is more true to the book than the first. PERIOD. The second they said Moriarty would be this movie's villain, I dared to hope the ending would match the book's conclusion. I had been waiting for that particular story to be done cinematically for years! In the book, Sherlock and Moriarty meet up at scenic overlook at the top of a waterfall. Sherlock has already exposed Moriarty to the police, and Moriarty has sworn revenge. He lets Holmes write a note explaining what happened, and we're left to believe that they both fell over the falls and died. 

We are left like that! Believing that Holmes is dead! In fact, to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle he was dead, but so many people complained that he wrote another story explaining that Holmes wrestled Moriarty over the cliff but had survived himself and hid in a cave to make people believe he was dead. The reason for this was because Moriarty's right hand man was a expert marksman that also wanted to kill Holmes. In order to catch the marksman, Holmes pretend to be dead so he could set a trap.

It's hard to do that exact thing in film, especially if you want another movie. If you leave people believing he's dead that illusion is thrown out the door as soon as you hear Sherlock Holmes 3... He's kind of the title character remember. Furthermore, it's anti-climatic to have Watson just come in a read a note! So that means Holmes actually has to be in danger and Watson has to see that. Hence why Holmes actually has to go over the falls. A stretch yes, but a needed one. I loved the ended and you should to. At least you're not a devastated teenager thinking his hero died!

Second, the guns. Hey, remember how I said Moriarty's right hand man is an expert marksman, and therefore actually more dangerous to Holmes? Well, that necessitates the need FOR GUNS! If I counted right, the last time I watched the movie I think there are four scenes with guns in them. Really... that's overwhelming to the movie? Granted there is a AWESOME scene using slow-mo action involving a lot of gun and canon fire but considering it's one of the coolest battle scenes I've seen on film I'm going forgive Mr. Ritchie for his AWESOMENESS!!

I didn't hear anyone complain when Ritchie added black magic and cults into the Holmes series with the first movie but when it comes to guns... woah... that's to far! This critic complained that Moriarty wasn't a gun runner in the book. He's right, Moriarty was just a well-entrenched, powerful, street thug. Sorry if I'm willing to accept that small change. He further complains that at the end were led to believe that Moriarty and Holmes can talk telepathically. No, we aren't, but apparently the critic doesn't know anything about cinematic art and metaphor.

I know it's silly, but Sherlock Holmes feels like a part of me. I've grown up with him. Are the movies spot on with the books? Not at all. But it's an interpretation of the director. The magical thing about books is you can imagine things the way you want. It's only natural everyone else pictures it different than you. I love the books and I love the movies! So do yourself a favor, go rent or buy the movie, and then get your bum out there and read the stories too! There's tons of short stories that you can read in less than 30 minutes. As for me, I'm going be hoping that the third movie involves a hound from Baskerville. ;)

An Ode to Disney

Last week my lovely wife and I had the chance to visit Disneyland with my family. It has been nine years since my last visit. I'm secure in my manhood and can loudly proclaim that I am a Disney fanatic. I know all the songs (just ask my co-workers), I watch the movies all the time (just ask my wife), I've never been beaten at Disney Scene It (make sure to only ask me), and I can give you a list of my top ten favorite without hesitation. They are as follows and are, sadly, indisputable: 1.Tangled 2.Beauty and the Beast 3.Aladdin 4.Tarzan 5.Sleeping Beauty 6.Emperor's New Grove 7.Mulan 8.Cinderella 9.The Jungle Book 10.The Lion King. So, it was quite obvious this one was coming. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love stories: reading them, watching them, telling them, doesn't matter. But the reason I love them is because of the truth I draw from them. I've never understood studies that claim that peoples brains turn off when they watch TV because mine races a million miles a minute while watching movies. My mind fills with ideas and thoughts. Disney is special because it's been filling my head with lessons since I was little. So what follows is a life time of knowledge in 10 easy to remember life lessons that Disney teaches us.

 Lesson 1

Singing Fixes Everything

Whether you're wooing the princess of your dreams or delivering a soliloquy of your evil intentions, Disney has taught us one thing: everything sounds better with a tune. I'm only sort of kidding here. Music is really the best magic out there. It can heal a heart, express feelings of love, or just help you clean up your house. Disney also teaches that animals will help you clean if your voice is good enough... eat that American Idol! 

Lesson 2

It doesn't matter what your up against you can find a way

"I'm a street-rat remember. I'll improvise." Aladdin was up against some steep odds: an evil sorcerer/slash genie that stole his magic lamp and trapped his main squeeze in a giant hour glass... The thing is Disney heroes don't ever need magic to save the day. They do it with their own determination, skill, and, yes, street smarts ;) We can conquer anything so long as we don't give up.

Lesson 3

Have a pet for a side kick

Does this speak for itself? Yes. Yes it does. If your lucky, your sidekick animal can do the talking for you!!

On a serious note, I think the real lesson here is that everyone needs someone to confide in, someone that believes in them when they don't believe in themselves. It's just an extra bonus if they are cute and cuddly! Like a Snugly Duckling! "Yay!"

 
Lesson 4

Love Finds a Way

Having been married to the princess of my dreams for over two years, I can testify that this one is true. Love is the power that allows us to do the most exceptional things in life. Disney is also right that true love's kiss can fix anything! It's like a wise man once said, "You're nobody until somebody loves you." So hey, find yourself somebody to love! K?

Lesson 5

You Must Control Your Temper!

 Nobody likes a Grumpy Gil ;) Actually... that could be disputed. Grumpy seems to be the most popular of the seven dwarfs after Dopey. Come to think of it, if the Beast hadn't lost his temper and thrown Belle's father in the dungeon then he would never have met Belle! But... it almost got them killed too. Keep that temper in check.

  
Lesson 6

Piranhas ARE Native To South America

This is just a friendly reminder of the importance of a good education. Please be warned! One day your ignorance in science and geography could be the cause of a terrible stampede that put peoples lives in danger. Oh! You're also never to young to question the sanitation of your drinking and bathing water. If it looks questionable, just say no!

 

 Lesson 7

Lying Causes Grotesquely Enlarged Bodily Orifices

I hope everyone realizes that you shouldn't lie.There's just no end to the amount or hurt and mistrust it can lead to. Plus it's infinitely better to be trusted rather than be doubted. But if that wasn't enough Disney gave us another negative consequence. Pinocchio got lucky, it was only his nose With my luck it would probably ended up being my rear...

 
 Lesson 8

Good Always Conquers Evil

This one seems to be an ideal that we don't believe in anymore. However, we need to remember that good doesn't conquer evil because fate says so. Good conquers evil only when a hero stands up and makes it happen. Good is more powerful than evil, but good requires action and evil doesn't. The principles we call good are also eternal because they can make us happy forever. Evil is weaker because it's based on principles that lead to its own destruction. 

 Here's an additional idea. Have you ever noticed that Disney villains die in really really weird ways. Gaston fell from a really high tower, Ursula got run through with a ship, Hook is eaten by a Crocodile, even Clayton hangs on vines he cut himself... Here's my advice: If you one day realize that you're the villain of a story GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!!! IT WON'T END WELL!!

Lesson 9

Imagination   

I'm not afraid of growing up, I'm afraid of losing my imagination. Perhaps I do have a Peter Pan complex. Don't get me wrong, I love learning and I love being informed. But I still believe there is a lot of mystery in the world and that excites me just as much. That's the one thing that really struck me this time as I visited Disneyland. Just look at how much happiness one man's imagination brought into the world. Don't let being mature equate to losing your imagination! The only thing that separates an average everyday life and and fairytale is imagination.

Lesson 10

Happily Ever After

I believe in happy endings. For me a story that ends on unhappily is an unfinished story. Think of it this way, what if the Lion King had ended when Mufasa died? What if Sleeping Beauty ended after she pricked her finger? What if Hercules ended right as Hades took over Mount Olympus? Or, worst of all, what if Dumbo ended right before he learned to fly? If you're at a point in your story that resembles one of these, trust me you can still have a happily ever after! If you choose to. And remember, as a famous green friend once said, "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true" ;)

Bonus Lesson

Good Looking Rogue Thieves Make The Best Hair Cutters

Seriously! Look at that haircut! It's better than I can do! And he did it with a broken piece of glass while he was dying on the floor! Rapunzel found a keeper here!

Additional thought: Have you ever noticed that Disney seems to be more themed towards girls these days and Dreamworks seems geared more to boys? Need proof? Just look at Dreamworks and their recent films, Kungfu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, Shrek! They are totally trying to steal guys away from Disney! For the record, I would propose that Pixar gender neutral!