A-Z: Classic Monsters: U is for Ursula

Today's letter for the A-Z Challenge is U.  One of my favorite monsters that Disney created is Ursula, an evil sea witch who's wicked character helped make the The Little Mermaid a classic animated film.

About Ursula

Essentially, Ursula's character was a sea witch.  The original tale of The Little Mermaid, written by Hans Christian Anderson, has the sea witch and a "neutral enabler," who sells her a potion that gives her legs in exchange for her voice.  Disney, however, decided to change her role into a "full-fledged antagonist" when they created the animated version of The Little Mermaid, back in 1989.  For information about Ursula see Disney Wiki.

Why I think she's a classic monster

Although, I think the original tale of The Little Mermaid is darker, Disney definitely brought this character to life.  What I like about Ursula is she's memorable, evil and a little bit funny too.  I like that she seeks revenge from King Triton, Ariel's father because he cast her out of the City of Atlantica.  She's also treats her minion eels Flotsam and Jetsam, like her children.  Remember that?  I read how Disney, after watching a documentary on octupi, lead to the eventual creation of the nefarious character.  It you remember, those who sought her help and made a bargain with the powerful witch, always lost and were turned into polyps.  One of my favorite scenes is when she sings Poor Unfortunate Souls.  Do you remember that song?

Sadly, Disney's merchandising department remade this classic animated character last year and released a slim down version of the doll.  What a crime!  See how the butchered her here.  

What other monsters where you thinking about?  I thought about the Undead and Harry Potter's Dolores Umbridge.

Mina Burrows

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter & Brave ...Summer Movie Madness!

Okay, minions. I saw two highly anticipated movies over the weekend and today.  Let the summer movie madness begin.

First off, let's review Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, shall we?  Based on Seth Grahame-Smith best-selling novel, produced by Tim Burton, and directed by Timur Bekmambetov, this film had some serious Hollywood muscle behind it.  Did it deliver?  Mixed reviews have been pouring in.  Critics hate it.  Book lovers hate it.  Movie-goers say go see it. And what's my verdict…I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Here's why: Although most of the bad reviews state the movie butchered the book, I can’t confirm this. Unfortunately, I didn't read the novel and therefore, had no preconceived notions or expectations—good or bad. That said, I will probably in the near future get my hands on a copy to devour it, but that's me. The vampires in the movie were evil, immortal and had nothing to do with teenage angst, love or lust which I found refreshing. Thank God. On top of that the vampires were slavery supporters. Lincoln was obviously the opposite. To me Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter was a semi-horror, action thriller which took an historical icon and story and put a phantasmal spin on it.  I was entertained to the max and now want badly to get my hands on a silver-plated ax. Additionally, critics were complaining that the visual effects were overdone. I didn't think so, but that's me. Neither did my husband, but he's a VFX guy so his opinion could be skewed.

Coincidentally, I also saw Brave over the weekend, which I thought was positively wonderful. My husband and I took our kids to see the latest in Disney/Pixar animation.  I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't have the Disney "princess" spin on it.  It was all about family and following your heart. Great story, possibly a tad scary for my 5 & 7 year old, but still very well done.

As far as blockbusters or summer movie madness goes, those were to two movies I wanted to see during the summer. Thankfully, I enjoyed them both.  

What about you?  Did you see Brave? What about   Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter? Any other movies you want to see this summer?

Mina B.

A-Z Challenge: "Q" is for Queen Elinor

The A-Z Challenge continues with the letter "Q." I've discussed several characters this month and this time, I'd like to feature a new character,"Queen Elinor" from Disney & Pixar's upcoming animated movie, Brave.

Disney & Pixar's character overview of the queen mother is as follows:

A vision of grace, wisdom and strength of character, Queen Elinor is fiercely dedicated to the well being of her familiy and kingdom.  As the measured, diplomatic counterpoint to her more impulsive husband, King Fergus, Elinor carries the weight of the kingdom on her shoulders.

And if you think for a moment that this mother has it made, take a look at her defiant, but magnificent daughter, Merida.

Being a mother of two, I always keep my eye out for animated movies that have heart. This mystical tale deals with family, witches and beastly curses.  Sounds fun, huh?  This one is on my must-see list this summer.  Brave hits theaters June 22nd. 

What do you think? Does it look interesting? Do you like Queen Elinor?

Mina B.