Animated
While animated films are often called cartoons, they're not just for children. Indeed, many of the latest Walt Disney classics have as much appeal for adults as they do for the little ones. Recent advances in computers has sped up the laborious process of colouring in hundreds and thousands of cels, allowing the artists to let their creativity flow. And computer animation has allowed for some spectacular, 3-D effects. Animation is timeless, which is why generations of people are still being enchanted by the likes of Snow White, Pinocchio, and Dumbo, and in future by the likes of the following.
Disney's crown jewel is marvellous entertainment from start to finish. The use of colours and multiple camera angles, the minute details, like the wayward strand of Belle's hair and her blush, and the character development of both Belle and the Beast that no other Disney animated film has quite matched, make for an impressive achievement.
A rare sequel that tops the very good original. Fun, frantic adventures await Buzz Lightyear and friends as a greedy toy salesman kidnaps Woody. Perfect pacing, and plenty of jokes for both adults and children. A sure-fire winner. Full review.
Pixar and Disney's second computer-generated collaboration (after Toy Story) is full of amazing images and great humour. The story of an ant colony revolting against their oppressors, the grasshoppers, with the aid of a ragtag bunch of circus-performing insects, is brought to wonderful life by the Pixar magicians.
One of the less successful of the modern wave of Disney animated films, Hercules is nevertheless one of my favourites, purely because it is a lot of fun! The story of the legendary Greek hero is infused with a dash of artistic licence by Disney, as well as a gospel singing troupe of muses. Lots of in-jokes and modern references make this a delight.
Disney's highest-grossing film is a sumptuous re-telling of Hamlet, filled with gorgeous landscapes and catchy songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. Includes a terrifying stampede that may scare children, as well as two of the best sidekicks in a Disney film in Timon and Pumbaa.
This adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a mermaid who wants to be a human sparked the revival of Disney's animated division. A delight from start to finish, with whistle-worthy calypso and reggae-inspired songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Pure joy.