Anthomation Assesses The Top 5 80’s Disney Films

Howdy guys, Anthomaton here. Today I shall continue with my series lookback on Walt Disney Animation Studios. Here are my top 5 80’s Disney films.

5. Black Cauldron (1985):

In the land of Prydain, lowly pig herder Taran (Grant Bardsley) dreams of becoming a gallant knight. Young Taran receives his heroic calling when the evil Horned King (John Hurt) kidnaps Hen-Wren, a prophesying pig that had been entrusted to Taran. Now, with help from his furry sidekick Gurgi and Princess Eilonwy, Taran must locate the magical black cauldron before the Horned King is able to use its mystical powers to summon an army of the undead. With its darker edge, this film is still a cult classic for 80’s kids to this day. There just aren’t any other Disney movies that look or feel the same. And John Hurt is menacing at the Horned King. With that said, it is a missed opportunity. This film is the cliched hero’s journey with a main character that is on the annoying side. Seriously, all Taran does is complain how he wants to be a warrior. The only character more obnoxious than him is Gurgi. Munchies and crunchies my foot!

Score:

6/10

4. Oliver & Company (1988):

In this animated update of the classic “Oliver Twist” tale, Oliver (Joey Lawrence) is an orphaned kitten taken in by a gang of thieving dogs, led by cavalier canine Dodger (Billy Joel) and owned by down-and-out pickpocket Fagin (Dom DeLuise). While pulling a job in the streets of New York City, Oliver winds up being adopted by a rich girl, Jenny (Natalie Gregory), and landing on easy street. But through a series of events, a loan shark threatens the peaceful new arrangement. This film is a childhood favorite of mine, so I will naturally have a soft spot for it. The music contains some the catchiest songs. I mean, you listen to three seconds of ‘Why should I worry’ and it will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. The one thing that holds the movie back is its predictable plot. But the animation style is unique with its sketchy New York City feel.

Score:

7.5/10

3. The Fox and the Hound (1981):

After his mother is killed, Tod the fox (Mickey Rooney) is taken in by the kindly Widow Tweed (Jeanette Nolan). He soon befriends the neighbor’s new hound dog, Copper (Kurt Russell). The two are inseparable, but their friendship is hampered by their masters and by the fact that they are, by nature, enemies. They grow apart as they grow older; Copper has become a strong hunting dog and Tod a wild fox. The pair must overcome their inherent differences in order to salvage their friendship. The thing that really makes this film enjoyable is the friendship between Tod and Cooper. Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell both kill it in the roles, adding an extra level of depth to their characters. You truly feel the highs and the lows that the duo is going through. The one thing that could have been altered was the late second act when Tod is alone in the forest. He forms a romantic relationship with another fox and it doesn’t hold much interest. Don’t worry dear readers, the ending is really emotional and holds a lot of weight.

Score:

8/10

2. The Great Mouse Detective (1986):

Basil embarks on the greatest case of his career when London’s master toymaker is kidnapped. He ends up pitting his wits against his old adversary, Professor Ratigan, who wants to become `supreme ruler of all mousedom’. To this day, The Great Mouse Detective is the most underrated Disney animated film EVER made. The animation is really good, as the CGI effects still hold up to this day. The scene of Ratigan chasing Basil through the clocktower is one of the more exciting Disney climaxes. And characters still hold up as well. Basil has a Sherlock feel to him, but is charismatic enough to not feel like a ripoff. Ratigan is a deliciously evil dictator. If you have not watched it, this is a MUST WATCH!

Score:

8.5/10

1.The Little Mermaid (1989):

In Disney’s beguiling animated romp, rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel (Jodi Benson) is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton, she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll) to become human for three days. But when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter. I know this movie gets equated with the 90’s Disney films since it kickstarted the Disney Renaissance, but it was released in the 80’s nevertheless. This is the definition of a complete animated film. The animation is gorgeous, the story is compelling, the characters are intriguing, and the songs are memorable. This movie is certainly apart of my world!

Score:

9.5/10