The Rescuers Down Under (1990) - Wait a minute. Doesn't The Little Mermaid roll right into Beauty and the Beast and anchor the Disney Renaissance? Not quite. Before the Renaissance fully kicks off, there was this sequel to 1977's The Rescuers. Once again, two mice, Miss Bianca and Bernard, agents of the Rescue Aid Society, travel around the world to help a little kid in trouble, in this case a boy from Australia. I enjoyed seeing the two mice again, was happy that the story is as dark as the original, and appreciated the message, but it's a bit of a throwback. And, frankly, I wanted more Bernard and Miss Bianca. Unfortunately, another planned sequel was cancelled with the death of Eva Gabor in 1995.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) - BATB has the reputation of being the best of the Disney Renaissance and I think it's well deserved. Vivid characters, great music, a wonderful, atmospheric story, a distinguished voice cast and beautiful animation make this one a masterpiece. The only quibble I have is how quickly Belle falls for the Beast, an oversight they correct in the stage musical. But really, this was just fantastic.
Aladdin (1992) - I saw Aladdin for the first time just a couple of years ago, which is weird since it's one of Ben's favorites. First, let's talk about the Genie. I am not a huge Robin Williams fan, especially when he's in "manic" mode, which he was here. I mean, impressions of John Wayne and Lawrence Welk have not aged well. But the Genie has a few heartfelt moments and Williams is more tolerable in the role than I expected. The biggest win for me is Jasmine, who is a fierce, independent, and smart Disney princess, and strongly confirms that the key underlying trait of all Disney princesses is kindness.
The Lion King (1994) - Considered by many to be the best of the Renaissance, in my opinion The Lion King is not. Still, it's another film with great music and beautiful animation. My only real complaint with this is how quickly the movie shifts from young Simba who thinks he's responsible for his father's death, to vengeful adult Simba fighting to take back his tribe. I wanted more story in the second act showing his growth.
Pocahontas (1995) - Rachel was born in 1994, so this is where we started seeing Disney movies in the theater. With a very blue and green color palette, Pocahontas is visually distinct from everything that came before. The story isn't unique, foreign invaders come into a pristine land creating chaos and death, but the reality of what happened to Pocahontas' people gives this movie a real undercurrent of tragedy and sadness. I will note that the movie does do a decent job providing complex motivations for both the Native Americans and the English. Also notable for one of Disney's greatest songs, Colors of the Wind. Pocahontas is good, but not great.
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