Your Feedback, Please

First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone who’s ever bothered to read anything I’ve ever written- my blog posts, in particular- and for being supportive of my dream of becoming a writer.

And, really, that’s the thing I don’t understand: why anyone would believe I have what it takes to be a writer when I haven’t proved that I can. If I heard that from someone and it’s been as long as it has with nothing to show for it, I would seriously doubt that person’s dedication.

Why is it I can tell people what is the best thing for them do (and I often do even when it’s not asked for!) but I can’t convince myself to just write and get something written even if it’s just a rough draft? I guess that’s why I’m asking you or your feedback.

Some questions to consider…

Why are you supportive of my dream of becoming a writer?

a.       Because you’re naturally going to encourage everything I do because I’m your family/friend

b.      Because it’s what I say I want and you want me to be happy

c.       Because you believe everyone who has a dream should go for it

Why aren’t you supportive of my dream of becoming a writer?

a.       Because I’m all talk

b.      Because it’s not really what I want to/should be doing

c.       Because I’m not talented

Why do you think I can write when I haven’t shared anything?

What do you think I should be writing?

What do you think I can add to the literary scene?

What can I do to improve on my strengths and weaknesses?

What do you think I should be doing besides/instead of writing?

Be honest since I am asking for your feedback and therefore I am ready for the good and the bad. I truly value your input. Elaborate. Be specific. I really have a problem taking anything seriously when it sounds like a generic comment. And, I’m neither fishing for compliments nor just getting kicks off being criticized.

You can email me your answers at EA12L @ HOTMAIL . COM (No spaces, of course.) Again, thank you.

Disney Animated Films Ranked from Best to Worst

About a year or so ago, I decided to watch all the Disney animated films in reverse chronological order. I don't know why I added that particular rule. Perhaps it was to force myself to watch the newer movies first?

It's interesting to see how Pinocchio actually surpassed The Sword in the Stone as my favorite movie. I don't think I had rewatched Pinocchio since I was 5 years old- or even younger. I definitely wore out our VHS copy of it. I guess I didn't want to ruin my memory of it. If I had watched it again and didn't like it, it would have felt like saying goodbye to another part of my childhood, when everything still seemed wonderful and magical.

But, I'm digressing, spiraling. Watching these films- some for the first time, some who knows how many times- reminded me that the world is indeed still full of possibilities and creativity. Our dreams define so much of who we were and who we are and, though they may be different, is what connects us to others.

Walt Disney is one of my Imagination Icons.

I included my initial reactions after watching each one.

I'll be updating as I watch the latest movies!

(5 Stars)

-PINOCCHIO has been my favorite since I was a kid. It is as full of wonder and magic as I remember.

-THE SWORD IN THE STONE is another one of my favorite Disney movie. It’s a feel-good film with great characters and a wonderful story. I love it!

-THE LION KING is classic Disney! Even after all these years, the story, songs and art still stand out.

-THE LITTLE MERMAID- Classic! Great story and songs.

-ALADDIN- Classic! Great story and songs.

-BEAUTY & THE BEAST- I remember originally not liking this movie but after rewatching it for my Disney Challenge, I was totally captivated by the story. I love the songs!

-MOANA is definitely Top 10 Disney with its masterful art& storytelling. Great characters. Music that you'd want to actually listen to.

-How can you go wrong w/ ALICE IN WONDERLAND? Fun, fantastic, whimsical wordplay galore!

-For all its faults, BAMBI truly is a classic film. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would- or remembered. Very artistic.

-101 DALMATIANS is a wonderful Disney film! Artsy, stylish. Great characters and some of the meanest meanies ever!

-PETER PAN is hard not to like. Truly a Disney classic filled with all the magic and wonder we come to expect!

-SNOW WHITE is truly an accomplishment in animation! Although, I found her voice annoying!

-FANTASIA - A fun great way to combine music and art for the whole family! It was a tad too long for my liking!

-BIG HERO 6 was so good, I would watch it again! Action-packed scenes and emotional moments provide a satisfying movie!

-THE ARISTOCATS is another great Disney film. The kittens were adorable. The mouse sounded like Winnie-the-Pooh!

-ROBIN HOOD has definitely made my top Disney animated movies. A fun family film with great characters!

-MULAN is classic Disney with a strong story, memorable songs, laughter, action, and heart.

-Impressed with Disney's POCAHONTAS! Strong story & characters. The music fit in with the movie so well. Truly a classic!

(4 Stars)

-While singing mice are creepy and we have yet another mute prince, CINDERELLA is classic.

-LILO & STITCH is a surprisingly good movie. Liked the original story and animation choices. Welcome back, Disney!

-TARZAN was surprisingly good- despite the Phil Collins songs. Great animation. Fascinating story. Wouldn't mind watching again.

-Didn't think I'd like THE PRINCESS & THE FROG but I did. Unexpected turns made this movie shine. Makes you believe again.

-ZOOTOPIA was surprisingly fun even if certain plot points were completely predictable. Great timely message of diversity.

-OLIVER & COMPANY was a good Disney film even if it didn't make 100% sense and was too short. Good music, characters. Interesting illustrations.

-THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE was a fun Disney film, a great homage to Sherlock Holmes. Wish there were more!

-Just watched TANGLED. Disney hasn't lost all its magic. Great, creative storytelling that inspires. I want to watch them all now.

-THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE is a funny slapstick buddy movie. Great vocal talents.

-Could've done without the gargoyles and music but THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME was an OK Disney movie. So not for kids though!

-THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH- So simple and charming!

-WINNIE THE POOH. Wished it hadn't end so soon! Interesting scene at the end of the credits. PS- I dislike Tigger.

-FANTASIA 2000

(3 Stars)

-THE FOX & THE HOUND sure was violent! But enjoyable. Interesting backstory. Strong message of friendship.

-While not the best movie ever, MEET THE ROBINSONS sure has heart- almost a love letter to Walt Disney and his vision. Keep Moving Forward!

-CHICKEN LITTLE is fun and such a throwback to its vintage style.

-WRECK-IT RALPH is a fun enough Disney film. Hated Sarah Silverman's voice and character. Had its moments.

-HOME ON THE RANGE mayn't be a Disney classic- at times, it tries too hard to be funny- but it was quite enjoyable. Very country.

-THE THREE CABALLEROS was quite enjoyable despite centering around Donald Duck. Mostly fun segments, inventive and imaginative.

-The problem with SLEEPING BEAUTY is the characters are practically mute and non-existent. It is, at least, very pretty to watch.

-BOLT is a pretty good movie. After the gimmicky beginning, there's an actual story. Disney has been lacking in memorable songs though.

(2 Stars)

-LADY AND THE TRAMP. Quite lackluster but the spaghetti scene remains memorable even now!

-I didn't particularly care for Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK but who can't not like Baloo the Bear?

-ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE is a fun, great adventure but it didn't feel like a Disney film at all. No songs!

-Watched FROZEN. Didn't understand all the raves about it. There were moments but not enough to make it interesting. Songs were OK.

-MELODY TIME had some good moments but nothing quite great.

-SALUDOS AMIGOS was an interesting almost documentary like entry in the Disney films. It's amazing to think how much impact animation had.

(1 Star)

-FUN AND FANCY FREE is an odd entry in the Disney collection. Another package feature. Rather dark. Not particularly enjoyable.

-DUMBO was kind of dumb and depressing. Cute, though, at times.        

-THE RESCUERS seemed like a redundant addition to the Disney canon.

-I need to remember not all Disney movies are supposed to be musicals! They can showcase the latest in animation like with THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER.

-DINOSAUR was kind of pointless. Though I guess visually compelling, the story was weak. Watch THE LAND BEFORE TIME instead.

-THE ADVENTURES OF ICHABOD AND MR. TOAD is super lame with unlikable characters. It did have some good moments.

-HERCULES was incredibly lame. Weak plot points. Horrible songs. Uninteresting characters. Mediocre illustrations.

-TREASURE PLANET was another weak Disney film. Ugly illustrations. Unnecessary "cute" characters.

-Nothing about THE BLACK CAULDRON screamed Disney. It's like an extremely lame version of THE SWORD IN THE STONE!

-MAKE MINE MUSIC alternated between boring and really boring- except for one or two shorts. I actually fell asleep watching this.

-BROTHER BEAR. Simply horrible! Bad animation and weak, nonsensical storyline.