Treasure Planet

Treasure Planet

Disney

November 27, 2002

Children's, Animation, Sci-Fi, Adventure

DVD
D+

Setting Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island in space makes it much less interesting, but it was nice to hear David Hyde Pierce do voicework.  Ron Clements and John Musker co-directed, and co-wrote with others.

Moana

Moana

Disney

November 23, 2016

Animation, Children's, Fantasy, Historical Drama, Historical Comedy, Musical, Action

DVD
B

This is one of those movies where I wonder why I don't give them a B+ or higher.  It might be a little of the comedown from seeing the dazzling visuals on my TV instead of in the movie theater.  It might be that I think that there are two great songs ("You're Welcome" and "Shiny"), while the others are solid but less memorable.  It might be that, having seen the movie at least twice before today, the plotting feels not quite right, from the introduction of not one but two sidekick animals (with the pig disappearing for about an hour while the chicken affects the plot) to the formulaic departure and then return of Moana's demigod frenemy, Maui.  That said, the visuals remain lovely, the mix of emotional tones works, and the incorporation of Polynesian heritage is both respectful and playful.

The four directors are (in alphabetical order) Ron Clements, Don Hall, John Musker, and Chris Williams.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Disney

November 17, 1989

Children's, Fantasy, Musical, Romance, Comedy

DVD
C+

Even though I've seen this movie once or twice before, I was on the fence the entire viewing this time.  Yes, the songs are catchy and some of the voicework is good, but I don't know if I really liked the characters or cared about the conflicts.  This is based loosely on the Hans Christian Andersen tale.  Ron Clements and John Musker co-directed, as well as co-wrote with many.

Hercules (1997)

Hercules (1997)

Disney

June 27, 1997

Children's, Fantasy, Comedy
DVD
C-

I would've given this a C+ or B- when I watched it a few years ago, but I just couldn't get into the first quarter hour this time, not laughing once or particularly drawn in by the music, humor, or animation style.  Ron Clements and John Musker co-directed, and co-wrote with a bunch of other people.

The Great Mouse Detective

The Great Mouse Detective

Disney

July 2, 1986

Children's, Fantasy, Mystery

DVD
C-

I liked the look of the movie but I didn't care about the characters or the story.  There are four directors listed at IMDB: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson, David Michener, and John Musker.