Underrated Disney Films

Treasure Planet is an underrated film. While, as Roger Ebert noted, the science fiction elements come off as somewhat gimmicky, it is still astonishing animation-wise and heartwarming story-wise. The film could have been set in its initial mundane reality, and little about the story would change; the film could have done the more difficult task of painting the reality of the seas in a different and adventurous light. However, this is a minor issue. The setting is otherwise impressive in its scope and imagination. The animation is traditional 2D blended in with 3D-animation, and both are seamlessly combined. The themes of fatherhood and the character arc of classic villain Long John Silver serve as a successful driving force of the movie. Jim Hawkins, the protagonist, goes through a classic coming-of-age story.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame was an ambitious story for Disney. The main weakness of the film is that its format as a Disney film renders it unable to commit 100% to the darkness of the story without comic relief, the subsequent need to compensate for the incredible dark tones set by certain excellent scenes both acted and animated perfectly (such as the Hellfire sequence, in which Frollo’s desires and fears are physically represented). The comic relief is provided by the insipid trio of Disney-original gargoyle statues. Judge Claude Frollo is probably one of the darkest and least comical villains Disney has used/adapted. The film generally presents this level of maturity and depth, but this is undermined by the mixed tone. Though, it's interesting to note, when speaking about darkness, that the ending is changed to a happy one, which I generally think was the right decision for this specific version, a children's film. As much as the film pushes the boundaries, Esmeralda being executed, followed by Quasimodo starving to death while hugging her corpse would probably be too far. Both the animation and soundtrack for this movie are outstanding, presenting a vast and far-reaching world explored by the characters.

The Fox and the Hound is a tragic tale of two friends torn apart and pitted against each other by societal expectations. And that component doesn't get shoved under the rug or forgotten, the film ends with the two friends still apart, conflict unresolved. Tod and Copper are best friends, but one of them is a fox and the other is a hunting dog. The compelling tragedy of the fundamental concept is the best, and most interesting, part of the movie. Now that I think about it, the ending wherein Tod and Copper have to part ways again is quite pessimistic; I wonder if we would see anything like that nowadays. Probably not, because it implies that societal norms cannot be broken, conflicting with more modern progressive mindsets. That pessimism strangely reminds me of Gollum, from Lord of the Rings. Despite his capacity to be better and Frodo’s kindness bringing out the best in him, he ultimately reverts back to his addiction to the ring. The implication is that he could not escape his addiction, just as Todd and Copper, despite optimism and happy memories, cannot continue to be friends. The film has some good stuff, but it can also be bland at points, like the love story with Tod's mate, for example. Overall, it's just a decent film.