Favorite Movies: 2000 to Present

Today marks the final installment for my Favorite Movies by the Decade series, and it begins with "Chocolat," (2000) a rich little film that will definitely make your sweet tooth ache. A little uneven at times, overall it is a highly enjoyable story with a little touch of magic to it. Need I even mention how wonderful Dame Judith Dench is in this film? No...I didn't think so.



"My Dog Skip" (2000) is a beautiful story of how a dog helped a little boy transition through his awkward childhood. As always, Diane Lane is a treasure to watch, even though she has tough competition from Skip and Frankie Muniz.



"Best in Show" (2000) is one of Christopher Guest's "mockumentaries." I typically get bored with the rambling improvisation that are a hallmark of his films, but for once, it all clicks. Jennifer Coolidge's bits are a highlight for me; I'd watch her in just about anything.



I had no idea what to expect when I first saw "Amélie" (2001), and enjoyed every moment of it. Audrey Tautou's signature role as the girl in the title of the film is pure magic. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.



"Legally Blonde" (2001) is "Clueless" for the next generation. Reese Witherspoon portrays a not-so-dumb blonde who is determined to get her boyfriend back, even if it means she has to get into Harvard.



Do yourself a favor though; skip the sequel. No lightning striking twice in this franchise.



"Sweet Home Alabama" (2002) is another Reese cream puff. Not much to think about in this movie; just sit back and enjoy the fireworks as two guys (Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas) fight over Reese. For once, both guys are nice.



"The Incredibles" (2004) blew me away; I thought it was one of the most refreshing and well done movies to come out of the Pixar Studio. Absolutely loved the fresh take on what happens to Super Heroes (and Heroines) in "the later years."



"Dreamgirls" (2006) was a long time in the making, but well worth the wait. Jennifer Hudson made an impressive debut on the silver screen and nabbed a Best Supporting Oscar along the way.



"The Devil Wears Prada" (2006) succeeds because of Meryl Streep. With her consummate skill as an actress, Streep avoids the temptation of making the lead character (the editor-in-chief of a style magazine) a one-sided b#$%h. Anne Hathaway makes a good foil as her fresh-faced assistant.



Pixar had another winner with "Ratatouille" (2007). A fresh story, classic (albeit computer-generated) animation, and memorable characters. I still remember how great I felt walking out of the theater after watching this one.





I doubt that I would ever get tired of watching "Enchanted" (2007). Amy Adams is the damsel in distress in this one as an animated fairy tale princess-to-be who finds herself in present-day New York City thanks to a spell from her wicked mother-in-law to be (Susan Sarandon). The only misstep in this film is (surprisingly) Sarandon, who fails to provide the right note of menace.

"It's Complicated" (2009) is another feel-good adult romantic comedy. The most surprising performance in this one came from Steve Martin, who plays a very low-key suitor of Streep's. Gone is the "wild and crazy" guy, and instead we have a very convincing performance of a recently divorced man who is fearful about getting his heart broken again. Wonderful film!



"Up" (2009) is the only movie I can think of that created an emotional bond during the first few minutes of the film and produced a tear from my eye ducts. And it only got better as the film progressed. Pixar's finest work. Ever.



"Midnight in Paris" (2011) is somewhat familiar territory for Woody Allen, but who cares...I enjoyed it and was swept up in its magical time traveling story which shows that the past (and fantasy) are not always all that we credit them for.



"The Artist" (2011) put a smile on my face with its combination of "Singin' In The Rain" and "A Star Is Born." No dialogue necessary for this silent film to be a winner!



And there you have it. Until the next decade...

See more Classic Movie and TV photos on my Classic Movie and TV web page.

COTW, Enchanted, El Capitan, & Candlelight

Today is a post firmly rooted in the present & the future; no fears, I will return to the past tomorrow! First photo is from May 31, 1956 and shows the iconic entrance to Tomorrowland, featuring the Clock of the World. I have included a close-up of the plaque in front of it, reading “World Time of Timex July 17. 1955.”



Now it’s time to transition to the present; yesterday I saw “Enchanted” for the 2nd time, and pardon the pun, but I’m still enchanted. Seeing it at the El Capitan just added polish to an already brilliant movie. Seeing a movie in this restored movie palace harkens back to the golden age of movies. Your matinee begins with an organ concert featuring a medley of Disney favorites.



Again, I can’t say enough good things about this film and especially Amy Adams’ performance. Her character owes much to Snow White, but also the magic of Mary Poppins. I also can’t remember the last time I left a theater with the songs continuing to replay in my head...in a good way...not like “Small World.” Patrick Dempsey provides the perfect counterpart to Adams’ cartoon princess. GO SEE IT!



Here are a few photos from the Enchanted Experience exhibit featuring Disney’s princesses and props from the film.







The Disney marketing machine is doing a bang-up job of hammering in the fact that Giselle is joining the ranks of her famous counterparts from the past, and rightfully so:



See more photos from the El Capitan on my regular website. After the El Capitan, it was a quick trip back south to Disneyland to catch the annual Christmas tradition of the Candlelight Processional, with Jane Seymour as the featured speaker. Tickets are hard to get, but even without it would be a beautiful site to see from Town Square on the sidelines. The choir, featured singers, and Seymour worked together to bring in the Christmas in a most traditional and welcome way.









See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Candlelight photos at my main website.

Walt Disney

Except for the final 2 images, I believe I have posted all of these before. However, I thought with today being officially Leftover Day, what better way to celebrate than to do a retrospective of all my Walt-in-the-Park photos in semi-chronological order? The man that was only behind the scenes in Disneyland creation, but also out front, selling the concept to America almost a year in advance on ABC television. Say what you may about him, the guy was brilliant.



A few construction photos; I sure would love to hear the conversation going on here. The poor guy trying to explain something, Walt not buying it, and the lady on the left with the “Oh dear!” look. You can bet that whatever was wrong was taken care of shortly after this talk.





From July 27, 1955, Walt becomes the original “Waldo” as someone took the trouble to put an “X” near the almost unrecognizable back of the park’s creator.



Walt posing with a few guests in Tomorrowland:



Inspecting the decor on near the Adventureland Gates:



Behind the scenes with some new Jungle Cruise animals, circa 1963:



Walt & Mickey: Partners forever.



The last one today is probably my favorite: a beaming Walt relaxing in front of City Hall in Town Square, March 1965:



And on a different note...I went to see “Enchanted” yesterday, after the annual gorgefest on Turkey and the trimmings. I have been anticipating this movie more than any other Disney related film in years; the trailer looked promising, but trailers can often be deceptive. However, the actual movie delivers. Amy Adams is amazing as Giselle, a part that could easily have been played over-the-top and cardboard. Adams actually becomes a live-version of a Disney princess and you believe that she believes. Anyone who doesn’t enjoy this film needs to check their pulse. Kudos also to the songs; it would be hard to exit the theater without humming one or two of them. This is actually a movie that adults and children can enjoy together without the adults getting bored.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.