Time Changer (2002)

Time Changer (2002)

7/10

Starring

D. David Morin

Gavin MacLeod

Directed by Rich Christiano

Good movies with a moral message can be hard to find, but Time Changer is a sci-fi comedy that made me stop and think about life and the future. It explores the idea that morality alone isn’t enough to guide us and challenges the notion that we can live righteously without deeper principles.

Written, directed, and produced by Rich Christiano, the film falls mainly into the dramedy genre. If you decide to watch it, go in with an open mind and an appreciation for its unique approach. But if you’re looking for a sci-fi movie packed with accurate scientific facts, this might not be the one for you—Star Wars it is not. Time Changer focuses on the importance of staying true to your values in a world that often pressures us to conform or dilute our beliefs for the sake of acceptance.

The plot does have its holes, but it’s straightforward and fun: Set in 1890, a Bible professor named Russell Carlisle (played by D. David Morin) writes a book titled The Changing Times, which promotes good morals without mentioning deeper spiritual principles. His publishers believe the book will sell well if Carlisle can get the board of Grace Bible Seminary, where he teaches, to endorse it.

At the seminary, all but one board member supports the book’s endorsement. Dr. Norris Anderson (played by Gavin MacLeod) refuses to back it, arguing that you can’t teach morality effectively without addressing foundational values. Without unanimous support, the book won’t be endorsed by the seminary.

Carlisle is outraged by Norris’s opposition, but Norris insists that promoting morality without deeper principles will ultimately harm society. To prove his point, Norris reveals that his father built a time machine (yes, it sounds a bit out there, but stick with it). Norris himself has used it to see the future (our present day) and convinces Carlisle to experience it for himself.

Initially skeptical, Carlisle dismisses the idea of time travel as ludicrous. But as Norris operates the machine, Carlisle is transported to the 21st century, where he sees firsthand the consequences of a society that prioritizes morality without deeper values.

Time Changer is a thought-provoking film that encourages viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the world around them. While it may not be perfect, as the CGI and cinematography is not great, it’s worth watching for its unique blend of humor, drama, and sci-fi elements.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

7/10

Starring

Basil Rathbone

Nigel Bruce

Richard Greene

Wendy Barrie

Directed by Sidney Lanfield

Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of the great detective Sherlock Holmes is one of the most popular, and this adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles is the closest to the book in terms of accuracy that I’ve seen. I’ve also watched the modern British Sherlock series’ version of The Hound of the Baskervilles, which took a lot of liberties, like using drugs to heighten the intensity of the hound’s presence.

There are many differences in this 1939 movie adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, from the role of Beryl Stapleton (played here by Wendy Barrie) to other changes in the screenplay. That said, this film is captivating from start to finish. It begins on a high note, introducing us to the characters and the case at hand, then smoothly transitions into the investigation and how Holmes plans to solve it. The suspense mirrors the book, as we, the viewers—along with Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce)—have to wait for Holmes to reveal his deductions.

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and Dr. John Watson (Nigel Bruce) receive a visit from Dr. Mortimer (Lionel Atwill), who wishes to consult them before the arrival of Sir Henry Baskerville (Richard Greene). Sir Henry is the last of the Baskervilles and heir to the Baskerville estate in Devonshire.

Dr. Mortimer tells Holmes about the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles—a demonic dog that killed Sir Hugo Baskerville hundreds of years ago and is believed to haunt and kill any Baskerville who stays in Devonshire, where Sir Henry is set to live. The eerie atmosphere of the moors and the tension surrounding the legend are captured perfectly, adding to the film’s charm.

The screenplay of any book adaptation needs to be judged carefully. Even after reading the book, you have to keep in mind that not everything written can or should be adapted to the screen. In this case, the screenplay is well-constructed, tying up loose ends and giving a satisfying sense of closure by the movie’s end.

Not many of Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes films are easy to find, but if you search hard enough online, you might come across some at a good price. Some are even said to be in the public domain. I, too, will continue my search to see if I can find all fourteen of the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce collaborations. It’s a treasure hunt worth undertaking for any fan of classic detective stories.

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

6/10

Starring the voice of

Kathryn Beaumont

Ed Wynn

Richard Haydn

Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is colorful and wonderful, introducing many characters and lots of fun that will be remembered for decades. The movie is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and it also borrows some additional elements and plots from Carroll's follow-up to Alice's Wonderland adventure, Through the Looking Glass.

Disney, like many kids of his age, grew up reading Lewis Carroll’s books. During his early desire to break into animation, Disney created a short film loosely based on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This short was part of a series he made called Newman’s Laugh-O-Grams. When the Laugh-O-Gram series ended, Disney searched for distributors for his idea called Alice’s Comedies. He used the loosely based Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland short from the Laugh-O-Grams to pitch the series (Alice’s Comedies was a live-action-meets-animation series). He eventually found distributors, and the series ran from 1924 to 1927.

After the success of Snow White, Disney wanted to bring his Alice Comedies idea to life again, this time with a movie more closely aligned to the original work. However, after drafts and reels were created, Disney wasn’t satisfied, and the idea was shelved. It wasn’t until after World War II that the project was revisited. This time, Disney was determined to see it through, and he made sure it happened.

Alice in Wonderland is Disney's 13th animated feature, but it wasn’t well-received at the time of its release and didn’t perform well at the box office either. This was mostly due to the uneven pace of the movie and the portrayal of Alice herself as a rock-solid girl with the heart of a lion. The story follows a young girl named Alice (voiced by Kathryn Beaumont, who also voiced Wendy Darling in Disney's 1953 Peter Pan animation) who visits a land where things are not normal, and the abnormal is normal. She soon discovers that being in such a place is lonely and dreadful.

Funny enough, these are the very reasons the movie has become well-received today. After its disappointing box office run, Disney didn’t re-release the movie as he did with his other animations. However, sometime after his death, during a time when drug use was becoming more apparent in the world, the movie found itself in vogue with the times. This led Disney to re-release the movie in 1974, which was successful.

As mentioned, the movie has grown to be loved and respected. Many homes now have the DVD of this Disney masterpiece, and it stands as a grand adventure that both kids and adults can enjoy and embark on.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Toy Story 3 (2010)

10/10

Starring the voice of

Tom Hanks

Tim Allen

Joan Cusack

Directed by Lee Unkrich

After the dual success of Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2 (1999), when the production of Toy Story 3 was announced, many like me weren’t surprised. However, I didn’t expect much, wondering what the next adventure for this crew would be. When the movie began with shots of a young Andy, I found myself smiling—it was heartwarming to see him so happy and his toys complete. Then it faded to show Andy all grown up and ready for college, with the toys eager for some playtime with him. This new Toy Story animation explored a stage where the toys’ owner is too old to play with them, and our beloved toys are mistakenly donated to a daycare. Woody, however, wants them to return to Andy, who plans to move them to the attic.

The new story of Toy Story 3 made me raise an eyebrow as I eagerly wondered what would happen next. From that point on, I knew this was going to be a fun ride—and a fun ride it truly was. The removal of some old characters and the addition of new ones added to the excitement. Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 had it all. Then came the climactic scene near the end, where all of Andy’s toys are at a junkyard, facing certain doom. They hold hands, ready to go down together. I remember the feeling I had watching that scene: “Something better happen to save these guys.” The tension was palpable, and I found myself holding my breath, completely invested in their fate.

With Disney’s acquisition of Pixar in 2006, John Lasseter rose to oversee all Disney animation production. This gave the production crew more breathing room, unlike the tight schedule and back-and-forth negotiations they faced during Toy Story 2. John Lasseter, who directed the first two Toy Story films, stepped down from directing this one because he was busy with Cars 2. Instead, Lee Unkrich, co-director of Toy Story 2, took the helm as sole director. He did an excellent job, as this movie stands proudly beside the first two, holding its head high. The seamless blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure proved that the franchise still had plenty of magic left.

Toy Story 3 won Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. It became the highest-grossing animated film ever, earning over $1 billion. If you’ve taken the time to watch the first two Toy Story films, there’s no reason you shouldn’t see this one. It’s a heartfelt, thrilling, and beautifully crafted conclusion to a trilogy that redefined animated storytelling. The emotional depth, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters make it a must-watch for fans of all ages.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Toy Story 2 (1999)

10/10

Starring the voice of

Tom Hanks

Tim Allen

Joan Cusack

Kelsey Grammer

Directed by John Lasseter

After the success of their first movie together, Disney/Pixar went on to make many more films. But soon, they returned to the movie that started it all: Toy Story. Initially, Disney planned for Toy Story 2 to be a direct-to-home-video release. However, after reading the script and seeing the reels, they realized the potential for another blockbuster. So, Disney invested more money, recalled the voice cast, and Toy Story 2 was made—a wonderful addition to its 1995 original.

Toy Story 2 picks up where the first one left off, and it doesn’t shy away from showing that Andy is growing up. The puppy and Mrs. Potato Head toy mentioned at the end of the first film are also featured in this movie. Their addition to the group is so seamless that it never feels like they’re crowding the story. This time, the adventure isn’t about Woody trying to clear his name; it’s about saving Woody. The directing is just as strong as in the first film, the score isn’t as memorable, but it’s not a big deal, and the CGI is noticeably upgraded.

The plot revolves around Woody (Tom Hanks) being stolen by a collector. The other toys notice his absence, and with Buzz (Tim Allen) determined to save him, they recruit Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, and Hamm the piggy bank for a rescue mission.

The crew that sets out to save Woody really makes the movie for me. Their involvement shifts the focus slightly from what the first movie was all about—Woody and Buzz. While this film still centers on Woody, it expands the scope to include other toys in an outside-the-house adventure.

The idea for a sequel was in the works shortly after the first movie’s release, but production faced several challenges, mostly due to Disney’s tight release schedule. This forced Pixar to work at a breakneck pace to meet the deadline. The story also recycled several ideas that were originally drafted for the first film but were discarded. These included the obsessive toy collector, who serves as the main antagonist in this movie (replacing Sid Phillips, Andy’s former neighbor and the antagonist of the first film).

Upon its release, Toy Story 2 cost $90 million to make and earned over $480 million at the box office, making it a commercial success. Its high approval rating places it among the rare sequels considered just as good as—or even better than—the original.

Toy Story 2 is a fun and fantastic movie.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Pitch Perfect (2012)

6/10

Starring

Anna Kendrick

Brittany Snow

Skylar Astin

Anna Camp

Directed by Jason Moore

I really don’t like chick flicks—they’re all too predictable, and by the end, they rarely surprise you. Pitch Perfect isn’t much different from other chick flicks I know, but it was fun to watch. The build-up to the grand ending follows the usual formula, but the comedy is more mature, which makes it easier to enjoy despite the weak dialogues and lame scriptwriting typical of the genre. I’d recommend watching this with someone who appreciates light-hearted movies, I think it is a lot easier to enjoy this movie seeing it with others.

What first turned me off about the movie was seeing the characters singing. (I really don’t like chick flicks, and I hate music competition films.) Sitting in the cinema, I thought, Yikes! But as the movie went on, it started to grow on me, and I actually found myself laughing. The comedy in Pitch Perfect is genuinely entertaining, which helps you overlook some of the plot holes and loose ends.

Interestingly, the movie is based on a non-fiction book of the same name by Mickey Rapkin. It stars Anna Kendrick (50/50 (2011)) as the lead in this college flick and was produced by Elizabeth Banks (Man on a Ledge (2012)), who also appears in the movie as one of the commentators alongside John Michael Higgins (We Bought a Zoo (2011)).

The story focuses on two a cappella groups from a university, though it primarily follows The Bellas, an all-female group. After a disappointing previous year that left them with only two members, they recruit new talent to rebuild. Beca (Anna Kendrick) joins The Bellas and starts shaking things up, which doesn’t sit well with Aubrey, one of the lead members, who is controlling and wants to get Beca off the team to regain full control.

The movie is directed by first-time film director Jason Moore, who has a background in stage and TV direction. In my view, he needs to refine his approach to film, as some moments in the movie felt unmotivated or random. For example, Beca’s DJ skills are introduced but play no significant role in the plot. And let’s not forget the blatant Apple MacBook product placement—come on, viewers aren’t that naïve.

Pitch Perfect performed well at the box office, earning over $84 million against a $17 million production budget. It also received an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While it’s a quintessential chick flick, guys can have fun watching it too.

Back to the Future (1985)

Back to the Future (1985)

10/10

Starring

Michael J Fox

Christopher Lloyd

Lea Thompson

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Back to the Future is a movie with excellent visual effects, a great story, and outstanding direction. The screenplay is beautifully written, and the film truly exemplifies the phrase, "never a dull moment."

Michael J. Fox was the preferred choice to play the lead role of Marty McFly, but he initially turned it down due to scheduling conflicts. As a result, Eric Stoltz was cast instead. However, after filming began, Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg felt Stoltz wasn’t right for the role, realizing it was a casting error. They decided to recast and managed to convince Fox to rearrange his schedule to accommodate both Family Ties (TV series) and the movie. This recasting added $3 million to the production cost, as all of Stoltz’s scenes had to be reshot. At the time, Fox’s schedule was so packed that he reportedly got only five hours of sleep a day.

Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is a teenager from the 1980s who befriends an eccentric scientist, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). During one of their meetings, Dr. Brown accidentally sends Marty 30 years into the past—specifically to 1955.

While in the past, Marty inadvertently disrupts his parents' first meeting, jeopardizing his own existence. To fix this, he must ensure his parents meet and fall in love. At the same time, he has to enlist the younger Dr. Brown’s help to find a way back to his own time.

Back to the Future was a massive financial success. Its 100-day production cost totaled $19 million (including the recasting expenses), and it grossed over $380 million at the box office. The movie also received critical acclaim, winning an Oscar for Best Sound Editing.

What sets this movie apart is its balance. The seamless transition between comedy, science fiction, and romance/drama makes it a must-watch. The story takes its time to explain the complexities of time travel so well that, by the end, even the smallest details that initially seemed implausible felt convincing. Dr. Brown's achievement felt entirely believable.

Back to the Future was such a hit that it spawned two sequels, Back to the Future II and Back to the Future III, released in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Despite the years between their releases, all three films remained tied to the events of 1985, when the first time travel occurred. By the end of Back to the Future III, we were back where it all began—in 1985.

Top 20 Disney Animations (So Far)

This list has many of the great animations from Disney’s early years (1937 – 1988), their Renaissance era (1989 – 1999) and the years after.

Here is my top 20 so far

20. Alice in Wonderland (1951)

19. The Little Mermaid (1989)

18. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

17. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

16. The Jungle Book (1967)

15. Tangled (2010)

14. Frozen (2013)

13. Aladdin (1992)

12. Robin Hood (1973)

11. Hercules (1997)

10. Inside Out (2015)

9. Tarzan (1999)

8. WALL-E (2008)

7. The Incredibles (2004) 

6. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

5. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

4. Toy Story (1995)

3. The Lion King (1994)

2. Zootopia (2016)

1. Finding Nemo (2003)

The Incredibles (2004)

The Incredibles (2004)

8/10

Starring the voice of

Craig T. Nelson

Holly Hunter

Sarah Vowell

Directed by Brad Bird

This is my go-to companion for action. The Incredibles is an action-packed, comedy-filled computer-animated superhero film that balances the superhero life with the suburban life. The movie goes beyond the usual computer animation that Pixar was known for—it features an all-human cast, which pushed the Pixar animators to their limits due to the intense work required to create these characters. The Incredibles is a film you can easily connect with, finding fun at every turn.

After the disappointing performance of his movie The Iron Giant (1999)—often attributed to poor marketing—Brad Bird. He turned his attention to developing a movie idea he’d been working on for some time. He pitched the concept to Pixar’s John Lasseter, who loved it and brought Bird on board the Pixar team to make the movie. The idea centered on a superhero family, with the father going through a midlife crisis. Bird’s refusal to compromise led to numerous delays, as the animators worked tirelessly to perfect the human characters' skin, clothing, and hair, as well as animating water, fire, air, and smoke to make everything look as realistic as possible.

The movie plot focuses on the challenges of the superhero family, with each member dealing with their own issues. The movie was well directed so that you are not overwhelmed by the focus on one character. You get to love each character and enjoy the way they manage their own challenges.

The movie does include some darker elements, with death depicted as inevitable and the characters showing no hesitation in taking out their enemies. Even Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl’s children were unshaken by the explosions and deaths of their opposition. They weren’t surprised or remorseful when their enemies perished, nor did they object to their parents’ use of deadly force. While this adds realism to the story, I feel it’s something kids shouldn’t be overly exposed to.

The Incredibles was a theatrical success, winning two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing. It dominated the box office, earning over $630 million against a $92 million production budget. The film also inspired comics, merchandise, and at least three video games based on its characters and adventures.

The Incredibles is pure fun—the kind of fun you get from a great action flick combined with a fantastic sitcom. It’s truly one of a kind, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for a sequel ever since its release. Hopefully, the wait won’t be too long.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

10/10

Starring the Voice of

John Goodman (Sulley)

Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski)

Mary Gibbs (Boo)

Directed by Pete Docter

Nothing makes me laugh more than sitting down to watch Monsters, Inc. This is one Pixar animation that I hold dear to my heart. I loved it so much that I didn’t even want them to make a sequel—I felt they might ruin what was already a masterpiece. The voice casting in Monsters, Inc. is the best I’ve seen in any animation. The story is heart-warming as we follow the adventures of a little girl in the monster world. You just can’t forget the voices of top scarer James P. Sullivan, aka Sulley (voiced by John Goodman), and his one-eyed assistant, Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal).

The idea for Monsters, Inc. was born during a 1994 lunch between Pixar’s production team—John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Joe Ranft—while they were working on Toy Story (1995). Pete Docter came up with the concept, and after Toy Story was completed, he stepped aside to develop the story while the others worked on different Disney/Pixar projects. When he finished the first draft (which was very different from the final film), long-time Disney animator Joe Grant—who had worked on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)—suggested the name Monsters, Inc.

The movie’s plot went through numerous changes between 1996 and 2000. The final story revolves around monsters scaring human kids to collect their screams, which are then stored, refined, and used as a source of energy—both electrical and fuel power. The twist? Monsters are terrified of human children, believing them to be toxic, and one touch from a child is thought to be lethal. The company responsible for collecting and refining these screams is Monsters, Inc., located in the city of Monstropolis. Our lead characters, Sulley and Mike, work there—Sulley as the top scarer and Mike as his assistant.

One fateful day at work, both Sulley and Mike’s lives change forever, along with the fate of the monster world. Sulley discovers a human child (Boo) in the Monsters, Inc. factory’s scare floor. Panic breaks out, and Sulley, unsure of what to do, lets the situation spiral out of control. Before long, all of Monstropolis is aware that a human child has entered the monster world, throwing the entire city into chaos.

Monsters, Inc. won the Academy Award for Best Original Song but lost the Best Animated Feature award to DreamWorks’ Shrek. It was a financial success, received overwhelmingly positive reviews, and is an absolute must-watch.

A sequel to this incredible movie is set to be released 12 years after the original, in 2013—but instead of continuing the story, it will be a prequel.

The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King (1994)

8/10

Starring

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Matthew Broderick

James Earl Jones

Jeremy Irons

Moira Kelly

Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

Hakuna Matata—the catchphrase this movie made famous and one that people have been saying for years. The Lion King is packed with action and fun, making it one of the best 2D animations out there. The dialogue is both intriguing and funny. The movie feels like it has three parts: Simba’s life in Pride Rock, his time with Timon and Pumbaa—where he loses some of his lion instincts—and the final act, where he returns to Pride Rock to reclaim his throne.

The Lion King was Disney’s first fully original animated feature. Every Disney animation before it had been based on an existing work. The idea for the movie was conceived during the promotion of Oliver & Company, starting with a simple concept: a story about animals set in Africa. The filmmakers then built on this idea, drawing inspiration from the biblical stories of Joseph and Moses, as well as Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Production of The Lion King ran alongside Pocahontas, but many Disney animators and directors initially believed that audiences wouldn’t be interested in a story about a lion cub framed for his father’s murder by his uncle. Because of this, most animators preferred to work on Pocahontas instead. To their surprise, while both films were financially successful, The Lion King made more money (becoming the highest-grossing 2D animation ever) and received more positive reviews.

The movie’s voice cast was packed with stars, including Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Rowan Atkinson, and Whoopi Goldberg, just to name a few. Even Disney’s longtime voice artist Jim Cummings lent his talents to the film.

The plot follows a lion cub, Simba, who is framed for the murder of his father, Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones), by his uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons). Overcome with guilt, Simba runs away, leaving behind his rightful place as heir to the throne. He soon befriends a meerkat, Timon (Nathan Lane), and a warthog, Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), and adopts a carefree life. But the past catches up to him, and Simba (now voiced by Matthew Broderick) must return to Pride Rock to confront his destiny.

The Lion King is a great animation to own and rewatch. It spawned two home video sequels—The Lion King 2 (not worth watching at all) and The Lion King 1½ (good enough to check out). There was also a spin-off series about Timon and Pumbaa, which was quite amusing.

Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story (1995)

10/10

Starring the voice of

Tom Hanks

Tim Allen

Directed by John Lasseter

Every child dreams of their toys coming to life and playing back, but the real question has always been: what would it actually be like if toys did come to life? Toy Story answered that in an engaging and imaginative way, making you eager to see more of the adventures Andy’s toys would get into. It has a masterpiece of a storyline that makes you sit and wonder. The way the screenplay blends the toys’ actions with human interaction is so well done that, if not for the fact that this isn’t possible, kids might actually believe it could happen.

The movie is about a group of toys that pretend to be lifeless whenever humans are present but come to life when no one is around. Their behavior, actions, and fears all revolve around their need to be played with by their owner.

This particular group of toys belongs to a boy named Andy, and his favorite toy is Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll. Everything was great for Woody while he was on top—until a new toy arrived and took his place: Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen). Feeling threatened, Woody tries to get back at Buzz, but his actions backfire, leading to a situation where he may never see Andy again.

Toy Story was the first fully computer-animated feature film of its time. It came about when Disney approached Pixar to produce a computer-animated movie after seeing their short film Tin Toy (1988). The production went through many ups and downs, mainly because Disney wanted a story that was thrilling and nearly perfect, leading to multiple rewrites. The main characters evolved over time until they finally settled on Woody, the wise leader of Andy’s toys, and Buzz, the newcomer who is confused about who he really is.

Then there was the debate between Pixar and Disney about songs. At the time, Disney animated films were all musicals, with characters breaking into song to push the story along. But John Lasseter didn’t want that, arguing that Toy Story was a buddy film. They eventually reached a compromise: the score would complement the action rather than the characters singing. This can be seen in the scene where Buzz tries to fly out the window to prove he isn't just a toy—the song playing at that moment includes lyrics like, No, it can't be true, I can fly if I wanted to.

Toy Story received massive recognition upon release. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes still holds it at a 100% approval rating from critics. It also won three Academy Awards for Best Original Song, Best Original Score, and Best Screenplay.

The movie was a financial success and led to two sequels, each an even bigger hit. Toy Story 2 (released in 1999) also holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Toy Story 3 (released in 2010) has a 99% rating and remains the highest-grossing animated film to date, making over $1 billion. There was also a direct-to-video animated film, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins, and a spin-off TV series, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.

Toy Story is a true classic—one DVD you should definitely own.

The Crow (1994)

The Crow (1994)

10/10

Starring

Brandon Lee

Directed by Alex Proyas

The Crow has reached an iconic status in the movie world, largely because it was the last film Brandon Lee (Bruce Lee’s son) starred in before his tragic death on set. He was fatally shot during production due to a prop gun mishap—a live round had been lodged in the barrel before the gun was loaded with blanks. His death shocked the industry and, ironically, contributed to the film’s massive success, turning it into a cult classic.

The movie is an adaptation of the comic book series of the same name by James O'Barr. It tells the story of Eric (Brandon Lee), a man who, along with his fiancée Shelly, is brutally attacked in their home. Eric is shot and left paralyzed, forced to watch helplessly as Shelly is savagely beaten and raped. The attackers eventually kill them both.

But a year later, Eric is resurrected by a crow and returns to hunt down the men who murdered him and his fiancée. Now undead, he is invulnerable—immune to pain and injury—as long as he stays focused on his mission of revenge.

The film delivers fast-paced action, and its adaptation of the comic is widely regarded as faithful. The cinematography is immersive, keeping the audience in step with Eric’s nocturnal journey. The dark and moody visuals never leave you wishing for more light or a different angle—they’re exactly as they should be. Then there’s the soundtrack, a gritty, melancholic rock score that perfectly matches Eric’s sorrow and rage. From the very beginning, director Alex Proyas (Dark City (1998), I, Robot (2004)) establishes a somber tone that never lets up. There are no moments of lighthearted relief—just pure, unfiltered darkness.

Unlike typical hero movies, The Crow dares to go places others won’t. No breathers. Just darkness.

The special effects were groundbreaking for their time, and the story remains gripping. None of the sequels that followed have managed to capture the same magic. In fact, the more sequels they released, the worse the ratings became—only making the original stand out even more.

Now, a remake of this “untouchable classic” is in the works, sparking debate. Will it live up to the original, or will it follow the path of the failed sequels? My take? Hollywood has run out of fresh ideas, resorting to remakes and unnecessary trilogies just to make more money. This remake falls right into that pattern—some movies simply shouldn't be remade. That said, I'll still watch it with cautious optimism. Nearly two decades have passed since The Crow was released, and advancements in technology could bring something new to the table. I just hope it doesn’t suck.

Snow White and the seven Dwarfs (1937)

Snow White and the seven Dwarfs (1937)

8/10

Starring the voices of

Adriana Caselotti

Lucille La Verne

Harry Stockwell

Pinto Colvig

Directed by David Hand

Disney’s first full-length animated feature is nothing short of masterful. It’s so good that it’s hard to believe this was the beginning—the film that paved the way for The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, and more. The movie boasts a score that you’ll love and come to respect. Disney’s debut was so strong that you have to tip your hat to Walt Disney’s vision. It showcases the depth of imagination that has become the studio’s trademark, and nothing beats the charm of the seven dwarfs and their distinct personalities. Each of them brings something unique to the story, making them some of the most memorable supporting characters in animation.

Before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney had been producing animated shorts in the Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies series. This was their first full-length cel-animated feature—and the first in motion picture history. To cover the massive production costs, which exceeded $1 million (a huge sum for any movie in 1937), Disney had to mortgage his house. At the time, the idea of a feature-length cartoon was unheard of, and many believed audiences wouldn’t sit through one.

The film’s foundation is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, but Disney’s twist—especially the seven dwarfs—became the most memorable aspect of the story. The dwarfs weren’t just side characters; they added humor, heart, and personality, making the film even more engaging.

At the time, many saw Disney’s gamble as foolish and tried to talk him out of it. But after the movie’s first screening, not only did he receive a 10-minute standing ovation, but he was also awarded a full-size Oscar statuette along with seven miniature ones—presented by 10-year-old child star Shirley Temple. That alone tells you how much of an impact this movie had.

The film has received many notable accolades over the years. It ranks 34th on AFI’s 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) and was named the greatest animated film of all time in AFI’s 10 Top 10 animated films. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was such a financial success that it funded the construction of Disney’s studio and provided enough revenue to produce two more animated classics: Pinocchio and Fantasia.

Snow White wasn’t just a celebrated attempt at something different—it was a genuinely great film. And even today, it’s still a joy to watch. It’s the kind of movie that proves good storytelling, no matter how old, never loses its magic.

Coraline (2009)

Coraline (2009)

6/10

Starring the voice of

Dakota Fanning

Teri Hatcher

Directed by Henry Selick

Coraline is a dark horror-fantasy stop-motion 3D animation that sticks in your mind as one creepy movie. It stalls you, keeping you in suspense as you try to decipher where the terror will come from. And when it finally does, you find yourself hoping this is one of those films where the good guy wins. There are plenty of those, but this one just has to be.

Coraline doesn’t strike me as a film for children, though it carries a strong message about appreciating what you have. The grass may look greener on the other side, but there’s always a price to pay to get there—and an even higher one to stay.

The movie is based on the book of the same name by British author Neil Gaiman (who also wrote Stardust, which was adapted into a film in 2007).

The plot follows a girl named Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning), who moves with her parents to an old house that has been subdivided into flats. The other tenants include Miss Spink and Miss Forcible, two elderly former stage actors, and Mr. Bobinski, who is training mice for a circus act.

One rainy day, Coraline discovers a locked door in her room that has been bricked up. While visiting her neighbors, Mr. Bobinski delivers a cryptic message warning her not to go through the door. Coraline, of course, ignores the warning and steps through—into a parallel universe.

There, she finds a near-identical version of her house, but with one major difference: the people in this world, including her "Other Mother" and "Other Father," have buttons for eyes. They seem warmer and more caring than her real parents, making her feel wanted in a way she hadn’t before. Her neighbors exist in this world too, appearing more lively and magical.

But soon, Coraline realizes that this other world isn’t as perfect as it seems, and her life is now in danger. Worse, she finds herself trapped, unable to return to the real world.

Coraline was published in 2002 and went on to win the 2003 Hugo Award for Best Novella, the 2003 Nebula Award for Best Novella, and the 2002 Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers. The film adaptation was directed by Henry Selick, who also directed The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).

Coraline was well received by critics and performed decently at the box office. Selick was set to adapt another Neil Gaiman book, The Graveyard Book (one of my favorite Gaiman novels), but as of 2013, the project fell into development hell at Disney. There’s been no new information on its production since.

Dark City (1998)

Dark City (1998)

6/10

Starring

Rufus Sewell

Kiefer Sutherland

Jennifer Connelly

William Hurt

Directed by Alex Proyas

Dark City has a grand ending, but the buildup is what makes many feel this movie just isn’t that good. After a while of waiting to see what these “Strangers” were up to, I found myself getting tired of the mystery and just wanting the movie to end. But as it got closer to the climax, I suddenly found myself sitting up, drawn back into the story, and eager to see what would happen next.

Directed by Alex Proyas (The Crow (1994) and I, Robot (2004)), Dark City was his next film after The Crow, which tragically saw the death of Brandon Lee on set during its final days of filming.

The movie follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), who wakes up in a bathtub with no memory of who he is. To make matters worse, he finds a dead girl in his room. Soon, he realizes he’s being hunted by the police, who suspect him of murder.

As Murdoch tries to clear his name and uncover the truth about himself, he finds that a mysterious group known as the "Strangers"—who possess psychokinetic abilities—are also searching for him, but with deadly intent.

There were concerns that audiences wouldn’t understand the film due to its complexity, as you’re constantly left questioning what is real and what isn’t. But that’s the entire point, and it adds to the movie’s style and narrative, keeping you engaged rather than lost. Proyas set out to make a horror thriller, and while the film is undeniably dark, the horror aspect is overshadowed by its more compelling thriller elements.

The screenplay was written by Proyas, Lem Dobbs, and David S. Goyer—Goyer also wrote the sequel to The Crow. Originally, Proyas intended the story to center on Detective Frank Bumstead (William Hurt), but as the script developed, the focus shifted to the man being chased—John Murdoch.

Dark City was filmed entirely on set, with no real locations used. Proyas even brought back the same production designer from The Crow. This fully built set helps showcase the film’s excellent cinematography, moving seamlessly between the familiar cityscape and the eerie lair of the Strangers.

Now considered a cult classic, Dark City gained traction largely thanks to Roger Ebert (a well-known movie critic) and home video releases. Though it wasn’t a box office hit in 1998, it has since earned a solid reputation on review sites. It’s a film that rewards patience—stick with it, and you just might enjoy the ride.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

8/10

Starring the voice

Chris Sarandon

Catherine O’Hara

William Hickey

Directed by Henry Selick

Ironically, this is my favorite of all Christmas cartoons, there can be arguments whether this classifies as a Christmas movie, but to me it does. I cherish every moment spent watching this movie—it’s my all-time Christmas recipe for a merry holiday. Leave it to the team at Halloween Town to make jingle bells sound eerie and horrific.

Based on a poem written by Tim Burton in 1982, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a musical fantasy horror stop-motion animation directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach, Coraline (2009)).

Disney originally planned to make this a 30-minute TV special but later decided to turn it into a full-length animated film. However, instead of releasing it under the Walt Disney brand, they put it out through Touchstone Pictures, fearing that its dark horror elements wouldn’t sit well with Disney’s traditional audience. Despite those concerns, The Nightmare Before Christmas became a critical and commercial success. Over the years, Burton has had to convince Disney to drop the idea of a sequel whenever the topic resurfaces.

The movie follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who has grown bored of doing the same thing year after year. During a lonely stroll, he stumbles upon Christmas Town, where he’s captivated by the joy and warmth of the holiday. Inspired, he decides to give Santa Claus a "vacation" by kidnapping him and bringing Christmas to Halloween Town—only with a spooky twist.

Due to Burton’s busy schedule working on Batman Returns, he couldn’t direct the film, so Henry Selick stepped in to take the helm. The production involved constructing 227 puppets, with Jack alone having nearly 400 interchangeable heads to capture his speech and expressions.

Since much of the movie is told through songs, Jack’s speaking voice was provided by Chris Sarandon, while Danny Elfman, the film’s composer, handled Jack’s singing parts.

As mentioned earlier, The Nightmare Before Christmas was a critical success, holding a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earning over $75 million at the box office against an $18 million budget. Due to its widespread popularity, Disney later reissued the film in Disney Digital 3-D, making it the first stop-motion animated feature to be fully converted into 3D.

This is a Christmas classic like no other—where Santa comes to the rescue, and Jack Skellington and the Halloween Town crew are always ready to welcome you. Just be sure to steer clear of Oogie Boogie, and definitely grab a copy of the DVD.