Animusings

Ben Spiegel is our guest once again to talk about this 1996 stop-motion marvel about a boy, some bugs, and a very big fruit. Discussion includes magical realism and defining it in the world, an introduction to Randy Newman, and rhinos being a metaphor for car accidents.

Kaela and David seek riches in the new world of 1995, and find only this VERY loosely historical animated feature instead. Joined by old friends Seid and Raevell, they’ll listen with their hearts in hopes to understand the real history, animation history and unusual expectations for this film on its release. Topics include deep-diving into Jamestown lore, comic relief dos-and-don’ts, magic wind and character chemistry in unusual places.

Kaela and David take a road trip through some 1995 nostalgia with Kaela’s sister, Marelle. This film, another follow-up to a Disney Afternoon show, sees a father-son dynamic that’s a little bit… well, goofy! Topics of discussion include liar revealed tropes, recurring nuns, the Dad Code and Chekov’s Perfect Cast.

Special thanks to Ernie Hernandez for voicing Goofy in our intro.

From the day we arrived on this podcast, we knew we would get to this one. Kaela and David visit the Pridelands of this 1994 feature with their friends from Animal Fact Files and Cinema Nippon, Kylie and Eli, and talk about the surprising rise and lasting impression this coming-of-age story had on a generation. Talking points include divinely-appointed lions, figuring out where in Africa things are set, some sympathy for Scar, and the true awakening of furries.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the show, Kaela, David and Nick talk of ghosts, ghouls and snow. The unusual feature from 1993 is a stop-motion wonder that fills them with glee. They discuss Halloween Town, lost holiday doors, Tim’s lack of involvement, Oogie Boogie and more!

We end 2019 in the scorching desert with a 1992 Arabian night, with David and Kaela having pitched camp with special guest Ben Paddon as they weave their way through this mystical and madcap feature. Discussion points include the impact of Robin Williams, the possible origin of the Cave of Wonders, a fair amount of comparisons to the 2019 live-action remake, and a game called “Guess the Ashman.”

A tale as old as time in more ways than one, this 1991 musical fairy tale is considered a masterpiece of Disney’s filmography for many; Kaela, David and guest Beth Morton included. Discussion points include Howard Ashman’s swan song, the timeline confusion of an enchanted castle, village yokels bullying an old man and, honestly, a lot of gushing.

Bernard and Bianca are back after over a decade in Disney’s first true sequel, released in 1990. Joining our discussion are Brian Ward and Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions; Lattes with Leia) as we muse about what is captivating in the first 10 minutes, the practicality of the R.A.S., when cartoon animals aren’t funny and Bernard’s character arc.

Life is like a hurricane here on Animusings+, especially when Kaela and David bring back Alex and Heather to talk DuckTales, a collective childhood favorite, and the 1990 movie the series inspired.

In the longest episode to date - so long, in fact, we’re splitting it in two parts - Kaela and David ask their friends Angi Viper and Shawn Bean to be part of their world as they submerge deep into this 1989 underwater adventure. Discussion includes popular misconceptions about Ariel’s motives and voice, father-daughter relationships, fisticuffs over Sebastian’s identity and the horror of fish sentience.