Ode To Walt
Let me take you on a trip to the late 60's. When Movie theaters only had one giant screen and a few hundred uncomfortable seats that housed the future of America. A thick pack of licorice in one hand and a movie sized candy bar in the other. A monster cola between the knees insured the blessed arrival of the sugar coma fairy before movies end.The cool kids sat in the balcony, and it was just plain survival of the fittest to the front rows by the screen. If even two of your friends survived the mêlée to the front row with you it was a miracle. Typically when your parents arrived to ask you how the movie was, someone in your party was sure to say "so and so, got to sit in the front row!"
America in its innocence (good or bad) dropped their children off for the double feature that usually ran on Saturday afternoon. With evidence that anarchy could indeed survive in places, the roar of the room continued all the way through the cartoon that preceded the movie (typically our old pal Jimney Cricket singing "I'm no fool, no siree").
Then, as the first feature appeared the music would thunder into the room, tinker-bell would wave her wand and color would overwhelm your senses. The room became silent as everyone prepared. This was the magic and the miracle of Disney. For the next few hours you would be transported to a place where people sang instead of spoke, where villains were easy to spot and the good guy was small and scared and helpless, just like you.
That said, what a delight it was to stumble upon Disney's Tall Tale this afternoon. Just 43 year old me in a recliner, laptop pushed aside and housework not going anywhere until movies end.
I only half watched until the father began retelling the tales to his son. I thought HEY, I remember those characters! Of course Swayze had me hook line and sinker within 5 minutes on screen. So ruggedly handsome and confident, I knew I wasn't going anywhere. *S
Being from Minnesota, I felt actual anticipation when I realized they were going to introduce us to Paul Bunyan! I envisioned some buff blonde with a dazzling smile, some more greedy eye candy to accompany Patrick, I suppose. As the movie progressed, I understood why Paul's character had to portray more of a gruff Uncle. You know, the one that messes up your hair instead of hugs you when he sees you. Something Platt does brilliantly with very little dialog. The sunglasses added to the costume in the desert scene finally made him Paul Bunyan to me.
Speaking of eye candy, that smile on Brown had to be the deciding factor that he was cast as John Henry. He appeared illuminated with joy. He introduces the subplot to the theme "You don't know unless you try". And drives home the point by losing the contest despite his best efforts with a winning smile and the decision to try again later.
Can't quite tell if Calamity Jane was chopped up after the fact or if she was set to make a token appearance from the start. The Don't mess with Texas bit was hilarious, but I think it cost us spending time hearing Jane's story. In fact I think it would've been funnier to have that same guy get a beating from HER for being inappropriate.
In closing, I don't like someone's Wizard of Oz analogy at all. The trio in that movie are missing key elements that will help them defeat their enemies and arrive safely home. No, our hero's here possess the key elements that represent determination, tenacity and ingenuity all in allegiance with "the code" which is integrity.
Finally, the true hero here is our own Walt Disney. Who continues to leave his signature after he's long gone. Always reminding us that if we use our imagination life can be bigger, bolder and more beautiful, that sometimes it's better to sing instead of speak and he'll keep that place for us where the good guys always win.
I'd love to see this piece redone big budget for the big screen!
score 10/10
tesstunes 19 November 2005
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1219616/35059
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