I tangently and briefly touched on this casting concept in my post ranking the songs from The Swan Princess, how is that for an introduction?

Norm Lewis
Norm Lewis

But in all seriousness there exists in musical theatre three roles from musicals based iconic French literary works where the principal antagonist is motivated by his obsession. Honestly there is more than likely more title than three* but Javert and The Phantom are from musical smash-hits and The Hunchback of Notre Dame/Notre Dame de Paris is more under-appreciated shows in the musical theater space, at least in North America.  Note Dame de Paris is a little more beloved in other parts of the World. 

So if you have guessed the roles are Javert, The Phantom and Frollo or as I call them “Obsessive French Man Musical Trio of Roles” though at first I used the word “triumvirate,” “trio” as a word works a little better with the music theme.   

Originally I had thought there was one performer that had, at least some capacity, played all three role thus completing the trio but alas it turns out I was wrong. One, Joesph Tokarz was in ensemble of a Yeston’s Phantom production and not the Opera Ghost himself.  However since I proved myself wrong there I decided to dig a little more to see if there was a Notre Dame de Paris former cast member who fit the criteria and I’m sad to say that we were so close. Wim van den Driessche was cast as Firmin and as one of the Phantom understudies for the canceled Mogador 2016 Paris cast.  Could be another performer who has actively played all three roles of Frollo, Javert and the Phantom? Maybe but haven’t found that performer as of yet. But there is also hope that it could happen one day.

For the more well-known version the musicals many performers have played two out the three roles mostly The Phantom and Javert so let’s go for broke and suggest a musical performer for a Frollo who has also played Javert and The Phantom in high profile productions, Norm Lewis. 

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Ranking and Rating the 2026 Disney Princess Enchanted Gown Pin Set
Disney Princess Enchanted Gown Pin Set

Disney Pins trading is one of those things I like in theory but not so much in practice. As in I don’t do it but I watch content of other people doing it.Pin trading seems cute and fun though a capitalistic, overconsumption thing. Again no real hate for Disney Pin trading. 

Amongst the myriad of Disney themed pins The Princesses get a lot of sets. This new one is the Enchanted Gown set. There are 12 in total and they feature each princess in a pretty gown inspired by their fancy formal looks. Some are more “inspired” than others.

So I’m going to rank and rate these gown, just the gowns based on 100% subjective taste. And how well I feel the gown is “enchanted” or how much I like the design. Warning going hasher to gowns that didn’t deviate from original look.     

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For some lore on this review series

"Wall-E" Pixar Movie Review
“Wall-E” Pixar Movie Review

Technically I have seen Wall-E prior to this blog review series. However the first time I watched Wall-E on small TV and I was half paying attention. The next two times it was put on in the background so again I didn’t really pay much attention. I think when the movie started I tried to watch it in earnest and then something distracted me away from the cute robot.  

So really the fourth time was really the first time I actually payed attention to this movie. And is Wall-E actually worth mine or anyone’s attention?

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Anna Popplewell as Susan Pevensie from "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (2008) Best Burgundy & Dark Red Costumes, Gowns, & Dresses from Fantasy & Sci-fi Movies
In 2008’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” Susan Pevensie wears a costume that strikes a good balance between utility and style.


Passion, Wealth, and Power

Much like vibrant shades of red – burgundy and darker reds have the same passionate energy but because the darker reds have other colors and shades mixed in they have a timeless sophistication. Burgundy also has connotations of wealth and power.

This ranking is all about costumes that are darker red, but not purple. Colors include burgundy, maroon, crimson, red-magenta, etc. Think wines, not tomatoes. Bright red costumes have their own rankings. This ranking only considers costumes from Fantasy/Sci-Fi or any otherworldly type movie. Dark reds/burgundy costumes from modern and period movies have their own separate rankings.

Undergarments, cover-ups, sleepwear, outerwear, swimwear etc are not included. The costumes are ranked by aesthetics, memorability and how well it suits the character/film. And subjective options could have some impact on things.

List is subject to change.

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Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara Best Burgundy & Dark Red Costumes, Gowns, & Dresses from Period Piece Dramas Movies
Scarlett O’Hara’s deep scarlet-garnet velvet colored party gown with matching feather trim is one of the most beloved and memorable costumes, not just in “Gone with the Wind,” but in all of cinema.


Wine, Wealth, and Sophistication

Much like brighter shades of red, burgundy and darker shades of red enjoy passionate energy, but because there’s a mix of other colors—like blue or black—darker reds have a timeless sophistication. Burgundy also has connotations of wealth and power.

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Marilyn Monroe as Pola from How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) in her glamorous gown, Best Burgundy & Dark Red Costumes, Gowns, & Dresses from Modern Set Movies
Marilyn Monroe as Pola from How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) in her Glamorous Burgundy gown she wears in order to ensnare a man with money


10 Best Burgundy Costumes in Modern Movies

Dark Red Tones – Burgundy, Wins, Red-Browns & Purpley-Reds

Much like brighter shades of Red, Burgundy and darker shades of red enjoy the same passionate energy but because there is a mix of other colors, like blues or blacks, the darker red colors have a timeless sophistication. Burgundy also has connotations of wealth and power.

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For some lore on this review series

"Ratatouille" Pixar Movie Review
“Ratatouille” Pixar Movie Review

I don’t wanna go to the Bad Place. It’s scary, like the movie “Ratatouille”…I ain’t trying to have rats living in my hat and pulling my hair to get me to do stuff.” -Jason Mendoza (The Good Place)

To be honest going into this movie I really wanted to like it despite the fact that it scared Jason Mendoza of The Good Place. Typically with movies I also want to like them. I’m not sure if I had heard mix things this about this movie over the years but I was both scared and excited to watch Ratatouille

I did know something about this movie going into it like most of the plot and that the rat cooks using a human puppet. Again I knew premise of the movie in broad-strokes by not the intricacies of the story or of the characters.

So did the movie meet my exceptions or did it serve only to waste my time?

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You’re a Witch, Billie

Disney's "Hexed" Teaser Trailer Billie
Billie

A lot has been said on Disney’s teaser trailer for their upcoming coming of age magical isekai animated movie Hexed

Those who saying are it’s look generic and derivative. It looks like it was made by AI or to meant to be watched on a hand-held device. It’s too like Harry Potter meets Alice in Wonderland. That it’s too much like Disney own canceled show The Owl House.  That we were robbed due to changing the main character from a younger boy to a teenaged girl named Billie. And that Billie’s characterization is too much like other characters in turns of looks and personality. That her character type is played out. That Hexed is Disney at its safest. 

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Ranking the Songs from "The Return of Jafar" "You're Only Second Rate" Villain song
“You’re Only Second Rate”

I fully admit that I have a soft spot for The Return of Jafar. I also do fully admit it’s no where near as good as the original but it’s amusing and is different enough from Aladdin that it didn’t feel like a rehash. It also builds off of first movie very well. Ultimately it was unique in its story. As a direct to video Disney Sequel it’s not bad. 

I did go on record when I reviewed The Return of Jafar  that I thought the songs were okay. To quote myself from that review “The songs are ok…”   To this day I maintain that opinion the songs are okay but maybe the songs are better than just okay. Maybe just maybe the songs in The Return of Jafar are good. *gasp.*

Though I do think it’s an interesting exercise in ranking songs from a movie that isn’t as well-regarded. 

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For some lore on this review series

Pixar "Cars" (2006) Movie Review
“Cars” (2006) Movie Review

Coming right after watching The Incredibles I figured Cars was going to another hard sell for me personally. I don’t love cars, or racing* or the Americana aesthetic that much. 

I really only tangentially knew the premise and really had no idea how a the red car mingled with the rusty pick-up truck or how racing actually factored into the plot.

Only recently did I learn that this movie was centered around Route 66. I’m not sure I if ever watched a trailer and if I did and just forgot. I’m not even certain I have seen a clip of Cars even in passing. Anything I knew about this movie was tangental from other sources. I knew nothing, which tracks. 

Basically I had no working knowledge of Cars but from the looks of it, it just did not seem like it would appeal to me and my taste at all. 

And yet I still watched it and I TRIED very hard to keep an open mind.      

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