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Coming in at #20 on this weird list is a movie that’s not considered an unrated gem but rather the opposite. It’s an Icy Blue Crown Jewel in Disney’s lofty Princess Tiara…
Read More →Recently I watched the majority of Disney’s Featured Animated movies to get a better sense of which ones are my personal favorites because I didn’t really know the answer to that question. Many of the Disney movies I haven’t actually seen and a few I’ve watched only once or twice.
I watched 52 movies excluding anthology films – sorry Fantasia – and Winnie the Pooh movies, not sure why I just did that. I wasn’t going to include sequels but they got added to the list except for Moana 2. Also I watched these movies in a random order.
There will 20 posts for each movie on separate days. The movies are not so much ranked but movies closer to the one position are closer to S tier. Remember this list will be super subjective.
So what are my top 20 Disney Featured Animated Movies? Will Hunchback be included? What about Chicken Little? Will nostalgia color my perception?
To answer the last question, my rose-colored nostalgia goggles are securely fasten!
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It’s Christmas Time and Notre Dame is set to re-open on December 8th so I thought for this post why not do a list of Notre Dame/France themed games that you can get for yourself or gift to someone for your next game night.
This is the classic Rio Grande Games Notre Dame. I haven’t played this one myself but it’s not based on the book/movie. Instead “players take on the roles of the heads of influential families in Paris at the end of the 14th century. ” boardgamegeek.com
It does sound like fun, if not challenging.
Now this one I have played and I’m quite bad at it but it’s fun. Wizards of the Coast Guillotine has players picking which nobles get sent to lose their heads. There is a strategy as players can change the order of the line to collect more points and mess with other players which is part of the fun.
Kronologic Paris 1920 is a “who-dun-it” much like Clue but with smoother game play. And while there are lots of board games that are murder mysteries this one is set in Paris at the Opera house in 1920, so it has a great aesthetic.
I’ve played another version of this game which has players building and connecting train lines.
Ticket to Ride Europe takes the concept and sets it in Europe, so you know Paris gets a lot attention in this game. There are dozens of versions of Ticket to Ride though because who doesn’t love a good train?
Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy Board Game looks tough to me but it does look like fun especially paired with a bottle of burgundy wine to complete the vibe. “The game is set in the Burgundy region of High Medieval France. Each player takes on the role of an aristocrat, originally controlling a small princedom. While playing they aim to build settlements and powerful castles, practice trade along the river, exploit silver mines, and use the knowledge of travelers.” – from boardgamegeek.com. Remember in the book Phoebus had Burgundy look because it was the style at the time
Now I’m a BIG fan of the original version of Dixit so imagine my delight to learn that there was Disney Dixit Edition. Players have a hand of cards with dream-like images on them. Each turn one player is the storyteller, they pick a card and say a sentence about it without showing the card. The other players pick a card from their own hands that best suits the sentence. Each player has to guess which card is the storyteller’s. Points are awarded based how the players guessed.
It’s a lot of fun. And Hunchback does a card as each of their animated movies has one up to Encanto plus Pixar. It did take me a minute to find Hunchback’s card in the card list picture BUT I found it and it’s Esmeralda surrounded by candles, vert pretty.
Worthington Games: Levee En Masse Deluxe: The Wars of The French Revolution, 1789-1802 2022 Board Game might be out-of-print given how much it goes for online. “This solitaire game, suitable for group and classroom cooperative game play, tells the story of the French Revolution through its key events and decision points. You must stop the advances of foreign armies and the counter-revolutionary forces within France itself to defend the virtues of Republicanism.” – boardgamegeek
There are also Notre Dame Adult Jigsaw Puzzles and of course the impressive and imposing Notre Dame de Paris Lego set. That would be something to attempt. I have no lego game but it’s mighty tempting. Update- I actually did the lego Poinsettia kit so now I have a little lego game now I want the Notre Dame set even more.
Have you played any of these games? Which one would you want to play?
Happy Christmas Shopping!
Dreamworks has now entered the Live-action Remake game with their version of 2010’s How to Train your Dragon.
Let’s start with what is “good” about this teaser, Toothless looks great and Toothless was a highlight of the original. Toothless looking the same however points to choice that was made by the studio, that this live-action remake is near shot-for shot remake of the original version. Doing a carbon-copy in a new medium is a choice. A choice that suggests that the studio just a wants to make money. The studio knows that this franchise makes money but they exhausted it so they need to do again. So they took a page from the Mouse and did the same this with actors. Gerald Butler is even reprising his role.
In addition to shedding light on the creative bankruptcy of the movie industry, live-action remakes under-cut the art of animation by implying that the better and improved work is the live-action version. After all live-action movies win more accolades ergo are more valuable to the industry. An animated movie will only win a few tech categories and never the top awards. In Hollywood, only three have ever been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and no wins. However the oscars are seldom the best metric for “best” movies and there is a long history of politics with the academy award wins. Also the academy sequesters animated movies to their own category so they don’t have to recognize animated movies on level with the “prestige pictures.”
It’s hard to really tell from a teaser trailer if this version is just a cash-grab from corporation that wants people to go their theme parks that just so happens to have a lot of How to Train your Train IP with lots of merchandise to buy or if there is a legit good reimagining here that can only be achieved with live actors. Personally I think it’s the former, the original movie is still great.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of Disney Theatrical Productions, you can listen to the Disney’s 30 Years On Broadway” special right now via the SiriusXM app. There are also interviews. Hunchback is also included as it is part of the Theatricals even through it didn’t make the move to Broadway but it has a great existence in Regionals as well as international productions. Read more about the Special here.
Also Notre Dame has its bells ringing again and it’s ready for its December opening. So that’s at least some good news.
Also now on bluesky. Handle is same name.
If you look up Quasimodo on mycast.io one actor who comes up again and again is Taron Egerton. Egerton is a welsh actor who rose to prominence with his role as Elton John is the biopic Rocketman. He was praised for the role and some critics said he carried the film but most of them just praised his overall performance. He even learned to sing for the movie and has sung in other roles. However the question is…
Would Taron Egerton be good choice for Quasimodo?
Seeing how most of the fan casts are for “Disney’s Quasimodo,” sing skills are a moot point unless somehow, something happens and we either get a live action Disney version or different movie musical based on the Hunchback happens. Anything this could happen. But putting that aside does the popular consensus have this casting option correct?
Looking through his filmography, Egerton varies in his roles and project types. The only thing I’ve watched prior to this post that he was cast in was Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. In that show he voiced, Rian one of the main characters and he was great. That show was a treasure trove of talent, it’s a crime that is was canceled, A CRIME I say!
It’s fairly safe to suggest that Egerton would have little to no issue effectively play the role as he is a very nuanced actor and has great sense of physicality both of which are very much necessary for playing Quasimodo.
Egerton as has a very approachable warm look without any dramatic angles to his face which makes him a good fit to play Quasimodo. Based on his role as Elton John it’s easy to envision Egerton as Quasimodo because the characters share similar coloring.
Egerton has the acting skills to brilliantly play Quasimodo and he has a good look that would be a good basis for all the transformative details that is need to portrays the iconic hunchback.
It’s Halloween!
So this years let’s rank which of the main Hunchback movies has the “scariest” movie poster. None of these are actually scary or even remotely spooky but some skews more towards a “scary look.” Scary looking can mean a lot different things like grotesque, dread, moodiness, use of dark colors and shadows, or having a sense of mystery. Heck even that “monster movie” look would work towards looking scary.
Posters were based on which one IMDB uses because some of these versions have a few posters. This also meant to be fun and the ranking isn’t about how good the poster is.
#8. The Disney Version
This bright and very cheerful poster depicts all the characters and their personality. Nothing scary about this one. Frollo does look ominous but more like he ready to make a high stake deal rather than what he actually does in the movie.
#7. Quasimodo d’el Paris (1999)
Defiantly a poster for a comedy movie. It does have a bit of mystery with Quasimodo facing away but that does add much to the “scary gothic factor.”
#6. The 1977 Version
A little odd that Esmeralda is cast in shadows and Quasimodo’s face is highlighted. While the muted tones help, this poster is for a drama.
#5. The Hunchback (1997)
Nice moody colors but otherwise not scary. At least Quasimodo is not super illuminated even though he is a focal point even though his pose doesn’t add any scariness.
#4. The 1982 Version
This defiantly has a moodiness. It MIGHT have ranked a little higher if Quasimodo had been in shadows.
#3. The 1923 Version
Notice how Quasimodo is in shadows which adds a mystique? Again it doesn’t really read “scary” or monster movie but there is a nice tension with Esmeralda being unaware of the on-lookers behind her.
#2. The 1956 Version
Finally a “monster movie” vibe. Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s pose is quintessential 1950’s monster movie poster. Though the vibe is soften with the other aspects of the poster but it very much trying to invoke “monster movie.”
#1. The 1939 Version
Quasimodo draped in shadows looming over Esmeralda is the “scariest” these posters get. It’s at least gives Quasimodo a menacing mystique to draw an audience into the movie. It has that 1930s era monster vibe similar to the King Kong’s poster.
Happy Halloween
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While Disney Esmeralda is a gold standard for a compelling Halloween costume, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame does offer some more unexpected costume ideas. They range in complexity from items that may already be in your closet to more elaborate designs.
These are in no order but the last one might be the most scary one of all……
1. Djali
Djali is the best (a Literal GOAT.) One could get a goat costume and add the gold hoop earring or you could do a cute Disneybounding type look with a cute gray outfit, goat ears and the earring, sort like the SNL A Girl’s Halloween skit.
You could also so the same with Achilles and copy his bridle but less people might get it unless you were with a Phoebus
2 & 3. The Guards
Often called the Brutish and Oafish Guard these two a very mean and hostile in the movie. Basically a medieval knight costume and one has a bushy mustache. Could be very fun as a duo.
Bonus points if you do a Patrick Star impression, if you know than you know.
4. The Old Heretic
The Old Heretic is a running gag throughout the movie. It’s a fairly easy costume with tattered clothing and a white bread.
Bonus points to those who include some kind of prison prop to the costume like a cage or a pillory.
5. Fire Vision Esmeralda
This is a really cool variation of Esmeralda. In Hellfire, Frollo sees visions of her dancing in the flames. One could do this costume in a few ways like one her costumes but in lightweight fabrics to suggests flames. I love this idea so much.
6. Creepy Hellfire Judge
This would be so wonderfully creepy, especially as a group of them with someone dressed up as Frollo. Really this one is pretty simple, it’s dark red hooded cloak with a blacked out face mask. I also love this idea
7. Creepy Statue
The way the statues stare down at Frollo in damning judgment is very chilling indeed. This idea is more conceptual than actually a recognizable part of the movie but you may have fun as a creepy judgment statue.
8. Nightmarish Gargoyle
Another one of Frollo’s hallucination as costume idea. Basically this idea is the hellish, nightmare gargoyle that casts Frollo into a figurative hell. This gargoyle is a nice contrast from the comedy trio.
9. The Torturer
A bit character to be sure but this guy is scary as he loves what he does. The costume is simple and similar to guards but with a black hood, a whip, spike gauntlets, plus a mustache. Doesn’t have a lot of screen time but he makes an impression as he adds to Frollo’s sick sense of humor.
Worst case scenario everyone thinks you’re a torturer and can’t place your costume from the movie but that can be you’re own little secret.
10. The Church Lady
This could be a harder costume to make but it could be an interesting costume. She does bare a slight resemblance to Frollo too.
11. Madeline
Nothing is scarier than a Straight-to-Video Disney sequel, so why not lean in to it and dress up a Madeline. It’s not too hard of a costume as it consists of a light-green skirt and bodice with white sleeves and a short blonde wig. I’m terrified just thinking about the Hunchback II.
Would you dress up as any of these for a costume party?
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As it’s the spooky season and I already did a Fleur de Lys Costume post last year, I thought why not do an Esmeralda from Notre Dame de Paris Costume post?
Esmeralda wears two costumes in Notre Dame de Paris; her green act one costume and her white prisoner costume in act two. If you WANT to get super technical there are two other “costumes” she wears. One is a weird lab coat-looking costume as seen in the original 1998 Paris production and a red rose costume worn in London and Russian promotional pictures.
This post is just going to focus on the green dress. There are a few takes on the this costume and for even more info you can read this article. Very simply there is the swirl-like velvet version and then the takes on that version which use some form of pattern, mainly tonal florals. Then there is the Italian version which uses patchwork lace. And lastly there the 2016 redesign.
The green color can appear more like golden-olive green but darker tones can be used like in Korean version.
However there are a few design elements that remain consistence. Her dress is is an A-line silhouette with a v-neck with 3/4 bell-sleeves, and is roughly floor length with a high slit up the leg. There can be sparkly details like metallic thread or sequins. Italian version however doesn’t have an sparkly embellishments.
These picks are more based on over-all vibes rather than getting an exact matching dress which would need to be sewn. Also not including the redesign version as it a very unique dress.
Dress options for Original Velvet Paris Version
Option #1: MEROKEETY Women’s V Neck Wrap Velvet Maxi Dress Bell Sleeve
Option #2: WaterDress Women’s Velvet Prom Dress with Sleeves Slit V Neck
Option #3: Ever-Pretty Women’s Retro Evening Gown A Line V-Neck Wrap Velvet Long Formal Dress
Option #4: BerryGo Women’s Velvet V Neck Wrap Semi Formal Dress Cocktail Party Maxi Dress
Option #5: Adrianna Papell Women’s Burnout Velvet Gown
Dress Options for Pattern Versions
This version was harder than I thought it would be
Option #1: Simplee Women’s Boho Floral Maxi Dress
Option #2: Simplee Women’s Velvet Maxi Dress V Neck Short Sleeve Empire Waist Semi Formal Long Cocktail Dress
Option #3: Amegoya Women’s Velvet Short Sleeve V Neck Formal Maxi Dress
Option #4: BTFBM Women’s Boho Cocktail Maxi Dress
Option #5: Sparkly Sequin Mermaid Prom Dresses for Women with Slit Long Sleeve Evening Party Gown
Dress Options for Lace Version
Option #1: REPHYLLIS Women’s V Neck Lace Vintage Formal Bridesmaid Wedding Long Dress
Option #2: VFSHOW Womens Off Shoulder Bell Sleeve Formal Evening Wedding Party Maxi Dress
Option #3: Prom Dresses with Slit Pocket V Neck Lace Long Ball Gown 3/4 Sleeves Satin Formal Party Gown
Wig Options
Notre Dame de Paris Esmeralda has darker hair compared to Fleur de Lys. Most of the time it’s the performer’s natural hair but wigs are used. The Wigs are dark brown, black or even reddish tones. Her hair is traditionally long with some form of wave to it. If you hair is already long and a darker shade, you’re good but if not you don’t need a wig if you don’t want to wear one.
Fun Fact: There has been at least one Esmeralda who has rocked short hair, Melanie Renaud.
Wig Option #1: Esmee Long Wavy Black Wigs for Women Natuaral Synthetic Hair Heat Resistant Brunette Wig
Wig Option #2: WIGNEE Long Red Wig Middle Part Dark Red Wig 26 Inches Long Wavy Wig
Wig Option #3: Black Wigs for Women Long Wavy Middle Part Full Wigs Halloween Cosplay Synthetic Wig
May your Halloween be fill of Costumes and Candy. Have Fun!
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As it’s the Spooky Halloween season and since I’ve done a DIY buying guide for Disney Esmeralda’s costume that she wears throughout the movie and her red performance dress, I thought why not do her prisoner costume that she wears at the climatic end of the movie.
This costume is very simple as it’s just white short sleeves dress with a brown rope belt. However like most things in life the devil is in the details. For instance you can add tears and burn marks to make it all your own.
Her costume is a white dress that is super simple, undecorated with short sleeve. No frills & very minimal. You could already have something like it in your own closet but if you don’t;
Dress option #1: FANDEE Maxi Dress for Women Short Sleeve Summer Dress
Dress option #2: Made By Johnny Women Short Sleeve Loose Plain Casual Long Maxi Dress
Dress option #3: GRECERELLE Women’s Casual Loose Pocket Long Dress Short Sleeve Split Maxi Dress
Dress option #4: STYLEWORD Women’s 2024 Summer Maxi Cold Shoulder Sundress Long Dress
Dress option #5: VIISHOW Women’s Short Sleeve Loose Plain Maxi Dresses Casual Long Dress
For the belt you want rope belt in brown.
Belt option #1: Simple Cotton long Waist Rope Tie Belt
Belt option #2: TIESOME Women’s Tassel Braided Waist Belt
Belt option #3: L’VOW Long Rope Ring Knotted Belt for Women
Of course you just get some brown craft rope or cording and simply tie it around your waist.
And don’t forget a wig. Her hair is down in this costume so you don’t need the pink scarf.
Wig option #1: 26 Inches Black Lace Front Wig Natural Long Wavy Synthetic Hair Wig for Cosplay Party Halloween (black)
Wig option #2: Onedor Long Hair Curly Wavy Full Head Halloween Wigs Cosplay Costume Party Hairpiece (1#-Black)
Wig option #3: 13×4 Lace Front Wigs Black Lace Frontal Wig Natural Wave Pre Plucked Tiny Knots 26 Inch Pre-layered Long Wavy Synthetic Lace Wig
Wig option #4: MapofBeauty 28 Inch/70 cm Long Wavy Middle Part with No Bangs Synthetic Fiber Curly Fashion Women Party Cosplay Wig (Black)
Esmeralda white dress does have tears in it. Mostly around the neck, the hem, and at the shoulder and knee. However I think you can be creative as your wish with the amount you add and how much distressing you do to the dress. There are loads of distressing tutorials online and youtube.
If you opt to do burn marks be safe! Materials like cotton can burn and leave marks but synthetic fibers (i.e. polyester) will just melt. I recommend just going for the look of burns rather than actually putting a flame to it. Don’t be like Frollo; Fire isn’t the solution and can lead to serious injury. Do not risk your health and wellness for a costume.
For some non-fire option, Lumber Crayons are a good one option though it won’t come out. Or you could try black eye shadow or a special effect make-up palette.
Since this dress isn’t as iconic as Esmeralda’s other costumes, you can be a little more creative in whatever details you choose to add so have fun with it but try to avoid flames.