Animusings

Jun 30 2022 76 ep. 94 mins 119

Animusings Podcast artwork

A Review Series on Disney's Animated Theatrical Releases

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60 - Encanto (with Seid and Benjamin)

Jun 30 2022 108 mins

It’s the season finale of Animusings, and we are wrapping things up (for now) with a sojourn to Colombia and the home of the Madrigal family. Both Seid and Benjamin are back to help us talk about this 2021 feature, with discussions including family dynamics and drama as a focal story point, the significance of Mirabel’s glasses, how Dolores deserved her own musical number and w

59 - Raya and the Last Dragon (with Justin Quizon)

Jun 14 2022 82 mins

The land of Kumandra awaits in this fantasy adventure from 2021, and Kaela and David reunite with special guest Justin Quizon to take a trip down the dragon-shaped river. As they go, their discussion includes production challenges in the face of a pandemic, Southeast Asian representation, storytelling without a recognized “Disney villain,” girl crushes and the REAL Boss Baby.

58 - Frozen II (with Angi and Shawn)

May 25 2022 117 mins

2019 sees us return to Arendelle and exploring the unknown beyond in this sequel. Kaela, David, Angi and Shawn are back and have an understandably big undertaking ahead of them, with topics such as episodic vs. serial sequels, expanded character studies, power ballads done right and some disagreements about Olaf’s internal struggles.

57 - Ralph Breaks the Internet (with Sandy Stoltz)

Apr 30 2022 73 mins

The first proper (not direct-to-video) sequel since The Rescuers Down Under sees us returning to the arcade before venturing into the unfathomable internet. Kaela, David and Sandy have a multiplayer discussion of this 2018 feature and discuss topics such as John Lasseter’s departure, product placement without copyright fears, why clowns are annoying, and how Ralph’s character i

Animusings+ - Mary Poppins Returns

Mar 31 2022 69 mins

Kaela and David go back to a duo act as they present this last Animusings+ of the Disney run (for the time being, at least): a discussion of the 2018 sequel to the beloved MARY POPPINS. Topics of discussion includes nostalgia in the formula, weird and unintended chemistry, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and why a surprising cameo by Angela Lansbury makes sense in a most delightful way.

56 - Moana (with Seid and Raevell)

Feb 27 2022 98 mins

The ocean calls to us as Kaela, David, Seid and Raevell dive in to this 2016 voyage of adventure and discovery set in the mythic South Pacific. Discussion points in this episode include the studio’s attempt at proper cultural representation, animating water and hair, sneaking in a Flight of the Concords-style song, scenes that give us chills (in a good way) and Alan Tudyk’s mos

55 - Zootopia (with Land Before Time Land)

Jan 31 2022 95 mins

We’ve taken the train to the big city in this 2016 feature about an ideal society of animals… or is it? Madeline and Chris, visiting us from the Land Before Time Land podcast, join in for a very spicy discussion about the perceived message of the film, and how attitudes and views of its themes might have changed for them in the wake of 2020’s tumultuous events.

54 - Big Hero 6 (with Matt Holley)

Dec 31 2021 76 mins

There are robots, super heroes and Pacific Rim vibes in this 2014 feature set in the alternate universe city of San Fransokyo. Our old friend Matt joins us again as we finally touch on the impact of Disney’s acquisition of Marvel. Other topics include weird exposition dialogue, how grief affects characters, the elephant in the room that is John Lasseter and the potential for Evil

53 - Frozen (with Angi and Shawn)

Nov 30 2021 157 mins

Neither sleet nor snow will stop us from trudging headlong into this box office phenomenon from 2013. We reunite with our longtime friends and returning guests Angi Viper and Shawn to really open doors with this discussion. Topics include the deep and personal impact the film had on our hosts, detailed subtexts, a case for the trolls and why “Let It Go” might not be the empower

52 - Wreck-It Ralph (with Sandy Stoltz)

Nov 16 2021 77 mins

We return from an unforeseen hiatus and hit the arcade with our old friend Sandy Stoltz. 2012’s feature takes us into the world of video games as we discuss tight world-building, Disney’s good luck VA, sub-themes about the homeless and why Mario is missing.