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Deconstructing Disney

Deconstructing Disney

Rachel Casey, Erin Casey

Two life-long Disney fans take on the Disney film catalog, beginning with the animated features, and discuss with a critical lens. New episodes the first Tuesday of every month. @DeconDisney on social media.

  • 2 hours 10 seconds
    Tangled

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel discuss Tangled (2010), the 50th animated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios and one of Rachel’s favorites. Based on the fairytale of Rapunzel, this coming-of-age tale features songs from Disney veteran Alan Menken and impressive computer animation. Although Erin and Rachel disagree about the viability of the romantic plot, they agree that Mother Gothel is an effective villain and Pascal is a delightful sidekick.

    Episode References

    羽静. (2014, August 4). Imagining Disney's Tangled (Full Documentary). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaeG79Y0-GM

    Afonasina, S. (2013). Tangled Gender Issues. Overthinking It. https://www.overthinkingit.com/2013/03/18/tangled-gender-issues/

    Amin, S. (2024). Feminist witnessing: Everywhere all at once: Coercive control and the impacts of feminist law reform efforts on popular culture. Australian Feminist Law Journal, 50(1), 49-64. doi: 10.1080/13200968.2024.2366776

    Behrendt, M. (2022). “That’s how you know he’s your love”: The male singing voice and Disney’s (re)interpretation of the male romantic lead. Sound Stage Screen, 2(2), 5-32.

    Brew, S. (2015, January 21). Exclusive: why Disney never made Tangled 2. Den of Geek. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/exclusive-why-disney-never-made-tangled-2/

    Burlingame, J. (2010, November 10). Alan Menken: ‘Tangled’ up in cues. Variety. https://variety.com/2010/digital/news/alan-menken-tangled-up-in-cues-1118027102/

    Carter, C. (2013). An Analysis of the Character Animation in Disney’s Tangled. Senses of Cinema, (67). https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2013/feature-articles/an-analysis-of-the-character-animation-in-disneys-tangled/

    Catmull, E., & Wallace, A. (2014). Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration. Random House Publishing Group.

    Chang, J. (2010, November 7). Tangled. Variety. https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/tangled-1117943999/

    Culturesmash. (2011, March 27). Interview: ‘Tangled’ Directors Talk About Creating Disney’s 50th Animated Feature. Geeks of Doom. https://geeksofdoom.com/2011/03/27/interview-tangled-directors-talk-about-creating-disneys-50th-animated-feature

    Davis, A. M. (2014). Handsome heroes and vile villains: Men in Disney’s feature animation. John Libbey & Company.

    Dunaway, M. (2013, December 12). Kristen Bell: A Hollywood Princess. Paste. https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/amc/amc-preferred-premier-seating-paid-subscribers-best-seats

    Goldstein, E. (2022, December 9). Disney’s Tangled. Medium. https://medium.com/@eliza.goldstein/reformist-or-reductive-gender-in-disneys-tangled-33f2a873666b

    Graham, B. (2010, July 23). SDCC 2010: Disney Animators Panel on TANGLED. Collider. https://collider.com/comic-con-tangled-panel-disney-byron-howard-nathan-greno-glen-keane/

    Graham, B. (2010, September 28). Alan Menken Interview TANGLED. Collider. https://collider.com/alan-menken-interview-tangled/

    Graham, B. (2010, November 22). Animation Director Glen Keane Exclusive Interview TANGLED. Collider. https://collider.com/glen-keane-interview-tangled/

    Greno, N., & Howard, B. (Directors). (2010). Tangled [Film]. Walt Disney Animation Studios.

    Hammond, P. (2010, September 9). Oscar's Animation Race Just Got 'Tangled'. Deadline. https://deadline.com/2010/09/oscars-animation-race-just-got-tangled-66061/

    Hill, J. (2005, November 3). “Rapunzel Unbraided” gets retooled. Jim Hill Media. https://limegreen-loris-912771.hostingersite.com/rapunzel-unbraided-gets-retooled/

    Kapurch, K. (2015). Rapunzel loves Merida: Melodramatic expressions of lesbian girlhood and teen romance in Tangled, Brave, and femslash. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 19(4), 436-453. doi: 10.1080/10894160.2015.1057079

    Komaniecki, R. [@Komaniecki_R]. (2024, June 17). I've spent weeks listening to every single song from every single Disney animated musical… [Post]. X. https://x.com/Komaniecki_R/status/1802808419587616924

    Kurtti, J. (2015). The Art of Tangled. Chronicle Books LLC.

    The Late Late Show with James Corden. (2021, December 7). Zachary Levi Faked Being British To Land Disney Role. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrNmXftckMg

    Markovitz, A. (2010, November 24). How did Rapunzel become 'Tangled'? Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard set the record straight. Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/article/2010/11/24/tangled-rapunzel-nathan-greno-byron-howard/

    McCarthy, T. (2010, November 7). 'Tangled' – Film Review. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/tangled-film-review-42752/

    Minow, N. (2013, January 10). Interview: Glen Keane of ‘Tangled’. Belief Net. https://web.archive.org/web/20130110021537/http://blog.beliefnet.com/moviemom/2010/11/interview-glen-keane-of-tangle.html

    Miraudo, S. (2010, December 27). Interview: Nathan Greno and Byron Howard; directors of Tangled. Quickflix. https://web.archive.org/web/20140811035447/http://blog.quickflix.com.au/2010/12/27/interview-nathan-greno-and-byron-howard-directors-of-tangled/

    Paluso, M. (2011, March 29). Once Upon a Time. Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/2011/03/onceupon/

    Porluciernagas (2013, October 29). In brightest day: The emotional abuse of Tangled [Blogpost]. Lady Geek Girl and friends. https://ladygeekgirl.wordpress.com/2013/10/29/in-brightest-day-the-emotional-abuse-of-tangled/

    Rockwood, M. (2023, April 24). Antisemitism in fantasy and fair tales. Rockwood Editing. https://www.rookwoodediting.com/post/antisemitism-in-fantasy-and-fairy-tales

    Roundtable Interview with Glen Keane – March 17, 2011. (2011, March 17). DAPs Magic. https://web.archive.org/web/20120921063943/http://www.dapsmagic.com/geekscorner/geek-links/daps-magic-interviews/roundtable-interview-with-glen-keane-march-17-2011/

    Scott, A. O. (2010, November 23). ‘Tangled,’ the New Old-Fashioned Disney - Review. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/movies/24tangled.html

    Tujare, K. (2022). Rapunzel, Rapunzel, has finally let down her hair!: The feminist evolution of “Rapunzel” from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first century. Bookbird, 60(1), 77-85. doi: 10.1353/bkb.2022.0007

    Full bibliography available here. 

    22 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 32 minutes
    Toy Story 3

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel discuss Toy Story 3 (2010), the third and allegedly final installment in the Toy Story franchise. Despite some minor misogyny and heteronormativity, the film manages to delight (and emotionally devastate) the hosts.  

    Episode Bibliography

    Bianculli, D. (2011, February 4). The People Behind Pixar's 'Toy Story 3'. NPR. https://www.npr.org/transcripts/133471041?storyId=133471041?storyId=133471041

    Daly, S. (2007, February 19). A happy ending for ''Toy Story 3''? Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/article/2007/02/19/happy-ending-toy-story-3/

    Davidson Sorkin, A. (2010, July 20). Faith, hope, and Barbie. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/faith-hope-and-barbie

    Disney Circle Seven Animation (partially lost production material of cancelled Pixar sequel films; 2004-2006). (2026). Lost Media Wiki. https://lostmediawiki.com/Disney_Circle_Seven_Animation_(partially_lost_production_material_of_cancelled_Pixar_sequel_films;_2004-2006)

    Ebert, R. (2010, June 16). These toys may be traumatized for eternity movie review (2010). Roger Ebert. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/toy-story-3-2010

    Finklea, B. W. (2014). Examining masculinities in Pixar’s feature films: What it means to be a boy, whether human, fish, car, or toy. [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Alabama]. 

    Gleiberman, O. (2010, June 21). Summer Entertainment Guide Jun 21 2010 02:58 PM ET Share Permalink ComMessage to men: Yes, it's okay to cry at 'Toy Story 3'. Entertainment Weekly. https://web.archive.org/web/20100624080328/http://movie-critics.ew.com/2010/06/21/its-okay-for-men-to-cry-at-toy-story-3/

    Gleiberman, O. (2012, July 31). Toy Story 3. Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/article/2012/07/31/toy-story-3-5/

    Hammond, P. (2010, November 17). OSCAR: Disney’s Rich Ross Says “We’re Going For The Best Picture Win” For ‘Toy Story 3′. Deadline. https://web.archive.org/web/20140223064924/http://m.deadline.com/2010/11/oscar-disneys-rich-ross-says-were-going-for-the-best-picture-win-for-toy-story-3/

    Harrison, M. (2017, May 18). Toy Story 3 and Its Horror Movie Undertones. Den of Geek. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/toy-story-3-and-its-horror-movie-undertones/

    Koelsch, D. (2010, December 28). Toy Story 3 Oscar Campaign Gets Noticed. Movieviral.com. https://movieviral.com/2010/12/28/toy-story-3-oscar-campaign-gets-noticed/

    McLean, T. J. (2011, January 11). The Making of “Toy Story 3”. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/making-toy-story-3-69726/

    Moore, R. (2010, June 16). Movie Review: Toy Story 3. Orlando Sentinel. https://web.archive.org/web/20121024002505/http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_movies_blog/2010/06/movie-review-toy-story-3.html

    Ness, M. (2017, November 30). Facing the End: Toy Story 3. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/pixar-rewatch-toy-story-3/

    Phillips, M. (2010, June 17). 'Toy Story 3' brims with style, confidence, Pixar magic. Chicago Tribune. https://web.archive.org/web/20100902204747/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sc-mov-0615-toy-story-3-20100617,0,7968852.column

    Sampson, M. (2013). A look at the Toy Story 3 you didn't see... JoBlo. https://www.joblo.com/a-look-at-the-toy-story-3-you-didnt-see/

    Slotek, J. (2010, June 17). 'Toy Story 3': After the Golden Age. Toronto Sun. https://web.archive.org/web/20100618032337/http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/movies/2010/06/11/14350796.html

    TheCoolBrotherhood. (2012, January 6). The Making Of Toy Story 3. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hlw-SzNvyg

    Toy Story 3. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story_3

    Toy Story 3 (2010). (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0435761/?ref_=bo_se_r_1

    Toy Story 3 IRL. (2020, January 25). Toy Story 3 In Real Life | Full-length Fan Film. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfduDq5gLnE

    ToyStoryFR. (2023, August 21). Toy Story 3 - Behind the scenes - Designing new toys. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJtXhfrCdcM

    Toy Story's Randy Newman: 'I just don't like directors'. (2015, February 13). Classic FM. https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/periods-genres/film-tv/randy-newman-toy-story/

    Unkrich, L. (Director). (2010). 

    Toy Story 3 

    [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios.

    10 February 2026, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Research Alert: Fat Characters in Disney Movies

    In this very special episode, Erin talks to Rachel and her research assistant, Grace, about a study they recently published about the portrayal of fat characters in Disney animated films. Spoiler alert: the depictions of fat characters are rife with harmful stereotypes, and the hosts have something to say about it! 

    Rachel's and Grace's article "'You're Getting a Little Big for This': Fat Characters in Disney Animated Films" was published in peer-reviewed journal Fat Studies, and can be accessed via this link (or email [email protected] to request a PDF). 

    14 January 2026, 5:00 am
  • 2 hours 20 minutes
    The Princess and the Frog

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel hop on down to 1920’s New Orleans, where Disney’s first Black princess spends most of her time as a frog in the Louisiana bayou. The Princess and the Frog (2010) provided much needed representation, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of its race, class, and gender politics. 

    Episode Bibliography

    The 82nd Academy Awards | 2010. (n.d.). Oscars. https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2010/P?qt-honorees=1#block-quicktabs-honorees

    Ayres, C. (2009, December 12). The Princess and the Frog: Disney’s black fairytale. The Times. https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/the-princess-and-the-frog-disneys-black-fairytale-lcpnw3pj3jc

    Baker, E.D. (2002). The Frog Princess. Bloomsbury.

    Barnes, B. (2009, May 29). Her Prince Has Come. Critics, Too. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/fashion/31disney.html

    Breaux, R. M. (2010). After 75 years of magic: Disney answers its critics, rewrites African American history, and cashes in on its racist past. Journal of African American Studies, 14(4), 398-416. doi: 10.1007/s12111-010-9139-9

    Chang, J. (2009, November 24). The Princess and the Frog. Variety. https://variety.com/2009/digital/features/the-princess-and-the-frog-1200477289/

    Davis, A.M. (2014). Handsome heroes and vile villains: Men in Disney’s feature animation. John Libbey & Company. 

    Debruge, P. (2016, November 22). Disney's Pixar Acquisition: Bob Iger, John Lasseter Reanimated Studio. Variety. https://variety.com/2016/film/features/disney-pixar-acquisition-bob-iger-john-lasseter-1201923719/

    Disney Archives, The. (2025, January 14). The Princess and the Frog - Magic in the Bayou: The Making of a Princess. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Gfgey_Oc8

    Disney Enterprises, Inc. (2009). The Princess and the Frog Production Notes. Oscars.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20100408202417/http://www.oscars.org/press/presskits/nominations/pdf/princess_and_the_frog.pdf

    Ebert, R. (2009, December 9). At Disney, they still remember how to make movies like they used to movie review (2009). RogerEbert.com. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-princess-and-the-frog-2009

    Firehouse Five Plus Two - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firehouse_Five_Plus_Two

    Foundas, S. (2009, December 10). The Princess and the Frog. Dallas Observer. https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts-culture/the-princess-and-the-frog-6405784/

    Frog Prince, The. (2025, October 17). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Frog_Prince

    Gallo, P. (2006, February 28). Mouse inks music man. Variety. https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/mouse-inks-music-man-1117939042/

    Gehlawat, A. (2010). The strange case of "The Princess and the Frog:" Passing and the elision of race. Journal of African American Studies, 14(4), 417-431. doi: 10.1007/s12111-010-9126-1

    Gilchrist, T. (2009, October 23). Interview: 'Princess and the Frog' Directors Ron Clements and John Musker. Moviefone. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054004/http://news.moviefone.com/2009/10/23/interview-princess-and-the-frog-directors-ron-clements-and-jo/

    Gregory, S. M. (2010). Disney’s second line: New Orleans, racial masquerade, and the reproduction of whiteness in The Princess and the Frog. Journal of African American Studies, 14(4), 432-449. doi: 10.1007/s12111-010-9138-x

    Guerrero, E. (1993). The Black image in protective custody: Hollywood’s biracial buddy films of the eighties. In M. Diawara (Ed.), Black American cinema (pp. 237–246). Routledge.

    Hill, J. (2006, November 12). Monday Mouse Watch: Why a change of composers on “The Frog Princess” caused lots of WDFA staffers to lose their composure. Jim Hill Media. https://limegreen-loris-912771.hostingersite.com/monday-mouse-watch-why-a-change-of-composers-on-the-frog-princess-caused-lots-of-wdfa-staffers-to-lose-their-composure/

    Holt, K. (2006, June 23). Rhett Wickham: It's Baaack! Laughing Place. https://www.laughingplace.com/news-id510530.asp

    Honeycutt, K. (2009, November 24). The Princess and the Frog — Film Review. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/princess-frog-film-review-93780/

    Kayembe, B. (2021, March 9). Why are we still depicting Black women as 'Mammies'? Shado Mag. https://shado-mag.com/articles/opinion/why-are-we-still-depicting-black-women-as-mammies/

    Killer Reviews Staff. (2009). The Princess and the Frog Filmmakers Interview. Killer Reviews. https://web.archive.org/web/20100829054531/http://www.killerreviews.com/dispinterview.php?intid=1859

    King, C.R., Bloodsworth-Lugo, M.K., & Lugo-Lugo, C.R. (2010). Animated representations of Blackness. Journal of African American Studies, 14(4), 395-397. doi: 10.1007/s12111-010-9141-2

    King, S. (2009, November 22). Q & A with ‘Princess and the Frog’ animators. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-22-la-ca-princess22-2009nov22-story.html

    Leah Chase. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leah_Chase

    Leap of Faith: The Princess and the Frog. (2010, January 17). The Independent. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/leap-of-faith-the-princess-and-the-frog-1870801.html

    Lester, N. A. (2010). Disney’s The Princess and the Frog: The pride, the pressure, and the politics of being a first. The Journal of American Culture, 33(4), 294-307. 

    Malkin, M. (2007, February 5). Alicia Keys into Next Movie Role. E! Online. https://web.archive.org/web/20070210054735/http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/blog/index.jsp?uuid=d21d0e39-9f0d-4b01-b81d-3989932f34ab

    McGee, A.M. (2012). Haitian vodou and voodoo: Imagined religion and popular culture. Studies in Religion, 41(2). doi: 10.1177/0008429812441311

    Misick, B. (2020, October 29). Controversy Over 'The Princess and the Frog'. Essence Magazine. https://www.essence.com/news/critics-dispute-princess-and-the-frog/

    Moffitt, K. R. (2019). Scripting the way for the 21st-century Disney princess in The Princess and the Frog. Women's Studies in Communication, 42(4), 471-489. doi: 10.1080/07491409.2019.1669757

    Moffitt, K. R., & Harris, H. E. (2014). Of negation, princesses, beauty, and work: Black mothers reflect on Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Howard Journal of Communications, 25(1), 56–76. doi:10.1080/10646175.2014.865354

    Myrlados, A. (2021, January 18). The Princess and The Frog: A case in cultural revisionism. The Enlightenment. https://lifeisgoodblog.com/2021/01/18/princess-and-frog-cultural-revisionism/

    Ness, M. (2016, June 2). The End of an Era: Disney's The Princess and the Frog. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/the-end-of-an-era-disneys-the-princess-and-the-frog/

    New Orleans Voodoo. (2025). New Orleans. https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/multicultural/traditions/voodoo/

    Noyer, J. (2010, June 1). The Princess And The Frog's Directors John Musker and Ron Clements take us to “the other side” of animation! Animated Views. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://animatedviews.com/2010/the-princess-and-the-frog-directors-john-musker-and-ron-clements-take-us-to-the-other-side-of-animation/

    Panaram, S., Rogers, H., & Stoddard, T. (n.d.). The Princess and the Frog: Rewriting Jazz Age History and Culture. The Black Atlantic. https://sites.duke.edu/blackatlantic/sample-page/contemporary-film-and-black-atlantic/history/disneyfied-histories-disneys-intentional-inaccuracy-historical-films-and-the-black-atlantic/the-princess-and-the-frog-and-rewriting-jazz-age-history-and-culture/

    Parasecoli, F. (2010). A taste of Louisiana: Mainstreaming Blackness through food in The Princess and the Frog. Journal of African American Studies, 14(4), 450-468. doi:  10.1007/s12111-010-9137-y

    Pérez, E. (2021). “I got voodoo, I got hoodoo”: Ethnography and its objects in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Material Religion, 17(1), 56-80. doi: 10.1080/17432200.2021.1977954

    Pinsky, M. I. (2010, January 7). What Walt Wrought. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703580904574638143338424878

    The Princess and the Frog. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3916137985/

    Robertson, B. (2010, January). The Tradition Lives On. Computer Graphics World. https://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2010/Volume-33-Issue-1-Jan-2010-/The-Tradition-Lives-On.aspx

    Roush, G. (2009, October 21). Interview: Princess And The Frog Directors John Musker And Ron Clements. Plus 7 Brand New Images! LatinoReview.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20091022114309/http://www.latinoreview.com/news/interview-princess-and-the-frog-directors-john-musker-and-ron-clements-plus-7-brand-new-images-8310

    Schwarzbaum, L. (2009, December 18). The Princess and the Frog. Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/article/2009/12/18/princess-and-frog-2/

    Sciretta, P. (2009, 28 February). WonderCon: The Princess And The Frog And The Future Of 2D Animation At Disney. Slash Film. https://www.slashfilm.com/502703/wondercon-the-princess-and-the-frog-and-the-future-of-2d-aniamtion-at-disney/

    Scott, M. (2009, November 22). New Orleans setting for 'Princess and the Frog' is a Disney dream come true for one man. NOLA.com. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/movies_tv/new-orleans-setting-for-princess-and-the-frog-is-a-disney-dream-come-true-for/article_c84036c3-ff1c-5fcd-94e3-9f7e916b774e.html

    Scott, N. (2009, December 12). For 'Princess and the Frog,' Disney animators go back to the drawing board. NOLA.com. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/movies_tv/for-princess-and-the-frog-disney-animators-go-back-to-the-drawing-board/article_70787df8-b6ee-575d-9a0e-f1648f40cced.html

    Sharkey, B. (2009, November 25). Review: 'The Princess and the Frog'. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-25-la-et-princess25-2009nov25-story.html

    Taylar. (2022, November 12). The Firehouse Five Plus Two - Disney's Jazz Band. The Disney Classics. https://www.thedisneyclassics.com/blog/firehouse-five-plus-two

    Tejada, A. (2020, July 14). Representation Without Transformation: Can Hollywood Stop Changing Cartoon Characters of Color? Reactor. https://reactormag.com/representation-without-transformation-can-hollywood-stop-changing-cartoon-characters-of-color/

    Terry, E.J. (2010). Rural as racialized plantation vs rural as modern reconnection: Blackness and agency in Disney’s Song of the South and The Princess and the Frog. Journal of African American Studies, 14(4), 469-481. doi: 10.1007/s12111-010-9132-3

    Turner, S.E. (2013). Blackness, bayous and gumbo: Encoding and decoding race in a colorblind world. In Cheu, J. (Ed.), Diversity in Disney films: Critical essays on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and disability (pp. 83-98). McFarland & Company.

    Update: Princess Anika and the Frog. (n.d.). E! News. https://www.eonline.com/news/59173/update-princess-anika-and-the-frog

    Whelan, B. (2012). Power to the princess: Disney and the creation of the 20th century princess narrative. Interdisciplinary Humanities, 29(1), 21–34.

    Wloszczyna, S. (n.d.). Enchanting return to 2-D: Disney animation conjures magical kingdom of yore. USA Today. https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20070503/d_cover03.art.htm

    24 November 2025, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 44 minutes
    Up

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel wallow through an elderly man’s grief journey with Pixar’s critically acclaimed Up (2009). They argue the beautiful art and cute sidekicks aren’t enough to redeem this (admittedly beloved) film, especially since the (admittedly moving) love story invokes the classic “dead wife” trope. We’ll keep sailing our balloon house onto the next one, please and thank you. 

    Episode Bibliography

    Adler, S. (2008, August 7). 'Up' And Coming: 3-D Pixar Movie Tells A 'Coming Of Old Age' Story, Director Says. MTV. https://web.archive.org/web/20100318060539/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1592302/story.jhtml

    The Associated Press. (2009, May 12). Q&A: Pete Docter. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/qampa-pete-docter-83783/

    Berardinelli, J. (2009, May 26). Up (United States, 2009). ReelViews. https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/up

    Block, A. B. (2009, November 17). Anatomy of a Contender: ‘Up’. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/anatomy-contender-91440/

    Brooks, X. (2009, March 19). Curtain will go Up on this year's Cannes with 3-D yarn | Cannes 2009. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/mar/19/up-first-animation-to-open-cannes-film-festival

    Chen, D. (2009, May 28). Marketing Up's Asian-American Lead Character. SlashFilm. https://www.slashfilm.com/503927/marketing-ups-asian-american-lead-character/

    Coconut Press. (2023, August 16). The Making of Up: Pixar Travels to Venezuela 4k. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXCHlcrMgLY

    Corliss, R. (2009, May 7). Going Up. TIME. https://web.archive.org/web/20090513203932/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1896685-1,00.html

    Corliss, R. (2009, May 28). Up, Up and Away: Another New High for Pixar. Time Magazine. https://time.com/archive/6688401/up-up-and-away-another-new-high-for-pixar/

    Docter, P. (Director). (2009). Up [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios.

    DVDFilmBonus. (2023, July 16). Up 2009 ( Pixar ) Making of & Behind the Scenes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPQuzPm73fo

    Erikson E.H., & Erikson, J.M. (1982). Life cycle completed. W.W. Norton & Company

    Freer, I. (2009, October 3). Up. Empire Online. https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/movie-2-review/

    Hartlaub, P. (2009, May 27). Oakland's Fentons Creamery in Pixar film 'Up'. SFGate. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Oakland-s-Fentons-Creamery-in-Pixar-film-Up-3297072.php

    Hauser, T. (2016). The Art of Up. Chronicle Books LLC.

    Hogan, R. (2009, June 1). Pixar’s Up review. Den of Geek. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/pixars-up-review-2/

    Horn, J. (2009, May 10). up, up and away. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-10-ca-up10-story.html

    Hornaday, A. (2009, May 29). Up. The Washington Post. https://web.archive.org/web/20091027073954/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/up,1156226.html

    Khoo, I. (2015, July 13). Pregnancy Loss: The Surprising Movie That Understands Miscarriage. HuffPost Canada. https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/pregnancy-loss-the-surprising-movie-that-understands-miscarriag_n_7786224

    King, S. (2009, May 28). Jordan Nagai, 'Up'. Los Angeles Times. https://web.archive.org/web/20121106123435/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/28/entertainment/et-jordanpete28

    The Korean Face of Pixar's Latest Star. (2009, June 3). The Chosun Daily. https://www.chosun.com/english/people-en/2009/06/03/NXQOOEMZNUTRQNAZ7NTDTTGBUU/

    Ksieh, K. (2009, May 29). Jordan Nagai as Russell in UP. Channel APA. https://web.archive.org/web/20121110102130/http://www.channelapa.com/2009/05/jordan-nagai-as-russell-in-up.html

    Media Action Network for Asian Americans. (2009, September 2). ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA WATCHDOG GROUP PRAISES DISNEY/PIXAR'S "UP" FOR CREATING ASIAN AMERICAN PROTAGONIST. MANAA. https://web.archive.org/web/20090902105114/http://www.manaa.org/up_press_release.html

    Meinel, D. (2014). Empire is out there!?: The spirit of imperialism in the Pixar animated film ‘Up’. Traces. NECSUS. https://necsus-ejms.org/empire-spirit-imperialism-pixar-animated-film/#_edn12

    Meinel, D. (2016). Pixar’s America. Palgrave MacMillan. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-31634-5_7

    Morgenstern, J. (2009, May 14). Reaching for the Sky, 'Up' Fails to Soar - WSJ. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124226358415817813

    Piane, C. (2010, April 9). EWP Honors Pixar Films And Jordan Nagai At 44th Anniversary Visionary Awards 4/19. Broadway World. https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/EWP-Honors-Pixar-Films-And-Jordan-Nagai-At-44th-Anniversary-Visionary-Awards-419-20100409

    Press Release. (2009, November 8). Interview: Pete Doctor on Disney/Pixar’s UP. Major Spoilers. https://web.archive.org/web/20100208140509/http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/27376.htm/

    Rechtshaffen, M. (2009, May 12). Up - Film Review. The Hollywood Reporter. https://web.archive.org/web/20120315171219/http://www1.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/up-film-review-1003972156.story

    Schilling, V. (2019, September 15). Boy Scouts ‘have been one of the worst culprits’ of cultural appropriation. ICT. https://ictnews.org/news/boy-scouts-have-been-one-of-the-worst-culprits-of-cultural-appropriation/

    Tell Me More Staff. (2013, September 9). Angry Asian Man Not So Angry : Code Switch. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/09/09/219725276/angry-asian-man-not-so-angry

    Up (2009 film). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_(2009_film)

    Wooden, S.R., & Gillam, K. (2014). Pixar’s boy stories: Masculinity in a postmodern age. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. 

    Young, S. (2020, January 16). Exploring the dead wives in family movies trope. Nerdist. https://nerdist.com/article/dead-wives-family-movies-dolittle/

    Zacharek, S. (2009, May 29). Up. Salon. https://www.salon.com/2009/05/29/up_review/

    4 September 2025, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Bolt

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel discuss Bolt (2008), a lesser known film about a dog who thinks he’s a super hero. Under new leadership, Disney Animation Studios starts to come out of their slump with this film that some people found boring (Erin) and others found heartwarming (Rachel). 

    Episode Bibliography

    Amidi, A. (2006, December 18). Chris Sanders No Longer Directing American Dog. Cartoon Brew. https://www.cartoonbrew.com/disney/chris-sanders-no-longer-directing-american-dog-2407.html

    Bolt. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1531348481/

    Bolt (2008 film). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_(2008_film)

    Catmull, E., & Wallace, A. (2014). Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration. Random House Publishing Group.

    Desowitz, B. (2008, December 4). The Digital Eye: How 'Bolt' Got Painterly. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/digital-eye-how-bolt-got-painterly

    Donofrio, E. C. (2013). The wonderful world of gender roles: A look at recent Disney children’s films [Honors thesis, Boston College]. https://core.ac.uk/reader/151481530

    DVD Deleted Scenes. (2024, October 7). Bolt (2008) | Behind the Scenes + Deleted Scenes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsEyzc4FVZE

    Evry, M. (2020, February 13). Exclusive: Kiskaloo Movie Could Be Next for Chris Sanders! ComingSoon.net. https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1122952-exclusive-kiskaloo-movie-could-be-next-for-chris-sanders

    Fleming, M. (2002, November 18). ‘Lilo’ scribes stitch Disney package. Variety. https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/lilo-scribes-stitch-disney-package-1117876239/

    Fritz, B. (2006, December 1). Disney lays off animators. Variety. https://variety.com/2006/digital/features/disney-lays-off-animators-1117954931/

    Fritz, B. (2007, March 27). Sanders joins DreamWorks. Variety. https://variety.com/2007/digital/markets-festivals/sanders-joins-dreamworks-1117961927/

    From the creator of LILO & STITCH our first look at AMERICAN DOG!!!! (2004, August 16). Ain't It Cool News. https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/18156

    Hedrick, D. (2010). King Lear or Bolt: The entertainment unconscious from CalArts to Disney. Shakespeare Studies, 38, 37-47. 

    Hill, J. (2007, February 12). Toon Tuesday : How Disney is fixing “American Dog”. Jim Hill Media. https://jimhillmedia.com/toon-tuesday-how-disney-is-fixing-american-dog/

    Howard, B., & Williams, C. (Directors). (2008). Bolt [Film]. Walt Disney Animation Studios.

    Hurt, L.S. (2014). Fuzzy toys and fuzzy feelings: How the “Disney” culture provides the necessary psychological link to improving animal welfare. Journal of Animal & Natural Resource Law, 10, 253-272.

    McCarthy, T. (2008, November 13). Bolt. Variety. https://variety.com/2008/digital/awards/bolt-3-1200472217/

    Ness, M. (2016, November 17). An Adorable Dog in an Unbelievable Premise: Disney's Bolt. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/an-adorable-dog-in-an-unbelievable-premise-disneys-bolt/

    Porter, P. (2009). Journeys toward an authentic self. Society and Animals, 17, 368-375. DOI: 10.1163106311109X12474622855345

    Rechtshaffen, M. (2008, November 13). Film Review: Bolt. The Hollywood Reporter. https://web.archive.org/web/20081216015641/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=prd6JhJJnvQL9cYrfRKSHVQjP6dRnLhLH4SZ1KQht3tfhVLxmjqn!-591095386&&rid=11956

    Robinson, T. (2008, November 20). Bolt. AV Club. https://www.avclub.com/bolt-1798205268

    Scott, A. O. (2008, November 20). Canine TV Action Star Discovers that Life is the Best Reality Show. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/movies/21bolt.html

    Seibert, P. (2008). Bolt: Review. TV Guide. https://web.archive.org/web/20120212213609/http://movies.tvguide.com/bolt/review/294809

    Springy. (2023, October 11). American Dog: everything I found in one neat thread. forums.lostmediawiki.com. https://forums.lostmediawiki.com/thread/12742/american-dog-neat-thread

    Turan, K. (2008, November 21). ‘Bolt’ spices up Disney with a dash of Pixar. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-nov-21-et-bolt21-story.html

    Wang, T. (2021). Bolt (2008): Journey to the authentic self. In S. M. Alegre (Ed.), Gender in 21st century animated children’s cinema (pp. 86-87). https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/llibres/2021/236285/gen21cen_a2021.pdf

    Wolff, E. (2009, February 5). Animated Oscar noms took long road. Variety. https://variety.com/2009/film/awards/animated-oscar-noms-took-long-road-1117999618/

    15 July 2025, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 57 minutes
    WALL-E

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel travel 700 years into the future to discuss WALL-E (2008), Pixar’s robot romance with an unintentionally anti-capitalist message. Fatphobia and misogyny make this dystopian tale unwatchable despite its endearing protagonist, striking animation, and moments of nostalgia. 

    Episode Bibliography

    The 81st Academy Awards | 2009. (2009, February 22). Oscars.org. https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2009

    Akers, D. (2008, June 9). Wall-E: A Movie With a Full Heart, or A Tribute to Justin. Spectrum. https://spectrummagazine.org/news/wall-e-movie-full-heart-or-tribute-justin/

    Allen, C. (2008, July 13). Wall-E doesn’t say anything. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/la-op-allen13-2008jul13-story.html

    Anderson, C.T. (2012). Post-apocalyptic nostalgia: WALL-E, garbage, and American ambivalence toward manufactured goods. Literature Interpretation Theory, 23(3), 267-282, DOI: 10.1080/10436928.2012.703598

    Ball, S. (2009, January 23). Mr. Oscar, Tear Down This Wall! Andrew Stanton on How Animated Films are Pigeonholed -- and How Wall-E is Every Man. Newsweek. https://web.archive.org/web/20090204034311/http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/popvox/archive/2009/01/23/breaking-out-of-the-box-wall-e-director-andrew-stanton-on-the-oscars-the-blurring-of-the-line-between-animation-and-film-and-writing-strong-female-character

    Bandyk, M. (2009, January 22). Academy Awards Controversy: Wall-E Gets Snubbed For Best Picture Oscar. USNews. https://web.archive.org/web/20110717180938/http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/risky-business/2009/01/22/academy-awards-controversy-wall-e-gets-snubbed-for-best-picture-oscar

    Barbagallo, R. (2009). Design With a Purpose, an interview with Ralph Eggleston. Animation Art Conservation. https://www.animationartconservation.com/design-with-a-purpose%2c-an-interview-with-ralph-eggleston.html

    Beck, B. (2009). Don't make me laugh: People are funny in WALL-E and Tropic Thunder.  Multicultural Perspectives, 11(2), 90-93. DOI: 10.1080/15210960903028768

    Bold, K. (2008, July 23). ‘WALL-E’ and the professor. Today@UCI. https://web.archive.org/web/20080726230400/http://today.uci.edu/Features/profile_detail.asp?key=369

    Bose, M. (2017). Immaterial thoughts: Brand value, environmental sustainability, and WALL-E. Criticism, 59(2), 247-277. DOI: 10.13110/criticism.59.2.0247

    Caraway, K., & Caraway, B.R. (2020). Representing ecological crises in children’s media: An analysis of The Lorax and Wall-E. Environmental Communication, 14(5), 686-697, DOI: 10.1080/17524032.2019.1710226

    Coconut Press. (2022, July 1). The Making of WALL-E: The Imperfect Lens (Disney Pixar video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8tlVs4r7zg

    Desowitz, B. (2009). Hello, WALL•E!: Pixar Reaches for the Stars. Animation World Magazine. https://web.archive.org/web/20090720073659/http://mag.awn.com/article_view.php?id=3682&page=all

    Disney Enterprises, Inc./Pixar. (2008, June 12). WALL-E Press Kit. Disney. https://web.archive.org/web/20110711103245/http://adisney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/wall-e/media/downloads/WALLEProductionNotes.pdf

    Ebert, R. (2008, June 26). Droid Story. Roger Ebert. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/wall-e-2008

    Film Review: WALL-E. (2008, October 1). BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7500000/newsid_7504500/7504559.stm

    Flaig, P. (2016). Slapstick after Fordism: WALL-E, automatism and Pixar’s fun factory. Animation: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 11(1), 59-74. DOI: 10.1177/1746847715625017

    Frick, A. (2008, July 1). Right-Wing Apoplectic Over Pixar’s WALL-E: ‘Malthusian Fear Mongering,’ ‘Fascistic Elements’. Think Progress. https://archive.thinkprogress.org/right-wing-apoplectic-over-pixars-wall-e-malthusian-fear-mongering-fascistic-elements-92e1523a8a6e/

    Gaffey, A.J. (2018). Flip the switch: Virtue, programming, and the prospect of automatic agency in Wall-E. Southern Communication Journal, 83(1), 41-56. DOI: 10.1080/1041794X.2017.1399434

    Glint, J.M.S., & Bhuvaneswari, G. (2025). Memory, Social Identity and Technology at Odds: The Implication on Physical Well‑Being in Wall‑E. Human Arenas. DOI: 10.1007/s42087-024-00471-w

    Hill, J. (2008, June 17). When it comes to the retail world, Speed Racer whomps WALL-E. Jim Hill Media. https://jimhillmedia.com/when-it-comes-to-the-retail-world-speed-racer-whomps-wall-e/

    Hobbes, M., & Gordon, A. [Hosts]. (2022, May 31). MP Watch Part: Wall-E and Spy [Audio podcast episode]. In Maintenance Phase. https://www.maintenancephase.com/

    Horn, S., & Moro, E. (2008, April 7). Wall•E Preview. IGN. https://web.archive.org/web/20080411234805/http://movies.ign.com/articles/865/865021p4.html

    Huxley, T. (2008, November 13). Q&A With WALL•E's Ben Burtt. Pixar Planet. https://pixarplanet.com/blog/qa-with-walles-ben-burtt/

    Justin Wright. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Wright

    Korfiatis, K., Photiou, M., & Petrou, S. (2020). Effects of ecoanimations on nine and twelve year old children’s environmental conceptions: How WALL-E changed young spectators’ views of earth and environmental protection. The Journal of Environmental Education, 51(5), 381-394. DOI: 10.1080/00958964.2020.1747965 

    Lloyd, A. (2023, December 1). Counteracting Bone and Muscle Loss in Microgravity. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/counteracting-bone-and-muscle-loss-in-microgravity/

    Mattie, S. (2014). WALL-E on the problem of technology. Perspectives on Political Science, 43(1), 12-20. DOI: 10.1080/10457097.2013.784576

    Murray, R.L., & Heumann, J.K. (2011). That’s all folks? Ecocritical readings of American animated features. University of Nebraska Press. 

    Ness, M. (2017, September 28). Robots in Love: WALL-E. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/robots-in-love-wall-e/

    Pixar. (2016a, October 16). Robo-Everything | WALL•E | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqquKFkH-iI&list=PLLhVNqe2jAb8X9ocSkynckJmcP5y0B4Vc&index=9

    Pixar. (2016b, October 19). Captain's Log | WALL•E | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRUoIOkp9AU&list=PLLhVNqe2jAb8X9ocSkynckJmcP5y0B4Vc&index=5

    Pixar. (2016c, October 19). Live Action | WALL•E | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQh4z-j0ScI&list=PLLhVNqe2jAb8X9ocSkynckJmcP5y0B4Vc&index=15

    Pixar. (2016d, October 19). Trash Planet | WALL•E | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmnSYmqpIEY&list=PLLhVNqe2jAb8X9ocSkynckJmcP5y0B4Vc&index=14

    Pixar. (2016e, October 19). WALL•E and EVE | WALL•E | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-AYOhIYZlQ&list=PLLhVNqe2jAb8X9ocSkynckJmcP5y0B4Vc&index=12

    Potokar, S. (2017, March 8). Wall-E Animation Foley and Sound Design. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IPxIvbc_cs

    Price, D. A. (2009). The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

    Recording Academy. (2025). 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards. GRAMMY.com. https://www.grammy.com/awards/51st-annual-grammy-awards

    Roberts, S. (2008). Andrew Stanton Interview, Wall-E. Movies Online. https://web.archive.org/web/20080626061223/http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_14899.html

    Robinson, T. (2008, June 26). Andrew Stanton. A.V. Club. https://web.archive.org/web/20080908045321/http://www.avclub.com/content/interview/andrew_stanton

    Stanton, A. (Director). (2008). WALL-E [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios.

    Suellentrop, C. (2008, June 30). Another Brick in the ‘WALL-E’. The New York Times. https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/another-brick-in-the-wall-e/

    Tranter, P., & Sharpe, S. (2012). Disney-Pixar to the rescue: Harnessing positive affect for enhancing children’s active mobility. Journal of Transport Geography, 20, 34-40. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2011.04.006

    van Oosterwijk, I., & McCarthy, W. (2023). Once upon a dystopian time: The portrayal and perception of environmentalism in Pixar’s Finding Nemo and WALL-E. Quarterly Review of Film and Video, 40(7), 848-873. DOI: 10.1080/10509208.2022.2049181 

    WALL-E. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WALL-E

    WALL-E. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3615065601/

    Willman, C. (2008, July 14). 'WALL-E': How he found 'Hello, Dolly!' Entertainment Weekly. https://ew.com/article/2008/07/14/wall-e-how-he-found-hello-dolly/

    Yates, M. (2015). Labor as “nature,” nature as labor. Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, 22(3), 525-543.

    25 May 2025, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 56 minutes
    Ratatouille

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel discuss Ratatouille (2007), a Pixar film about a French rat who wants to be a chef. Their discussion includes a fine stew of food politics, meritocracy, and sexism with a garnish of fatphobia. Bon appetit! 

    Episode Bibliography

    Baker, J. (2005, January 17). Dan Lee. James Baker. https://www.james-baker.com/news/dan-lee/

    Bird, B. [@BradBirdA113]. (2020, July 13). The “Guarantee” was my idea, not Pixar’s. It had zero to do with CARS or HAPPY FEET. It was a [Tweet]. Twitter. https://x.com/bradbirda113/status/1282845727446765568

    Bird, B. (Director). (2007). Ratatouille [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios.

    Booth, M. (2007, June 27). Oui! A rich foodie treat, with a great view. The Denver Post. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/06/27/oui-a-rich-foodie-treat-with-a-great-view/

    Brandes, S., & Anderson, T. (2011). Ratatouille: An animated account of cooking, taste, and human evolution. Ethnos, 76(3), 277-299. DOI: 10.1080/00141844.2011.569559

    Chang, J. (2007, June 18). Film Review: Ratatouille. Variety. https://variety.com/2007/film/reviews/ratatouille-2-1200558501/

    Daly, S. (2010). Summer Movie Q&A; Top Chef. EW.com. htps://web.archive.org/web/20100222021712/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20166944_20166964_20043277,00.html

    Dan Lee (animator). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Lee_(animator)

    Desowitz, B. (2007, April 25). Brad Bird Offers an Early Taste of 'Ratatouille'. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/brad-bird-offers-early-taste-ratatouille

    Desowitz, B. (2007, May 11). Ratatouille to Kick Off With 'Big Cheese Tour'. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/news/ratatouille-kick-big-cheese-tour

    Dockterman, E. (2020, December 30). How the Ratatouille Musical Went From TikTok Sensation to All-Star Broadway Production. Time. https://time.com/5925560/ratatouille-tiktok-musical/

    Eric ArtPassion. (2019, December 10). The Making of Ratatouille. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjYmGqYgVxA

    Estiloz, T. (2007, July 3). Ratatouille: Behind the Scenes at Pixar & Film's Stars Chat. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTvOilSDCgc

    Ferguson, P. (2014). Word of mouth: What we talk about when we talk about food. University of California Press.

    Finn, S.M. (2017). Discriminating taste: How class anxiety created the American food revolution. Rutgers University Press.

    Gagné, M. (n.d.). Taste Visualization for Pixar's Ratatouille. Gagne International. https://www.gagneint.com/Final%20site/Animation/Pixar/Ratatouille.htm

    Gleiberman, O. (2007, July 6). Ratatouille (2007). Entertainment Weekly. https://web.archive.org/web/20141108232303/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20044993,00.html

    Graser, M. (2007, June 15). Pixar hopes auds find ‘Ratatouille’ tasty. Variety. https://variety.com/2007/film/features/pixar-hopes-auds-find-ratatouille-tasty-1117967050/

    Hammond, W. (2007, October 8). Ratatouille 2007, directed by Brad Bird | Film review. Time Out. https://www.timeout.com/movies/ratatouille

    Harrap, C. (2022, April 13). Still in the Dark Ages: Are French Kitchens Sexist? France Today. https://francetoday.com/food-drink/still-in-the-dark-ages-are-french-kitchens-sexist/

    Harris, D.A., & Giuffre, P. (2015). Taking the heat: Women chefs and gender inequality in the professional kitchen. Rutgers University Press. 

    Hayhurst, D. (2007, August 9). Record breaking ‘Ratatouille’. Variety. https://variety.com/2007/film/box-office/record-breaking-ratatouille-1117969958/

    Herhuth, E. (2017). Pixar and the aesthetic imagination: Animation, storytelling, and digital culture. University of California Press.

    Hill, J. (2007, September 3). Toon Tuesday: Why “Ratatouille” ‘s good-but-not-great box office numbers are now causing problems for Disney’s marketing department. Jim Hill Media. https://jimhillmedia.com/toon-tuesday-why-ratatouille-s-good-but-not-great-box-office-numbers-are-now-causing-problems-for-disneys-marketing-department/

    Holzer, L. N. (2007, June 29). Pixar cooks up a story. The Reporter. https://web.archive.org/web/20070702164407/http://www.thereporter.com/billboard/ci_6260970

    Lindenfeld, L., & Parasecoli, F. (2016). Feasting our eyes: Food films and cultural identity in the United States. Columbia University Press.

    The Los Angeles Times. (2007, June 30). Disney faces a challenging stew in trying to sell ‘Ratatouille’. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/06/30/disney-faces-a-challenging-stew-in-trying-to-sell-ratatouille/

    Nominees & Winners of the 80th Academy Awards. (2013, October 12). The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. https://web.archive.org/web/20131012045551/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/oscarlegacy/2000-present/2008/winners.html

    Noyer, J. (2008, February 28). Jan Pinkava reveals “les ropes” of Ratatouille. Animated Views. https://animatedviews.com/2008/pinkava-on-pixar-projects/

    Parasecoli, F. (2008). Bite me: Food in popular culture. Bloomsbury Publishing.

    Phillips, M. (2007, July 15). Movie review: 'Ratatouille'. Metromix. https://web.archive.org/web/20070715125627/http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/movies/mmx-070629-movies-review-ratatouille%2C0%2C3953295.story

    Pixar. (2016a). Behind the Swinging Doors | Ratatouille | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjOKRDiUc8I

    Pixar. (2016b). Care & Feeding of Your CG Rat | Ratatouille | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tMroyERYMM

    Pixar. (2016c). Something New | Ratatouille | Disney•Pixar. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e13d9w_zItQ

    Pixar. (2025). Ratatouille. Pixar. https://www.pixar.com/ratatouille

    Price, D. A. (2009). The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

    Ratatouille. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl846038529/

    Ratatouille (film). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratatouille_(film)

    Rea, S. (2007, June 29). You'll smell a . . . terrific 'toon, starring a rat. Philly.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071441/http://articles.philly.com/2007-06-29/entertainment/24994660_1_remy-sous-chef-auguste-gusteau

    Rodriguez, R. (2007, June 29). A delightful stew offers a treat for all ages. Miami Herald. https://archive.ph/20070623044747/http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html#selection-897.85-909.108

    Scott, A.O. (2007, June 29). Voilà! A rat for all seasonings. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/movies/29rata.html

    Sublette, C.M., & Martin, J. (2013). Let them eat cake, caviar, organic, and whole foods: American elitism, white trash dinner parties, and diet. Studies in Popular Culture, 36(1), 221-43. 

    2 April 2025, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 22 minutes
    Meet the Robinsons

    Episode Summary

    Erin and Rachel travel to a frenetic future to discuss Meet the Robinsons (2007), a fever dream of a film that performed poorly at the box office despite intervention from John Lasseter, newly seated Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Sexist and fatphobic content are only minimally present, but that doesn’t mean Erin and Rachel enjoyed this chaotic whirlwind of characters and colors any more than the critics who panned it in 2007. 

    Episode Bibliography

    A Day with Wilbur Robinson. (2023, December 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Day_with_Wilbur_Robinson

    Anderson, S. (Director). (2007). Meet the Robinsons [Film]. Walt Disney Animation Studios. 

    Davis, A. M. (2014). Handsome heroes and vile villains : Men in Disney's feature animation. John Libbey & Company, Limited.

    Desowitz, B. (2007, March 30). 'Meet The Robinsons': Keep Moving Forward at Disney. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/meet-robinsons-keep-moving-forward-disney

    The Disney Archives. (2024, December 14). Meet The Robinsons - Deleted Scenes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqiYsgkA_rw&list=PLhOndNwQYfNCj2GJsaHTEBLjYj1la10h-&index=5

    The Disney Archives. (2024, December 14). Meet the Robinsons - Inventing the Robinsons. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Se1oa9AUw

    Jamieson, D. (2020, May 23). THE HOUSE OF MOUSE PROJECT - 'Meet the Robinsons'. The Jam Report. https://thejamreport.com/2020/05/23/the-house-of-mouse-project-meet-the-robinsons/

    Joyce, W. (n.d.). Meet The Robinsons - Concept art. William Joyce. https://www.williamjoyce.com/mtrart.html

    Joyce, W. (1993). A Day with Wilbur Robinson. HarperCollins.

    McCarthy, T. (2007, March 29). Meet the Robinsons. Variety. https://variety.com/2007/film/reviews/meet-the-robinsons-2-1200509306/

    Media Mementos. (2023, July 22). The Complete History of Meet the Robinsons. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xBuXocNHM4

    Meet the Robinsons. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meet_the_Robinsons

    Meet the Robinsons (2007). (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0396555/?ref_=bo_se_r_1

    Moore, R. (2007, March 30). Movie review: 'Meet the Robinsons'. Record Online. https://www.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2007/03/30/movie-review-meet-robinsons/52934218007/

    Nash Information Services, LLC. (2025). Meet the Robinsons (2007). The Numbers. https://the-numbers.com/movie/Meet-the-Robinsons#tab=summary

    Ness, M. (2016, May 19). When Even Dinosaur Fights Aren’t Enough: Disney’s Meet the Robinsons. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/when-even-dinosaur-fights-arent-enough-disneys-meet-the-robinsons/

    Schwarzbaum, L. (2007, March 28). Meet the Robinsons. EW.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20070406232713/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20016245,00.html

    Scott, A.O. (2007, March 30). FILM REVIEW; A Nerdy Orphan Plows Ahead With a Lot of Familiar Novelties. New York Times. https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9B00E1D91030F933A05750C0A9619C8B63.html

    Setyowati, R. (2012). Spreading the spirit of the American dream through Walt Disney’s film “Meet The Robinsons”. Register Journal, 5(2), 241-257. 

    Zwecker, B. (2007, March 29). 'Robinsons' a feel-good fantasy. Ocala StarBanner. https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2007/03/29/robinsons-a-feel-good-fantasy/31193623007/

    4 March 2025, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 44 minutes
    Cars

    Episode Summary

    In this episode about Cars (2006), Erin and Rachel take a road trip to Radiator Springs, discussing Pixar history, environmentalism, and masculinity and masculinity along the way. Ka-chow! 

    Episode Bibliography

    The Amazing Double Life of Jorgen Klubien. (2013, October 15). FLIP. https://flipanimation.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-amazing-double-life-of-jorgen.html

    Arnold, W. (2006, June 8). Cars is a joyous ride. Seattle PI. https://www.seattlepi.com/entertainment/movies/article/cars-is-a-joyous-ride-1205659.php

    Cars. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 17, 2025, from https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1195935233/

    Cars (2006) - Awards. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/awards/

    Cars (2006) - Full Cast & Crew. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/fullcredits

    Cars (film). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_(film)

    Cars — Pixar Animation Studios. (2025). Pixar Animation Studios. https://www.pixar.com/cars

    Cars Production Information. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20070308104817/http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/cars/us/bios/CARSProdNotes.pdf

    Culbreth, S., & Huber, R. J. (2015). Cars and social interest. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 71(3), 327-336.

    Ebert, R. (2006, June 8). NASCAR + Pixar = Pixcars movie review (2006). Roger Ebert. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cars-2006

    Gillam, K., & Wooden, S. R. (2008). Post-princess models of gender: The new man in Disney/Pixar. Journal of Popular Film and Television, 36(1), 2-8. doi: 10.3200/JPFT.36.1.2-8

    Hill, J. (2011, July 6). The Roads Not Taken With Pixar's Cars Films. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/disney-cars-films_b_890538

    Hott, L. R., & Lewis, T. (Directors). (1997). Divided Highways: The Interstates and the Transformation of American Life [Film]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLr-8QPbiAY

    Joe Ranft. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved January 18, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Ranft

    Jørgen Klubien. (n.d.). Pixar Cars Wiki. https://pixarcars.fandom.com/wiki/J%C3%B8rgen_Klubien

    Kinzler, K. D., & DeJesus, J. M. (2013). Northern = smart and Souther = nice: The development of accent attitudes in the United States. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 66(6), 1146-1158. DOI: 10.1080/17470218.2012.731695

    Klubien, J. (2024). Story Development. Jorgen Klubien. https://jorgenklubien.com/portfolio/story%20development

    Lasseter, J. (Director). (2006). Cars [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios.

    Lowry, B. (2006, June 4). Film Review: Cars. Variety. https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/cars-3-1200515758/

    Malouf, M. (2017). Behind the closet door: Pixar and petro-literacy. In S. Wilson, A. Carlson, & I. Szeman (Eds.), Petrocultures: Oil, politics, culture (pp. 138-161). 

    Ness, M. (2017, July 27). Driving Without Wonder: Pixar’s Cars. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/driving-without-wonder-pixars-cars/

    Price, D. A. (2009). The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

    Rahayu, N. (2019). The portrayal of gender and race in the Cars trilogy. Atavisme, 22,(1), 75-87. doi: 10.24257/atavisme.v22i1.532.75-87

    Reaves, J. (2006). Movie Review: 'Cars'. Metromix. https://web.archive.org/web/20060613101342/http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/movies/mmx-060609-movies-review-cars%2C0%2C997014.story

    Tenzek, K. E., & Nickels, B. M. (2019). End-of-life in Disney and Pixar films: An opportunity for

    engaging in difficult conversation. OMEGA-Journal of Death and Dying, 80(1), 49-68. doi: 10.1177/0030222817726258

    Travers, P. (2006, June 1). Cars. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/cars-119316/

    Wilonsky, R. (2006, May 30). Running on Fumes. The Village Voice. https://web.archive.org/web/20140107215214/http://www.villagevoice.com/2006-05-30/film/running-on-fumes/

    WonderLand. (2020, November 8). Pixar Cars 2006 Behind The Scenes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF40QwDZtXo

    4 February 2025, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 17 minutes
    Chicken Little

    Episode Summary

    Chicken Little (2005), the modern retelling of the classic folk tale, will make you wish the sky was falling so the movie would end. Erin and Rachel discuss the gender dynamics and fatphobia in this story about a father and son (and also baseball and aliens). 

    Episode Bibliography

    Åström, B. (2015). The symbolic annihilation of mothers in popular culture: Single Father and the death of the mother. Feminist Media Studies, 15(4), 593-607. DOIi: https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2014.994100

    Åström, B.  (2017). The absent mother in the cultural imagination: Missing, presumed dead. Springer. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49037-3_15

    Ball, R. (2005, June 28). Chicken Little to Christen Disney Digital 3D. Animation Magazine. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2005/06/chicken-little-to-christen-disney-digital-3d/

    Berardinelli, J. (2005). Chicken Little. ReelViews. https://preview.reelviews.net/movies/c/chicken_little.html

    Burr, T. (2005, November 4). Chicken Little Movie Review. Boston Globe. https://web.archive.org/web/20060427230618/http://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=6925

    Carroll, L. (2005, November 2). Zach Braff Calls ‘Chicken Little’ ‘Garden State’ On A Farm. MTV. https://web.archive.org/web/20160302153142/http://www.mtv.com/news/1512812/zach-braff-calls-chicken-little-garden-state-on-a-farm/

    Chicken Little. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1615562241/

    Chicken Little (2005 film). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Little_(2005_film)

    Desowitz, B. (2005, November 4). 'Chicken Little' & Beyond: Disney Rediscovers its Legacy Through 3D Animation. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/chicken-little-beyond-disney-rediscovers-its-legacy-through-3d-animation

    Dindal, M. (Director). (2005). Chicken Little [Film]. Walt Disney Animation Studios, 

    Henny Penny. (2024, August 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henny_Penny

    Joe Grant. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Grant

    McEachern, M. (2005, November). The Sky's the Limit. Computer Graphics World. https://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2005/Volume-28-Issue-11-November-2005-/The-Skys-the-Limit.aspx

    Mousefiles. (2007, August 10). Chicken Little [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/p_GaYdae4j0

    Ness, M. (2016, May 12). An Inauspicious Start to Computer Animation: Disney's Chicken Little. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/an-inauspicious-start-to-computer-animation-chicken-little/

    Randall, L. (2005, November 2). `Chicken Little' a big deal 3D animated film is a milestone for Garry Marshall & Disney. Pilly.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304145945/http://articles.philly.com/2005-11-02/entertainment/25430998_1_traditional-hand-drawn-animated-films-first-disney-film-latest-animated-feature

    Richards, O. (2006, January 27). Chicken Little Review. Empire Magazine. https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/chicken-little-review/

    Scott, A.O. (2005, November 4). A Chick Flick With Aliens Falling From the Sky. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/04/movies/a-chick-flick-with-aliens-falling-from-the-sky.html

    Taylor, D. (2020, November 9). Chicken Little: Inside the History of Disney's First CGI Movie. Collider. https://collider.com/disney-chicken-little-history-explained/

    WonderLand. (2020, November 8). Chicken Little 2005 Behind The Scenes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvkGUZTr47Y

    Young, R. (Host). (2023-present). Weight for it [Audio podcast]. Radiotopia. https://www.radiotopia.fm/podcasts/weight-for-it

    15 October 2024, 4:00 am
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