Shrek 2001/ Shrek 2 2004
Dreamworks Studios first foray into computer animation was a hilarious parody of all that was the empire Disney. When Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) cooks up the eggs of the bluebird of happiness, who she killed with her singing voice, I cracked up. Other disney stabs include Ogre (Mike Meyers) telling Donkey (Eddie Murphy) NOT to break out singing, and of course the oversized castle of Prince Faracheck (John Lithgow) Both Shrek films are laugh out loud funny and both are in my permanent collection. (both rated PG)
The Three Musketeers (1993)
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland
Director: Stephen Herek
Rating: PG
A Disney-ized retelling of Dumas' classic swashbuckling story of three swordsmen plus one of the disbanded French king's guard who seek to save their King from the scheming of the Cardinal Richelieu. Jokes and stunts are the expected fare in this light-hearted and jaunty adventure.
Aladdin (Disney Special Platinum Edition) (2004)
Starring: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Rating: G
Aladdin is a street-urchin who lives in a large and busy town long ago with his faithful monkey friend Abu. When Princess Jasmine gets tired of being forced to remain in the palace that overlooks the city, she sneaks out to the marketplace, where she accidentally meets Aladdin. Under the orders of the evil Jafar (the sultan's advisor), Aladdin is thrown in jail and becomes caught up in Jafar's plot to rule the land with the aid of a mysterious lamp. Legend has it that only a person who is a "diamond in the rough" can retrieve the lamp from the Cave of Wonders. Aladdin might fight that description, but that's not enough to marry the princess, who must (by law) marry a prince.
Marco Polo - Return to Xanadu (2001)
Starring: Paul Ainsley, Alan Altshuld
Director: Ron Merk
Rating: G
Young Marco, whose ancestor was the famous explorer Marco Polo, takes an exciting journey to the mythical kingdom of Xanadu. Brave and resourceful, Young Marco overcomes many dangers put in his way by the evil magician, Foo-Ling, who does not want Marco to reach Xanadu. The help of his friends and the great powers of the medallion enable Marco to chase after Foo-Ling through space and time, and one day, bring him back to justice.
The Goonies (1985)
Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin
Director: Richard Donner
Rating: PG
A group of west coast kids facing their last days together before a development paves over their homes stumble onto evidence of pirate's treasure, which attracts the attention of a family of criminals.
Pete's Dragon (Disney Gold Classic Collection) (1977)
Starring: Helen Reddy, Jim Dale
Director: Don Chaffey
Rating: G
In New England in the early 20th century, Pete is a nine-year-old orphan escaping from his brutal adoptive parents, the Gogans, with his only friend, a cartoon dragon named Elliott. Pete and Elliott successfully escape to Passamaquoddy, Maine, and live with Nora, a lighthouse keeper, and her father, Lampie. Elliott is sought for medicinal purposes by the corrupt Doctor Terminus.
Ben Hur (2003)
Starring: Charlton Heston, Duncan Fraser
Director: Bill Kowalchuk
Unrated
During the first century A.D., Judah Ben-Hur is a young Hebrew prince thrown into slavery by the Romans after a tragic accident, who wins his way back to his home and a family on a heroic adventure of discovery. Judah's love for a beautiful slave girl is threatened by the bitter conflict dividing two former freinds, and his triumph is set against the backdrop of the historic struggle between a captive people and a mighty empire. From an exciting sea battle and a thundering chariot race to the dramatic events surrounding the life and death of Christ, this is an epic tale of love, redemption, foregiveness and faith to captivate viewers of all ages.