Tournament time is here. Today I'm going to go through the first four categories which are half of round 1. I've got 16 songs to advance to round 2 so let's get to it.
"Opening Song" Bracket
"Down In New Orleans" musically sets the scene for "The Princess and The Frog" It’s the back ground for an update on who Tiana is now that she’s become a young woman with a dream. It's well done.
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"Love Is A Song" conveys the romantic nature of the woods in which "Bambi" is set with a reverent tempo. It also expounds on the common commitment inherent in all aspects of love explored throughout the movie.
I want to tell you when I watched each of these song clips on video again I changed my initial decision. Even though I think "Bambi" is a better movie, based on the guidelines I've set for this bracket,
The Winner is: "Down In New Orleans"
"You've Got A Friend In Me" The "Toy Story" franchise is by far Pixar's most successful. The song can be applied to the relationships between Andy and his toys, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and within the toys as a group. As an opening song it foreshadows the spirit of loyalty that will be the theme of not only "Toy Story" but its 2 sequels as well.
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"Arabian Nights" from Aladdin transports the audience to the land of "Agraba" and lets them know that it's a strange, mysterious, and even dangerous place. When the merchant is finished singing you're filled with excitement and wonder about the possibilities of what might happen.
This was a tough choice but...The Winner Is: Arabian Nights
"Circle Of Life" Every time I see this opening number from "The Lion King" I think about Noah's ark. The song narrates the presentation of Simba, the next king of Pride Rock. The staging of the song in the stage show is even more majestic than in the movie. Having seen the stage production gives me an additional perspective on the song. It's a Disney musical classic in my favorite Disney film.
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"Best Of Friends" from "The Fox and The Hound". While this song serves as the introduction to a charming movie there’s nothing unique here. It does a good job setting the theme for the picture. The extra added bonus is that it’s Pearl Bailey singing it.
There's no contest here...The Winner is: Circle Of Life
"When Will My Life Begin" from Tangled. Throughout 18 years in stuck in a tower what does a girl do? Well this opening song by Rapunzel tells us. She talks about her daily routine and all the activities she does to keep herself occupied. "Ventriloquism" is one of them. The song then turns to her dream of leaving the tower to see "the lights". That moves us into the story very effectively.
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"Winnie The Pooh". This song is from the very first full length feature based on A.A Milne’s classic stories. Pooh and his friends are iconic in the stable of Disney characters. This song introduces us to the "residents, places, and things" in the world of the 100 acre wood.
My choice in this match up may be rather controversial. But I'm obsessed with one of these songs and its movie. Ever since I downloaded it from I-Tunes, I listen to this and 3 other songs from the soundtrack at least once a day. I can't wait until tomorrow to get the movie's Blueray/DVD combo pack. So I'm eliminating one of the most popular characters in Disney history.
The Winner is..."When Will My Life Begin"
Production Song Bracket
"A Spoonful of Sugar" reveals to the Banks children that this nanny is different from any other they've ever had. She's magical. What happens during this song is a game changer and allows us to enter the world of Mary Poppins where anything is possible.
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“Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” is a song that changes Cinderella’s worst day into an unforgettable night right before her eyes. Fairy Godmother pauses just a moment to remember “the magic words”. Then she waves her wand and transforms a pumpkin, the mice and the horse into a magnificent means of transport to the Prince’s ball. Then she transforms Cindy into a beautiful princess. A word of warning about midnight and Cinderella is off to meet the prince. It’s all possible with the utterance of 3 conjured words.
While the fairy Godmother’s use of her magic words literally creates a vehicle that helps Cinderella change her life; Mary Poppins’ lesson to the children about how to make work seem like play with a bit of magic is by far the better production song.
The Winner is…”Spoonful of Sugar”
“A Friend Like Me” is a production song that’s vintage Robin Williams. From the moment the genie character emerges from the lamp, Williams does what he does best make funny, “over the top” comments and reactions to all situations. His big number is a Broadway style explanation of how Aladdin’s relationship with him is going to change his life. The song tells not only Aladdin and Abu but everyone listening to hang on they’re going for a ride.
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"Be Our Guest" does not meet the criteria as far as this category's guidelines are concerned. It doesn’t advance the plot. But it is the quintessential Disney production number. It is a musical effort on behalf of the enchanted castle residents to convince, Belle, their only hope to save themselves, to stay. It's the marquee song of both the movie and stage versions of "Beauty & The Beast." A celebration set to music.
I was a bit upset when I drew this match up while filling out this bracket. I really like both of these songs and I’m forced to eliminate one of them. But in its execution and its value in the context of the whole movie, I have to choose. Lemiere and company.
The Winner is..."Be Our Guest"
“Kiss The Girl” is not your typical production number is has a slow relaxing tempo. But it helps create ideal setting for Prince Eric to share his affections with Ariel. That would help her get her voice back from Ursula. Sebastian does his best to facilitate the event. He comes close but Eric doesn’t quite seal the deal. The story goes on from there.
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“I’ve Got A Dream” reveals that a tavern full of ruffians and thugs are really a bunch of sensitive guys with aspirations of their own. Inside they’re kindred spirits sympathetic to Rapunzel. That proves to be a true asset later in the movie.
This matchup is also a difficult one for me to decide. “I’ve Got A Dream” is one of the Tangled songs I really like a lot. But “Kiss The Girl” is an academy award nominated song from one of Disney animation’s renaissance films of the mid 90’s. They both qualify as excellent production numbers. But if I must make a choice…
The Winner is…Kiss The Girl
“Hakuna Matada” explains the attitude and philosophy of one of the most popular Disney duos of all time. Timon and Pumba musically share their views on life to the lost and confused young Simba. It also reveals Pumba’s backstory and the duo’s daily menu.
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“I Wanna Be Like You” King Louis is the “boss” of a gang of monkeys but he’s still playing “2nd banana” in the jungle. Shere Kahn, the tiger, wields the power in this world. The key to gaining the advantage over this supreme jungle cat is getting the secret of “man’s red fire” from Mowgli. In this song he offers the young boy the ultimate “prid pro quo” deal. It muddies the waters of Mowgli’s effort to stay in the jungle.
Both of these songs do their job of advancing the plot in a fun and entertaining way. What it comes down to in making my choice are my personal preferences. I like Timon. He is one of my all-time favorite Disney characters. King Louis is among my least. So on that basis…
The Winner is…Hakuna Matada
Hero Songs Bracket
“Someday My Prince Will Come” reveals the dream and wish of Snow White; the heroine in the very first full length animated feature. The young innocent maiden shares with the seven dwarfs her longing for the return of the charming prince she briefly encountered before she was forced to flee for her life.
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“One Jump” is the audience’s introduction to the character of Aladdin. It takes the audience through a chase that’s typical of his life on the street and what he has to do just to survive. Later in the song’s reprise we learn of his hopes and dreams and that he considers himself a “diamond in the ruff”. All this is presented as one character defining hero song.
These two songs present a portrait of the hopes and dreams of two of Disney heroes. Snow White was the first but she was very passive; waiting to be rescued by her prince. Aladdin had the deck stacked against him yet never stopped believing in his own potential. Both were dreamers. Walt Disney was a dreamer. One of his most famous quotes was: “If you can dream it you can to it”. That quote infers action. Aladdin believed in taking action. Walt encouraged it.
The Winner is…One Jump Ahead
“Go The Distance” I must admit I had to watch the video clip refresh myself of its context. I don’t remember much about the Disney version of “Hercules.” The song is about a young man who feels like and outsider setting out seeking where he really belongs. He vows to go through whatever it takes to get there.
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“Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is a dual purpose song. It could very well be considered a production song because it advances the story by allowing the lion cubs to escape from their guardian bird, Zazoo. But overall it explains to the audience who Simba is and what he’s counting on for his future. He imagines that his realm will be at his beckon call. He is yet to learn or understand the responsibilities of being ruler.
Once again this is an easy choice for me. The strength of these hero songs are directly corresponds with the strength of the movies in which they are featured.
The Winner is…Just Can’t Wait To Be King
“Belle” could also have been placed into either of 2 categories. It’s an opening song but is at its best when considered a hero song. It introduces and defines the crazy inventor’s young daughter, who the town’s people describe as “strange” and “peculiar.” She’s a veracious reader who understands the limitations of the providence in which she lives. Belle dreams of one day leaving her village and having an adventure like those of which she reads. She’s a dreamer. She possesses the heart of a heroine even before she is forced to display her inner courage and stand up to the beast. “Belle” the song tells us all of this in addition to introducing us to the villain of the story, Gaston.
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“I Got No Strings” is actually an anti-hero song. Pinocchio sings it as part of his performance in Stromboli’s puppet show. He flaunts the fact that he is not limited by cords or the will of a puppeteer; like others of his kind. He’s very proud that he has total freedom. Ironically it is this freedom combined with his rebellious nature that consistently gets him into trouble. The song really defines the puppet’s uniqueness but also points to his greatest flaw.
These two main characters are very different. Every time I watch Pinocchio I root for” the real boy wannabe” to be a hero and make the right choices. “Listen to the cricket” shout at the screen. But he never does and has to be rescued over and over again. He’s got the potential to be a hero by proving himself “brave, true and unselfish” but never does so convincingly. I believe the Blue Fairy turns him into a real boy out of sympathy for a heartbroken Geppetto. As a hero song “I’ve Got No Strings” doesn’t make it.
“Belle” on the other hand is a true hero song in that its subject becomes a hero in every sense of the word. She overcomes her fears and displays the courage and love it takes to transform the beast and remove the curse.
The Winner is…”Belle”
“Part Of Your World” is the defining moment for the main character in the movie that started the 2nd golden age of Disney animation. Although she starts off bragging about her collection of “stuff”, Ariel quickly exposes her soul to the audience. She passionately expresses her longing to live in the world beyond the sea. Her dream to be a part of a world that is so far out of her reach is something everyone can identify with.
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“Bare Necessities” is a lot like “Hakuna Matada” in that it conveys a character’s personal outlook on life in the jungle. Because of that, it may be a bit out of place as a hero song. But Balloo does become the hero of “The Jungle Book” by taking on Shere Kahn, the tiger. The song explains the blue bear’s philosophy about enjoying a stress free life and having faith that all you need will come your way.
Balloo is one of my favorite Disney characters and “Bare Necessities” is one of the first Disney songs I memorized. But “Part of Your World” is a marquee song, not just in the “Little Mermaid” but in Disney history. It’s the best of these two hero songs.
The Winner is…”Part of Your World”
Villain Songs Bracket
“Friends On The Other Side” is the song by Dr. Facilier of “The Princess and The Frog.” It is a look into the villain’s practice of the occult rituals including voodoo and tarot cards. “Other Wordly” shadows surround him during as he offers and seals the deal with Prince Naveen. The song is scary and, in my opinion a bit too intense, for its young target audience. Nevertheless it truly defines the character of the diabolical Dr. Facilier.
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“Trust In Me” is a soothing and seductive song that is performed by the villainous/comedic character Kaa the snake in “The Jungle Book.” It is pure irony given what is occurring on screen during its performance. Kaa sings the song while preparing the hypnotized man cub, Mowgli, for consumption. Kaa has the heart of an evil villain, and wants to be feared by all in the jungle. But fate has a way of keeping him from that status and subject to the dominance of Shere Kahn. “Trust In Me” is sung by a villain who is confidently proceeding in an activity that truly demonstrates his evil nature. For most of the song we’re convinced Mowgli is a gonner.
“Friends On The Other side” is a bit over the top and tries a little too hard to convince the audience that Dr. Facilier should be taken seriously. Because it’s not so in-your-face “Trust In Me” is my pick in this match up.
The Winner is…”Trust In Me”
“Out There” is from the Hunchback of Notre Dame, one of the movies on the “B” list of Disney animated films. Judge Frollo is not a character who comes to mind when you mention Disney villains. However this song, “Out There”, conveys Frollo’s passive aggressive control of Quasimoto. It’s really very similar to another song in this category but not as effective. Still it works for its character.
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“Be Prepared” is a musical monologue from Scar, the brother of Mufasa. In one of the best villain songs ever, his devious plans for the murder of the king and his heir are revealed. As is his plot to take over rule of the pride. They are explained to his accomplices, the hyenas. Again, this song could be included in the “production” bracket but it really reveals the darkness of Scar’s soul and his ambitions to betray members of his own family.
Anyone who knows me and has heard me talk about Disney music can probably guess what my choice in this matchup. I absolutely love Jeremy Iron’s performance in the Lion King and specifically in “Be Prepared”. That’s my choice.
The Winner…”Be Prepared”
“Mother Knows Best” is another song that demonstrates a villain’s passive aggressive control of a Disney hero. Mother Gothel is a vile selfish woman who needs to keep her personal fountain of youth secluded and away from the rest of the world. Under the guise that it’s what’s best for her daughter Gothel exaggerates the dangers of the outside world to a curious yet naïve Rapunzel.
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“Cruella Deville” is presented in “101 Dalmations” as the composition of Roger, a struggling song writer, in effort to write a hit. The subject of the song is one of Disney’s most infamous evil characters. Cruella does not sing the song but it accurately describes the dog knapper and her evil nature.
Cruella Deville was ranked as the 39th on the American Film Institute’s list of top 100 movie villians. The character is truly one of the most diabolical in Disney animation. The song, however, while “catchy” is not a really powerful villain songs. “Mother Knows Best” is an effective portrayal of the veiled controlling nature of a desperate evil woman. After the song is finished the viewer knows just how evil she really is. In addition to that it’s part of my current favorite Disney soundtrack.
The Winner is…”Mother Knows Best”
“Gaston” is a song about a self-absorbed egotist who later on turns into a real villain. He’s a true example of might over right. He’s the brute force of the village. He excels in all that he does and is a real ladies man as well. He’s in love but only with himself. This song fully explains how Gaston sees the world as something that revolves around him.
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“Poor Unfortunate Souls” tells the story of Ursula’s history of taking unfair advantage of naive creatures from under the sea prior to her deal with Ariel. It explains that she’s only looking to get what she wants. She doesn’t care how she gets it. She refers to her previous victims as “unfortunate” but in her heart she’s laughingly calling them “fools.”
Ursula is truly evil given the fact that she is willing to take advantage of Ariel’s innocent desire and has done the same to countless others. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” explains that very well. “Gaston” introduces us to the town bully and that’s a stereotype nearly everyone can identify with. Gaston is easy to dislike from the start. In addition, how can you not like a song that uses the word “expectorating” effectively?
The Winner is…”Gaston”
So there you have the winners in the first 4 categories of the first round. You may or may not agree with my evaluations or choices. Let the debate begin. Just remember, I make the calls.
Tomorrow I’ll go through the 2nd half of Round 1: Academy Award Winners, Theme Songs, Love Songs, and Miscellaneous brackets. There are some interesting matchup there as well.
