After gazing upon Samantha's regal loveliness, it came to me . . . I should review a movie just for her! So today I have chosen to review a true royal classic, "Sleeping Beauty."
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Directed By: Clyde Geronimi
Written By: Charles Perrault (original story)
Erdman Penner (screenplay)
I am sure most of us have seen this classic Disney film. I have heard that when my mommy was just a kitten herself she would watch this over and over and over, until she could quote the movie from beginning to end! Even today my mommy wears flannel pajamas with the evil fairy Maleficent printed on them.
I have to say, kitties, that in my opinion this is the best of the original princess movies that Disney made. The look is unique; no other Disney film has quite the same look or style. Effort was obviously made to pay homage to medieval french art and tapestries, making the film into a moving piece of art. "Sleeping Beauty" also has what is probably the most frightening and powerful villain in the form of Maleficent, the evil fairy. Not only is the film straight-forward about Maleficent's intention to actually kill Princess Aurora, it also has Maleficent telling Prince Phillip as she battles him that when he fights her, he is dealing with "all the forces of Hell."
I ask you, kitties, do you think that any Disney animated feature of today would dare include such things?
Of course, not all of "Sleeping Beauty" is dark and full of peril. There are some wonderfully funny moments, mostly involving the good fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather. The battle between Flora and Merriweather over the color of the birthday dress for 'Briar Rose' springs to mind as an excellent example. There is also romance, as Prince Phillip comes upon Briar Rose in the forest and falls in love with her, not knowing that they are already betrothed and have been since she was a mere baby.
And, of course, there is the famous "true love's kiss."
"Sleeping Beauty" gets two paws up and a tail floof for combining artistry, humor, and a dark sense of danger into a movie that is beloved by kittens yet manages to be entertaining for cats.
Samantha, would you like to teleport over and watch it with me? We can have popcorn and temptations and snuggle on my favorite fuzzy blankie.
