Do we ever really outgrow our love for Disney movies? From where I'm at right now, I can safely say that the answer is no. I'm that one person who can rewatch a movie over and over again and never get tired of it. That's the magic of Disney Pixar. No matter how old you are, no matter how many times you watch the same movie, you can always take something new away. Sometimes it is the underlying meaning of these movies that are the most powerful. Have you ever wondered why in every Pixar movie almost none of the protagonists are human? Through using imaginary or "nonliving" characters, human conflict is put aside and instead reflected through a unique and unorthodox fictional story. Pixar prides itself on its ability to create a middle-of-nowhere or unexpected setting to further focus in on the movie's purpose. Nevertheless, with 14 of the 17 Disney Pixar and original Pixar films ranked among the top 50 animated films ever created, the success of this animation company in the film industry is apparent.
Toy Story (1995) brings childhood to life. And while creating a vivid representation of life as a toy, this film also conveys messages on friendship, accepting change as a part of life, and wait for it, the corporate world? Woody’s behavior, when Buzz Lightyear arrives, is oddly similar to how one would react when a new coworker threatens their position in an occupation. Andy, being the boss, chooses who to play with, which is connected to who is more successful at their job of being a child’s toy.
A Bug's Life (1998) introduces viewers into the minuscule world that we often overlook. Flik is on his own for most of the movie, cast aside as a “freak” or seen as weird in response to all of his inventions. Ants function in the same manner that they always have. Flik is the ant representation of social change or the beginning of a movement, which can be related back to Colonial American times. Flik being banished after sacrificing the ant colony’s crops (exports), oppression from the grasshoppers (hierarchy), and the act of rebellion gaining momentum and changing an entire society all show how one courageous outcast can change society.
Toy Story 2 (1999) conveys the message that “no good thing lasts forever." Having an owner like Andy or Emily can mean the world to a toy, quite like a friendship or relationship in real life. Sometimes we outgrow our middle school friends or break up with a significant other, but it only opens up another door later on. If you “cherish the moment” and learn to accept change as a way of life, you might just find a new opportunity (or owner).
Monster's Inc. (2001) and Ratatouille (2007) both coincide with the idea that we should "never judge a book by its cover." Even the most unlikely hero, a rat or a monster, can prove to escape their stereotypes. No one expected a monster to learn to love a child or a rat to become the best chef in Paris, yet they happened. Defying the odds is more than possible.
Wall-E (2008) introduces its audience to a robot that was built for nothing more than compacting garbage after the world's unfortunate end. Yet Wall-E finds a way to save Earth. Dealing with an issue that is growing in its relevance every day, unsustainable living and its impacts associated with pollution and climate change are real and growing in severity. As a human race, we are to expect a similar fate to that expressed through this movie if we do not change our habits and global mindset.
Next time you're watching a Disney Pixar movie, try to see beyond just the plot. Dig deeper into the underlying meaning and you'll see just how well-made these movies actually are. I have no doubt in my mind the Pixar will continue to grip my emotions (literally, thanks to Inside Out) with every new release to hit theaters.
