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 ...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 60
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...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 1Ep. 59
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] ....
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Season 1Ep. 58
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 ...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 57
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...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 56
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...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Episode Summary Family superhero saga, The Incredibles (2004), was another smash hit for Pixar. Although fun to watch, the focus on a middle aged male protagonist leads Erin and Rachel to ask once again, who is this movie really for? Episode Bibliography Al-Jbouri, E., & Pomerantz, S. (2020). A new kind of monster, cowboy, and crusader? Gender hegemony and flows of masculinities in Pixar animated films. Boyhood Studies, 13 (1), 43-63. doi: 10.3167/bhs.2020.130104 Barrier, M. (2005, February ...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel venture to the Old West to discuss the oft forgotten 2004 flop Home on the Range . The convoluted plot, juvenile humor, and unsympathetic characters make for a frustrating viewing experience. Most critics and audience members seem to agree this movie would be best put out to pasture. Episode Bibliography #26. A Conversation with John Sanford . (n.d.). Fülle Circle Magazine. https://www.fullecirclemagazine.com/2008/12/conversation-with-john-sanford.html Dudley, S. ...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Episode Summary Welcome to our family time! Erin and Rachel discuss Brother Bear (2003), another entry in the canon of Disney’s flop era. Despite disappointingly little effort on the part of the filmmakers to ensure cultural authenticity, Brother Bear manages to tell a sweet story with surprisingly little offensive content. Episode Bibliography Alaska Travel Industry Association. (2024). Yup'ik and Cup'ik Culture in Alaska . Travel Alaska. https://www.travelalaska.com/Things-To-Do/Alaska-Native-...
May 19, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel dive into a discussion of Finding Nemo (2003), the box office splash that enthralled audiences and critics alike. This movie about fish offers a surprising amount to wade through in terms of environmentalism, gender politics, and ableism. Episode Bibliography Al-Jbouri, E., & Pomerantz, S. (2020). A new kind of monster, cowboy, and crusader? Gender hegemony and flows of masculinities in Pixar animated films. Boyhood Studies, 13 (1), 43-63. doi: 10.3167/bhs.202...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel explore Treasure Planet (2002), the biggest flop in Disney animation since The Black Cauldron . The hosts discuss what went wrong with this pet project of veteran directors Ron Clements and Jon Musker, beyond just the usual misogyny, that is. Episode Bibliography Aguilar, C. (2022, December 28). ‘Treasure Planet’ at 20: Disney’s failed space odyssey deserved to soar. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/28/movies/treasure-planet-disney.html Armstron...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Episode Summary Much like family dynamics and intergalactic diplomacy, Lilo & Stitch (2002) is a complicated movie. Erin and Rachel surf through the topics of Hawaiian culture and representation, colonialism, and Elvis. Episode Bibliography Bell, J. (2023, August 13). The Meaning Behind The Song: He Mele No Lilo by Disney . Old Time Music. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-he-mele-no-lilo-by-disney/ Byrne, E. (2012). Forgetting Hawai’i: The...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Erin and Rachel sing their way through a March madness-style bracket to determine the best Disney song of all time! Listen to the official playlist of songs in the bracket (all "Sweet 16" of them) on YouTube Music . Watch the Our Last Night cover of Surface Pressure on YouTube .
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Episode Summary Join Erin and Rachel on the Scare Floor for a discussion of Monsters, Inc. (2001). The impressive animation, clever world building, strong performances, and high joke density adequately compensate for some outdated fatphobic, classist, and misogynist beats. Under director Pete Docter, Pixar has officially hit their stride with this critically acclaimed box office smash. Episode Bibliography Al-Jbouri, E., & Pomerantz, S. (2020). A new kind of monster, cowboy, and crusader? Ge...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Episode Summary Making sense of the plot of Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) proves almost as difficult as locating a lost civilization in the Atlantic Ocean. Erin and Rachel muddle through the complicated lore of this box office flop and manage to find some positive depictions of gender roles and racial diversity. Episode Bibliography apneax3n0n. (2015, May 9). Nadia vs Atlantis - The More You Know post . Imgur. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://imgur.com/gallery/ytmAW Atlantis: The Lost E...
Sep 12, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel try not to throw off the emperor’s groove with their critique of the cultural appropriation and homophobia in this cult classic from 2000. Ultimately, the memeable humor and nuanced portrayal of masculinity make The Emperor’s New Groove a palatable offering from a studio that was floundering post-Renaissance. Episode Bibliography Borthaiser, N. (2010). Brave New Americas: Historical re-interpretations in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove and DreamWorks' The Road t...
Aug 08, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Episode Summary Disney animators combined computer generated animation with live action background scenery to create the visually stunning Dinosaur (2000). Unfortunately, the boring plot and lackluster characters leave Erin and Rachel wishing that these dinosaurs would hurry up and go extinct. Episode Bibliography Aguilar, C. (2020, May 26). Celebrating the risk-taking greatness of Disney’s Dinosaur, 20 years later. RogerEbert.com. Blankstein, A. (1998, February 28). Boom's Counterweight Cited a...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Episode Summary Originally planned for a direct-to-video release, Toy Story 2 (1999) was deemed too good for the small screen and instead enjoyed a theatrical release that was met with rave reviews. The addition of a plucky heroine with a tragic backstory mitigates some of the toxic masculinity from the first installment, but ableism and fatphobia manage to sneak in. Episode Bibliography ABC News. (2000, October 24). Profane Toy Story 2 Recalled . ABC News. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https:/...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel swing to the end of the Disney Renaissance with their discussion of Tarzan (1999). The hosts fault the filmmakers for their choice of racist, misogynistic source material, but applaud the stunning visuals, quotable script, and catchy soundtrack. Episode Bibliography Abbott, J. (1999, June 7). A FRESH TARZAN . Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1999-06-08-9906070397-story.html Asclepi. (2012, June 26). Th...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Episode Summary Despite competing with a similar insect-themed offering from DreamWorks, Pixar’s sophomore feature film, A Bug’s Life (1998), earned positive reviews at the box office and solidified the reputation of the animation studio. Although misogyny, racism, and fatphobia are sprinkled throughout, Rachel eagerly celebrates this movie as a depiction of Marxist class revolution; Erin is less enthusiastic. Episode Bibliography Antz . (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 2, 2023, from h...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel explore the mess of gender and culture in Mulan (1998), Disney’s adaptation of an ancient Chinese legend. The plucky heroine promotes the “Girl Power” feminism that has fueled the female protagonists of most Disney Renaissance films, but does so in a way that manages to completely misrepresent Chinese culture and values. Spoiler alert: Chinese audiences did not love this movie. Episode Bibliography Abbott, J. (1998, June 21). FLORIDA ANIMATION STUDIO COMES OF AGE ...
Jan 03, 2023•2 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Episode Summary Unlike its eponymous protagonist, Hercules (1997) is more “zero” than “hero.” Erin and Rachel discuss the film’s rampant misogyny and obnoxious product placement. Compelling vocal performances and soaring musical numbers–the last of Alan Menken’s contributions during the Disney Renaissance–can’t rescue this box office disappointment from the River of Death. Much like Achilles, it just doesn’t go the distance. Episode Bibliography Callaway, T. (2012, August 1). Susan Egan: Belle, ...
Nov 01, 2022•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel spend a lot of time wringing their hands over the mature themes in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Disney’s animated film about a bell ringer in medieval France. The film underperformed at the box office; apparently, a children’s movie about adult sexuality is a bell you can’t un-ring. The depictions of disability and race induce further cringing that the dazzling music and visuals can’t completely overcome. Join the party! Episode Bibliography Astier, H. (201...
Oct 04, 2022•1 hr 58 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel travel to masculinity and beyond in their discussion of Toy Story (1995), the first feature-length entirely computer-animated film. After a thorough discussion of the history of Pixar and the technology of computer animation, the hosts delve into the world of boy toys and wrestle over the problematic representation of female and disabled characters. Content warning: Discussions of workplace harassment Episode Bibliography Acuna, K. (2014, September 23). Joss Whedo...
Sep 06, 2022•1 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Episode Summary In pursuit of another Oscar-worthy animated feature, Disney chose a culturally significant protagonist and pumped up the romance for Pocahontas (1995). Unsurprisingly, good intentions didn’t prevent a group of white men from creating a hugely problematic film, rife with gross historical inaccuracies, racism, and misogyny! Pocahontas underperformed at the box office, and the only Oscar went to Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz for best original song. Episode Bibliography Aleiss, A....
Jul 04, 2022•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Episode Summary Another critical and commercial success of the Disney Renaissance, The Lion King (1994) was a beast at the box office and on home video. It was also the first animated Disney animated film set in Africa. Despite (relatively) diverse casting and the incorporation of authentic African music, there's still plenty of racism to discuss, with some homophobia and questionable political commentary thrown in! Episode Bibliography BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Disney settles Lion song dispute...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Episode Summary Erin and Rachel travel to the (problematically) imaginary land of Agrabah to discuss Aladdin (1992), debating whether this film can overcome its staggering orientalism to be the diamond in the rough we’d all like it to be. Highlights include Robin Williams, Howard Ashman, and Ottoman Empire fashion. Episode Bibliography Addison, E. (1993). Saving other women from other men: Disney’s Aladdin. Camera Obscura: Feminism, Culture, and Media Studies, 11 (31), 4–25. Aladdin . (n.d.). Wi...
May 03, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Episode Summary A smashing success at the box office and awards shows, Beauty and the Beast (1991) confirmed that the Disney Renaissance had indeed arrived. Despite its technical and narrative achievements, this film garnered heavy criticism from the feminists it sought to appease with a spunky heroine. Erin and Rachel discuss how Belle and her suitors reinforce that gendered violence is a tale as old as time. Oh, and also, is everyone gay? Episode Bibliography An American Tail: Fievel Goes West...
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Episode Summary Travel to Australia with Erin and Rachel, where they’ll dissect The Rescuers Down Under (1990), a film full of native flora and fauna, but absolutely no native people. This box office flop was created using the Computer Animation Production System (CAPS), but it’s impressive animated sequences couldn’t redeem the irregular pacing and lackluster characters. Episode Bibliography Computer Animation Production System . (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from https://en.wik...
Feb 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Episode Summary Join Erin and Rachel under the sea for the first princess film in 30 years! The Little Mermaid (1989) marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period of renewed investment in animation at the Disney Corporation. With musical numbers from Broadway dynamos Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the film smashed the box office, but did Princess Ariel smash the patriarchy? Episode Bibliography Andersen, H.C. (1836). The little mermaid. Retrieved December 21, 2021 from http://hca.gil...
Jan 04, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 30
