2007-09-19
Disney, why do you always kill a character in children's movies?
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I was driving my kids to school yesterday morning when they requested a different movie in the DVD player. Yeah, we have a DVD player in the minivan and it holds six DVDs simultaneously. Initially I was against the concept of a DVD player in the car/minivan in the I-had-to-walk-five-miles-to-school-in-the-bitter-cold-when-I-was-a-kid vein. But things changed when we had three kids and had to drive five hours 3-5 times per year to visit my in-laws.
Also, when we leased this minivan this was the only vehicle available that fit our budget. I can hear you weeping tears of sympathy for me as I sit in the heated leather seats with the DVD player occupying my children. It was rough, but I'm adjusting.
So Strawberry Shortcake ended and Katie wanted a new movie. I clicked over to DVD 1 to see what was in there. It was Nemo, groovy. So it's starting and then I remember I usually skip the beginning where Nemo's mother dies. As I was getting ready to press the button Katie said, "I want to watch the part where Nemo's mom dies."
I said, "Really? I think your younger sisters might have nightmares if they watch that."
Allison, who is four and is always ready to run with the big dogs, replied, "I'll be okay, Mom."
Hmm. I let it run while 2-year-old Emily took everything in with wide, unblinking eyes and I started to compose this here post in my head.
Disney, why do you feel the need to kill a character (or attempt to kill a character, at the very least) in every children's movie? Perhaps I am making a sweeping statement, but I can name at least five Disney children's movies off the top of my head that include a character who dies in the movie.
Finding Nemo: As you know, his mother dies in the opening scene.
Sleeping Beauty: The evil queen is constantly trying to kill Sleeping Beauty and the prince kills the queen at the end (sorry if I gave away the plot.)
Cinderella: Her mother is already dead at the start of the movie, then her loving father marries the evil step-mother. Soon after the wedding Cinderella's nurturing father kicks it and you know the rest of the story.
Beauty and the Beast: Belle's father does not die, however, the townspeople, led by Gaston/Gastone (not sure of the spelling), attempt to kill the beast.
Bambi: Young Bambi's mama is shot and killed with a rifle.
What's with all the carnage Disney? Must we introduce our children to violence this early in their lives?
Now I will admit that I am a huge fan of Family Guy. I love Brian (the dog) and Stewie and I do find the politically incorrect view on that show amusing, especially when they poke fun at motherhood.
But I am 39. I don't need to be protected from violence or politically incorrect behavior because I can separate fantasy from reality (most of the time).
I'm just wondering where Disney is coming from with the death and dying stuff? Aren't there any parents of small children working in the Editing Department at Disney? If I worked for Disney and I were reviewing these movies I would question the characters' deaths. That's all I'm saying.
As Lois says in that Family Guy clip, "WHAT?!"
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2007-09-19 at 5:12 a.m.
