Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

A Non-review by Professor Popinjay

——Every time I think to myself “Everyone has heard of these movies. There’s no point bringing them to people’s attention” someone comes along and is completely oblivious to what I am watching. Sometimes it makes sense as when I’m watching some obscure gem that was lost to antiquity and shuffled beneath the avalanche of more grandiose films. Other times the film I’m watching is a classic which most from my generation remember fondly but which the youngins have not yet discovered. Apparently, Don Bluth and his amazing animated cinematic works are among these latter examples.

——-There are a myriad of Don Bluth animations out there. Some are good and others are phenomenal. I recommend watching every single one of them multiple times. But don’t just watch them by yourself. These films must be watched with children. Why? Because in seeing how it affects them you will realize the power these films have. These are not films which simply entertain and mesmerize for a short length of time. These films grip children on an emotional level not achieved by other animated films and when it’s over they come out wiser; perhaps more able to cope with the scary notion that this world isn’t perfect but life will carry on and sunny days do come again even if things don’t get completely better.

——-I could gush indefinitely but let’s talk about An American Tail and it’s sequel An American Tail: Fievel Goes West. What better story for children than that of immigrants escaping oppression and then facing unscrupulous opportunists trying to eat them. This is not a theme you’re going to encounter in, say, Sing 2. Thankfully Dom DeLuise is there to protect them. God bless Dom DeLuise.

——-Seriously, though. If you’ve never heard of these films or Don Bluth, make a study of them. If you have seen them, go watch them again for the sake of your inner child. I was four years old when I saw this in the theatre. I’m pretty sure you were too. You deserve this.