The Top Ten Disney Films of the 80s

The 1980s was a golden era for Disney films. During this decade, the studio released a string of classics that have become beloved by generations of fans.

From animated adventures to heartwarming live-action films, the 1980s had something for everyone. Here are the top 10 Disney films from the 1980s that you should watch:

The Little Mermaid (1989)
  1. The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid marked a turning point for Disney animation, as it signaled the beginning of the Disney Renaissance. This classic fairy tale about a mermaid who dreams of living on land features memorable songs and a timeless story that still resonates with audiences today.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
  1. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

This underrated gem features a clever twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes story, with mice and rats taking the place of human characters. With memorable characters and thrilling action sequences, The Great Mouse Detective is a must-watch for fans of mystery and adventure.

Oliver and Company (1988)
  1. Oliver & Company (1988)

This musical reimagining of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist features a cast of lovable animal characters and memorable songs by Billy Joel and Bette Midler. Oliver & Company is a charming and upbeat film that will leave you tapping your toes.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)
  1. The Fox and the Hound (1981)

This touching tale of friendship between a fox and a hound is one of Disney’s most heartwarming films. With beautiful animation and a poignant story, The Fox and the Hound is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.

Tron (1982)
  1. Tron (1982)

Tron was ahead of its time when it was released, featuring groundbreaking visual effects and a unique concept that was ahead of its time. This science fiction adventure about a computer programmer who gets sucked into a virtual world is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Black Cauldron (1985)
  1. The Black Cauldron (1985)

This dark and moody film was a departure from the lighthearted fare that Disney was known for, but it has since become a cult classic, even though the film was a financial loss for Disney at the time of its release.

Although the film received mixed review from critics, its haunting atmosphere and memorable characters make The Black Cauldron is a unique entry in the Disney canon.

Flight of the Navigator (1986)
  1. Flight of the Navigator (1986)

This live-action adventure about a boy who gets abducted by an alien spacecraft is a quintessential 80s film. With a fun sci-fi premise and a charming performance by child actor Joey Cramer, Flight of the Navigator is a nostalgic treat.

Rescuers Down Under (1989)
  1. The Rescuers Down Under (1989)

This sequel to the 1970s Disney film The Rescuers features beautiful animation and a thrilling story set in the Australian Outback. With a cast of memorable animal characters and a heartwarming message about friendship, The Rescuers Down Under is a must-watch for fans of animated adventure.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
  1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

This groundbreaking film combined live-action and animation in a way that had never been seen before. Featuring a hilarious cast of characters and a noir-inspired storyline, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a classic that still holds up today.

When I was a young kid, I was completed absorbed by the expressive animation of Roger and Baby Herman in the opening sequence. Especially to hear his real voice after the animation scene cuts.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
  1. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

This live-action comedy about a scientist who accidentally shrinks his kids and their neighbors is a fun and silly film that the whole family can enjoy. With charming performances by the legendary Rick Moranis and a young Josh Hutcherson, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a nostalgic favorite.

What Makes These 80s Films so Great?

These are just a few of the many classic Disney films from the 1980s that are worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of animated adventures, science fiction, or live-action comedy, there’s something for everyone in this list. These films have stood the test of time and continue to be loved by audiences of all ages.

One common thread that runs through many of these 80s Disney films is their ability to evoke a sense of wonder and imagination. From the underwater world of The Little Mermaid to the virtual reality of Tron, these films transport us to magical worlds and allow us to escape from reality for a little while.

Another common theme in these films is the importance of friendship and loyalty. Whether it’s the bond between a fox and a hound in The Fox and the Hound or the partnership between a detective mouse and his trusty sidekick in The Great Mouse Detective, these films show us the power of friendship and the importance of sticking together through thick and thin.

Many of these films also have a message of perseverance and determination that can serve as good material for young viewers. Whether it’s the determined young heroes of The Black Cauldron or the resourceful kids in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, these films show us that anything is possible if we put our minds to it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 1980s was a golden era for Disney films, and these 10 films are just a small sampling of the many classics that were released during this decade. These films continue to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages with their timeless stories, memorable characters, and stunning visuals.

So if you’re looking for a trip down memory lane or just want to introduce these beloved films to a new generation, be sure to check out these top 10 1980s Disney films.

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What Winnie the Pooh Can Teach us About Wu Wei and the Dao

The Tao of Pooh book by Benjamin Hoff

Winnie the Pooh, the lovable bear from the Hundred Acre Wood, may seem like an unlikely teacher of Daoism, but his adventures with his friends can actually teach us a lot about the principles of Wu Wei and the philosophy of the Dao.

Wu Wei is the practice of non-action or effortless action, while Daoism is a philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the universe. Here are some lessons we can learn from Winnie the Pooh about Wu Wei and Daoism:

  1. Wu Wei is about going with the flow

Winnie the Pooh is a perfect example of someone who embodies the principle of Wu Wei. He doesn’t try to force things to happen or make things happen through effort or action.

Instead, he goes with the flow and lets things happen naturally. He takes things as they come and doesn’t try to impose his will on the world.

  1. Letting go of attachments

Another important lesson we can learn from Winnie the Pooh is the importance of letting go of attachments. Pooh doesn’t hold onto things, whether it’s food, possessions, or even ideas. He lives in the moment and doesn’t cling to the past or worry about the future.

This is an important lesson in Daoism, which emphasizes living in the present moment and letting go of attachments to things that can cause suffering.

  1. Simplicity is key

Winnie the Pooh’s simple and uncomplicated lifestyle is also a reflection of the Daoist philosophy of simplicity. He lives a simple life, with few possessions and minimal responsibilities.

He doesn’t worry about material things or status symbols. Instead, he focuses on the simple pleasures of life, like eating honey and spending time with his friends.

  1. Embrace nature

Daoism is all about living in harmony with nature, and Winnie the Pooh embodies this principle in many ways. He spends a lot of his time in the forest, surrounded by trees and animals.

He appreciates the beauty of nature and takes joy in the simple pleasures it provides. He is also respectful of nature and doesn’t seek to dominate or control it.

  1. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is an important aspect of both Wu Wei and Daoism, and Winnie the Pooh is a great example of someone who practices mindfulness in his daily life.

He is fully present in the moment and pays attention to the world around him. He is observant and takes note of small details that others might miss. This mindfulness helps him stay connected to the world and appreciate the beauty of life.

  1. Balance is key
Pooh walking along a pond in the Hundred Acre Woods.

Another important lesson we can learn from Winnie the Pooh is the importance of balance. He doesn’t overindulge in anything, whether it’s food, play, or work.

He finds a healthy balance in everything he does, which helps him live a happy and fulfilling life. This balance is an important aspect of Wu Wei and Daoism, which emphasize the importance of finding harmony and balance in all aspects of life.

In Daoism, the concept of Yin and Yang is used to describe the balance of opposing forces in the universe. Winnie the Pooh embodies this principle in his relationships with his friends.

Each of his friends has a unique personality and brings something different to the group. Winnie the Pooh accepts them all as they are and values each of their contributions. By embracing the diversity and differences of his friends, he creates a harmonious and balanced community.

  1. Friendship is important

Finally, Winnie the Pooh teaches us the importance of friendship. His relationships with his friends, including Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore, are a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of human connections.

In Daoism, relationships and connections are important aspects of living a fulfilling life. By cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with others, we can find happiness and purpose in life.

8. Natural spontaneity

Another important aspect of Wu Wei is the idea of spontaneity. The practice of non-action is not about being passive or lazy, but about being spontaneous and allowing things to unfold naturally.

Winnie the Pooh is a great example of someone who lives in the moment and is open to new experiences. He doesn’t have a rigid plan or agenda, but instead follows his instincts and allows his adventures to unfold spontaneously.

While Winnie the Pooh may seem like an unlikely teacher of Daoism and Wu Wei, his simple and uncomplicated lifestyle embodies many of the principles of these philosophies.

By following his example, we can learn to live in harmony with nature, embrace simplicity, practice mindfulness, find balance in our lives, and cultivate deep and meaningful relationships with others. Winnie the Pooh shows us that by letting go of attachments, living in the present moment, and going with the flow, we can live a happy and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Winnie the Pooh may seem like a simple children’s character, but his adventures and philosophy teach us valuable lessons about Wu Wei and Daoism.

By following his example, we can learn to live in harmony with nature, embrace simplicity, practice mindfulness, find balance in our lives, and cultivate deep and meaningful relationships with others. By letting go of our attachments and going with the flow, we can find happiness and fulfillment in our lives.

Winnie the Pooh shows us that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most profound. We hope you enjoyed this article! Feel free to check out our other content about Winnie the Pooh or your favorite Disney series.

The Healing Powers of Winnie the Pooh

Pooh walking along a pond in the Hundred Acre Woods.

Winnie the Pooh is not just a beloved children’s book series that has spawned movies and multiple animated television shows, but it is also a powerful tool for healing and therapy.

The world created by A.A. Milne has the power to soothe and comfort, and its lessons can help us navigate through the ups and downs of life.

The world of Winnie the Pooh is full of whimsical characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The titular character, Winnie the Pooh, is a lovable bear who has a deep love for honey and his friends.

He is simple-minded and childlike, but his pure-heartedness and kindness are infectious.

Pooh’s best friend, Piglet, is a small and timid pig who is always afraid but never gives up. Tigger, the bouncy tiger, is exuberant and full of life, always ready to have fun. Eeyore, the melancholy donkey, is perpetually sad and gloomy, but his friends love him nonetheless.

The characters in Winnie the Pooh are relatable because they represent different facets of human personalities. We can see ourselves in them, whether it’s in Pooh’s simple-mindedness, Piglet’s fearfulness, Tigger’s energy, or Eeyore’s sadness.

The characters’ personalities and their interactions with one another provide valuable insights into our own emotional states and the people around us.

Winnie the Pooh can be a powerful tool for therapy because it provides a safe space to explore and process emotions. The characters in the books and animated movies are not judged for their feelings, and they are encouraged to express themselves honestly.

In this series we see Pooh and his friends deal with sadness, fear, and anxiety, but they never try to suppress or ignore their emotions. Instead, they confront them and find ways to cope.

For example, when Eeyore is feeling particularly down, Pooh and his friends come together to find a new tail for him. The search for a new tail becomes a fun adventure that distracts Eeyore from his sadness and makes him feel loved and appreciated.

This is a valuable lesson about the power of community and the importance of finding joy in the midst of sorrow.

The books also teach us about the power of mindfulness and living in the present moment. Pooh is always fully immersed in whatever he is doing, whether it’s searching for honey or spending time with his friends.

He doesn’t worry about the future or dwell on the past; he lives in the moment and enjoys the simple things in life. This is a valuable lesson for those of us who struggle with anxiety and stress.

By focusing on the present moment, we can let go of worries about the future and regrets about the past.

In addition to teaching us about mindfulness, Winnie the Pooh also teaches us about the importance of self-care. Pooh is never too busy for a snack or a nap, and he takes time to enjoy the little things in life.

This is a valuable lesson for those of us who are always on the go and never take time for ourselves. By prioritizing self-care, we can improve our mental health and overall well-being.

The stories in Winnie the Pooh are also full of important life lessons about friendship, love, and acceptance. The characters are always there for one another, no matter what. They accept each other’s flaws and imperfections, and they celebrate each other’s successes.

This is a valuable lesson for all of us, as we navigate the complexities of human relationships.

In conclusion, the healing powers of Winnie the Pooh are undeniable. The series provides a safe space to explore and process emotions, and offers valuable lessons about mindfulness, self-care, and human relationships.

Whether you’re a child or an adult, there is something in the world of Winnie the Pooh that can help you cope with life’s challenges. It provides a sense of comfort and familiarity, and offers a glimpse into a world where kindness, love, and acceptance are the norm.

Thank you for reading this article and be sure to check out our other articles on Winnie the Pooh and other Disney titles!

The Brave Little Toaster Is a Late 80s Classic That Deserves a Blu-Ray Release

The Brave Little Toaster cover
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

The Brave Little Toaster, released in 1987 as a Disney independent production and directed by Jerry Rees, sadly hasn’t gotten much love since the 90s. Based on Thomas M. Disch’s 1980 popular science fiction novel of the same name, The Brave Little Toaster tells the story of an animated toaster, radio, vacuum, lamp, and blanket, and their adventure to the city to find their master Rob. While the film opened at the Sundance Film Festival, it never secured an actual theater run, only later showing in a few arthouse facilities. Most viewers experienced The Brave Little Toaster through its broadcast on the Disney Channel in 1988. This would continue into the 90s. 

The Brave Little Toaster DVD cover

The Brave Little Toaster was also released on VHS and LaserDisc beginning in 1991 by Buena Vista Home Video, and later re-released multiple times throughout the 90s. In 2003, the first and only DVD edition was released to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the film, but we have yet to see a Blu-ray edition, even after its 20th anniversary in 2007, or even its 30th anniversary in 2017. 

While many other Disney films have enjoyed a release on Blu-ray in recent years, like Saludos Amigos/The Three Caballeros and A Goofy Movie/An Extremely Goofy Movie, The Brave Little Toaster hasn’t gotten the upgrade. We think its a classic that deserves this honor—so here are our top reasons why The Brave Little Toaster deserves a Blu-ray release. 

Animating the Inanimate
The gang lost in the woods
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

While Toy Story has often been praised for bringing toys to life through computer animation since 1995, The Brave Little Toaster was hand-drawing objects that originally had no faces and bared little resemblance to any humans or animals in the late 80s. The skill needed to bring these completely lifeless objects to life cannot be understated, as it was a massive leap of the imagination. Putting this into practice through animation must have been some feat, and really showcases the skill of the animators working on the film, especially when considering the crushing financial and time constraints they faced in completing it. 

Lampy, Radio, Toaster, and Blanky in the cabin
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

The animation is just one side of the story—someone had to give a voice to these characters. Various exemplary actors and actresses stepped up to the plate to literally breathe life into these characters such as Phil Hartman and Deanna Oliver. In a great show of virtuosity, Jon Lovitz performed the voice acting for the radio, channeling a transatlantic accent, but also switching his tone and accent throughout the film to resemble a radio changing channels. Without the skill of the animators and the virtuosity of the voice actors and actresses, the inanimate in The Brave Little Toaster would not be believably lifelike.

Great Music
Radio on the nightstand in the cabin
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

The Brave Little Toaster is filled with classic tunes of the past such as “Tutti Frutti” (1955) by Little Richard and “My Mammy” (1918) sung by Al Jonson from The Jazz Singer (1927), the first motion picture with audible speech and singing. These classic tunes connect viewers with the past, and open their minds to some of the history of music and film. As a small child in the 90s, I watched The Brave Little Toaster on The Disney Channel many times, and remember hearing some of these songs of the 50s for the first time through this film. I now have a love and appreciation for the music of the past.

A recorder
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

There are also many nostalgic loveable original numbers throughout The Brave Little Toaster such as “City of Light” and “It’s a ‘B’ Movie.” At the climax of the film, the cars in the junkyard sing the melancholic tune “Worthless” as they stare down the metal crusher and realize they have lost their purpose and are no longer worth anything to society. These original tunes really brings emotion and mood to what the appliances and electronics are facing as they strive to be useful to (but also appreciated by) their masters. 

A Tale of Sacrifice

Lastly, The Brave Little Toaster is a tale of sacrifice. When the gang stops to sleep in the wilderness on their way to the city, they awaken in the middle of the night to a thunderstorm. While Blanky is blown up into a tree, the gang attempts to find it but runs out of battery. Lampy, in a moment of sheer selflessness, decides to jump on top of the battery on the chair and attempt to attract the lightning by stretching its neck out pin-straight. Lampy is then electrocuted and badly damaged through the rest of the film.

Later, when the rest of the gang falls down a waterfall, Kirby decides to leap off of the edge as well, potentially sacrificing its own life to save the others.

Finally, at the end of the film, Toaster, after seeing the Master about to be crushed in the junkyard crusher, resolves to sacrifice its own life by jumping into the cogs of the crusher’s machinery, earning his title as the “brave” little toaster. While darker than most animated films geared towards children, The Brave Little Toaster goes deeper than the surface, and decides not to tell a superficial story, but one filled with raw emotion, loss, sacrifice, and redemption. 

The gang in the back of the Master's car
The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

These are our top reasons why The Brave Little Toaster is a classic that deserves a re-release. Though we may never see a Blu-ray release, you can still buy the DVD edition, as well as the digital copy on Vudu.  Until next time!

8 Things You Might Have Missed in Disney’s A Goofy Movie (1995)

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Disney’s A Goofy Movie is a highly underrated classic that often gets shoved aside in favor of other more well-known Disney Renaissance films. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great movie and a fun, nostalgic watch. Unlike some other Disney films, A Goofy Movie isn’t afraid to sometimes break the fourth wall or make cheeky references to other characters or films in the Disney universe and is chalked full of little Easter eggs that you might have missed.

In honor of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the first movie in 2020, as well as the recent rerelease of A Goofy Movie and An Extremely Goofy Movie for the first time on Blu-Ray disc, here’s our list of eight things you might have missed while watching A Goofy Movie.

1. References to Goofy’s Old Pals

A Goofy Movie (1995)

At the beginning of the movie, we see a Mickey Mouse telephone on Max’s nightstand. Later, when Goofy says he’s taking his best bud on a fishing trip, Max replies, “Donald Duck?” A little later, during the song, “On the Open Road”, we see a brief clip of Mickey and Donald hitchhiking. (This is neither his first, nor last appearance in the film, but more on that later.)

2. The Little Mermaid

In the “Stand Out” scene at the beginning of the film, Max, P.J., and Bobby are backstage readying Max’s performance. It seems like the stage is set up for some kind of pirate play, perhaps a nod to Peter Pan. (You can even see a crocodile in the background!) Either way, the mermaid perched on a rock in the background looks a lot like Ariel, so we’ll call this a reference to The Little Mermaid. Later, when Max and Goofy stop at the Neptune Inn, an underwater sea themed roadside motel, Max plays with a light switch lighting up a wall lamp depicting another red-haired mermaid.

3. A Disneyland/Disney World Reference

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Did you notice the Mickey-shaped balloon at the end of the “On the Open Road” number? Neither did we the first few times. Perhaps looking for hidden Mickeys at the parks (and on Kingdom Hearts III) has sharpened our skill at pointing out all things shaped like Mickey.

4. A Familiar Couple

Remember this couple during the “On the Open Road” number? Well it’s not the only time you see them. The man appears at the Powerline concert moving stage equipment, while the woman is backstage in a dressing room. Spoiler: She was wearing a wig!

5. Partying Nuns!

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Remember the nuns driving next to Max and Goofy’s car at the beginning of the road trip? Well apparently they were headed to Los Angeles for the Powerline concert, too!

6. A Disney Keychain

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Did you notice this Disney keychain on Goofy’s keyring? Disneyception!

7. Powerline…or?

Did Powerline ever remind you of anyone, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Turns out Powerline was inspired by the mid-80’s, early 90’s singer sensation Bobby Brown. From the hair to the yellow outfit and dance moves, we can totally see the resemblance.

8. Mickey: Powerline’s Number One Fan

Not only does Mickey make a cameo in the “Open Road” segment, as mentioned above, but he also appears in the crowd during the “Stand Out” scene, as well as at the Powerline concert at the end of the film. Mickey sure does know how to party!


A Goofy Movie (1995)

You may have noticed some of these already, but we hope you learned something new from this list of Disney Easter eggs. Until next time!

A Goofy Movie (1995) is available on DVD and Blu-ray video. (paid links)

Why Disney’s A Goofy Movie (1995) is a Perfect Snapshot of the 90’s

A Goofy Movie Title Screen
A Goofy Movie (1995)

In honor of A Goofy Movie’s upcoming 25th anniversary in 2020, as well as the recent release of A Goofy Movie and An Extremely Goofy Movie on Blu-ray for the first time exclusively through the Disney Movie Club, we Disney geeks at A Bright Little Lamp wanted to revisit the classic and explore why this highly underrated animated film is a perfect little snapshot of the 1990’s.

Forgotten Technology
Goofy pressing play on a cassette player in his car.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

The 90’s was the end of the analog age, and this is painfully obvious watching A Goofy Movie today. There is little-to-no digital technology throughout the film, and instead we see various relics of the 80’s and 90’s like corded phones, tube TVs, and cassette tapes.


A Goofy Movie (1995)

From analog cameras to the portable TV cart wheeled around by Max and P.J.’s friend Bobby, A Goofy Movie delivers a serious blast of nostalgia for many older viewers, and will surely spark various questions about all of this analog technology by younger viewers.

Saved by the Bell
Goths on the School Bus.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

At the beginning of the film, we see Max heading off to his last day of school before summer break, and through a catchy song, we are introduced to various high school cliques that were popularized in the media throughout the 90’s. The “nerds” wearing Star Trek outfits and reading comics, the goths wearing all black and black lipstick, and of course the jocks and cheerleaders (often called “preps”). No 90’s high school was complete, however, without the tough-guy bullies seen shoving around and tormenting Max on his way to school.

Portrait Studios and the Golden Years of Big Box Department Stores

In A Goofy Movie both Pete and Goofy work at a portrait studio at a big box department store. These portrait studios were notorious in the 80’s and 90’s, and often featured strange gradient solid color backdrops and awkward family photos. While these types of photo studios have all but disappeared over the years, many folks from the 80’s and 90’s remember them all too well, and still have embarrassing family photos buried deep in a scrapbook album.

Goofy mesmerized by a blue light special of a stack of figurines of a dog fishing.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Even more loaded with nostalgia is the big box department store Pete and Goofy work in. It’s clearly supposed to be Kmart, since there’s even a scene with Goofy stopping to check a Bluelight Special, made popular in Kmart stores across the nation. Many folks remember rushing to these Bluelight Specials in the store, since they would only be announced via the intercom while you were shopping. Sadly, Kmart, along with many other big box retailers, are on their way out with the increasing popularity of online shopping.

This setting for Pete and Goofy’s employment, along with the photo studio they work at, serves to really date the film, and might be a bit confusing to especially young viewers. For us older folks who lived through the 80’s and/or 90’s, it’s a complete blast to the past.

A 90’s Road Trip
Goofy looks at a paper map while driving.
A Goofy Movie (1995)

The road trip Goofy and Max take to the fictional Lake Destiny, Idaho, is straight out of the 90’s. From the cassette tape in the car that eventually gets jammed to the paper map used throughout the trip in place of a cellphone or car-mounted GPS, this road trip would have looked a lot different in the digital age.

A sign that reads, "Route 66 Junction Ahead".
A Goofy Movie (1995)

Consider the Route 66 that Goofy and Max travel to reach the west coast. What was once a staple in cross-country travel has largely been decommissioned. Once called, “The Main Street of America,” Route 66 stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles and served as a popular route for dust bowl migrants in the 1930’s and long-haul truckers in later decades due to the relatively flat drive.

The Neptune Inn.
A Goofy Movie (1995)

As traffic increased, gas stations, motels, diners, and other mom-and-pop establishments lined the route, offering quick access to amenities for travelers. While the route was officially decommissioned in 1985, it would still have been fresh in the minds of the creators and part of the history and culture of cross-country road trips into the 90’s.

Max being served eggs and bacon at a mom-and-pop diner.
A Goofy Movie (1995)

While various interstate bypasses have been constructed over the years, the historic Route 66 still exists today, and many local establishments have taken advantage of the historic designation to embrace nostalgic tourism. This is exemplified in A Goofy Movie as the backdrop of the road trip becomes not just a highway, but later a mom-and-pop diner and an underwater-themed inn.

Closely connected to Route 66 and highways like it were roadside attractions. These mom-and-pop small attractions cropped up along the highway systems to take advantage of increased traffic. They were sometimes bizarre or strange and meant to be eye-catching. The scene where Max and Goofy stop at Lester’s Possum Park seems to be a nod to these roadside tourist attractions of the past.

ShowBiz Pizza Vintage Advertisement

The animatronic critters of the Possum Posse Jamboree seem to be reminiscent of ShowBiz Pizza Place or Chuck E. Cheese, both staples of 90’s birthday parties and nightmare fuel for small children. I speak from experience when I say those animatronic animals were truly frightening!

Big Foot

The mythical ape-like creature known as Big Foot or Sasquatch really had its heyday in the 90’s. From the 1987 movie and later 1991 TV series Harry and the Hendersons to the limited-run of Bigfoot Pizza at Pizza Hut, Big Foot seemed to be everywhere in the 90’s—except, you know, in real life. A Goofy Movie was no exception. The addition of this character was hilarious to me and my sister watching this movie as kids, and while it may seem random to the younger generations, Big Foot was something of a pop culture phenomenon in the 90’s. 

90’s Jams
A Goofy Movie (1995)

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the fictional pop star Powerline, who was based on the real-life musician Bobby Brown. Fitting perfectly in the genre that had come to be called, “new jack swing” or “swingbeat”, these hits by Powerline (sung by a real life R&B star of the early 90’s Tevin Campbell), are super nostalgic in the present times, and remind listeners of old hits by Bobby Brown himself, Janet Jackson, and New Edition.

Powerline performing on stage.
A Goofy Movie (1995)

While Powerline’s appearance is influenced by Bobby Brown’s signature look of the late 80’s/early 90’s, Tevin’s voice has reminded viewers of the late Prince or king of pop Michael Jackson. Either way, the hodgepodge of influences is straight out of the early 90’s.

Final Remarks

Overall, A Goofy Movie is a fun watch even today, and becomes ever more nostalgic as time passes. If you want to relive the magic yourself, it’s available on digital platforms like iTunes and Movies Anywhere, as well as on DVD. The 2019 Blu-Ray (paid links) release of both the first and second movies are Disney Movie Club exclusives.

I hope this article brought back some good memories. Until next time!