by Kelly Linman

Created on: May 22, 2009

The day my baby brother was born, my father had a dilemma: what to do with his very excited 5 year old daughter while he slept. My mother went into labor in the middle of the night, so went to the hospital. I slept, while my dad was by my mother's side. Needless to say, he was very tired when my brother was finally born, and needed a nap. I was a bundle of energy that needed to be occupied. He hauled me down to the local store and bought me a movie. We came home and he showed me how to work the VCR and went to bed. That movie was "The Little Mermaid" and I was entranced. I watched it three times while my dad rested. For that reason, "The Little Mermaid" will always be a movie that holds a very special place in my heart. Over the years, many Disney movies have been released. Some have been more successful than others, and some have slipped through the cracks, at least in my mind. As much as I love "The Little Mermaid," I also love some of the lesser known movies such as "The Emperor's New Groove" and "Mulan."

"The Emperor's New Groove" tells the tale of an emperor named Kuzco (voiced by David Spade). He is a selfish person who isn't grateful for what he has, and unwilling to help the people he rules. His advisor, Yzma, is power hungry and ends up deciding to rid the kingdom of Kuzco. Yzma ends up turning Kuzco into a llama. Kuzco meets up with Pacha, who decides to help Kuzco go home. The movie follows the journey of these characters, as Kuzco begins to appreciate the smaller things in life and learn that it is a great feeling to help others. The movie is a great lesson for all people, and should be watched by more people. While Disney movies are great for entertainment purposes, they are also just as great learning tools for young children and adults. It is serious and hilarious, which makes for a wonderful film that should be seen by more people.

"Mulan" is based on a Chinese legend. The title character poses as a man to enlist in the military. If she didn't do this, her elderly father would have had to go to war. She goes to boot camp, hiding the fact that she is a woman, and has a rough time at first. Eventually, she triumphs. This movie has a great message because it shows that you truly can achieve anything you set your mind to. "Mulan" also showcases a deep love for family. Since it is based on legend, it also exposes people to different cultures, which can be an eye opening experience for many.

While not as popular as "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Groove" and "Mulan" stand out as two of Disney's most underrated films. Even though each movie does have a devoted following, saying "Disney" may not immediately trigger their name in a Disney lover's mind.

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