Episode 34: The Secret World of Arrietty

Over the four-day Presidents' Day weekend in the United States, Walt Disney Pictures unveiled the latest release from the beloved Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli, 2012's The Secret World of Arrietty. Now that a week has past, Josh and Michael can delve deep into this secret world, adapted from the well-known British kids' novel The Borrowers. Does The Secret World of Arrietty stand up to other Ghibli releases such as Ponyo and Spirited Away? What does the old Disney live-action movie Rascal, about a boy and his pet raccoon, have to do with the movie? And who do Josh and Michael think are the four animators worthy of a Mount Rushmore-like shrine? Find out the answers to these and other questions in the new Mousterpiece Cinema!

Episode 33: Herbie Rides Again

It's a very special day here on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Michael cover their very first live-action sequel to a Disney movie. The honor goes to Herbie Rides Again, one of the strangest, quirkiest, and messiest movies from Walt Disney Pictures. This 1974 sequel is something of a lemon--yes, we went there--but even in a baffling misfire, there's always some joy to unearth. Even if you haven't seen Herbie Rides Again, you'll want to check out this episode, full of silliness, an appreciation of Stefanie Powers, and the answer to the question: what is the unified film theory of Walt Disney Pictures? Check out the latest Mousterpiece Cinema now!

Episode 32: The Black Cauldron

In the history of Walt Disney Pictures, few films have as well-known a reputation as 1985's The Black Cauldron. Unfortunately, The Black Cauldron has a...well, black mark on its record; it's known as one of the biggest flops for the studio and the animation department's lowest point. But is The Black Cauldron as bad as its reputation? On the latest episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and co-host Michael Ryan dig deep into this film's history, talking about the source material by Lloyd Alexander, the score, the characters, and a whole lot of sacrifice. Is the Horned King the best Disney villain? Is the music a carbon copy of a certain 80s-era comedy classic? And what exactly is that pesky character Gurgi? Find out the answers on the new Mousterpiece Cinema!

Episode 31: Mary Poppins

Just as we kicked off 2012 with the first-ever full-length animated film on Mousterpiece Cinema, is there any better way to kick off the month of February with what's possibly the most quintessential film from Walt Disney Pictures? Of course not, so with Michael Ryan taking the week off, Josh and co-host Gabe Bucsko dive straight into the movie that introduced us all to Julie Andrews: 1964's Mary Poppins. With a slew of classic songs, a mix of live action and animation, and plenty of laughs (some unintentionally inspired by a certain performer's accent), did Gabe and Josh need a spoonful of sugar to sit through this movie? Do they think it's practically perfect in every way? Are there other movie-related puns in the episode itself? Only one way to find out: check out the latest Mousterpiece Cinema!