The OG

http://giphy.com/search/vintage-mickey-mouse

Emma Watson, the ultimate girl crush

Emma Watson is everything I aspire to be and more. From her poise and elegance, to her natural charm and wit, I worship this woman. I mean look at her.

She is strong, independent, and one of the most empowering women of our generation. This is exceptionally fitting, considering she was recently cast to be one of the more independent, proactive Disney Princesses in the new film Beauty and the Beast. I couldn't think of a better choice for Belle.

If you're as excited as I am for the premiere i'm sure you'll appreciate this interview following the trailer launch 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOD7lXSLbbI

If you've yet to watch the trailer (in which case I must ask, DO YOU LIVE UNDER A ROCK?!) watch it, and get excited. This. Is. Happening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvW_L8sTu5E

The Stereotypical Disney Villain

While watching a movie it's usually not very hard to distinguish who is "good" and who is "bad". Although some contemporary films will make this task a bit more obscure, the Disney films do an exceptional job at addressing the evil in a character as soon as they're present on screen. However, if you ever have trouble deciphering who in Disney is the antagonist, just ask yourself this;

Are they white?

If so, nope. wrong. Chances are you've stumbled upon the hero of the story. Go ahead and start cheering.

Now, on the off chance that you find a fair skinned personality, and you start picking up some evil vibes ask yourself,

Are they objectively attractive?

If so, I hate to discredit your vibes, but try again. White and attractive?? really... Yeah, no. Start rooting, because you're most definitely looking at the story's protagonist.

Now don't get me wrong, there are exceptions to this rule, and I apologize for making such absolute statements before, because you know what beloved Disney film turns my theory on it's head?

Damn you Beauty and the Beast. But also, go you, and go Disney! If you haven't already seen it, the Beast, although at first may be portrayed as the villain, makes an exceptional glow up, and soon becomes a fan favorite. This movie is revolutionary, and one that if I were to have kids one day, I would most definitely advocate for. You see, Belle, the beautiful Disney Princess is taken captive in the Beast's castle, and uses her charm to subdue the Beast's misunderstood personality. Despite his rough exterior (I can't say he's my type, but also not not my type) Belle falls in love regardless, and really exemplifies what it means to fall in love with who someone is on the inside, not the outside.

What's even more subversive is the antagonist. 

One of the few disney villains who look like this

 and by "this" I mean white and handsome.

For those of you who sniffed this one out from the start, salute. With Disney's reputation, it's highly likely that you took one look at this guy and pegged him as Belle's savior. The hero. Why? Because he's not necessarily flawed (until he opens his mouth), and Belle, being petite and beautiful, compliments him well. They aesthetically make sense. But in a world full of diversity and choice, it's likely we will fall in love with the one that doesn't necessarily "make sense", and that's okay. I think that's why I love Beauty and the Beast so much. A part of me wishes he would've stayed in the beastly state Belle found him in, but I can forgive the end transformation (sorry, spoiler alert) simply due to the fact that she planned on loving him regardless. Leave it to Disney to tie up the story soundly. All I have to say to you kids out there reading is find your beast. They just might surprise you.

Losing my blogging virginity

Hi, my name is Ella Stevens, and since you're reading this I assume you have either stumbled upon my blog on happy accident (in which case may I say congratulations), or you followed my link from sakai, and are responsible for assigning my semester grade (the more likely of the two...details....).

Either way, welcome! If you couldn't already tell, I'm new to the blogging world, and currently feeling very simba-esc.

I feel as if I've been thrown into this new world filled with clever gifs and status updates. A world composed and well versed on various chosen topics ranging from wholesome living to lonely cheetos (yes it's a thing). Here's a link incase you were skeptical

http://lonelycheetos.tumblr.com/

I mean, there's a blog for nearly everything nowadays. Honestly the sky's the limit, yet here I am writing to you on a topic I know very little about, hoping you'll stay interested long enough to finish my entry, let alone start on another (ok, let's be honest you love it so far). 

All in all, I'm totally lost.

My background on Disney is quite discouraging. You're talking to someone who hasn't seen Mulan in it's entirety (and please save me the judgement, my roommate has already given me enough shit for it). 

I know I know... disheartening. Especially considering the fact that Mulan has to be the single most empowering Disney movie out there, and I couldn't name more than two characters in the film. But  I'm currently downloading Mulan on my computer (I'm sure it's legal), because i've had enough of your silent judgement and it's time for some complete and total immersion. 

I'm also excited to watch a badass chick do some badass martial arts.

I mean look at her go. Mulan don't need no mans. GRL PWR! amiright?

I'm sure at this point you're hesitant to continue reading, but I want you to understand that I have given you full disclosure. Now that you know all about my dismal childhood affairs, it's time you do as I have done, and blame it on my upbringing... Yep. I'm talking about you mom & dad.

Beyond the styling choices that included dressing me in a red, velvet gown on Christmas Day 2002, my parents also indulged in some, dare I say, bold new looks...

Exhibit A, the bowl cut

Yep, that's me on the right.

I lived with that wicked hairdo for the first four years of my life. absolutely scarring.

 Even better, it made an appearance on my brothers very first birthday.

Ugh the bangs. Talk about a good first impression. 

So now, please, seriously

cut me some slack.

I was obviously deprived as a child, and Disney movies just did not make the cut on family movie night. We ran a tight ship in the Stevens household, and as you can see the poor parenting decisions unfortunately did not stop at the haircuts.

All jokes aside, my parents did an excellent job raising me into such a charming and witty individual, if I do say so myself. I mean look at me, starting my own blog. Doing my own laundry. Paying for my own various parking tickets...  Really making big strides in the adult world.

What more could you ask for?

ok ok i'm done I promise.

(for now)

Despite my lack of knowledge on nearly everything Disney, I would like to voice my enthusiasm for this class, and all the things I have yet to learn. I cannot wait to watch these films for the first time, and dive deep into Disney with you.