I absolutely love Disney movies. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a thing for Disney flicks. I remember spending countless Sunday afternoons at my grandma’s house, curled up with an afghan, a Dr. Pepper and a few Kosher Dill pickles, watching all the Disney classics, one right after the other.
There’s something about a cute little cartoon complete with sappy storylines, fairies, princesses, talking canines, singing foxes, helpful mice, and true love that just makes my big heart skip a beat. Sure, some may say the Disney films are a little too cheesy, which I’ll admit, they are, but these movies have morals. They teach life-long lessons and, of course, they have awesome soundtracks.
“The Adventures of Robin Hood,” “The Sword and the Stone,” “Sleeping Beauty.” If I had to name my top three picks, these bad boys would make the cut. I can remember a time, years ago, when I would go to some video
rental shop with my dad almost every weekend. We were on a search for a few movies to jazz up our weekend plans. He would always opt for the newer releases, while I, quite set in my 7-year-old ways, would choose the same tired videocassette: Disney’s “The Adventures of Robin Hood.”
While the sappy part of me loves Disney movies and all of their “happily ever after” hoopla, I have to admit it – the other part of me is addicted to something completely on the opposite side of the cinematic spectrum.
Sure, I love spending my time watching movies about a blossoming romance between a lovelorn princess and her incredible prince charming. But as much as I love those sap fests, I love another genre just as much, if not a wee bit more.
The horror genre claimed my heart long ago. While some people may not be able to stand full blown gore, especially in cinematic form, I absolutely love it. There’s nothing better than a good scary movie packed full of disgusting dismemberments, brutal mutilations and terrible torture scenes.
I love being scared to the edge of my seat. Of course, I never close my eyes — I’m no wuss— but I do get a little nervous. I jump at the right times; I bite my nails; I try to figure out just which of the main characters will be the one to survive. I get completely wrapped up in these films, knowing all the while that I’m safe in my cushy over-priced movie theater seat.
I know that the chances of getting attacked in my dreams Freddy Krueger-style are pretty slim. I know that Leatherface will never get his transsexual claws near me. I don’t plan on camping out at Camp Crystal Lake anytime soon, and I am fairly certain that Jamie Lee Curtis will never baby-sit me, therefore saving me from the evil escapades of a one Mr. Michael Myers.
There’s no harm or danger in watching these films. I can witness some of the most ridiculously far-fetched plot lines unfold and completely nauseating horror scenes take place all from the safety of my own home or, in the case of the drive-in, my four-door Ford Focus.
It may be hard to believe that the same person could adore filmmakers like George Romero, while loving a majority of the classic Disney films. Say what you will, but it’s true: “Lady and the Tramp” and “Night of the Living Dead” both have a special place in my heart.
Valerie’s other favorite movies:
- Pet Sematary
- Night of the Living Dead
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- Better Off Dead
- Pretty in Pink
- Nightmare on Elm Street
- Halloween
- Cinderella
- Friday the 13th
