Shows
Once Upon A DisneyThe Rocketeer (1991)Larry and Andie are mixed on this comic book adaptation. Topics include a tonally different mahnishtahnah, what we need from a superhero movie, and Larry's comparison of this movie to Aladdin.2024-06-1956 minOnce Upon A DisneyHaunted Mansion (2003)Of course...you can always choose...OUR WAY! Larry and Andie unravel this spooky sleeper. Topics include a functional Mahnishtahnah, MORE CONFLICT, and Andie's billion dollar idea.2024-05-2950 minOnce Upon A Disney10 Things I Hate About You (1999)Andie and Larry are pretty whelmed by this 1999 teen rom com by Touchstone. Topics include: the dual plot, some cringey moments by modern sensibilities, and a scene that makes Larry cry!2024-05-011h 00Once Upon A DisneyAdventures In Babysitting (1987) with Elana GartnerPlaywright Elana Gartner joins Andie and Larry to analyze this Gen X teen comedy. Topics include an interesting mahnishtahnah, how Chris should save the day in the climax, and the best game time with Larry ever!2024-04-031h 10Once Upon A DisneyMark Twain and Me (1991) with Gabriel DianiGabriel Diani (Mark Twain Today) joins Andie and Larry to unpack this Disney Channel original movie. Topics include the importance of conflict and knowing where to start and stop your movie.2023-10-2558 minOnce Upon A DisneyAir Bud (1997)WOOF! Andie and Larry engage this family favorite, noting a lot of great canine acting. Topics include nontraditional structure, the logic police, and why Andie never watches trailers.2023-10-1857 minOnce Upon A DisneyPocahontas II (1998)Larry and Andie get a little silly discussing a rare direct-to-video Disney sequel they contend is better than the original. Topics include a better protagonist, a stronger antagonist, and a Pocahontas dating game.2023-10-111h 01Once Upon A DisneyThe Sign Of Zorro (1958) with Mike Staub and Jordan HueThe BatmanTASticast's Mike Staub and Jordan Hue join Larry and Andie to discuss this 1960 feature. Topics include a Batman-Zorro comparison and Larry's new game Best Villain.2023-09-271h 13Once Upon A DisneyWild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)Larry and Andie saddle up for this Disney girl and her horse feature. Topics include didactic opening scenes and the importance of conflict with your characters.2023-09-2057 minOnce Upon A DisneyHoney, I Blew Up The Kid (1992) with Ashley CookScreenwriter Ashley Cook joins Larry and Andie to dig deep into the second installment of the Honey, I Shrunk franchise. Topics include escalating the inciting incident and how a child actor might limit storytelling possibilities.2023-09-061h 06Once Upon A DisneyOliver & Company (1988) with Gabriel Jason Dean and Jessie DeanPlaywrights Gabriel Jason Dean and Jessie Dean join Larry and Andie to discuss Disney's adaptation of the Dickens classic. Topics include the need for a singular protagonist and reductionistic pitfalls in adaptation.2023-08-301h 05Once Upon A DisneyThe Rookie (2002)Batter up! Larry and Andie analyze this Texas baseball classic. Topics include a late inciting incident, too much dramatic irony, and a pitch certain to be a hit!2023-08-231h 01Once Upon A DisneyRuby Bridges (1998)Andie and Larry explore this Wonderful World of Disney TV film. Topics include handling an adaptation, the danger of redundancy, and the need for a strong climax.2023-08-161h 07Once Upon A DisneyDarby O'Gill and the Little People (1959)What's the craic? It's this episode! Andie and Larry enjoy a wee bit of fun while engaging with this amazing cinematic spectacle. Topics include clever dialogue, the use of subtext, and the joys of consent in romantic scenes.2023-08-0956 minOnce Upon A DisneyCandleshoe (1977) with Andrea NasfellScreenwriter Andrea Nasfell joins Andie and Larry for such topics as character development without the use of dialogue and the power of an ambiguous ending.2023-08-021h 03Once Upon A DisneyThe Rescuers Down Under (1990)In a rare turn of events, Larry and Andie both struggle with a film they really wanted to like. Topics include a too long mahnishtahnah and the need for Medusa.2023-07-261h 03Once Upon A DisneyThe Dark Crystal (1982) with Brett NiethamerThe Holy Goof's Brett Niethamer join Andie and Larry to unpack this Jim Henson masterpiece. Topics include character work, plotting concerns, and how indifference might be the worst evil.2023-07-191h 03Once Upon A DisneySmart House (1999)Andie and Larry dig into the Disney Channel's answer to the ABC Afterschool Special. Highlights from this made for TV movie include character work and the theme of embracing love after loss.2023-07-1255 minOnce Upon A DisneyReturn To Never Land (2002)Second star to the right! Larry and Andie return to the Peter Pan franchise to discuss plot questions and why Wendy should have been able to go back to Never Land.2023-07-0557 minOnce Upon A DisneyApple Dumpling Gang (1976)Andie and Larry dive into Disney's wildly successful 1970's western for children. Topics include the protagonist's relationship with the villain and a problematic mahnishtahnah.2023-06-2854 minOnce Upon A DisneyThe Princess Diaries (2001)Larry and Andie offer strong rewrite suggestions for this Disney live-action movie. Highlights include: a better mahnishtahnah, a discussion about the Dove Foundation and G rated fare, and The Glad Game!2023-06-1457 minOnce Upon A DisneyMulan (1998)Andie and Larry kick off Season 5 with this legendary Disney Princess. Topics include false tension, potential solutions for protagonist problems, and Larry's new game First Or False.2023-06-071h 09Once Upon A DisneyLilo and Stitch (2002)In this last episode of Season 4, Larry and Andie enjoy this heartwarming sci-fi story of found family and redemptive love. Topics include three inciting incidents, a romantic comedy structure, and why Jumba's role as antagonist gets skewed.2023-03-1557 minOnce Upon A DisneyOld Yeller (1957)Get your tissues! Andie and Larry unpack this 'Boy and His Dog' genre classic. Highlights include character work, the theme of becoming a man, and Larry choosing a Disney dog for a pet.2023-03-081h 05Once Upon A DisneyPocahontas (1995)In this episode, Andie and Larry dig into one of Disney's more controversial offerings. Topics include a faulty prologue, a weak protagonist, and Romeo and Juliet as a structural model for a First Nation story.2023-03-011h 09Once Upon A DisneyDavy Crockett and the River Pirates (1956)Larry and Andie go back for another round of '50s Crockett Craze! Highlights include reasons for a puzzling Mahnishtahnah and the problem with a stoic protagonist in a morality play.2023-02-2249 minOnce Upon A DisneyRemember The Titans (2000)Our first sports movie! Larry and Andie do a post mortem on this classic football film. Highlights include atypical structure, how narration creates aesthetic distance, and a Disney fantasy football game.2023-02-151h 14Once Upon A Disney101 Dalmatians (1996) with Noelle NoriGuest star Noelle Nori joins Andie and Larry to discuss the differences between the original animated version and the live action remake - plus The Dating Game starring Cruella de Vil!!2023-02-0858 minOnce Upon A DisneyZenon: The Zequel (2001)Zoom, zoom, zoom! For some reason, fans keep asking for more Zenon. Because they care, Andie and Larry deliver by laughing at a total lack of story logic. PLEASE, FANS - NO MORE!!!2023-02-0156 minOnce Upon A DisneyTreasure Planet (2002)Larry and Andie take on this VERY underrated Disney gem with a discussion of evolving character wants, a craft lesson on montage writing, and a very refreshing female captain.2023-01-251h 05Once Upon A DisneyTuck Everlasting (2002)It's a split decision! Larry pans and Andie enjoys this understated supernatural romance. Topics include aging up the protagonist, the use of narration, and the theme of immortality.2023-01-181h 11Once Upon A DisneyNewsies (1992)Happy New Year! In our first episode of 2023, Andie and Larry tackle Newsies (1992). Topics include balancing music and dance with historical events and how to balance a script when two characters sharing the protagonist role.2023-01-1156 minOnce Upon A DisneyThe Santa Clause (1994)Happy Holidays...we hope we don't spoil them for you! Larry and Andie lament what happens when a film has no real dramatic question, no real arc for the protagonist, and no real foiling.2022-12-281h 11Once Upon A DisneyPollyanna (1960)We're ever so glad you joined us! Larry and Andie head to Harrington to analyze a new sheriff in town and notice dozens of themes emerging in this iconic Disney live action.2022-12-211h 05Once Upon A DisneyFlight Of The Navigator (1986)COMPLIANCE! Andie and Larry explore this underrated 80s cult classic with an eye to tonal shifts and how the dramatic question needs to be answered in the film's climax.2022-12-141h 09Once Upon A DisneyA Bug's Life (1998)Andie and Larry dive into Ant Island for a look at Pixar's answer to Toy Story. Topics include a scrapped Mahnishtahnah, the need for characters to have arcs, and the storytelling problem of multiple themes.2022-12-071h 09Once Upon A DisneyGeppetto (2000)Larry and Andie dive into to this made for TV musical with a discussion of character motives, strong structure, and Larry's concept of superfoiling.2022-11-2357 minOnce Upon A DisneyThe Aristocats (1970)Sacre bleu! Larry and Andie dissect this animated Disney feature with an eye toward missed opportunities, an underuse of characters, and plot and protagonist problems.2022-11-161h 01Once Upon A DisneyThe Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)Wocka wocka!! Another Muppet movie - so you know Larry is fired up! Join Andie and Larry as they explore Muppet character development and laud the genius of Frank Oz's direction.2022-11-0958 minOnce Upon A DisneyThe Lion King 2 (1998)Hakuna Mata-two? Join Larry and Andie as they analyze the 1998 sequel to the 1994 hit The Lion King. Topics include showing vs. telling and why giving the protagonist the satisfaction of triumph in the climax is always the way to go.2022-11-021h 06Once Upon A DisneyHocus Pocus (1993)Happy Halloween! Larry and Andie tackle this cult classic. The duo discuss the dangers of a long windup in exposition, the importance of character choice, and the need to stick to your rules in your screenplay.2022-10-2659 minOnce Upon A DisneyBeauty and the Beast (1991)Season 4 kicks off with the piece de resistance from the 1990s Disney Renaissance, Beauty and the Beast. In this episode, Andie and Larry tackle protagonist problems, foiling, and recent film criticism on Stockholm Syndrome.2022-10-201h 05Once Upon A DisneyWho Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) with Taj WhitesellFor this season finale, Larry and Andie are joined by artist Taj Whitesell to unpack the hit launching the Disney renaissance. Highlights include many craft takeaways and Larry's working theory of Who REALLY Framed Roger Rabbit?2022-09-141h 03Once Upon A DisneyHercules (1997)Andie and Larry tackle this Disney retelling of the epic Greek myth. Topics include the need for a protagonist with selfless goals and why too much exposition can lose your viewers.2022-09-071h 08Once Upon A DisneyHerbie Rides Again (1974)Vrrrrrooooom! Disney Villain Alonzo Hawk joins the Herbie world, and Andie and Larry are here for it! Topics include using a false climax, the lack of a showdown, and choosing to start a film with your antagonist.2022-08-2456 minOnce Upon A DisneyThe Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) with Bryn TannerPlaywright Bryn Tanner joins Larry and Andie in unpacking this adaptation of Victor Hugo's foundational French novel. Topics include the dangers of explicit exposition, protagonist problems, and adult themes in a movie for families.2022-08-181h 26Once Upon A DisneyThe Great Mouse Detective (1986)Join Larry and Andie as they crack the case of this movie, including discussions of foiling, the use of time in a screenplay, and how this movie starts perfectly.2022-08-1057 minOnce Upon A DisneyTRON (1982) with Brett NiethamerThe Holy Goof's Brett Niethamer combines forces with Larry and Andie to discuss the first computer animated Disney classic. Topics include protagonist problems, the need for a character to address flaws, and overkill on worldbuilding.2022-08-031h 09Once Upon A DisneyRobin Hood (1973)Oo-De-Lolly! Larry and Andie discuss the first Disney animated feature without Walt, including the dangers of crafting a narrative feature with one eye to television.2022-07-271h 03Once Upon A DisneyTreasure Island (1950)Arrrr, Matey! Andie and Larry unpack this treasure of a film, offering a lot of historical content, a thematic breakdown, and a discussion on film adaptation and why some parts of a novel do not make the cut.2022-07-201h 02Once Upon A DisneyToy Story 2 (1999)There's a snake in my boot! Larry and Andie rave over this near perfect sequel, picking up where Toy Story left off. Topics include a dual inciting incident, themes, and how Pixar solves the Buzz Lightyear problem.2022-07-131h 03Once Upon A DisneyBedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)Larry and Andie tackle the first Disney movie musical completed without Walt. Topics include the Fetch Quest trope, how best to marry plot and music, and the problems with a heavy edit.2022-06-301h 07Once Upon A DisneyThe Great Muppet Caper (1981)Join Andie and Larry for this followup to The Muppet Movie. Topics include love triangles, how cameo appearances need to drive the story, and how one of us feels Fozzie is grossly underutilized.2022-06-151h 07Once Upon A DisneyHoney, I Shrunk The Kids (1989)Andie and Larry shrink down the elements of this late 80's classic. Topics include showing over telling, the primary importance of theme, and wondering who in the backyard is the real protagonist!2022-06-011h 00Once Upon A DisneyThe Tigger Movie (2000)Larry and Andie "bounce" through this theatrical reboot of the Winnie The Pooh franchise. Topics include character continuity in a franchise, thematic challenges, how songs need pathos, and how to write a character experiencing a dark night of the soul.2022-05-251h 13Once Upon A DisneySwiss Family Robinson (1960) with Andrea NasfellTeam Fritz or Team Ernst? Screenwriter Andrea Nasfell joins Andie and Larry for a discussion of this classic family film. Topics include the inciting incident, character arcs, and the structure of the film influenced by television.2022-05-181h 13Once Upon A DisneyMonsters, Inc. (2001)Join Andie and Larry to discuss foiling, character relationships, and worldbuilding using this fast-paced Pixar classic.2022-05-111h 09Once Upon A DisneyThe Shaggy Dog (1959)Larry and Andie discuss Disney's first live action comedy and the dangers of editing a TV show into a feature - namely setups never paid off.2022-05-041h 11Once Upon A DisneyThe Black Cauldron (1985)Join Andie and Larry for a discussion of this Disney miss - a movie which favors plot and location over character and theme - and what's up with no music?2022-04-271h 12Once Upon A DisneyThe Absent-Minded Professor (1961) with Tom ProvostJoin Andie, Larry, and Director Tom Provost for this look at the 1961 live-action classic. Topics include dramatic questions, a recipe for Flubber, and why Mrs. Chatsworth is the true villain of the picture.2022-04-201h 08Once Upon A DisneyThe Lion King (1994)In this last episode of Season 2, Larry and Andie tackle this truly perfect film. The prologue's exceptional use of exposition for worldbuilding and relationships, music, and complex characterizations driving plot - The Lion King has it all!2022-03-021h 11Once Upon A DisneyZenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)Larry and Andie heroically tackle this futuristic Disney Channel Original Movie. While it's not their favorite, the duo discuss flaws in the script and ways to improve the film.2022-02-231h 15Once Upon A DisneyThe Love Bug (1969)VRRROOOM! Andie and Larry explore the highest grossing movie of 1969 starring a little VW bug named Herbie. Explorations include obstacles and complications, strong characterization, and what makes an antagonist a true villain.2022-02-171h 09Once Upon A DisneyLady and the Tramp (1955)Larry and Andie dig into this 1955 classic, asking lots of hard questions: how should a protagonist function, where should this film start, and why isn't Lady the hero of her own movie?2022-02-091h 07Once Upon A DisneyThe Black Hole (1979) with Denis HennellyDirector Denis Hennelly comes on board with Andie and Larry to analyze this 1979 Disney venture into space. Topics include Chekhov's Gun, 70s storytelling, and storytelling parallels with 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.2022-01-261h 20Once Upon A DisneyThe Rescuers (1977) with Storme WoodDirector Storme Wood joins Andie and Larry for a lively discussion analyzing 1977's The Rescuers. Subjects covered include dramatic questions, inciting incidents, and where the story really should start!2022-01-191h 06Once Upon A DisneyThe Muppet Movie (1979)Larry and Andie talk The Muppets in their first full-length feature film. Two Mahnishtahnahs, three climaxes, and an explanation of multiple meta-references? Why, it's almost as if the Muppets wrote their own screenplay!2022-01-121h 02Once Upon A DisneyDumbo (1941)Join Larry and Andie for a conversation about Dumbo, the little movie that could. We compare Timothy Mouse to Jiminy Cricket, talk about the use of music, and discuss how empathy is built for a silent protagonist.2022-01-0554 minOnce Upon A DisneyDavy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier (1955)Andie and Larry discuss Disney's first all-American film, spliced together from three episodes of the Disneyland television series. Special emphasis in this podcast given to historical consideration in storytelling.2021-12-301h 03Once Upon A DisneyMickey's Christmas Carol (1983) with Kiki PetrosinoPoet Kiki Petrosino joins Andie and Larry for a look at Disney's take on the Dickensian classic, A Christmas Carol. Topics include casting choices, notes on screen adaptation following source material, and some wacky trivia in Game Time With Larry!2021-12-221h 00Once Upon A DisneyAladdin 2: The Return of Jafar (1994) with Nivi EngineerLarry and Andie tackle Aladdin 2: The Return of Jafar with the help of Nivi Engineer, discussing the shortcomings of a sequel film designed as the pilot for an animated series and the importance of consistency between films in a franchise.2021-12-151h 04Once Upon A DisneyGargoyles: Awakening (1994)More from the 90s Disney Afternoon Programming Block! Larry and Andie tackle the first five episode miniseries of the long arc animated series Gargoyles. We talk pros and cons of serialized cartoons, seeding the pilot for later payoff, and how this near perfect franchise deserves a revival!2021-12-081h 01Once Upon A Disney20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954) with Brett NiethamerThe Holy Goof's Brett Niethamer joins Larry and Andie to discuss Disney's epic underwater adventure. Highlights include the film's historical significance in cinema, the importance of seeing a movie through the lens of the intended audience, and the layered portrayal of Captain Nemo.2021-12-011h 08Once Upon A DisneyBrave Little Tailor (1938) & Mickey and the Beanstalk (1947)M-I-C-K-E-Y...Why? Because he's where it all began! Join Andie and Larry as they dig into two of Mickey Mouse's biggest hits. Topics include narration and aesthetic distance, protagonist problems, and how Donald Duck really does steal every scene!2021-11-181h 02Once Upon A DisneyThe Jungle Book (1967)Join Larry and Andie for an in-depth look at the last animated feature to bear Walt Disney's imprint. We talk protagonist problems, characterization, and the difficulty in isolating a climax for this film.2021-11-101h 08Once Upon A DisneyThe Watcher In The Woods (1980)Happy Halloween! In this fan-requested episode, Andie and Larry talk extensively about how horror movies work and how this film is a bit of a miss.2021-11-031h 03Once Upon A DisneyThe Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)In the second film in our Halloween trilogy, Larry and Andie dig into this classic Tim Burton tale. Highlights include suggestions for Oogie Boogie and Larry's thesis on what holiday this film is *really* all about.2021-10-2857 minOnce Upon A DisneyEscape To Witch Mountain (1975) with Nancy McCabeFor the first film in our Halloween series, author Nancy McCabe joins Larry and Andie to take a deeper look at one of their childhood favorites. The trio discusses film tone, how special effects save the day, and the problem with introducing a protagonist mid-movie.2021-10-131h 03Once Upon A DisneyOne Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)Join Larry and Andie for a discussion of this 1961 classic Disney hit, including what they believe would improve this story for modern viewers.2021-10-061h 01Once Upon A DisneyToy Story (1995) with Lynnell EdwardsSeason 2 of Once Upon A Disney kicks off with Toy Story, Pixar's first feature length narrative. Join Andie and Larry and their special guest Lynnell Edwards for a discussion about obstacles, themes, and breaking the rules.2021-09-291h 13Once Upon A DisneyCinderella (1950)Larry and Andie round out Season 1 of the podcast with exposition, building tension, and a comparison of Cinderella to Snow White.2021-08-251h 02Once Upon A DisneyThe Parent Trap (1961) with Cassie BrowerDisney writer Cassie Brower joins Larry and Andie for this Hayley Mills classic. Dramatic irony, shifting protagonists, a greeting from Minnie Mouse - this episode has it all!2021-08-1857 minOnce Upon A DisneyA Goofy Movie (1995) with Joseph MyersThe List Live podcast's Joseph Myers joins Andie and Larry to discuss economical storytelling and rounding flat characters.2021-08-121h 08Once Upon A DisneyDuckTales: Treasures Of The Golden Sun (1987) with Taj WhitesellWriter Taj Whitesell joins Larry and Andie for a look at the series engine for the original DuckTales animated series. We discuss tools needed to build a series plus super foiling and the need for an audience surrogate.2021-08-041h 14Once Upon A DisneyThe Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (1977) with Richard PropesFilm critic Richard Propes joins Andie and Larry for a fresh look at the beloved characters from the Hundred Acre Wood.2021-07-301h 09Once Upon A DisneyThe Fox And The Hound (1981) with Holly BeckIn this episode, Larry and Andie are joined by Holly Beck to talk The Fox And The Hound, a film that marked a departure from traditional Disney happy endings.2021-07-221h 02Once Upon A DisneyFreaky Friday (1976) with Lauren MilbergerLauren Milberger joins Larry and Andie for a talk about the body-switching genre, gender politics in the 1970s, and why this film did not require voiceover.2021-07-141h 10Once Upon A DisneyAlice In Wonderland (1951) with Kira ObolenskyLarry and Andie are joined by award-winning playwright Kira Obolensky to dig into the background, characters, and episodic nature of the mad world of Wonderland.2021-07-071h 10Once Upon A DisneyThe Emperor's New Groove (2000) with Brett NiethamerBrett Niethamer of TheHolyGoof.com joins Andie and Larry to talk The Emperor's New Groove and why starting at Kuzco's lowest point makes sense for the film.2021-06-301h 03Once Upon A DisneyThe Journey of Natty Gann (1985) with Jennifer GeraghtyJennifer Geraghty joins Larry and Andie for a look at this underrated Disney gem - a coming of age female protagonist set against the antagonizing backdrop of the Great Depression.2021-06-231h 13Once Upon A DisneyBambi (1942)Larry and Andie discuss the foundational Disney animated feature, Bambi. Highlights include relationships between characters and writing hard subjects.2021-06-161h 02Once Upon A DisneyThe Sword In The Stone (1963) with Jennine "Doc" KruegerMedieval literature expert Doc Krueger joins Andie and Larry for Disney's take on the origin story of King Arthur.2021-06-101h 16Once Upon A DisneyPinocchio (1940) with Storme WoodAndie and Larry invite filmmaker Storme Wood to discuss escalating stakes and Larry's evil opposites theory in Pinocchio.2021-06-021h 24Once Upon A DisneyReturn To Oz (1985) with Diani & DevineEtta Devine and Gabe Diani join Andie and Larry in fleshing out the storyline of Disney's darker take on Oz.2021-05-261h 08Once Upon A DisneyThat Darn Cat! (1965) with Tom ProvostLarry, Andie, and guest star Tom Provost discuss setups, payoffs, dramatic tension, and characterizations in the live action film That Darn Cat!2021-05-191h 10Once Upon A DisneySnow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) with Bridgette Dutta PortmanPlaywright and author Bridgette Dutta Portman joins Larry and Andie in discussing characters and themes in Disney's first animated narrative feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.2021-05-051h 21Once Upon A DisneyAladdin (1992) with Nivi EngineerLarry, Andie, and guest host Nivi Engineer discuss Disney's 1992 version of Aladdin. This educational podcast discusses characterization, timeless content, and the Disney sidekick.2021-04-281h 13Once Upon A DisneyPeter Pan (1953)Second star to the right! In this educational podcast, Andie and Larry discuss character doubling, foils, and the real villain of Peter Pan.2021-04-2157 minOnce Upon A DisneySleeping Beauty (1959)In this educational podcast, Larry and Andie dig into this 1959 masterpiece and introduce the concept of dramatic irony.2021-04-141h 13Once Upon A DisneyMary Poppins (1964)Our first episode! Larry and Andie kick off this educational podcast with a look at one of Disney's most iconic films.2021-04-021h 11