Rating: 5/5 stars

The Walt Disney Company is officially 100 years old, and what better way to celebrate than with a love letter to all of the iconic characters the studio has produced over the years. This heartfelt short is a good reminder of the separation between the talented and caring animators who have created so many memories for so many generations and corporate business people who find themselves in the headlines as the face of the company. The distinction is clear.

The film revolves around a wide cast of Disney characters coming to life, leaving picture frames on the walls of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building to join together for a 100th anniversary group photo. It is a simple concept that is made more meaningful with the interactions of characters and the screentime given to some forgotten stars of Disney’s past. The short film features at least one character from each of their 61 feature films, plus numerous short films and some live-action films that feature animated characters. When watching the short, you can see how deep into Walt Disney’s rich history the company went for its character choices. The film depicts classic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Peter Pan, Snow White, Winnie the Pooh, Anna, Elsa, Moana and Aladdin. At the same time, there are characters from the beginning of Disney’s history like Ferdinand the Bull, the Reluctant Dragon, Bongo the Bear, Humphrey the Bear and J. Audubon Woodlore from a series of short films from the ‘30s. Yes, even Johnny Appleseed, as in the American legend who planted trees, and Benjamin Franklin, as in the Founding Father who flew a kite and captured lightning.

The film delicately and carefully showcases all of their qualities, giving each one a good amount of representation and care. Seeing a character you grew up with and pointing them out is something you can only feel during these crossovers. We all have that one character that does not seem to get enough attention and then they are included in a short scene, and we are overcome with joy because that obscure character finally gets some love. Over the years, crossovers like these have become more frequent in all media realms. Film buffs had Avengers Infinity War and Endgame, fans of Cartoon Network had OK K.O.’s Crossover Nexus and even video game fans had Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which featured the tagline “Everyone is here!”

The ending, which is already spreading around social media, has all of the characters singing “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio, with many returning voice actors whose performances connect you back to your childhood, their voices still recognizable. You cannot help but fall in love with this short and shed a tear.

Image from Walt Disney Animation Studios via YouTube