Disney is hitting the classics, and no one is talking about it.

When you think of Disney, you think of your childhood; they go hand in hand. How can they not? The company has been so consistent in producing memorable movies for each generation since the 1930s. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to Academy Award winner, Coco, Disney has continued to demonstrate its success. Their secret? It’s rather simple really. Walt Disney Studios makes films for children that revolve around youthful themes ands genres such as: innocence and adventure. However, these animated and live action pieces receive so much attention because they also appeal to every age besides their targeted demographic.

How? Nostalgia.

2018 is the year that they take this to a new level. Although a lot of focus is geared towards fan favorites, Mulan and The Lion King, Disney is still trying to appeal to its older audience. With a disappointing adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time, the company has a lot to make up for. Luckily, there are two movies that look promising enough to pull the company out of its chasm. Christopher Robin and Mary Poppins Returns will be released in late fall and winter, and I guarantee these two films will throw adults back into their favorite stories. Whether it’s to eat honey with Winnie the Pooh, or fly a kite with Mary Poppins, Disney plans to make these movies memorable.

Christopher Robin

The adorable yellow bear is back. However, the movie is taking the classic story on a different path. The film will thrust Winnie the Pooh into an industrialist England as he searches for his lifetime friend, Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor). The twist though, Robin is all grown up.

It’s going to be interesting to see how the relationship between the two friends unravels as Robin deals with the problems of adulthood. Life isn’t always just a walk in the woods, but in order to stay happy, it’s important to remember the carefree parts of it. Pooh reminds Robin that there will always be friends to bring you joy and inspiration.

Even when all seems lost.

Disney is bringing back this theme of reminiscence to both its protagonist and its audience. For those who feel overwhelmed by work or school, this movie is meant to remind you that your childhood will always be there. The first book that I ever read in Spanish was Winnie-The-Pooh, so I hold this story in a special place in my heart, and I know that I am not the only one. For all of those who adored this children’s book, this movie is sure to bring back the innocence that many of us felt we have lost.

Mary Poppins Returns

If you watched the original film, Mary Poppins, or even Saving Mr. Banks, this movie is going to be your spoonful of sugar. If you don’t get the reference, I recommend you go back in time and watch the movie, or relive your entire childhood (or both).

Mary Poppins makes a mundane situation magical. Not only did Disney incorporate animations into the film, but it has one of the most recognizable soundtracks of all time: “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Super‐Cali‐Fragil‐Istic‐Expi‐Ali‐Docious.” We have all heard these, and it’s impossible to forget Julie Andrew’s comforting voice.

As the title suggests, this movie is giving Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) another assignment. The trailer implies that it will take place in a similar location to the original film, however, the contemporary visuals give the film a darker twist. Also, if you look close in the trailer you will notice nostalgia everywhere, and I couldn’t help but feel adrenaline.

While growing up, every child wanted a magical nanny; there was no question about it. No matter how misbehaved or devious you were, you wanted to find Mary Poppins at your door ready to teach. From an iconic book by P.L. Travers to an amazing movie, Mary Poppins continues to reappear in every story lover’s life to remind them to be good.

Disney creates the most nostalgic films out there by bringing back childhood heroes and stories; they continue to keep every single viewer entertained. As adults, many of us are overworked and stressed, therefore a life that seems to bring only more complications will obviously put someone in a bad mood. Fortunately, Disney is there to draw us out of our hopelessness and give us back a piece of what we are missing… Youthfulness. Memories. Magic.

So, next time you’re exhausted, take a minute to sit back, relax, and play your favorite Disney film. Trust me, it will help.

“You’re dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.” – Walt Disney

-Franco Machado-Pesce