Melody Time suffers from a familiar problem of non-sensical plot lines. Filled with abstract shorts that are better suited for “Fantasia” (several shorts in the package films were actually intended for the 1940 classic), the film fails to create a consistent atmosphere.
From Little Toot, the story of an anthropomorphic boat, to Trees, a melancholic piece on the changing seasons. We are then thrown the very fun “And Blame It on the Samba.” It does, however, have a lot of artistic merit.
The Three Caballeros (1944)
The Three Caballeros was a sort of thematic follow-up to Saludos Amigos. Out of all the package films, this one probably has the strongest narrative. The humor has more of a Loony Tunes feel to it than Disney and while it may lack in substance, it does compensate in style.
The characters are colorful and include Donald Duck, José Carioca, the cigar-smoking parrot, and Panchitos Pistoles, a gun-slinging rooster. It's full of vibrant scenes and action-packed fantasy sequences.
Chicken Little (2005)
There's nothing terribly wrong with this movie, but nothing mind-blowingly brilliant about it either. Cute and able to evoke a mild chuckle, the film is loosely based on the original fairytale of the same name.
Like in the original story, Chicken Little thinks the sky is falling after getting hit on the head by an acorn. Of course, Chicken seems to be onto something as we discover an alien attack is underway (even if no one believes him.) Ultimately, a lot goes down in this chaotic story so it might be wise to give it a miss.
Saludos Amigos (1942)
Made up of four segments, one of which involves Donald Duck as a tourist in South America. This was the film that essentially inspired The Three Caballeros. While the latter may behave more of iconic status, the former is definitely more entertaining and appreciated as a stand-alone work.
The film has a beautiful authenticity with its use of actual Portuguese. The narrative is simple and pretty straight forward, as it follows the Disney artists on their trip to South America. There we see how they got inspired.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Of all Disney's more melancholic films, this one tops the list of the most depressing. Tod the fox and Copper the hound are two young companions who grow up and learn that their interspecies friendship just cannot survive the cruel realities of nature.
This film is famous for traumatizing young children and especially sensitive animal lovers. If you can get past it the emotional torture, the film, with its weak character development, is rather mediocre at best.