30 days and change: Day 5

DAY 5: What was your favorite book or movie as a child? Why? Do you still like it?

WORD COUNT: 286

Is it weird that I don’t know If I had a favorite movie as a child? But if I had to really nail one down, it would be Hercules! The story of Hercules centers on the son of Zeus and Hera, whose immortality was taken from him as a baby, and he can only reclaim it by becoming the hero.

If we’re being honest, the film itself offered no real appeal to me from a story aspect, but EVERY song was it for me. I am truly moved by music, and good music at that. In my opinion, it is one of the blackest Disney movies the company has ever made. The music primarily focuses on helping tell the story of the rise, fall, and rise of Hercules, like most Greek tragedies.

The stars of the show, The Muses, a group of strong, independent, and singing-ass black women that narrate one of the most influential Disney movies of all time.

Voiced by Caroline Taylor (Calliope) Arnold McCuller (Terpsichore) Andrea Zonn (Thalia and played the violin) Dorian Holley (Melpomene) Kate Markowitz (Clio) Lillias White (Muses) Vanéese Y. Thomas (Muses) Cheryl Freeman (Muses) LaChanze (Muses) Roz Ryan (Muses) listening to these god-like voices blended together was my little gay boys dream. Lol. Its beautiful blend of Gospel and Broadway stylings creates a memorable sonic experience. It felt like being at church without being at church. It’s one of those movies that felt extra black but wasn’t necessarily black. lol, I was in my church bag heavy then, singing in the church choir, playing the piano for the youth choir, and all. The combination of time and space stamps this one as my FAVORITE Disney movie of all time.