The Toy Stories (1995) (1999) (2010)

It’s hard to imagine that back in 1995 Disney and Pixar knew they were creating a new classic. Fifteen years later and we have a trio of amazing stories filled with genuine heart and authentic characters that everyone (with a soul) connects with. The main characters just happen to be toys and the story very personal.

In the first story, we meet our toys. ‘Old faithful’ a cowboy known as Woody (Tom Hanks) feels threatened when his boy Andy gets space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). Intimidated and insecure, Woody takes an immediate dislike to the bells and whistles of Buzz. The film excels on many different levels. But for a babysitting junior high-schooler (me) watching it with her charges, it was funny to them and heartwarming for me. In retrospect, there was and still is an immediate connection to your childhood and those toys you held most dear. The ones that had a special place on the bed when you were told to clean up while the rest when in the box.

Toy Story 2 rolled out in 1999. Skeptical of the sequel—I didn’t see this film until 2000—I shrugged it off as a ‘Disney Pixar money grab’. How very wrong. Again, I was amazed at how emotionally connected I was to this story of toys director by John Lasseter. At 20, you’re not quite old enough for nostalgia, but toys are clearly in the rearview mirror. Still, the storyline of Woody being a collector’s item and being held hostage by one resonated for a time when eBay was at its peak and my brother and I are visiting every Wal-Mart to complete a Star Wars figures collection.

2010 and along comes Toy Story 3. I laughed when friends mentioned ‘crying’ at the film’s climax. My nieces mentioned it being scary. Somewhere between 20 and 30, nostalgia set in. For me, Toy Story 3 is not only another adventure for Buzz, Woody, T-Rex and the Potato Heads it’s a trip down memory lane. It’s revisiting that special bond between a child and their toys. Not all of them—just the special ones. Parents and kids alike will identify with this film on some level. Maybe it's the toys, maybe it is Andy. Regardless, there is something special here, something to be treasured, and something not to be missed.

Heavyweights (1995)

One of Disney’s dated feel-good family films about overweight boys with Ben Stiller as a crazed fitness guru.

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Growing up in the 1920’s New Orleans, Tiana’s father has taught her two things: hard work will get you want you want and don’t forget what really matters. Now Tiana is a waitress who is hoping to realize her father’s dream of a restaurant. But when Prince Naveen comes to town and both become prey in the plays of a local shadow man, her future is in question. What follows is an uninspired, insulting piece of garbage.

Disney’s latest money-pit, The Princess and the Frog, is an attempt at reviving classic Disney animation and it fails miserably. There is no charm, no life, no joy, and no beauty. Studded with death, dismemberment, and untold clichés, this movie has no soul. Even the score found herein by Randy Newman is forgettable. The film is set during the Jazz Age and there is nothing musically interesting to speak of.

Cheap jokes and even cheaper characters flail onscreen. The sequences in the voodoo emporium are one-dimensionally creepy and the shaman looks suspiciously like Prince. The bayous of Louisiana have potential until they are soiled by yet more uninspired animation.

Disney where is the brilliance you were once know for? Where’s the magic?! You insult your fans with this rubbish. If Walt and Roy could see the House of Mouse now, they’d be ashamed!!

There were no squeals of laughter to be found where I was sitting. My two young nieces were not dazzled. They seemed unaffected by what they witness. Thank God! And as I see it, the crying of young children says it all. Disney’s The Princess and the Frog is one to be missed.

Bedtime Stories (2008)

It was at the behest of my nieces and the prodding of my brother who knows of my fascination with Russell Brand that I sat down to watch Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler. Dear readers, you know of my distaste for the man. His best days were on SNL.

As Uncle Skeeter, Sandler is remarkably sane. His penchant for odd voices remains, but this time, as the down on his luck everyman who is caring for his niece and nephew, the voices work. Adept at story-telling, Skeeter begins to notice uncanny parallels between the bedtime stories he’s been telling Bobbi and Patrick and his real life. Before long, he’s trying to manipulate the bedtime stories to realize his own reality.

The characters herein aren’t particularly deep in Bedtime Stories. The casting is solid with Brand, Courtney Cox, Keri Russell, Guy Pierce and Richard Griffiths. Cox is funny with her obsessive mom disorder. Her poor kids haven’t experienced the true joys of childhood thanks to mom’s fascination with wheat germ. Sandler, however, is the real star of the show. And as much as it pains me to say it, some of the dialogue is funny and completely relatable.

Sandler, I’m impressed. You’ve forgone the raunchy uninspired brand of humor I have cursed you for and made something enjoyable for the whole family. Interesting enough for the adults; captivating for the children. Even computer generated Bugsy didn’t annoy me. Well done.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Robert Zemeckis was going to lose this battle the moment I set foot in the theatre. Nothing compares to the classic 1951 version starring Alistair Sims. But in Zemeckis’ defense (not that he needs any); his animated adaptation of the iconic tale is a delightful reimaging.

Admirably faithful to Dickens’s tale, A Christmas Carol takes few artist liberties. The ones that Zemeckis bravely executes add a modern charm that is commendable. The 3-D effects (now, for the record, this is the first film that I’ve viewed since the 3D epidemic took hold in Hollywood) are arresting and beautifully rendered.

Star of the show—Jim Carrey, surprisingly enough, is lost in the film. Though we see glimmers of the spastic star, the motion-capture is top-notch and his ugly face doesn’t come through. Scrooge's expressions are more lifelike with subtle changes. Colin Firth as Scrooge’s nephew is a sweet surprise. Bob Cratchit (voiced by Gary Oldman) is a bulbous, nearly lifeless fellow--a true disappointment.

The Ghosts of Past, Present, and Future rendered are faithful, if sometimes oddly frightening. A few particularly dark scenes mar an otherwise family-friendly fare. They are truly terrifying and out of character, but I am a classicist. Modern film-goers will find no issues with the aforementioned.

The scoring is complimentary. Andrea Bocelli sings a beautiful piece over the nondescript closing credits. What a waste!

Here’s the part where I leave, once again, my readers with a quizzical expression. Visually, Zemekis’ A Christmas Carol is arresting, but often times, I feel the ‘flying over and through London’ is pure filler, detracting from essential elements. At one point, I felt nauseous. Additionally, I take to task the overly diabolical element of our specters. This film does not have the charm of previous renditions, nor do I think it captures the true spirit of the novel.

This version is all style with no substance. But criticisms aside, most movie-goers will find A Christmas Carol a decent if unsatisfying film.

Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)

Dark's Pandemonium Carnival has come to a small town with the proprietor, Mr. Dark (Jonathan Pryce) promising to make the town folk's dreams come true. Inquisitive young boys Will and Jim (Vidal Peterson and Shawn Carson) quickly discover that the price is much to high after school teacher, Miss. Foley, dies. With the help of Will's father, the boys fight to rid the town of the pandemonium threatening to destroy them all.

Perfectly macabre and altogether creepy, Something Wicked This Way Comes maintains its horror despite sometimes dated special effects. Author Ray Bradbury wrote the screenplay; he's maintained some of the best features of the book as this Disney feature comes to life. Hardly for the family, the film is oddly atmospheric and gloomy. But there is this surreal factor that is fascinating.

Johnathan Pryce is spine-tingling evil. With soul-piercing eyes, his Mr. Dark makes me cower. A young Pam Grier stars has his evil mistress. Jason Robards plays Will's father. The two young actors really leave much to be desired when it comes to skills. Fortunately, director Jack Clayton weaves a creepy story that distracts from them. James Horner's score also does wonders to create a memorable film.

Something Wicked This Way Comes is one I'd like to see remade--especially in the days of CGI. In the hands of a gifted director, a remake would be genius. As it stands, the film is equal parts Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Arachnophobia.

Just for Tom: 2½ stars

The Parent Trap (1961)

Sharon McKendrick (Haley Mills) and Susan Evers (Haley Mills) couldn't be more different. Sharon, from Boston, is a prim and proper young lady schooled in etiquette. California-bred Susan comes from horse ranch and relishes the outdoors. Two girls so different could never be so alike. Or could they? Their first meeting at summer camp leads to an all out war. It's not until camp counselors place the two in solitary confinement that they discover they are twins, separated as babies when their parents, Maggie McKendrick (beautiful Maureen O'Hara) and Mitch Evers (steely-eyed Brian Keith), divorced. With just a few weeks left of camp, the sisters hatch a plan to switch places, get to know their other parent and ultimately reunite them.

Walt Disney's The Parent Trap is rambunctious fun thanks to a fine performances all around. Mills is the star of the show, but she's constantly threatened by the likes of O'Hara {whose metamorphosis from dull socialite to motherly vixen is phenomenal} and character actress, Una Merkel. Mills walks a fine line of sweet and sassy that never overreaches. As polar opposites Susan and Sharon, Mills' acting chops are challenged and she delivers swimmingly.

Elegant Boston and sunny California make for beautiful settings for the twins' adventure. The film charms you with top-notch performances, an engaging musical number, and non-stop fun.

Much like The Swiss Family Robinson, Mary Poppins or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Parent Trap is a must-see Walt Disney classic.

Pollyanna (1960)

Disney golden girl Haley Mills stars as Pollyanna, the sunny side up orphan who comes to live with her Aunt Polly Harrington (stunning Jane Wyman) in Harrington Town. Obviously, the wealthy aunt gets more than her say in the town's affairs and that has created an embittered populace. Little Pollyanna, with her eternally sunny disposition and 'glad game', soon raises eyebrows. When the town and Aunt Polly showdown over a proposed orphanage and Pollyanna suffers for it, everyone realizes how important this little ray of sunshine has become.

Walt Disney's Pollyanna is genuine Americana complete with picket fences and apple pie. Unlike the films of today's Disney, Pollyanna instills a positive message that isn't sickeningly sweet. Instead, the viewer is uplifted and nostalgic for more.

Haley Mills provides a spot-on performance of sweet innocence. The ever-cute Mills plies a believable role of childhood. Kevin Corcoran (Old Yeller, The Swiss Family Robinson) as her orphaned friend Jimmy is adorable, but I really enjoy Karl Malden as the fire and brimstone preacher Rev. Ford. Pollyanna wins him over in due time, of course.

Pollyanna is family friendly entertainment that recalls a time when children were treasured, families were sacred, communities were extended family members and right always won. C'mon, you know you want to visit.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

As graduation looms for the East High seniors, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) are having a hard time coming to grips with leaving friends and high behind. For one last hurrah, Troy and his Wildcat buddies join Gabriella and her perfectly coiffed girlfriends for one last musical culminating their hopes and dreams for the future.

The big jump from TV to theatre screen has treated Disney's High School Musical cast well. The spectacle that is HSM3 is bigger, but not necessarily better. Efron and Hudgens take center stage to work out the long distance kinks of a bland relationship. Best bud Chad (Corbin Blue), Gabriella nemesis Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) have all been relegated to bit parts. The dedicated viewer has vested interest in all our stars and to focus on the most mundane couple is a waste. Character and story development give way to show-stopping musical numbers like you wouldn't believe.

As the cast departs, seeking more mature roles, I look forward to seeing Efron, who's acting chops grew immensely between the junior and senior years, taking on more difficult material. I'd also like to see more of Grabeel.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year contains all the fluff and positivity of it's predecessors. It's a romping celebration of rainbows and sunshine--that's not a bad thing for the target demographic. Disney has created yet another family-friendly, safe {and imaginary} retreat. It is a fine finish for the series. Let's hope it ends here.

Camp Rock (2008)

Mitchie (Demi Lovato) has a beautiful voice and musical aspirations. She's hoping to spend her summer at the exclusive Camp Rock, but the only way her blue-collar parents can swing it is if Mitchie will help in the kitchen. Desperate to fit in, Mitchie goes to great lengths to hide her less than glamours life. Pop star Shane Gray (Joe Jonas) has been put on notice for his bad boy antics and comes back to his roots as penitence. Gray begrudgingly takes on the duties of a counselor, but as he faces the screaming hordes of fan, he overhears Mitchie singing without seeing her face. He spends the rest of his summer searching for the girl that stole his heart

In Disney's world, teens are fresh-faced, bright-eyed, well-groomed, vague, and musically inclined. Camp Rock, the latest in mass merchandising, stars Joe Jonas (singer of the teeny pop band The Jonas Brothers). Overly-styled and ridiculously colorful is another positive, if shallow, offering. The cast is cute. The dialogue a bit cheesy and sadly the musical numbers are rote.

As Disney original's go, there isn't much original here. Pegged as the next High School Musical, Camp Rock is sorely lacking the humor, story, and geniune dialoge of it's predecessor. Still, you can't argue with the positive messages.

Camp Rock is no more than average. As I see it, don't bother with this one. See High School Musical instead.

Wall*E (2008)

In a world abandoned to trash, Wall*E is the last robot standing. Humankind, having mucked it up, left long ago. The Waste Allocation Lift Loader, Earth-Class was brought in to save Earth from garbage. Wall*E is essentially a trash-compactor, but after 700 years on Earth, this little robot has developed a personality and a penchant for collecting odd human things. Wall*E is curious, yet lonely and amuses himself by watching a Hello, Dolly! VHS tape--that is until Eve arrives. Eve, an Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator comes to Earth with a simple directive: find plant life to prove Earth is safe again. Fascinated by Eve, Wall*E immediately falls in love. When Eve completes her mission, love takes Wall*E to across the universe for her and ultimately, to save the humans.

The creators at Pixar are unabashed at examining society through the animated lens. Their latest, Wall*E is no different. But for a film with so little dialogue, Wall*E has a lot to say. Consumerism and commericalism top the list. Obesity, mass media, and environmental issues aren't far behind. The film is far from preachy. Smart choice. In not bashing the general audiences with that, Wall*E ultimately becomes whatever the viewer wants it to be.

The animation is, of course, flawless. Everything is top-notch in form and design. Thanks to DLP, is even more wonderfully realistic. Judging by the characters in Wall*E, Pixar animators are influenced by pop-culture. Wall*E is a E.T.-esque in looks, robotic by nature. Auto, the Axiom's pilot looks suspiciously like Hal 9000 and sleek, sexy Eve looks like a cross between an IKEA trash can and Apple's Ipod.

The feel of Wall*E is decidedly human and hopeful. The creators have managed to bring true emotion to these little robots. Afterwards, you feel silly for 'almost' losing it over certain points in the film.

Wall*E is a delightful, entertaining piece of animation. It's a a sci-fi epic that pays homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey and Charlie Chaplin. Pixar has found the perfect blend of elements to create classics for generations to come.

Also of note, the opening short rocks old school--evoking Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd.

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (2007)

Benjamin Gates' (Nicholas Cage) great-great grandfather has been implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's death. Thanks to a mysterious descendant (Ed Harris) of John Wilks Booth, a missing page of the assassin's diary has reappeared. Both men seek justice for their maligned ancestors and will go to great links to prove their families' innocence. Ben, Abigail (Diane Kruger), Mom (Helen Mirren), Dad (John Voight) and Riley (Justin Bartha) follow and international trail of clues to clear the family name and discover a world of secrets.

For entertainment value, you can't beat National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. This movie is so money; it's disgusting. {Book of Stupid is a better fit.} Implausibility is off-the-charts, but the action is solid. Keep perspective, meaning it IS a Walt Disney bankrolled family film, and you won't be disappointed.

Cage is on auto-pilot; it's John Voight that really shines. He play purely for comedic joy. Helen Mirren is solid, but underutilized. Bartha gets a few humdingers. Ed Harris gets the shaft playing an uneven villain. Unfortunately, Harvey Keitel gets a only a small and rather meaningless cameo.

Unlike the original, Book of Secrets is all over the place. There are too many characters and underlying plots that never get off the ground. The adventure is fun. A thrilling car chase through the streets of London and a delightful lover's quarrel in Buckingham Palace between Abigail and Ben are the highlights. The half-a$$ed kidnapping of the President is just sad.

Trust me. Just watch, don't think, and you'll enjoy yourself. A word of warning: Book of Secrets sets the stage for another act.

Enchanted (2007)

What begins as a classic Disney fairy tale meets the realm of modern day New York City ultimately spirals into stupidity.

Someone take pity on Julie Andrews!! Poor thing had to narrate the thing?! Enchanted stars Amy Adams as Giselle, a fairytale princess waiting for true love's first kiss who is banished from animated-land by the evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon). What follows is an inane, self-indulgent movie that will have your IQ dropped by half in the 90 minutes it takes to finish up.

Amy Adams is adorable with her doe-eyes. Patrick Dempsey {I don't get it} is the modern-day divorce lawyer who doesn't believe in true love. You can guess the rest.

Susan Sarandon has a great turn as the evil queen. What's even better is her diatribe as the evil dragon dangling from the Empire State building.

Enchanted is harmless, ahem, fun--if you are between the ages of 3 and 8. Sadly, this is not Disney classic material.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Who knows why it has taken me this long to see Finding Nemo; it's not for lack of recommendations. Nearly five years later later, I finally see what all the fuss is about.

Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), a neurotic clown fish, is the overly protective father of Nemo-- a cute little fellow with a desire to explore the big beautiful ocean. Marlin isn't having any of that! After a spat with his father, Nemo sets out to prove he can do it only to get caught by scuba divers and added to an aquarium.

Determined to find his son, Marlin sets out and has a few adventures along the way. First up, is a new friend. Dory (Ellen Degeneres) is plagued by short-term memory loss, but joins Marlin is his quest to find Nemo. Marlin and Dory meet a trio of reformed sharks, Bruce, Anchor, and Chum. They are on the twelve step program to stop eating fish. Then there's Crush, a thrill seeking gnarly sea turtle. The adventure takes them to the depths of the ocean where danger lurks, through a swarm of jellyfish and even a whale. There friendship will be tested and Marlin will learn life lessons.

Meanwhile, Nemo is finding his own way. He's the new addition to an Australian dentist's office aquarium. There, he meets some interesting characters led by the battle-hardened Gill (Willem Dafoe). There's Peach the starfish (Allison Janey) and Bloat the blow fish (Brad Garrett) don't forget Bubbles and Gurgle, too. He soon becomes a member of the tank, nicknamed 'Shark Bait' and tries to help everyone escape the tank. Nemo is determined to get back to the ocean and his father.

Word is spreading about father and son. Marlin's tale reaches the ear of local pelican Nigel (Geoffrey Rush) who in turns, knows Nemo. It seems all of deep blue turn out to reunited these two fish.

Finding Nemo is an instant classic. It's brilliantly animated. The vivid detail and color just leap of the screen. With unforgettable characters and great dialogue, the movie is a gem. Although Finding Nemo was before A Bug's Life, Cars and The Incredibles, it further cements Pixar's place in cinematic history. The animation is mind-blowing. It's as if the fish are really swimming. You can see the current-- reach out and touch the coral. Light and texture bounce off of every little detail. It's amazing!

It wouldn't be Disney without some attempt at themes and political correctness. Relationships are examined. (So is global warming.) Death and danger are looked squarely in the eye and innocence always wins- still, Finding Nemo has bite. Parents and children alike will find something to connect to here. A word of caution: children under seven may take a fright or two.

Finding Nemo deserves a place on your Disney shelf right next to Toy Story and Sleeping Beauty. (You know you've got one.) It's a great catch. *rolls eyes*

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

A recommendation from a trusted friend wasn't enough to make me see this film. After the disappointed that was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe {it wasn't that bad, but it didn't live up to hype}, I kinda swore off this child fantasy stuff. {You don't understand my devotion to Narnia.} So, I wasn't rushing to see Bridge to Terabitha. Then my friend put mentioned it being one of his top films of 2007. Now, I had to see it.

The world of fifth-grader Jess (Josh Hutcherson) is steeped in reality. The neglected son in a large, poor family, Jess' world is work, hand-me-down shoes, and school bullies. His pleasures are few: running and drawing. Moments spent doing either are few, but treasured by this young boy. When Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) moves next door, she takes from him the joy of being the fastest runner in the fifth grade. Jess' turns to drawing, filling his book with creatures and portraits of a happier place. Leslie, too, quickly becomes an outcast and the rivals slowly become friends. Unlike Jess, Leslie is outspoken and a true nonconformist. The free-spirited girl opens a magical world for Jess. Terabithia is a kingdom of adventure where rulers Jess and Leslie plot revenge against bullies and escape from the pressure of home.

Far from your average Disney film, Bridge to Terabithia is a family-oriented film that deals with some mature themes. The film doesn't go for easy answers and although parent may have some explaining to do, Bridge to Terabithia is enchanting.

Hutcherson and Robb are solid young people and portray a friendship that isn't sappy, contrived or sexually oriented. It's real and identifiable. Jess and Leslie are two creative youngsters who seek alternatives to pain and pressures in their world. Their dialogue reflects a coming of age where bullies and siblings are real issues to you as are your parent's worries and your adventures in the tree house.

I am unfamiliar with the award-winning book of the same name. According to IMBD, the screenplay was co-written by David Patterson the son of the novel's author. It's obvious that great care was taken.

Unusual for films geared to the younger generation, Bridge to Terabithia isn't loud, nor does it focus on the inane. This film isn't dumb. The focus is on characters and developing a story that rips your heart out. Jess and Leslie's friendship takes main stage, but it's the interaction with parents, bullies and authority figures that develop it. The relationship between Jess and his father (Robert Patrick) is explored, but briefly. It's obvious the man neglects his son. Zooey Deschenal is a kind-hearted music teacher who encourages Jess and his art. Jess, in turn, develops a crush. Those scenes are some of the best. Ultimately though, Hutcherson and Robb are responsible for bringing this movie together.

The magical world of Terabithia is woven into reality. Director Gabor Csupo doesn't allow CGI to overshadow the film's story. Instead, it enhances the story and catches you off guard.

Adults should easily deduce the film's ending. Rest assured, I will no spoil it. When it happens, you won't be ready-- just get the tissues.

Bridge to Terabithia is a beautiful story and not nearly the fantasy heavy film the trailers portray; nor is it go-lucky. Destined to touch your heart, Bridge to Terabithia asks you to close your eyes and keep your mind wide open. If you manage to do that, you will see the true innocence of childhood.

High School Musical 2: Extended Edition (2007)

"Curiosity killed the cat." This cat {guiltily} enjoyed this Disney Channel Original movie. Building on the success of the first one, the entire cast returns for more singing, dancing and innocent cavorting.

High School Musical 2 finds us back at East High School and summer break at hand. Not three minutes into the movie and a song! Led by Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), summer begins. Like any teen, the entire student body is looking to 'make bank'. {Kids, these days.} Endless interviews bring no hope, until... Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), nemesis of Gabriella, decides that she and Troy should be together. Miraculously, Troy {and the entire student body} land summer jobs at the country club owned by the Evans family.

When Troy and Gabriella team up for the club's talent show {surprise}, jealous Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) and sis, Sharpay scheme to break it up. Troy gets caught up in a group not his own, the rich and popular group of Sharpay and family as they open the door to the college of his choice. Fortunately best bud Chad (Corbin Bleu), Gabriella and the entire student body are there {from the wrong side of the tracks} bring him back to earth and straighten him out. YEAH! Everyone is bursting with song and ends up happy. Even Ryan.

The infectious disease that is HSM is taken to the next level here. The production is pure Disney and that's not necessarily bad. Moral predicaments arise, friendships are tested, but all are neatly handled in true Disney fashion. Parents are mere background noise, popping up to help a teen 'talk it out'. All the real breakthroughs are in song.

The songs are fun and singable. Each main character gets a moment to shine {sometimes cheesily} in a song/dance number of their own. I was glad to see Lucas Grabeel's character get a chance to stretch and on the baseball diamond no less. Memo to Troy, you need less needy friends.

Allow my 20-something brain to dwell on the downside. This isn't Broadway, people. Sitting your children in front of something so mind-numbing could be dangerous to their health. Also, these kids are perfect. The images they reflect, physically, are a bit uncomfortable and for all the play on innocent romance-- yeah, I don't know about that.

Regardless, High School Musical 2 is fun {and better than it's original}. It's a nice family oriented movie that everyone could {if they really wanted to} gather around. Oh, and I mean it when I say 'infectious'.