amandasestak-77808 Documentaries are not typically my first choice when choosing what to watch. However, this documentary peaked my interest because of what it is about - an Autistic boy who uses Disney movies to help him face the 'real world'.This documentary gives you an up close and personal look at Autism; a disorder that is often hard to understand. Owen, the main protagonist, was diagnosed with Autism at three years old when he suddenly shut down and stopped talking to those around him. He didn't start communicating with those around him again until his family discovered his love of Disney animated movies. It was through these movies that Owen was able to face the 'real world' and connect with those around him (even meeting two of the actors from Aladdin). This is because these animated films are things they remain constant and never changing in his life; when everything else was changing. Throughout the documentary, we get to watch him experience things that everyone experiences - graduating from school, moving into his first apartment, and dealing with his first heartbreak. Autism is usually associated with the obsession of something they find interesting. Some people see this as a negative thing - that they'll never be able to talk or learn about anything else. However, 'Life, Animated', makes people see that this behavior can be positive. Owen's love for Disney helps him cope with the real world and all the changes that the world brings. You really see this in the film with the use of the Disney clips that they show and how they match to what Owen is going through and feeling. Overall, I think that this documentary was beautifully made. The use of Disney clips mixed with home videos help to show Owen's improvement throughout his life. When you see where he was and where he is now, you almost feel like you've been there beside him this whole time. This documentary shows just how powerful the magic of cinema can truly be.

david-meldrum f you want a life-affirming, joy-filled and moving lift you could do a lot worse than search this movie out. (I found it on Netflix). It's a lovely documentary film telling the story of a young autistic man who has learned to express his feelings and experiences through Disney animated films. It takes a light touch, mostly allowing the man and his family to speak and tell the story entirely in their own words - including how, as a young child, after months and months of silence, he found his voice through learning and repeating lines from the films. It's a great watch, heart-warming without ever being patronising. Seek it out

Charles Wild This is truly one of the best movies ever. I am not much of a documentary person, but was interested in the subject of autism, and I love Disney, so thought I would check it out. WOW! This movie takes you on a journey. It is about courage and heart. It is hard for me to talk or even write about without tearing up and getting emotional. All I can say is that if you are even mildly interested...just watch it and be even more enlightened about this magical journey we are all on called life. My congrats to the all of the filmmakers and to the wonderful Suskind Family. I'll be rooting for you on Sunday 2/26 for the Oscar.

Neil Welch At the age of 3, Owen Suskind disappeared into the fog of autism. Some years later, as he came out with a garbled quote from The Little Mermaid, his parents realised that their son was still inside there somewhere, and capable of complex thought.This documentary tells Owen's story, and illustrates how Owen - with considerable help - has worked towards building some sort of life with a foothold in everyday conventionality, and has done so by using Disney animated films as reference points.This is a film which should be seen, so I wouldn't want to say more. Owen's journey is daunting, challenging, funny, sad, moving and, ultimately, inspiring. This is an excellent film.