Optimistic yet clumsy Mirabel proved to be a different kind of hero in Disney's latest animated feature Aladdin and Simba before her.
Despite their good hearts and well-meaning intentions, even the strongest Disney heroes have moments of weakness that cause them to slip and maybe even go against who they are and what they believe in. But the heroes only grow from these darker times and ultimately end their character arc as better versions of themselves.
Aladdin
"I Can't Keep This Up On My Own. I Can't Wish You Free."
Streetwise Aladdin may be a trickster who works best solo (aside from his monkey Abu) but he is honorable, only using his wiles just to get by. While he does put his needs first, Aladdin will help those who need it more, such as when he gives two hungry children the bread he stole.
So, it is surprising that Aladdin backs out of his promise to free the Genie in order to keep up his Prince Ali act. It is not just because Aladdin is unable to continue without the help of others but he ultimately broke his promise, lying for what he wants rather than his needs. It understandably hurts the Genie, who bitterly remarks. "You've been lying to everyone else, I was starting to feel left out."
Jack Skellington
"What Have I Done? How Could I Be So Blind?"
Jack Skellington is the playful protagonist of the Tim Burton-produced classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Bored of Halloween and keen to take over Christmas, Jack shows himself to be childlike and excitable in his actions, even at the cost of others' well-being.
Once he realized the error of his ways, Jack becomes extremely mournful, melancholy, and even mature, a far cry from the cheerful figure fans recognize him as. Even when he is shown to be bored of Halloween, Jack remains somewhat whimsical and innocent. As a result, the start of the song "Poor Jack" is perhaps the most somber moment in the entire movie.
Simba
"You're Starting To Sound Like My Father."
In devasting deaths of any movie character ever. So, it would seem unusual for Simba to speak ill of Mufasa.
Yet he does to an extent, bitterly commenting on how Nala is "starting to sound like [his] father" when she is trying to tell him to return to Pride Rock. While one of adult Simba's initial character flaws is immaturity, he always had good things to say about Mufasa, even as a child. For him to turn around and say this to Nala out of malice is rather out of character for the young lion.
Woody
"One More Rip And Andy's Done With Me! And What Do I Do Then, Buzz?"
Alongside his Toy Story franchise. Throughout the series, (with the exception of Toy Story 4), Woody is driven by his owner Andy's happiness and it's this that ultimately keeps him going through thick and thin.
However, in Toy Story 2, Woody decides to go to Japan to be part of a museum's permanent toy collection, insisting that if Andy rips him again, he's as good as garbage. Woody had always remained faithful to Andy no matter what so for him to choose a debatably soulless existence as a museum exhibit rather than a beloved toy was a shock to both characters and audiences alike.
Hercules
"I Don't Need You!"
The classical Disney tale Hercules follows the eponymous demigod's quest to become a true hero. Humble and keen to learn from others even in adulthood, Hercules receives help from grumpy hero trainer Phil and takes advice from his father Zeus in order to discover the meaning of being a true hero.
But after he angrily hits Phil when he tries to tell him that Meg is not who she seems, Phil dejectedly leaves and Hercules, in a moment of anger, tells him "I don't need you!" Although spoken in the heat of the moment, he comes off as arrogant and ungrateful, two traits that are the exact opposite of Hercules' rather likable character.
Mulan
"Quiet And Demure. Graceful. Polite. Delicate. Refined. Poised. Punctual."
Although part of the official lineup, Mulan is not a Disney princess. Beyond not being royalty, Mulan also couldn't be more different from some of the stereotypical "damsel in distress" princesses who came before her, like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty.
Mulan is introduced writing these traits on her arm to remind herself how to behave in front of a matchmaker. But she immediately shows she's the opposite when she talks with her mouth full and realizes she is late to do her chores. And of course, she proves to be anything but quiet and demure when she becomes a war hero.
Flynn Ryder
"This Is An Off Day For Me."
While arguably the last of Disney's more classical heroes, Flynn Ryder still remains a beloved character. This is because of his wisecracking remarks, self-assurance that borders on humorous arrogance, and his character growth as he falls for Rapunzel and starts to become a more humble person.
However, his confidence and skill are somewhat tested when he is Rapunzel ties him up and doesn't even react to his charms, including his famous smolder. His comment on how it's an "off day" for him is not only rather funny but goes against his personality as it shows a crack in his usually unwavering confidence.
Wreck-It Ralph
"Felix, Pull Yourself Together!"
The eponymous hero of Wreck-It Ralph is the reluctant "bad guy" of the arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr. Even though he is not malicious at heart, Ralph is driven by his emotions and has a very short temper, which ultimately contributes to his name Wreck-It Ralph.
There is a moment where Ralph remains calm, telling Fix-It Felix to pull himself together when the latter has a meltdown about being trapped in King Candy's castle. Normally, it's Ralph who cannot seem to control his emotions but in this instance, he surprisingly keeps a clearer head and is not ruled by his emotions.
Judy Hopps
"I Really Am Just A Dumb Bunny."
Bright and positive Judy Hopps is an extremely driven individual, determined to make it as a police officer in Zootopia. Through her determination and intelligence, she quickly proves herself to be one of the best in the force.
Judy always manages to get back on her feet no matter what but the only time she truly felt defeated and gave up was when she inadvertently hurt Nick Wilde with animated movie that deals with serious issues, from self-esteem to prejudice.
Mirabel Madrigal
"I Will Never Be Good Enough For You, Will I?"
Mirabel is the latest Disney hero, and she has already proven to be one of the most adored. This is not only because of her positive demeanor but also her relatability to a lot of modern audiences.
Despite having no magical gift of her own, Mirabel keeps her chin up and remains happy and ive. But finally, she can no longer keep this up and its, maybe to herself as well as Abuela that she'll "never be good enough", nor would her sisters. While this ultimately goes against Mirabel's optimistic character, it's both a pivotal and poignant moment in Encanto that ultimately helps the Madrigals for the better.
