Disney is the king of recycling its own properties, with remakes of everything from Beauty and the Beast to the lady and the tramp. Disney’s live-action remakes have almost become a genre unto themselves, and each one differs in its effectiveness.
The latest Disney remake, Little Mermaid, just hit theaters on Friday, bringing another installment to Disney’s growing library of remakes. Director Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid will be the third live-action remake in two years, joining Robert Zemeckis’ poorly reviewed film Pinocchio and live streaming by David Lowery Peter Pan & Wendy. Like it or not, Disney remakes are here to stay. Even Moanawhich hit theaters in 2016, is already getting a live-action remake with returning star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The jury is still out on if Little Mermaid the remake sinks or swims, but a number of other Disney remakes have proved successful at the box office despite mixed responses from critics. It’s hard to justify and remake such beloved classics, because there will always be intense adoration for the original animated stories. While many live-action remakes don’t come close to living up to the original source material, a few stand above the rest.
7. The Lion King (2019)
THE FUTURE KING IS BORN – In Disney’s all-new The Lion King, Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes his own royal destiny to heart. Starring JD McCrary and Donald Glover as young Simba and Simba, “The Lion King” arrives in US theaters on July 19, 2019. ©2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Image used with permission of the copyright holder
In 2019, Disney’s Lion King the remake showcased the possibilities of CGI. The film, a remake of the 1994 feature-length classic of the same name, is a faithful retelling of the beloved original story, and its main feature is a technological marvel. Animals featured in the film directed by Jon Favreau Lion King — from lions to hyenas to meerkats — they never cease to amaze. However, the film’s wonder mostly ends there. Favreau’s remake doesn’t live up to the magic of the original film, as its hyper-realism works to its detriment.
It’s hard to feel for the mostly expressionless animal characters, and it’s disturbing to see an innately fantastical story trying to pass itself off as “realistic.” Original Lion King infused Shakespeare’s story into endearing, heart-wrenching characters; the remake’s focus on realism and notable lack of any humans fail to evoke that same wonder.
6. Aladdin (2019)
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Will Smith as a ghost. Those five words sum up a lot of what makes 2019 Aladdin so watchable, because the star’s outrageous performance as the big blue magic man has to be seen to be believed. Smith, who in 2019 was known more as a movie star than the guy who slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, might look a little weird when he’s in full Genie mode thanks to some questionable CGI, but there’s no doubt that Smith’s charisma is in the role is perfection.
Besides Smith, Aladdin it also has good performances from Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine. However, the remake, directed by Guy Ritchie, is never able to capture the magic of the original. The film feels like an uninspired retelling rather than an interesting evolution of the source material, and it’s hard to dismiss Disney’s several misguided and problematic decisions. From the addition of a new character, Prince Anders, who is white and played by Billy Magnussen, to reports that white extras were given brown makeup to blend in with their scenery, 2019. Aladdin carries a considerable amount of luggage.
5. The Little Mermaid (2023)
The Little Mermaid – Official announcement announcement
The recently released remake of the film Little Mermaid sees Halle Bailey as Ariel, a brilliant casting decision that almost single-handedly saves this film from being forgotten. The 2023 remake, directed by Rob Marshall, turns the original year 1989 on its head Little Mermaid into a story of more than two hours filled to the brim with stars. Bailey, in his first leading role of his life, brings to the new film an emotional passion and friendship that cannot be underestimated. And, of course, her singing is stunning. However, Marshall’s Little Mermaid it fails to live up to the beautifully vibrant world that the original animation managed to create. Except for a few fun moments like the performances Under the sea and Poor unfortunate soulsit’s still unclear whether the new film has done enough to justify its existence.
4. Cruella (2021)
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Emma Stone becomes a punk princess in 2021 Cruella, which is more of an expansion than a page-by-page rework. The film follows Stone as Cruella de Vil, an aspiring clothing designer who struggles with her cruel boss. Although it may be a little hard to believe that Stone’s Cruella will continue to bark at puppies as the villain from 101 Dalmatiansthe La la country the actor is undoubtedly a star in the Cruella.
With Emma Thompson as the Baroness, Cruella provides a new, different take on the legendary character. The film dives headlong into its punk, visually intoxicating story filled to the brim with lavish costumes and bombastic performances. Cruella is a fun, bold entry into the Disney library, but it’s hard to disentangle how the film’s imagery of rebellion is used within a conformist, mass-market platform. Bold steps may have been taken in the film’s aesthetics and execution, but it’s easy to watch Cruella with one eyebrow raised.
3. The Jungle Book (2016)
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Original The Jungle Book is a classic, but the 2016 remake might as well be. The Jungle Book, while not a flawless film, does everything one would want from a good live-action remake. The film does everything it does in 2019 Lion King tried to do; creates a captivating world full of personal characters.
Dense tropical environment in The Jungle Book is superbly rendered, resulting in a lush and expansive world that lies somewhere on the border between reality and fantasy. Although the film is still extremely faithful to its source material, it is able to hold an audience thanks to its heart and personality. Bill Murray’s Baloo and Idris Elba’s Shera Khan are pitch-perfect voice performances in diametrically opposed fashions, and young lead Neel Sethi does enough to The Jungle Book soar.
2. Cinderella (2015)
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
A remake of the 2015 film directed by Kenneth Branagh Cinderella is one of the few Disney remakes that update the original story with an emotional and aesthetic vibrancy that can match the original film. The film, which perfectly portrays Lily James as Cinderella, feels like a fairy tale from top to bottom. Dante Ferretti’s beautifully elegant yet playful production design pairs beautifully with the film’s eye-popping costumes, courtesy of designer Sandy Powell.
Branagh and James’ performance gives the character of Cinderella a loving and emotional depth missing from the first film, resulting in a powerful performance of the Disney classic. AND TarCate Blanchett’s wicked portrayal of Lady Tremaine is hard to beat. In the land of remakes, it’s hard to beat Cinderella.
1. Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Original Pete’s kite from 1977 may not be as loved and revered as stories like Mulan, Little Mermaidor Beauty and the Beast, but that doesn’t stop the remake from creating a touching story of friendship, family and adventure. David Lowery, known for his work on films such as The Green Knight and Peter Pan & Wendydirects this 2016 remake starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford and Oakes Fegley.
Pete’s kite, while not including any songs, expands the original story beyond its own wonder. From start to finish, this story about a boy and his pet dragon is filled to the brim with heart. Elliot, Pete’s dragon friend in the forest, is one of the most poignant and wondrous living creatures to date, and the film plays on his and Pete’s relationship to tug at the audience’s heartstrings. It’s hard to make a remake that’s interesting, fun, and meaningful at the same time, but Lowery hits the nail on the head. Pete’s kite is beautiful. It proves that, sometimes, a remake really can be a worthwhile, meaningful endeavor.
You can stream all of these remakes live on Disney+.
Editor’s recommendations
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn