Disney released a series of animated films that became an iconic part of most people's childhood. Beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 to current day Big Hero 6; and now we get the opportunity to relive these films. Beginning a couple of years ago, many classic animated films have been given a second wind by being transformed into live action films, the most recent of these films being Cinderella.
Cinderella was originally released by Disney in 1950 and helped bring out Disney from the hard times into which it had fallen. At the time of it release Cinderella was the first huge hit after Snow White for Disney, and it was because of this that we have many of the beloved Disney films, such as Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. Fast forward to 2015, and Cinderella, once again, enters the hearts of many through its new live action film starting Lily James as Cinderella, Richard Madden as Prince Charming, and Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine. In its opening weekend it earned about $67.9 million.
The movie was very traditional, keeping many elements from the animated film. Although the movie was both beautiful and amazing, it was a tad bit disappointing. My disappointment had nothing to do with the film itself, but rather with the narrative it took. There wasn't any twist to the story, and although I didn't expect a twist, I still wanted it. My desire for a twist comes from other films Disney has transformed into live action films, the most notable, and current being Maleficent.
Maleficent was released in 2014, staring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora. Maleficent was a new take on the beloved story of Sleeping Beauty, which delved into what made Maleficent into the villain we all know from the Disney's Sleeping Beauty. This movie did a beautiful job of both staying true to the original and delving into uncharted territory. It was this movie that showed me just how amazing a twist can truly be. It is also what spoiled me into expecting a twist in live action films.
Another film which has been previously released and does have a twist is Alice in Wonderland, released in 2010. Although this film does follow elements of the original, it also adapts elements from the books “Alice in Wonderland," and “Through the Looking Glass." This film follows Alice as an adult, returning to wonderland, and stars Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Mia Wasikowska as Alice, Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. There will be a sequel titled Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass in 2016. I'm excited to see how they go about with this.
Apart from the Alice sequel, there are two upcoming live action films coming our way. The first of the two being Dumbo, which was originally released in 1941, and tells a story of a baby elephant who is separated from his mother and befriends a mouse who helps him discover his true potential. On July 8, 2014, it was announced that Dumbo was being remade into a live action. As of now, Tim Burton is slated to direct it, Ehren Kruger will be the screenwriter, and Justin Springer and Ehren Kruger will be the producers.
The second film being turned into a live action is my personal favorite, Beauty and the Beast. This tale is getting a new life by becoming a live action starring Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts. The inspirations for this upcoming film are coming from both the Broadway musical and the movie of the same name. Belle has always been my favorite princess, and although I would love nothing more than to be able to see a twist in this film, I will try not to get my hopes up.
By transforming these films into live action we get to relearn and explore characters that have been a constant to us since childhood. We get to explore a new aspect of beloved characters, and have more stories to show future generations.
