Hollywood has had its fair share of comeback stories, with Ke Huy Quan and Brendan Fraser enjoying new career highs and recent Oscar nominations. It’s important not to forget how the same Hollywood celebrating these people had once forgotten them. And yet, someone like walking vampire and overall creep Jared Leto has continued to book roles in prominent films. Leto has a long history of criticism, including this paper less than a year ago. But his casting as the lead in Disney’s new “Tron” sequel, …
Disney’s ‘Turning Red’ turns animation into gold
Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is an exciting and fun animation movie telling the familiar story of a young girl coming into puberty. On this journey Mei lee is trying to balance her traditional family life of honoring her ancestors, parents and chores as well as her teenage social life with her friends all to the musical sounds of 4*Town. This dilemma leaves Mei Lee in a constant tug of war between the expectations of her mother, the desires of her friends, and who exactly …
‘Encanto’ captures the magic of family dynamics
Most classic Disney movies are rooted in the idea of a damsel in distress. A princess unhappy with her current situation seeking a knight in shining armor to save her from misery. Disney seemingly stepped away from that format to provide their audience with a film that can be entertaining, culturally educational, and heartwarming in a time when hope and magic are needed. Like the 2016 film “Moana” which strays from the conventional lead female character but instead portrays a modernist independent-no-prince-princess, “Encanto’s” protagonist Mirabel …
‘Cruella’: A fashionable force of villainy
Emma Stone and Emma Thompson vamp the screen in a female empowering tale of one of Disney’s most famous villains, Cruella De Vil. Directed by Craig Gillespie “Cruella” was released May 28th in theaters as well as Disney+ with premiere access. Immediately we get a glimpse of a young Cruella, whose name is actually Estella, the alternate personality known as Cruella is established as a side of Estella who just wants to rebel against conformity in style as well as attitude, which doesn’t bode well …
‘Raya’ soars with magic during COVID
The newly released Disney animated film, “Raya and the Last Dragon”, is a family movie with complex themes. The film delivers three aspects to the audience: the glimpse of Southeast Asia, promotion of feminism, and addressing the current racism issues. The film consisted of beautiful animation, a charming sense of humor, and exciting actions. “Raya and the Last Dragon” is a huge success for Disney’s original story, it will leave the audience with a smile on their face, warmth in their heart, and hope for …
‘Mulan’ live-action remake leaves audiences confused and alienated
A live-action remake of Disney’s 1998 animated film “Mulan” premiered on Disney+ on September 4, and will be available for standard Disney+ subscribers on December 4. The main message from “Mulan” is to embrace oneself and to not be what others want you to become. However, the live action film manages to make the audience feel even more confused and alienated than before.
Pixar’s ‘Onward’: The next children’s classic
Following the formula to pull on heartstrings with an extraordinary quest, a devoted big brother and a teen trying to find his way, “Onward” is incredibly moving. “Onward” takes place in a fantasy world, but is centered around common, realistic problems. The story follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, on a mission to find any remaining magic in their world. Their eager quest is fueled by a heart-felt story of loss. The two brothers defy all the odds against them while discovering their individual …
Disney + equals disenfranchisement
When Disney+ launched on November 12 to popular fanfare, the new streaming service promised to add more depth and story to their popular franchises, including giants such as Star Wars and Marvel, outside of their respective movies. But what most viewers aren’t considering are those who are locked out of Disney’s story paywall are the same people who only watch the blockbusters of the franchises, and not all of the other movies.
Live action Aladdin still has all the magic
Every year Disney seems to beg the same question of which movie is finally old enough for a remake. While Aladdin has changed from animated to the live action musical format, the remake is every bit as good as the original or may even be better.
Dumbo: The world’s most beloved elephant brought to life
Tim Burton’s rendition of “Dumbo” brought upon incredibly beautiful scenes with lots of color, but he just didn’t stop there, Burton also brought to life a fictional character that has been loved by many Walt Disney fans that have adored the cartoon film that was released in October of 1941. The film began with introducing the human characters that also made this film what it was; the circus that owned Dumbo and his mother Jumbo which was ran by a man named Max Medici portrayed …