THE LITTLE MERMAID
2.5 out of 5 stars
Halle Bailey is wonderful and Melissa McCarthy is wonderfully wicked in Rob Marshall’s decently delightful though overly long Disney live-action remake. Not without some spotty CGI, there are magical moments above and under the sea that remind us of the original. Marshall is the right person for the gig given his theater background. He undoubtedly knows how to dazzle and there are plenty of scenes where he shows it off. Along with Lin-Manuel Miranda and writer David Magee, he’s making a splash with a dose of freshness that’s hit-or-miss, though this version thankfully continues to hold dear a world we have yearned to always be a part of.
Several of our favorite side characters like Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), Flounder (Jacob Tremblay), and Scuttle (Awkwafina) could afford to be more cartoonish because their personalities are simply stripped away with their normal and plain look. But at least Sebastian and Scuttle are funny. They’re where the humor is. As far as songs go…the new ones are so-so, however, our favorite ones don’t disappoint. The romance between Bailey and Jonah Haur-King is lovely, too. On a side note, Haur-King looks exactly like his cartoon character. It’s uncanny. McCarthy comes to play in a delicious way – proving all of the naysayers out there wrong. But, all eyes will be on Bailey and you’ll be mesmerized by her remarkable representation of Ariel and her awe-inspiring voice.
PETER PAN & WENDY
3.5 out of 5 stars
Exuberant, whimsical, and surprisingly emotional – David Lowery once again reimagines and reinvigorates this Disney classic about growing up and missing our mothers. Sure, it’s familiar and would actually benefit from being a bit longer to better explore its themes and supporting characters. Yet, the magic felt from Neverland isn’t lost by any means. It flies high with Daniel Hart’s magnificent score, attractive visuals, and standout performances from Ever Anderson as Wendy and Jude Law as Captain Hook. Even with a more creatively constricted Lowery at the helm, happy thoughts are easy to come by in the best live-action Disney remake in a very long time.
PINOCCHIO
2.5 out of 5 stars
Wishing upon a star, nose growing when lies are told, donkey ears and tail sprouting out – what we expect to be there is in another average though harmless Disney live action remake. With a cast made up of Tom Hanks, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cynthia Erivo, Luke Evans, Keegan-Michael Key, and youngster Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as the puppet made out of pine, it has the look of the 1940 classic but not the feels. Co-writer/director Robert Zemeckis’ routine retelling of Pinocchio’s pursuit of being a real boy and making his father proud is relatively hollow, but does contain a colorful palette and enough imagination to get us through. Besides some VFX looking terrific while at other times looking second-rate – nothing here stands out in the least. Not even the wonderful Hanks! Far from terrible but utterly unnecessary.
MULAN
3 out of 5 stars
There’s no capturing the spirit of the classic Disney animation with emotional heft and humor being cut out, giving off a vacantness that weakens it as a whole. Still, there’s signs of strength to combat it in this woman-warrior tale we know so well. As one of the more satisfying live-action outings, it benefits big time from the fantastic casting and beautiful action sequences. It’s storytelling on a gallant scale as director Niki Caro keeps tradition alive while making modern, mystical acclimations with a splitting sword built of female empowerment and being true to oneself. And it’s all made possible by the star-making turn from Yifei Liu as the loyal daughter who emerges as a fearless fighter, carving out her own path in becoming what legends are made of.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
2.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Wonderland looks beautiful, dazzling, and stunning. However, the movie itself is not. You think you will get something refreshing and unusual due to Tim Burton’s direction and creation of a story we all know. You hope Johnny Depp will bring something brilliantly weird as the Mad Hatter. But most of that never happens. The movie has a great cast and Mia Wasikowska is a delightful Alice. I just wish I would have been as enthralled with the story as I was with the visuals. There was potential, but just like that Cheshire Cat – it disappears.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
This tale as old as time still magically dazzles with an incredible cast, led by the undeniable chemistry of Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. Bill Condon spins this beloved Disney classic into a visually radiant, enchanting dance, one you don’t mind experiencing again while singing along.
THE LION KING
2.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Director Jon Favreau doesn’t change up one single thing from Disney’s arguably greatest classic animated movie, and who can blame him? Too bad it becomes a full-blown tragedy as there’s not an ounce of emotion whatsoever. As far as the special effects go – they’re extraordinary. If you told me those were all real animals, I’d whole-heartedly believe it. And Timon and Pumbaa are a comedic gift that keeps on giving. However, this rote reboot feels like a soulless safari with beloved songs and an all-star voice cast as our guide. The repetitive, feeble roar that echoes through every frame serves as a hefty reminder why some things should be left untouched. Forever.
PETE’S DRAGON
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
This Disney reimagining is routine, but still soars with an excellent cast and a big heart. Elliott is a wonder and his friendship with Pete is sincerely sweet and empathetic. David Lowery’s fanciful vision never outweighs his humanizing magic that all of us happily surrender to.
ALADDIN
1 OUT OF 5 STARS
Director Guy Ritchie nails the look of this flying carpet, lamp-rubbing world, but nothing else enlivens nor captures the magic of the original Aladdin. The songs are spiritless, and no matter how much charisma and charm Will Smith may have – none of it is strong enough to burst through his hideous blue genie. The Fresh Prince is in way over his head as his version is distinguishable, just in the worst way imaginable. As for the rest of the cast, they may look the part, but playing it is a much more difficult task altogether. Naomi Scott as Jasmyn is the exception and Marwan Kenzari’s Jafar is the worst. When it comes to these live-action remakes of their classic animated movies, this is a downright Disney disaster.
LADY & THE TRAMP
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
There’s no wagging of the tail when it comes to Disney’s latest live-action remake of its classic 1955 toon. The fetching cast helps, yet a lot that should be appealing isn’t – the companionship, the songs, the romantic spaghetti dinner. Once you get past the initial cuteness of the dogs, director Charlie Bean’s ho-hum storytelling won’t get kids excited, and the adults will care even less. Only the title will bring a fondness to what you’re sniffing for in another Disney disappointment that’s only doing the bare minimum to entertain.
THE JUNGLE BOOK
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Jon Favreau brings this classic adventure to extraordinary life with a stellar young Neel Sethi as Mowgli and an excellent voice cast to follow him. Engulfed in the danger while maintaining humor and good vibes, it’s a marvel to behold.
DUMBO
2.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Tim Burton’s latest Disney classic remake has gorgeous imagery and one adorable flying baby elephant. It has a very endearing story about family and a stellar ensemble cast with Danny DeVito being my personal favorite. However, you’re left with an empty feeling, as this fairytale’s spirit is missing some magic and not as wondrous as we all know it can be.
CINDERELLA
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
One of the first things you will notice is how delightfully wicked Cate Blanchett is as the stepmother. Even so, the movie belongs to Cinderella herself, Lily James. She captures the true essence of the titled character with not just her beauty and blonde hair, but by being naturally adoring and gracious. The movie’s ability to sweep you up into its whimsical world comes from her genuinely enchanting performance.
Director Kenneth Branagh keeps everything squeaky clean by taking absolutely no risks. Yet, he makes the film flourish with splendor and color. His deep-rooted background with Shakespeare soaks through every scene and unquestionably provides a romance in its storytelling. It’s innocent, harmless fun for families, but offers no surprises along the way. It flawlessly goes through the motions. Happily ever after. If it ain’t broke then why fix it, right?
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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