While Disney’s live-action remakes have had a lot of criticism thrown at them, there are a few that have actually worked really well. Here are a few of our favourites to date.
Cinderella (2015): classy and faithful to the original animated film, Kenneth Branagh’s gorgeous and heartfelt live action film adds real depth to the story. Never sacrificing the romance or the magic, this Cinderella also highlights the qualities that we need more of in the world: kindness and courage. The stellar cast bring their characters to life without it ever feeling like cartoonish, making it one of the most enjoyable live-action remakes that Disney has produced to date.
Mulan (2020): while lacking the songs and some of the characters that are beloved from the animated film, this Disney live-action remake is a lot darker and unexpected from a Disney film. There is definitely more drama and power in the story that is being told here that makes it compelling to watch.
Aladdin (2019): filled with all the colour and vibrancy of the original animated film, Guy Ritchie’s film has added depth and more rounded characters, while adding additional songs such as ‘Speechless’ ensure that Jasmine’s voice and perspective is given the centre stage it deserves. A confident and self-assured take on the classic story.
The Little Mermaid (2023): Halle Bailey made for a wonderful Ariel in this adaptation of the 1989 animated film. Her vocals soar throughout and even if she isn’t speaking manages to convey so much through her expressions that make her interpretation of the character endearing. Elsewhere, the orchestrations of the classic songs work beautifully – even though I’m not sure on the new songs (in particular ‘The Scuttlebutt’).
Maleficent (2014): taking a classic fairytale and changing it to the perspective of the villain is the interesting premise for this live action remake, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic villain. It is dark yet somehow heartwarming in the way in which the story unfolds, offering a different meaning to ‘true love’s kiss’ as well. It was surprisingly enjoyable.
101 Dalmatians (1996): Glenn Close plays the iconic villain Cruella de Vil so brilliantly well it would be hard to imagine anyone taking on this character (although Emma Stone does an excellent job in the backstory of Cruella’s life in the 2021 film ‘Cruella’) just as well. Fun, fast paced (even if the addition of raccoons is a bit bizarre) this adaptation of 101 Dalmatians is filled with silly joy from start to finish.