Top 5 Disney Live Action Remakes

Although Disney is known for many things, their live action remakes of our favourite tales are becoming increasingly more popular, with many more being announced quite recently. So I thought I’d give you my Top 5 you should definitely add to your list.

Number 5

The Lion King

Hakuna Matata am I right? The 1994 classic was remade in 2019, almost purely from CGI (cue the argument of whether it actually is live action) The film follows the classic tale of Simba the son of Mufassa, getting ready to become king however due to his uncles need to be king, Simba runs from the pride and grows up with the help of an outcast Meerkat and Warthog. The film stars Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncè as Nala, with James Earl Jones even reprising his origioal role of Mufassa. It must also be noted that Seth Rogan and Billy Eichner must be praised for their roles as Timon and Pumba. They are two of the most popular roles in the Dinsey franchise and they definitely do them justice in my opinion. My favourite scene is the Hakuna Matata scene where we get a back story and have hope that Simba will be okay. 

Number 4

Aladdin

Now the original Aladdin is without a doubt my favourite Disney film. So when I heard they were making a live action it was fair to say I was hesitant. However I thought it was very good. The story follows street rat Aladdin who runs into the princess when she is trying to escape from the castle, he then is taken to the cave of wonders by Jafar, who leaves him there, however luckily for Aladdin and his trusty sidekick Abu he finds a magic lamp containing a genie who not only frees him from the cave but also turns him into a prince in order to have a chance with Princess Jasmine. One role I feel was portrayed incredibly well was the Genie, Will Smith had big boots to fill and although the role was made by the late, great Robin Williams, Smith did incredibly well at adding his own twist to the character and making him his own. My favourite scene is when Aladdin and Jasmine first meet as you get a glimpse at both of their characters and it also leads into my favourite song from the film. 

Number 3

Cinderella

Back in 2015 this classic from 1950 was remade with Lily James starring as the titular character. We get told the common story we all know, Cinderella is one of the kindest souls in the land, she then  looses her mother, gains an evil stepmother, looses her father, is made to be a servant to her stepmother and step sisters, there is a grand ball for the prince that Cinderella is forbidden to go to, is granted a wish to go by her fairy godmother, the carriage turns into a pumpkin, she gets a glass slipper and must be home by 12, and I’m sure you know the rest. The cast of this film is phenomenal. As I stated before Lily James is Cinderella and does the part justice, supporting cast includes Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett, Helen Bohnam Carter, Hayley Atwell, just to name a few. I like how they added more to the story and really branched it out. My favourite scene is when Cinderella and the Prince first meet, they both manage to by pass their titles and get to know each other, even only for a moment, for who they really are, both of their characters shine through, it is also a scene that isn’t in the original and I personally think was a great addition. 

Number 2

Maleficent

Now onto another one of my favourite live action remakes: Maleficent. The retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the side of the villain. Angelina Jolie embodies the role of Maleficent, we are given a back story to Maleficent, and why she does what she does. In the original film she is made out to be evil just for fun, but we are shown the tragedy she goes through that causes her pain and makes her the way she is, we also she how she begins to care for Aurora as she thinks she is her godmother and regrets her decisions. This film is one of Disneys best and Imo glad they chose to give such a strong character centre stage and show how miss understood she is. My favourite scene is when Maleficent gets her wings back, it really is one of those moments when you think its all over and suddenly the hero is back on top. 

Number 1

Beauty and The Beast

In 2017, one of Disneys most famous films was remade into live action. The film stars Emma Watson as Belle, a heroic and strong minded woman, seen as an outcast from society as she does not want to settle down and marry like the rest of her village, even if the most eligible bachelor is after her hand in marriage. Meanwhile Belles father is captured by a foul beast, who takes him as his prisoner, Belle finds him and convinces the Beast to let her take her fathers place, in which he agrees and states she will never leave or see her father again. She quickly finds out the castle is under a curse and the furniture is enchanted. The film is also one of the most beautiful shot of all the remakes. Again the supporting cast is nothing short of fantastic including, Dan Stevenson, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson and Sir Ian McKellen. My favourite scene is when Belle is doing her washing as she makes her own invention and this shows she is not only book smart but also practical and doesn’t care what the other towns people have to say.

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