Disney has been releasing live-action remakes of its animated classics with much anticipation, but unfortunately, these films have been receiving less than positive critical ratings. Critics have criticized everything from the dark and unimaginative storytelling to the lack of depth in its characters and plot development. Even visual effects have not been enough to save some of these productions.
The Lion King (40%) was one of the most negatively reviewed remakes, despite its attempts to copy the original scene by scene. Disney’s batch of live-action versions of princess movies, some with twists that include having villains as protagonists, have also left audiences disappointed.
Pinocchio (20%) was expected to bomb, and the movie failed to deliver on its story elements, which felt cliche and forced. The character design for Pinocchio was also criticized for looking too creepy.
Alice: Through the Looking Glass (30%) was seen as a marginal improvement over the original, with brighter production values, but the plot was difficult to follow and felt unnecessarily convoluted.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (41%) was an attempt to remake a Mickey Mouse movie, but the film had very little in common with the original animated production and was far from entertaining.
Dumbo (47%) was praised for capturing the essence of the original story, but it suffered from a lack of emotional weight, leaving viewers feeling hollow towards the end.
Maleficent (50%) had an innovative premise that allowed viewers to see the villain’s backstory. However, the movie was bogged down by poor visual effects and cinematography.
Alice in Wonderland (52%) was a visually unimpressive attempt at remaking the original film, and the plot was unnecessarily violent and lacked the ingenuity of the source material.
The Little Mermaid (63%) received mixed reviews, with some commending it for Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel and for updating the story for a new generation. However, other critics were left unimpressed with the movie’s dark visuals and flat story.
Christopher Robin: An Unforgettable Reunion (66%) was a reminder that growing up is difficult and that sometimes we need to rediscover our inner child. The movie was more aimed towards adults than children, and its message of embracing our inner child cut through corporate cynicism.
Disney’s live-action remakes have had their ups and downs, but it’s disappointing to see beloved characters once again at the bottom of critical ratings lists. Despite the negative reception, Disney continues to add to these remakes, and each release is met with anticipation from fans and critics alike. Whether or not these remakes will continue to be financially successful remains to be seen.
