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D23 2017 : A Celebration of The Lion King

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After displaying the stunning first look at Jon Favreau’s new take on the animated classic, the original creative team behind “The Lion King” gathered in the D23 Expo Arena to share stories of their time working on the classic picture. Moderated by Executive Producer Don Hahn, the panelists included Rob Minkoff (Co-Director), Mark Henn (Supervising Animator for “Young Simba”), and Tony Bancroft (Supervising Animator for “Pumbaa”).

Minkoff revealed to the audience that “The Lion King” almost didn’t happen due to the studio having more faith in the animated musical drama, “Pocahontas”. While “Pocahontas” was a success in its own right, “The Lion King” later out-grossed “Pocahontas” by nearly $200 million. A clip was also shown of his original storyboard pitch of the pivotal moment in the film when the spirit of  Simba’s father appears before him to guide him back to Pride Rock.

Henn and Bancroft each shared their experiences with the film as well, with Henn noting that he had originally campaigned to animate the villain, Scar, but was told by Bancroft that “Simba is the key to this movie; Without Simba, it won’t work.” Bancroft shared a humorous story in which his office-mate (Mike Surrey, Supervising Animator for “Timon”) made a mess of the office to make it seem as though a second earthquake had occurred after the ’94 Northridge quake.

The creative team then welcomed Ernie Sabella (Voice of “Pumbaa”) to the stage, where he sang an impromptu snippet of his signature song, “Hakuna Matata”. Sabella shared joyful tales of working with Nathan Lane (Voice of “Timon”) and how they were both originally slated to sing the eventual Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” in the film, but were replaced after Elton John expressed his dissatisfaction with having the “stinky, old, fat warthog singing my song!”.  It was also mentioned that Pumbaa’s frequent flatulence problem wasn’t originally in the script, but was rather a creation of Sabella in order to crack up an exhausted Lane, whom, at the time of recording, was also starring in “Guys and Dolls” on Broadway.

Cast members Jim Cummings (Voice of “Ed”) and Whoopi Goldberg (Voice of “Shenzi”) were welcomed next, with Goldberg being a complete surprise. As two of the three villainous, yet lovable hyenas (the third being Cheech Marin (Voice of “Banzai”), who unfortunately couldn’t make it) they shared their joy of working on the film and displayed rather humorous clips of Cummings’ maniacal laughter and Goldberg’s singing in the recording booth. As the panel drew to a close, Hahn introduced the audience to Carmen Twillie (Vocalist; “Circle of Life”) to sing the Oscar-nominated song that we all fell in love with 23 years ago, reminding us all that we are a part of the great Circle of Life.

 

 

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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless

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“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.

The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.

The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.

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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?

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“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.

Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.

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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus

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A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.

The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.

Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.

The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.

For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.

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