Revamped- "Peter Pan"

On a new segment I like to call "Revamped," I will be taking a look at classic tales that keep getting remade, redone and revamped. In honor of the movie "Pan" opening on Friday, here is a look at all of the other movies involving the youthful sprite Peter Pan.

"Peter Pan" (1924)

The first Peter Pan film was made during the silent era with a female playing the title character. This version is very true to the original play with Mrs. Darling offering to adopt Peter (he refuses) and allowing Wendy to return to Never Land to return to Never Land once a year (to help with his spring cleaning).

"Walt Disney's Peter Pan" (1953)

Disney's version is true to the original material -- perhaps more on the literal side than the philosophical side (but you can't blame them, it's Disney). This may be because the film was put on hold for years and eventually made to turn a profit after the war. It was the first version to be a musical with songs that have lasted for decades ("The Second Star to the Right" "Never Smile at a Crocodile"). A year later, Mary Martin would star in a Broadway musical version with different songs. It was broadcast on TV in 1955, 1956, 1960 and redone in 2014 (with Girls' Allison Williams)

"Peter Pan" (1988)

An animated direct-to-video Australian version of the story. It's on YouTube if you're curious.

"Hook" (1991)

This well known version tells the story of what happens after the first Peter Pan book. (It is hinted at at the end of Barrie's first book.) Robin Williams plays a grown-up Peter Pan whose children have been kidnapped by a Dustin Hoffman Captain Hook. Peter must learn how to fly again to save his children and himself. Julia Roberts is Tinker Bell. Maggie Smith is Wendy. Dante Basco is Ruffio. It's all awesome! Definitely my favorite version.

"Return to Never Land" (2002)

The Disney sequel- sadly not a musical. Peter Pan has returned to the Darling home only to find Wendy all grown up and her daughter Jane. Peter brings Jane and her brother Danny to Never Land, but Jane is not like her mother and has a much more realistic take on the world. Peter must teach her to fly and be a kid. Although it's not a musical, "I'll Try" is a beautiful song that shows up in the film.

"Peter Pan" (2003)

This is what happens when Peter Pan discovers CGI. Technically, this is the first movie with a male Peter Pan, if we were not counting "Hook" (which is okay because that's really a sequel).

"Finding Neverland" (2004)

This is not really the tale of Peter Pan, but the true story of Peter's creator and how he wrote the original play and found the character. Johnny Depp plays J.M. Barrie and Kate Winslet plays his muse. The film became a Broadway musical and was on the Great White Way this past way. Glee's Matthew Morrison played Barrie.

"Pan" (2015)

This is a prequel to the original story. How Peter Pan became Peter Pan (played by a boy again) and how Captain Hook became the pirate we know (played by Garrett Hedland from "Tron"). The trailer also includes Black Beard (played by Hugh Jackman). Get excited!!

Also: Tinkerbell!!! We can't forget Peter's lovable fairy friend. Disney takes claim on their version of the fairy. In these newer films, Tink is a more fleshed out character with a whole range of emotions, flaws, and new friends.

"Tinker Bell" (2008)

This is the prequel to the little fairy explaining how Tink came into the fairy world and how she found her place in Pixie Hollow. (No Peter Pan)

"Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure" (2008)

Tinker Bell visits Never Land to save Pixie Hollow. (No Peter but Terrance comes into play)

"Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue" (2010)

Tink and her friends meet a human for the first time! (No Peter Pan)

"Secret of the Wings" (2012)

Tink meets her sister who's a Winter Fairy, and it's adorable. (No Peter Pan)

"The Pirate Fairy" (2014)

A pirate fairy steals Pixie Hollow's special magic. Tink and friends must get it back. (No Peter Pan, but there's pirates. And a particular pirate named James...)

"Legend of the NeverBeast" (2015)

A mysterious beast enters Pixie Hollow, and everyone runs away but Tink. (No Peter- you'd think they would include him once!)

TV Review: "The Muppets" on ABC

I have been excited about this Muppets TV show for a while now. Go re-read my post from May about it (also find a brief history of all of the Muppets previous appearances). The reviews of the pilot have been mixed, but the negative ones stick out more with critics claiming that the show is a far cry from the previous "Muppet Show" and is too crude to have puppets (*cough* One Million Moms- Here's a rebuttal to that).

Here is my take.

The Story

It's a show within a show. These are the backstage moments of the new show "Up Late with Miss Piggy". Get inside the minds' of your favorite Muppets like Kermit, Piggy, Fozie, Gonzo, Scooter, Pepe, Rizzo and many more. Kermit and Piggy are dating new people. Fozzie is dating a human. Gonzo is probably dating a chicken like usual. And they are all trying to put on the best show they can.

The Stars

So far we have seen: Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Rizzo, Pepe, Gonzo, Scooter, Electric Mayhem, Animal, Dr. Honeydew, Sam Eagle, Beaker, Denise (Kermit's girlfriend), Bobo, Rowlf, and Swedish Chef. We hope there will be even more Muppets to come.

The Message

Even puppets made of felt have feelings.

Overall

In recent Muppet installations (see my reviews of "The Muppets" and "Muppets Most Wanted"), there has been a serious lack of felt- the green fuzzy kind. In part, I believe this was done in fear that the Muppets could no longer bring out the big bucks as they had in their prime. It was feared that the Muppets would be associated with Sesame Street and children's entertainment.

This happens to be something that Jim Henson himself fought throughout his career. He was constantly trying to prove that the Muppets were not just for kids and that they could handle a whole show on their own. That is part of the reason, the show only lasted 5 years. Henson moved onto "Dark Crystal", a movie made entirely of Muppet characters and nothing that was light and cheery. (If you want to learn more about Jim Henson, watch this great documentary about his life from PBS).

The problem is that today the world only knows the Muppets through their family friendly show and appearances on Sesame Street. But I think this show is what Jim Henson would have wanted. He would have wanted his characters to be more than flat stereotypes but real living people- just made of felt.

There are moments of the pilot that my parents and I laughed out loud at, whether it was Fozzie's meeting with his human girlfriend's parents or the well-played pop culture references, I think that this new show has the potential to be something I keep on my regular TV schedule. But, I think that the show #1 needs to be longer- at least an hour. Seeing that this show is more about character development, we need more time to spend with the characters. #2 needs more songs. They don't need to be huge numbers, but since the world has grown up with singing and dancing Muppets, we will need to have that desire satisfied at least once. (Maybe a musical episode?) #3 bring in the next generation. If we want the Muppets to live on past this show, we need to relate to the younger generation (preferably the teens) by including celebs that they know. Who watches "Dancing with the Stars"?? Mostly moms. Although I love Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lawrence would have been a better choice for this generation.

With all of this in mind, I will continue to watch this show in hopes that they find their place in this time period and genre.

2 out of 4 Pigs (ggies)

Disney Sequels/Prequels to Watch, Skip, and Totally Ridicule

One of the many reasons I get to call myself a Disney expert is because I have seen almost every Disney movie ever. You may say that I need to grow up and get a life, but I would say to you, this is not the blog post for you so you should go.

One of the interesting questions I get as a self-proclaimed Disney expert is if I have seen the sequels and prequels of the Disney classics. The answer is yes- but more importantly, I want you to know which ones you should watch, which ones you can skip, and what ones you need to watch just to laugh at hysterically.

Below is a list of all of the sequels and prequels and my rating. Enjoy!

PS- These are Disney animated movies- I didn't include any live-action or any Pixar. Not because I don't like them. More because that would have taken forever.

Key:

Watch it! 

Laugh Hysterically While Watching

Skip it

Original: "Aladdin" (1992)

 Sequel: "The Return of Jafar" (1994)

 Jafar was not really defeated in the first movie. Turning a guy into an all-powerful genie is not exactly a punishment. So it comes back to bite our heroes in the butt. This movie is also horribly bad because we are missing our real genie- Robin Williams. Though, we imagine that he was pretty busy with other offers.

Sequel: "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" (1996)

In the first film, a little song titled "Proud of Your Boy" was going to be in the movie. The song talks about Aladdin's longing to please his mother (who was alive in the original version). But we always wonder what happened to his dad? This movie brings father and son back together and I still can't decide who is more attractive! And, THE GENIE IS BACK!

Original: "Beauty and the Beast" (1991)

 

Prequel(ish): "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas" (1997)
 This movie happens while Belle is still a "prisoner" in the castle. The Beast has forbidden Christmas, but Belle decides to have it any way. There's a fabulous tree angel ornament played by Bernadette Peters, fantastic songs that you will want to add to your Christmas playlist, and Tim Curry as an evil organ. Still one of m favorite Christmas movies.

Original: "Pocahontas" (1995)

Sequel: "Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World" (1998)

You know all those history buffs who scolded the original animated movie for its inquiries? This movie is for them.Pocahontas goes to England, meets another John (who we can guess she marries), and wear English clothing and stuff. There is a really good song in this movie ("Where Do I Go From Here").

Original: "The Lion King" (1994)

Sequel: "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride" (1998)

Simba is all grownup and he has a daughter who is just as rebellious and rambunctious as he was. And she falls in love with one of Scar's offspring! A real Romeo and Juliet thing. All of the original voices are back- even Matthew Broderick as Simba.

Prequel(ish): "The Lion King 1 1/2" (2004)

A movie from Timon and Pumba's point of view about what was going on in their world when "Lion King" was happening. It's fun to watch the original and then watch this one. You will see a cause-and-effect theme going on, and many of your favorite characters show up.

Original: "A Goofy Movie" (1995)

Sequel: "An Extremely Goofy Movie" (2000)

Max is headed to college, and Goofy finds out that he never got his college degree. So he goes back to school with his son! This was the age of skateboards so there's a college X-Games and tons of 70s music that will please the parents.

Original: "Lady and the Tramp" (1955)

Sequel: "Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure" (2001)
Lady and Tramp have a pup who falls for another pup who lives on the street with a bunch of rough-and-tough street dogs. It's really a repeat of the original with puppies. Songs aren't really worth it either.

Original: "The Little Mermaid" (1989)

Sequel: "The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea" (2000)
 ARIEL AS A MOM!!! Somehow she can still wear a shell bra, That's real Disney magic for you. Prince Eric and the Princess of the Sea learn how hard it is to be parents with a daughter who wants to run away to the sea. Doesn't that sound familiar? Also, Ursula's sister is the villain of this one- ready to prove that she can outdo her sister.

Prequel: "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning" (2008)

This movie is the reason I am writing this post. It is a totally unexpected surprise. All of the original voices are back for what happened before Ariel found her prince, and music was banned from Atlantica. The songs are fantastic and Jodi Benson still has the melodious voice of her youth.

Original: "Cinderella" (1950)

Sequel: "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True" (2002)

After Cinderella gets married, the mice are retelling stories that include Jacque getting turned into a man, Anastasia finding her true love, and a lot of other useless stories that have nothing to do with anything. BUT. This was the start of Jennifer Hale as Cindy- a perfect choice.

Sequel: "Cinderella III: A Twist in Time" (2007)

This one is hard to keep up with, but Evil Stepmother steals Fairy Godmother's wand and turns back time to make the Prince dance with Anastasia instead of Cinderella. Cindy has to fight to get her man back and it is seriously EPIC!

Original: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1996)

Sequel: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame II" (2002)

Didn't you always feel sorry for Quasimodo? He didn't get the girl in the end. This movie says he does find his true love in a circus performer. It's cute for a boring Saturday afternoon- nothing to write home about but worth a little time to end Quasi's story on a happy note.

Original: "101 Dalmatians" (1961)

Sequel: "101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure" (2003)
 This movie almost makes fun of itself. Cruella has fallen waaaay far down the hole, Horris and Jasper are terrified of her, and it was bound to happen that one of the 101 puppies would get lost. Also, the amazing Thunderbolt is not so amazing. This movie sparked an equally hysterical and ridiculous TV series. You will never look at Corgis the same.

Original: "Atlantis" (2001)

Sequel: "Atlantis: Milo's Return" (2003)
Really, really boring tales of what happens after the movie. Really, really boring.

Original: "Mulan" (1998)

Sequel: "Mulan II" (2005)

What happens when you decide to marry someone you thought was a man for the majority of the time you've known them? This. Mulan and Shan are getting married and they are totally different people. The soldier triplets (you know who I'm talking about) also try to find love. The songs are reminiscent of the originals. Kinda disappointing that Eddie Murphy doesn't reprise his role though.

Original: "Tarzan" (1999)

 

Sequel-That's-Actually-a-Prequel: "Tarzan II" (2005)
Tarzan 2 is actually when Tarzan was younger and is trying to find his place in the jungle. None of the original voices are back because they all grew up. Yet another attempt at Disney trying to turn to a younger generation. And I'm sorry- baby Tantar in the original was the cutest ever! And no one replaces Rosie O'Donnell.

Original: "Lilo & Stitch" (2002)

 

Sequel: "Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch" (2005)
I can't get enough of Stitch! And it turns out there are more Stitches! Because as you know, Stitch was experiment 626. What happened to all of the other 625 experiments? They had one giant family reunion! This movie sparked a TV series and was totally awesome.

Original: "The Emperor's New Groove" (2000) Sequel: "Kronk's New Groove" (2005)  Kronk had his moments in the original film- speaking squirrel is pretty awesome. But a whole movie of him is not worth it to me. But baby Kronk and his little oven mitts is adorable! Original: "Bambi" (1942) Sequel: "Bambi II" (2006) After Bambi's mom, well, dies, Bambi lives with his dad, the Prince. Who has absolutely no idea how to raise a baby dear. And you feel bad for little Bambi. Original: "Brother Bear" (2003) Sequel: "Brother Bear 2" (2006) The original is very underrated. I recommend you watch that one before you move onto this one. In this one, a girl turns into a bear and joins the boys on their bear adventures. And of course there's some romance involved. But it's all about the girl power or grrrrrl power. Original: "The Fox and the Hound" (1981) Sequel-That's-Actually-a-Prequel: "The Fox and the Hound 2:(2006) I can't. I can't watch it! Not without knowing what happens in the end! Skip it! Skip it if you want to live! Also, Reba is a singing dog. Seriously, skip it.