TLDRDisney’s recent live action adaptations have been criticized for lacking the magic, lessons, and character depth of their animated predecessors. The shift towards identity politics and poor storytelling has left audiences disappointed, leading to a decline in the company’s reputation.

Making this video is kind of painful because despite recent turnarounds and some successes at the box office, I still don’t think that any lessons have been learned. Growing up with fantasy and fairy tales, I wanted nothing more than to adventure with dwarves and spend time with elves. Traveling to new worlds in my imagination and seeing amazing sights was a significant part of my childhood, and Disney was a major driver of that imagination.

The Magic of Disney’s Animated Classics

I could never pick just one favorite Disney movie because each one was unique, filled with values and lessons that resonated universally. Themes of hard work, courage, cleverness, redemption, friendship, and true love were woven into the narratives, making them relatable to everyone. However, in the last few years, Disney seems to have lost sight of these core values.

The Shift in Disney’s Storytelling

Gone are the days when Disney championed family values and inspired a new generation of kids. The recent live action adaptations have sparked significant conversation online and in real life, as audiences express their disappointment. Perhaps it’s because we already have the animated versions, which are nearly flawless, and we don’t need another version that has proven to be subpar.

The Problems with Live Action Adaptations

The issues with Disney’s live action movies are numerous. A recent example is the movie “Mufasa,” which left me feeling that Disney had finally given up on trying altogether. The writing, character acting, and songs were forgettable, and the conflict felt cheap and contrived. The interludes of Timon and Pumbaa, intended as comic relief, only served to remind audiences of the charm of the original characters.

A Lack of Respect for Original Stories

There is a distinct lack of respect that Disney executives have for their own properties. This disrespect manifests in various ways, such as changing character motivations, inserting poor actors into main roles, and injecting identity politics where there was none before. For instance, in the live action adaptation of “Aladdin,” the love story between Aladdin and Jasmine was nearly nonexistent, and Jafar was portrayed as a bumbling fool, stripping the film of its original charm.

The Case of Mulan

Similarly, the live action “Mulan” is nearly unrecognizable from the original. The story of a young woman willing to work hard to rescue her father was replaced with a narrative focused on smashing the patriarchy, undermining the character’s journey and struggles.

Misunderstanding Iconic Characters

In adaptations like “Peter Pan and Wendy,” the writers failed to understand Wendy’s role as a nurturing figure, while “The Little Mermaid” suffered from poor CGI and a lack of character depth. The live action backstory for Cruella De Vil turned her into a victim of society rather than the villain she was meant to be.

The Upcoming Snow White Adaptation

The upcoming adaptation of “Snow White” seems to follow the same trend, with a lack of excitement and a focus on modern feminist themes that detract from the original story’s charm.

The Artistic Decline of CGI

One of the most significant issues with these adaptations is the decline in artistic quality. The vibrant worlds of animated Disney films have been replaced with dull and lifeless CGI. The Cave of Wonders, once a fantastic element, now resembles a forgotten pirate grotto, and the characters lack the emotional depth that made them memorable.

The Loss of Valuable Life Lessons

Disney’s live action remakes fail to uphold the valuable lessons imparted by their animated predecessors. For example, in the live action “Pinocchio,” the character is portrayed as a victim of society rather than facing the consequences of his actions, undermining the original story’s moral lessons.

Conclusion: A Diminished Legacy

In conclusion, Disney’s live action adaptations represent a terrible departure from the iconic properties that once captivated audiences. The company’s fear of backlash and accusations of bigotry seems to have led to a dilution of the stories that made them famous. As a result, the magic and lessons that once defined Disney are fading away, leaving behind a legacy that is far less inspiring than it once was. If Disney continues down this path, it risks diminishing the value and imagination of every story it has ever told.