It's been a busy summer of remakes for Disney, but it's finally over (at least for now) with the release of their updated version of THE LION KING. That's right all the words, notes and even some voices that you loved from the beloved animated classic, now with 100% more photorealistic looking animals. It's so similar, you'll gasp in wonder, exclaiming "what's the point?" as Timon and Pumbaa slurp down some very real looking creepy crawlies. You'll wince when you hear a line delivery that just doesn't sound quite right. But it's still The Lion King, so you'll probably enjoy it anyway.
No Summer of Sequels would be complete without a visit to the absolute depths of the Eisner-instigated era of sequels. While sequels to Disney's animated classics were generally relegated to direct-to-video releases, the odd time they decided to go the theatrical route, and Peter Pan sequel RETURN TO NEVERLAND is one such case. These movies also tended to be, well, more or less identical to their original installments, maybe with a few plot inversions. As you may suspect, that doesn't leave our hosts with a whole lot to talk about, which is always a recipe for things to go just a titch off the rails. Which is fine. It's totally fine. Don't worry. By no means do our hosts come up with absolutely insane proposals for alternate plots for this movie. Or at least only a little. Don't worry about it.
Our hosts' journey through the complete Disney filmography has always been one of discovery. Old favourites seen in new lights, modern classics being scrutinized, and yellow-face skeletons found in closets. But Vicky, Nolan and Jill often have the best time when they discover a diamond in the rough. On paper, THE BISCUIT EATER sounds like pretty standard 70s Disney fare, subcategory "boy and his dog" movie. In reality, it surprised and delighted with its good-natured characters, lack of having any people or pets die unexpectedly, and what may be one of the best scenes we've seen yet.
This week is a very special installment of the Summer of Sequels with a movie we're sure you've all heard of and have been looking forward to - RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER! ...What's that? Never heard of it? That's strange. How could you not have heard of this sequel to one of the 1983 Golden Globe Best Foreign Film nominees? Sure, Disney had nothing to do with THAT movie, so we have not and will not ever watch it for this podcast (or likely otherwise)...ok come to think of it that is pretty bizarre. Almost as bizarre as Disney's choice to make a sequel to a movie they had nothing to do with, let alone one that is about 75% adult romance and conversations about animal husbandry and 25% insane horse stunts.