This week on The Anime Effect: To celebrate 10 years of The Book of Life , filmmaker Jorge R. Gutierrez joins the show to talk about his love for anime, including how Spirited Away inspired his celebrated film and the surprising place he first watched Akira . Plus, the latest news on One Piece , SK8 the Infinity and much, much more, including recommendations from our resident anime experts! Episode 36 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 36 Summary In this week's episode, LeAlec, Nick, and returning guest host Josellie Rios chat about their Fall 2024 anime watchlist so far, a new Goku balloon gets ready to debut in New York City, and we chat about My Hero Academia announcing its final season.
- 10/18/2024
- by Carla Solórzano
- Crunchyroll
Nordic animation makers need to embrace “compassion, equality and inclusion,” Kool Produktion’s Frank Mosvold told Variety.
“As a gay producer, I’m alarmed by the growing negative attitude and harmful portrayals of the queer and trans communities in Europe, which is why I am developing ‘The Legend of Magnus the Good,’” he added, teasing the animated feature about “acceptance, regardless of gender and identity.”
In the film, Magnus’ father is the famous Viking king Olaf. When his uncle decides to steal the crown, the boy has to flee. He travels in time, landing in the middle of a drag show in Norway.
“It’s important to make something that’s important to you,” Mosvold said later, during Ffa’s panel Nordic Animation: How to Make New Classics. A son of a “very successful businessman,” he also had to deal with high expectations.
“With [previous animation] ‘Ella Bella Bingo,’ it was all...
“As a gay producer, I’m alarmed by the growing negative attitude and harmful portrayals of the queer and trans communities in Europe, which is why I am developing ‘The Legend of Magnus the Good,’” he added, teasing the animated feature about “acceptance, regardless of gender and identity.”
In the film, Magnus’ father is the famous Viking king Olaf. When his uncle decides to steal the crown, the boy has to flee. He travels in time, landing in the middle of a drag show in Norway.
“It’s important to make something that’s important to you,” Mosvold said later, during Ffa’s panel Nordic Animation: How to Make New Classics. A son of a “very successful businessman,” he also had to deal with high expectations.
“With [previous animation] ‘Ella Bella Bingo,’ it was all...
- 9/27/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
After a distinguished career spanning several decades, renowned director and animator John Musker is gradually preparing for retirement. At 70 years old, Musker played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney during the late 80s and 90s, making him a key figure in animation history. Recently, he attended the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria to promote his new short film, I’m Hip!.
During the event, Musker spoke with El País about his early days at Disney and shared his thoughts on the current state of the company, a topic we’ve previously covered. He also recounted an intriguing anecdote about one of Disney’s greatest classics.
At the time, producing such films was more the exception than the rule. Jeffrey Katzenberg, the formidable president at the time, was opposed to making these kinds of movies—a decision that proved to be a significant misstep, as the film in question has since become a celebrated classic.
During the event, Musker spoke with El País about his early days at Disney and shared his thoughts on the current state of the company, a topic we’ve previously covered. He also recounted an intriguing anecdote about one of Disney’s greatest classics.
At the time, producing such films was more the exception than the rule. Jeffrey Katzenberg, the formidable president at the time, was opposed to making these kinds of movies—a decision that proved to be a significant misstep, as the film in question has since become a celebrated classic.
- 9/12/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Comic Basics
After a several decade-long career, famous director and animator John Musker is slowly preparing to retire. The 70-year-old director is responsible for revitalizing Disney in the late 80s and 90s, so he is definitely one of the most important animators in history. Not that long ago, Musker attended the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, where he promoted his new short film, I’m Hip!.
There, he also talked to El País about his beginnings at Disney, as well as about his opinions on the current state of things at the House of the Mouse, which is something we have already reported on earlier. But he also told us about a very interesting anecdote involving one of Disney’s biggest classics.
Namely, at the time, the production of such movies was not a rule but rather an exception, and the iron fist president at the time, Jeffrey Katzenberg, was not for making such movies,...
There, he also talked to El País about his beginnings at Disney, as well as about his opinions on the current state of things at the House of the Mouse, which is something we have already reported on earlier. But he also told us about a very interesting anecdote involving one of Disney’s biggest classics.
Namely, at the time, the production of such movies was not a rule but rather an exception, and the iron fist president at the time, Jeffrey Katzenberg, was not for making such movies,...
- 9/12/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
The Disney Animation studio is a pioneer when it comes to delivering successful animated films. Especially the decade from 1989 to 1999 was dubbed as Disney Renaissance, due to the release of several record breaking movies.
A still from The Little Mermaid (1989) | Credits: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
The Little Mermaid (1989) was a phenomenal success and later movies only strengthened Disney’s winning streak. Some initially didn’t have faith in the female-led big-budget film, like the then-Disney President, Jeffrey Katzenberg. Not only did the film create a lasting impression, but it also went on to inspire a 2023 live-action adaptation centered around controversy.
The movie which changed the animation world
The massive financial failure of The Black Cauldron (1985), an adaptation of Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain series, forced Disney to re-evaluate. They had to produce a project which could reinstall people’s faith in the animation studio.
RELATEDAfter The Little Mermaid and Moana, Disney...
A still from The Little Mermaid (1989) | Credits: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
The Little Mermaid (1989) was a phenomenal success and later movies only strengthened Disney’s winning streak. Some initially didn’t have faith in the female-led big-budget film, like the then-Disney President, Jeffrey Katzenberg. Not only did the film create a lasting impression, but it also went on to inspire a 2023 live-action adaptation centered around controversy.
The movie which changed the animation world
The massive financial failure of The Black Cauldron (1985), an adaptation of Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain series, forced Disney to re-evaluate. They had to produce a project which could reinstall people’s faith in the animation studio.
RELATEDAfter The Little Mermaid and Moana, Disney...
- 9/11/2024
- by Shruti Pathak
- FandomWire
The Broadway musical revival of Once Upon a Mattress offers energetic performances and a fresh approach to the beloved fairy tale.
A fairy-tale version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Princess and the Pea” premiered on Broadway in 1959, with a book by Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller, and music and lyrics by composer Mary Rodgers. The show, which launched the career of Carol Burnett, has been somewhat overlooked in recent years, making this new-generation revisitation as a delightful surprise.
The production is led by the winning performances of Sutton Foster as Princess Winifred the Woebegone and Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless. Foster’s ability to channel the antics makes the production a success, and Urie‘s elevated portrayal of Prince Dauntless makes him a star in his own right.
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The direction by...
A fairy-tale version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Princess and the Pea” premiered on Broadway in 1959, with a book by Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller, and music and lyrics by composer Mary Rodgers. The show, which launched the career of Carol Burnett, has been somewhat overlooked in recent years, making this new-generation revisitation as a delightful surprise.
The production is led by the winning performances of Sutton Foster as Princess Winifred the Woebegone and Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless. Foster’s ability to channel the antics makes the production a success, and Urie‘s elevated portrayal of Prince Dauntless makes him a star in his own right.
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The direction by...
- 8/16/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
New month, new horror recommendations from Deep Cuts Rising. This installment features five selections reflecting the month of August 2024.
Regardless of how they came to be here, or what they’re about, these past movies can generally be considered overlooked, forgotten or unknown.
This month’s offerings include a horror take on a classic fairy tale, a creature-feature, and more.
Dead Kids (1981)
Dead Kids a.k.a. Strange Behavior (1981)
Directed by Michael Laughlin.
While College Colors Day (August 30) is a time to be proud of your alma mater, the students and faculty of Galesburg University likely feel less spirited after the events of Dead Kids. In this sci-fi/horror chiller, college experiments on a Midwestern community’s young people result in murder. Several, in fact. The guinea pigs’ homicidal impulses amount to a few rather creepy sequences in this “bad science” slasher.
Dead Kids, also known as Strange Behavior, is...
Regardless of how they came to be here, or what they’re about, these past movies can generally be considered overlooked, forgotten or unknown.
This month’s offerings include a horror take on a classic fairy tale, a creature-feature, and more.
Dead Kids (1981)
Dead Kids a.k.a. Strange Behavior (1981)
Directed by Michael Laughlin.
While College Colors Day (August 30) is a time to be proud of your alma mater, the students and faculty of Galesburg University likely feel less spirited after the events of Dead Kids. In this sci-fi/horror chiller, college experiments on a Midwestern community’s young people result in murder. Several, in fact. The guinea pigs’ homicidal impulses amount to a few rather creepy sequences in this “bad science” slasher.
Dead Kids, also known as Strange Behavior, is...
- 8/1/2024
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
Maximum secrecy – including an omerta about the cast – was observed during the filming of “The Chronicles of Libidoists,” a Taiwanese film fable that is pitched as a modern-day retelling of “The Little Mermaid” fairy tale.
A work-in-progress teaser in Cannes, however, disclosed that major Taiwan star Wu Kang-ren was the protagonist of the production which, now completed, seems certain to challenge censors worldwide.
With the film poised for imminent commercial release in Taiwan and a series of autumn festival play dates being lined up, it is easy to see why the cloak of anonymity was required. The other main players are Liu Chu-ping, Alisia Liang and Will Or.
In Hans Christian Andersen’s original 19th century telling, “The Little Mermaid” was a tale of an impossible romance between a mermaid and a prince, involving love, betrayal, death and resurrection. Metaphors and allegorical meanings were plentiful.
In the hands of Yang Ya-che,...
A work-in-progress teaser in Cannes, however, disclosed that major Taiwan star Wu Kang-ren was the protagonist of the production which, now completed, seems certain to challenge censors worldwide.
With the film poised for imminent commercial release in Taiwan and a series of autumn festival play dates being lined up, it is easy to see why the cloak of anonymity was required. The other main players are Liu Chu-ping, Alisia Liang and Will Or.
In Hans Christian Andersen’s original 19th century telling, “The Little Mermaid” was a tale of an impossible romance between a mermaid and a prince, involving love, betrayal, death and resurrection. Metaphors and allegorical meanings were plentiful.
In the hands of Yang Ya-che,...
- 6/27/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Kim Gordon singing at the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage concert in Central Park Kim Gordon with Ed Bahlman and Anne-Katrin Titze on the puppy-ness of Samuel Kircher in Last Summer: “He is great. Yeah, puppy-ish.” Kim Gordon, who is currently on her Collective worldwide tour, will be performing in London on June 25 at Koko, June 26 at the O2 Institute Birmingham, and June 30 at the Glastonbury Festival. In Berlin she has a sold-out show at the Festsaal Kreuzberg on July 6 with Gudrun Gut opening (through some assistance from music producer and 99 Records founder Ed Bahlman).
In the second instalment with Kim Gordon we touch upon Catherine Breillat’s fairy-tale films Bluebeard, and The Sleeping Beauty, plus the humour in The Last Mistress (Une vieille maîtresse - Jules-Amédée Barbey d'Aurevilly), and Samuel Kircher and Léa Drucker’s dangerous dynamic in Breillat’s Last Summer, based on May el-Toukhy’s.
In the second instalment with Kim Gordon we touch upon Catherine Breillat’s fairy-tale films Bluebeard, and The Sleeping Beauty, plus the humour in The Last Mistress (Une vieille maîtresse - Jules-Amédée Barbey d'Aurevilly), and Samuel Kircher and Léa Drucker’s dangerous dynamic in Breillat’s Last Summer, based on May el-Toukhy’s.
- 6/21/2024
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The characters you know and love from “The Little Mermaid” are transforming for a preschool audience.
Disney Jr.’s “Ariel” — which is set to premiere on June 27, 2024 — is inspired from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale as well as Walt Disney’s 1989 animated movie and 2023 live-action feature film. Only this time around, the diverse underwater kingdom of Atlantica is the set piece, and kindness is key. At the TV show’s tastemaker screening on June 5 at NeueHouse Hollywood, the production team spoke about creating Ariel’s Caribbean-inspired surroundings for an audience of young children and families.
The program features the voice work of Mykal-Michelle Harris as Ariel, Taye Diggs as King Triton, Amber Riley as Ursula, Elizabeth Phoenix Caro as Lucia, Cruz Flateau as Fernie and Gracen Newton as Flounder.
Creative executive Diane Ikemiyashiro moderated the panel which included executive producer Lynne Southerland, art director Chrystin Garland, supervising director Kuni Tomita,...
Disney Jr.’s “Ariel” — which is set to premiere on June 27, 2024 — is inspired from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale as well as Walt Disney’s 1989 animated movie and 2023 live-action feature film. Only this time around, the diverse underwater kingdom of Atlantica is the set piece, and kindness is key. At the TV show’s tastemaker screening on June 5 at NeueHouse Hollywood, the production team spoke about creating Ariel’s Caribbean-inspired surroundings for an audience of young children and families.
The program features the voice work of Mykal-Michelle Harris as Ariel, Taye Diggs as King Triton, Amber Riley as Ursula, Elizabeth Phoenix Caro as Lucia, Cruz Flateau as Fernie and Gracen Newton as Flounder.
Creative executive Diane Ikemiyashiro moderated the panel which included executive producer Lynne Southerland, art director Chrystin Garland, supervising director Kuni Tomita,...
- 6/6/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon and Latasha Ford
- Gold Derby
After a several decade-long career, famous director and animator John Musker is slowly preparing to retire. The 70-year old director is responsible for revitalizing Disney in the late 80s and 90s, so he is definitely one of the most important animators in history. His classic works include The Great Mouse Detective (1986), The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), and Treasure Planet (2002), but he has also worked on The Princess and the Frog (2009) and Moana (2016); although he won’t be returning for the sequel, Musker definitely left his mark on that movie as well.
The director recently attended the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, where he promoted his new short film, I’m Hip!, but he also talked to El País about his beginnings at Disney, as well as about his opinions on the current state of things at the House of the Mouse.
At the time when Musker came to Disney,...
The director recently attended the Animayo International Summit in Gran Canaria, where he promoted his new short film, I’m Hip!, but he also talked to El País about his beginnings at Disney, as well as about his opinions on the current state of things at the House of the Mouse.
At the time when Musker came to Disney,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Michael Urie will reprise his Off Broadway performance opposite Sutton Foster in the upcoming Broadway summer transfer of Once Upon A Mattress, the Mary Rodgers musical newly adapted by Amy Sherman-Palladino.
Urie and Foster will continue their roles when the Broadway production moves to Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre in December.
As he did in the recent New York City Center’s Encores! production, Urie will play the good-hearted Prince Dauntless, who becomes smitten with the free-spirited commoner Winnifred (Foster), much to the chagrin of his not-so-nice queen mother.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Directed by Lear deBessonet (Into The Woods), Once Upon A Mattress begins previews Wednesday, July 31, at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre, opening Monday, August 12, and running through November 30. The production begins its four-week L.A. engagement at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre on December 10, ending its run January 5.
Mattress is the comedic update...
Urie and Foster will continue their roles when the Broadway production moves to Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre in December.
As he did in the recent New York City Center’s Encores! production, Urie will play the good-hearted Prince Dauntless, who becomes smitten with the free-spirited commoner Winnifred (Foster), much to the chagrin of his not-so-nice queen mother.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Directed by Lear deBessonet (Into The Woods), Once Upon A Mattress begins previews Wednesday, July 31, at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre, opening Monday, August 12, and running through November 30. The production begins its four-week L.A. engagement at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre on December 10, ending its run January 5.
Mattress is the comedic update...
- 5/29/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Made in Abyss Studio Reveals New Original Mermaid Anime Goodbye, Lara - Main Image
Kinema Citrus is known for its various anime adaptations, but now, the studio is working on an intriguing new original project. The studio recently revealed Goodbye, Lara, an upcoming original anime inspired by the iconic Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Little Mermaid.
That’s not to say it’s a straight-up adaptation of the classic story. Instead, it features a decidedly anime spin on the tale, as it features the mermaid Lara who finds herself in modern Japan.
Goodbye, Lara Promises to Be a Modern Retelling of The Little Mermaid — with a Twist
To mark the anime’s announcement, Kinema Citrus shared a special concept trailer for Goodbye, Lara, an anime that’s being produced for the studio’s 15th anniversary.
As a concept trailer, it likely won’t match the look of the final project entirely,...
Kinema Citrus is known for its various anime adaptations, but now, the studio is working on an intriguing new original project. The studio recently revealed Goodbye, Lara, an upcoming original anime inspired by the iconic Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Little Mermaid.
That’s not to say it’s a straight-up adaptation of the classic story. Instead, it features a decidedly anime spin on the tale, as it features the mermaid Lara who finds herself in modern Japan.
Goodbye, Lara Promises to Be a Modern Retelling of The Little Mermaid — with a Twist
To mark the anime’s announcement, Kinema Citrus shared a special concept trailer for Goodbye, Lara, an anime that’s being produced for the studio’s 15th anniversary.
As a concept trailer, it likely won’t match the look of the final project entirely,...
- 5/20/2024
- EpicStream
Animation studio Kinema Citrus ( Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress ) has announced a pair of new, original anime projects. The announcements were revealed at the Anime Central 2024 convention, which runs from May 17 – 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. The two new projects are entitled Goodbye, Lara and Ninja Skooler . Goodbye, Lara imagines The Little Mermaid from the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen reborn in modern day Japan. Takushi Koide directs and provides the storyboards and Shiori Tani provides the character designs at animation studio Kinema Citrus. Goodbye, Lara teaser visual Ninja Skooler is set in a fantastical Edo period in which young children attend school for shinobi training. Shunsuke Takarai directs, Masato Hori provides the series composition, Hami provides the character designs, and Nanatsukaze (Pikasonic & nakotanmaru) provides the music at animation studios Kinema Citrus and Breccia. Ninja Skooler teaser visual Related: Cardfight!! Vanguard Divinez Anime Sets Second Season for July 2024 At the time of this writing,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Paul Chapman
- Crunchyroll
Sutton Foster, just off a run in Sweeney Todd, will star in a musical revival of Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway this summer.
The production, a new adaptation by Amy Sherman-Palladino that debuted in a two-week engagement co-starring Michael Urie at New York City Center’s Encores in January. Directed by Lear deBessonet, Mattress will begin previews at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre on July 31, with an opening night set for August 12.
Following the close of the Broadway run on November 30, Mattress will play a four-week engagement at Center Theatre Groups’ Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles beginning December 10.
Additional casting for the Broadway run was not announced.
Produced by Seaview and Creative Partners Productions, the Broadway revival will feature choreography by Lorin Latarro, scenic design by David Zinn, lighting design by Justin Townsend, costume design by Andrea Hood, hair and wig Design by J. Jared Janas and sound design by Kai Harada.
The production, a new adaptation by Amy Sherman-Palladino that debuted in a two-week engagement co-starring Michael Urie at New York City Center’s Encores in January. Directed by Lear deBessonet, Mattress will begin previews at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre on July 31, with an opening night set for August 12.
Following the close of the Broadway run on November 30, Mattress will play a four-week engagement at Center Theatre Groups’ Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles beginning December 10.
Additional casting for the Broadway run was not announced.
Produced by Seaview and Creative Partners Productions, the Broadway revival will feature choreography by Lorin Latarro, scenic design by David Zinn, lighting design by Justin Townsend, costume design by Andrea Hood, hair and wig Design by J. Jared Janas and sound design by Kai Harada.
- 5/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Little Mermaid is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved fairytales. The story has been made popular by Disney’s 1989 animated feature, which altered a lot of the original story, and which also received a live-action remake in 2023, starring Halle Bailey. But, it seems that this was not the final live-action adaptation of the story, as Msr Media International is bringing us a live-action horror adaptation of Andersen’s story, which recently received its first trailer and poster.
We’re not sure that anyone wanted this, but the horrible slasher Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey opened the door for such endeavors, and based on the information we have, we’re in for a series of (probably bad) low-budget horror adaptations of beloved children’s tales that will satisfy only those with the strongest of stomachs and lowest of expectations.
As per the official site, the movie is currently in...
We’re not sure that anyone wanted this, but the horrible slasher Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey opened the door for such endeavors, and based on the information we have, we’re in for a series of (probably bad) low-budget horror adaptations of beloved children’s tales that will satisfy only those with the strongest of stomachs and lowest of expectations.
As per the official site, the movie is currently in...
- 4/25/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
The latest batch of movie ratings decided upon by the Motion Picture Association ratings board were revealed today, with R ratings going to the likes of The Exorcism, The Strangers: Chapter 1, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga… and something a bit less expected. A new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen story The Little Mermaid is coming our way from Grindstone Entertainment Group, and it has earned an R rating for language, some violence and brief nudity. As it turns out, this is a horror take on The Little Mermaid that has been written and directed by Leigh Scott, whose previous credits include Frankenstein Reborn, The Beast of Bray Road, Exorcism: The Possession of Gail Bowers, Hillside Cannibals, The Hitchhiker, Transmorphers, Flu Bird Horror, Dorothy and the Witches of Oz, and Piranha Sharks, among other things.
Msr Media International shares that Scott’s take on The Little Mermaid has the following synopsis: Dr.
Msr Media International shares that Scott’s take on The Little Mermaid has the following synopsis: Dr.
- 4/24/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Following in the wake of Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse getting their own horror movies, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid is the next to get the twisted treatment.
Originally published in 1837, the original tale of The Little Mermaid is now in the public domain, and Msr Media International presents their own horror version of the tale this year.
The Little Mermaid is being distributed by Grindstone Entertainment Group, and the film has officially been rated “R” this week for “Language, some violence and brief nudity.”
In the film from director Leigh Scott, “Dr. Eric Prince, an archaeologist, makes a dramatic discovery on a small Caribbean island—proof of an ancient, advanced prehistoric society. While his dig is in progress, he meets the mysterious and beautiful Aurora Bey and falls in love. Her arrival coincides with several mermaid sightings and strange disappearances.
“When Eric’s friend and mentor,...
Originally published in 1837, the original tale of The Little Mermaid is now in the public domain, and Msr Media International presents their own horror version of the tale this year.
The Little Mermaid is being distributed by Grindstone Entertainment Group, and the film has officially been rated “R” this week for “Language, some violence and brief nudity.”
In the film from director Leigh Scott, “Dr. Eric Prince, an archaeologist, makes a dramatic discovery on a small Caribbean island—proof of an ancient, advanced prehistoric society. While his dig is in progress, he meets the mysterious and beautiful Aurora Bey and falls in love. Her arrival coincides with several mermaid sightings and strange disappearances.
“When Eric’s friend and mentor,...
- 4/24/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Here it is! Our first look at Disney Junior’s Ariel, the latest adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
Not too long ago, some stills from the series appeared online, but I thought the show had been scrapped. Boy, was I wrong… It’s coming to Disney Junior, Disney Junior on Demand, and Disney Now.
Based on the newly released teaser trailer, this show makes several interesting artistic choices. Some characters look familiar, while others look like they were recycled from other Disney Junior shows.
Sebastian’s horrific, ultra-realistic design from the 2023 film is gone. Instead, Disney Junior has decided, in this instance only, that his classic look is better. Of course. It makes sense.
But what of the rest of the cast? Flounder? King Triton? Ursula?
This show is exactly what you would expect from Disney these days. Flounder retains his ’89 appearance, but everyone is modernized to appeal to the...
Not too long ago, some stills from the series appeared online, but I thought the show had been scrapped. Boy, was I wrong… It’s coming to Disney Junior, Disney Junior on Demand, and Disney Now.
Based on the newly released teaser trailer, this show makes several interesting artistic choices. Some characters look familiar, while others look like they were recycled from other Disney Junior shows.
Sebastian’s horrific, ultra-realistic design from the 2023 film is gone. Instead, Disney Junior has decided, in this instance only, that his classic look is better. Of course. It makes sense.
But what of the rest of the cast? Flounder? King Triton? Ursula?
This show is exactly what you would expect from Disney these days. Flounder retains his ’89 appearance, but everyone is modernized to appeal to the...
- 3/31/2024
- by Mike Phalin
- Pirates & Princesses
Bille August, the two-time Palme d’Or-winning director, found his creative match with the former Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, who reinvented herself as a detail-oriented costume designer on his hit Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.”
The film, which took a decade to bring to life, is nominated for three Robert Awards, the Danish equivalent to the Oscars. A playful royal scandal set in the early 19th century, “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” was penned by Anders August and based on a 1963 novella by Karen Blixen, the Danish baroness who was played by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.” The film revolves around Cazotte, a young portrait painter who considers himself an expert on love matters and is challenged by the Grand Duchess to seduce a young woman, as well as help her secure an heir.
Margrethe II, who just stepped down from her throne citing health reasons,...
The film, which took a decade to bring to life, is nominated for three Robert Awards, the Danish equivalent to the Oscars. A playful royal scandal set in the early 19th century, “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction” was penned by Anders August and based on a 1963 novella by Karen Blixen, the Danish baroness who was played by Meryl Streep in “Out of Africa.” The film revolves around Cazotte, a young portrait painter who considers himself an expert on love matters and is challenged by the Grand Duchess to seduce a young woman, as well as help her secure an heir.
Margrethe II, who just stepped down from her throne citing health reasons,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
As we bid adieu to another terror-rific year, it’s time to uncover the often-overlooked yet truly eerie cinematic treasures of 2023. Buckle up and join us as we delve into the dark corners of the film realm to bring you our curated list of the underrated horror movies of 2023.
From menacing monsters to blood-soaked backwoods, these hidden gems will make your spine tingle and have you hiding beneath the covers… just how we like it.
Rlje Films 10. Suitable Flesh (2023)
Obsession, deterioration, overwhelming dread… what’s not to love? Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story ‘The Thing on the Doorstep’,” Suitable Flesh enthralls with paranormal horrors and psychological twists. Heather Graham triumphs in her role as a psychiatrist whose attempts to save a young man from a mental break spirals into an occult nightmare. If you’re a Lovecraft fan, or just someone who enjoys watching sanity unravel onscreen, this film is a must-watch!
From menacing monsters to blood-soaked backwoods, these hidden gems will make your spine tingle and have you hiding beneath the covers… just how we like it.
Rlje Films 10. Suitable Flesh (2023)
Obsession, deterioration, overwhelming dread… what’s not to love? Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story ‘The Thing on the Doorstep’,” Suitable Flesh enthralls with paranormal horrors and psychological twists. Heather Graham triumphs in her role as a psychiatrist whose attempts to save a young man from a mental break spirals into an occult nightmare. If you’re a Lovecraft fan, or just someone who enjoys watching sanity unravel onscreen, this film is a must-watch!
- 12/26/2023
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
Rounding up the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, as voted on by hundreds of film executives, The Black List has been a strong resource to clue one in on projects to potentially anticipate, but first, to kickstart Hollywood on bringing them to screen. Today we have this year’s edition, as voted on by more than 375 film executives.
Topping the 2023 edition is Travis Braun’s Bad Boy, which follows a rescue dog who suspects his loving new owner is a serial killer. Other scripts include The Great Pretender, a drama which imagines the kidnapping of Tom Hanks; the Super Bowl-set sniper drama The Nest; the Area 51 thriller 10/24/02; a Hans Christian Andersen meets Charles Dickens fantasy; plus films about Patsy Cline, Didier Drogba, Arthur Miller and Elia Kazan, Ftx’s downfall, and more.
See the list below via Deadline (and Pdf here), ranked from top to bottom by number of votes.
Topping the 2023 edition is Travis Braun’s Bad Boy, which follows a rescue dog who suspects his loving new owner is a serial killer. Other scripts include The Great Pretender, a drama which imagines the kidnapping of Tom Hanks; the Super Bowl-set sniper drama The Nest; the Area 51 thriller 10/24/02; a Hans Christian Andersen meets Charles Dickens fantasy; plus films about Patsy Cline, Didier Drogba, Arthur Miller and Elia Kazan, Ftx’s downfall, and more.
See the list below via Deadline (and Pdf here), ranked from top to bottom by number of votes.
- 12/11/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Black List announced the top unproduced screenplays of the year on Monday, December 11.
The “most liked” scripts include 76 feature screenplays by 80 writers, selected by more than 375 film executives. In the 19th edition of the annual list, the topics range from a Tom Hanks meta satire to a time-traveling couple who try to fall out of love. The making of ill-fated Broadway production “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” a Patsy Cline biopic, and the true story behind the feud between Elia Kazan and Arthur Miller are also among the selected scripts.
After Todd Haynes helmed The Black List alum Samy Burch’s “May December” script, leading to multiple Golden Globe nominations, this year’s crop of best scripts is all the more essential following the writers strike.
“This year, the industry was defined by a debate about the value of writers within it, and I think it’s inevitable that...
The “most liked” scripts include 76 feature screenplays by 80 writers, selected by more than 375 film executives. In the 19th edition of the annual list, the topics range from a Tom Hanks meta satire to a time-traveling couple who try to fall out of love. The making of ill-fated Broadway production “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” a Patsy Cline biopic, and the true story behind the feud between Elia Kazan and Arthur Miller are also among the selected scripts.
After Todd Haynes helmed The Black List alum Samy Burch’s “May December” script, leading to multiple Golden Globe nominations, this year’s crop of best scripts is all the more essential following the writers strike.
“This year, the industry was defined by a debate about the value of writers within it, and I think it’s inevitable that...
- 12/11/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Liv Ullmann on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl: “It’s so inspiring to me!” Photo: Ed Bahlman
In the second instalment with Liv Ullmann we discussed her 1973 Best Actress in a Leading Role Academy Award nomination for her performance in Jan Troell’s The Emigrants; writer Tove Ditlevsen; being 13 and also very grown up at the same time; Some Like it Hot on Broadway, starring Christian Borle and J Harrison Ghee and Billy Wilder’s film with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, directing Faithless, screenplay by Ingmar Bergman (starring Lena Endre and Erland Josephson) and forgiving yourself, and being nervous with Laurence Olivier when they starred in A Bridge Too Far, directed by Richard Attenborough.
Liv Ullmann was in New York for two Doc NYC selections, Dheeraj Akolkar’s all-embracing Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled (a highlight of the 14th edition) where Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain,...
In the second instalment with Liv Ullmann we discussed her 1973 Best Actress in a Leading Role Academy Award nomination for her performance in Jan Troell’s The Emigrants; writer Tove Ditlevsen; being 13 and also very grown up at the same time; Some Like it Hot on Broadway, starring Christian Borle and J Harrison Ghee and Billy Wilder’s film with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, directing Faithless, screenplay by Ingmar Bergman (starring Lena Endre and Erland Josephson) and forgiving yourself, and being nervous with Laurence Olivier when they starred in A Bridge Too Far, directed by Richard Attenborough.
Liv Ullmann was in New York for two Doc NYC selections, Dheeraj Akolkar’s all-embracing Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled (a highlight of the 14th edition) where Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, Lena Endre, Jeremy Irons, Sam Waterston, and John Lithgow all pay tribute with great admiration for Liv Ullmann in Dheeraj Akolkar’s all-embracing Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled. Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen, courtesy of Teddy TV
In the first instalment with Liv Ullmann on Dheeraj Akolkar’s Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled (a highlight of the 14th edition of Doc NYC), we start out with greetings from Wim Wenders (Liv’s executive producer partner on Margreth Olin’s Songs Of Earth), whose film Anselm in 3D on Anselm Kiefer is the Special Presentation selection.
Jeremy Irons on Liv Ullmann: “To lend one’s voice to the voiceless can be quite powerful. I think we are alike in that life is what we’re here for.” On Liv receiving an Honorary Oscar in 2022: “She is a jewel.” Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl...
In the first instalment with Liv Ullmann on Dheeraj Akolkar’s Liv Ullmann: A Road Less Travelled (a highlight of the 14th edition of Doc NYC), we start out with greetings from Wim Wenders (Liv’s executive producer partner on Margreth Olin’s Songs Of Earth), whose film Anselm in 3D on Anselm Kiefer is the Special Presentation selection.
Jeremy Irons on Liv Ullmann: “To lend one’s voice to the voiceless can be quite powerful. I think we are alike in that life is what we’re here for.” On Liv receiving an Honorary Oscar in 2022: “She is a jewel.” Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl...
- 11/18/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is adding another title to her royal resume: costume designer.
The royal, who celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2022, served as the costume and production designer for Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.” The feature was released in September 2023; Queen Margrethe II was not paid by the production companies for her work on the film.
“Ehrengard” is an adaptation of Karen Blixen’s fairytale about a lady-in-waiting who dodges a royal court painter’s advances. Blixen was a Danish baroness who published under pseudonym Isak Dinesen.
“It was great fun,” Queen Margrethe II told The New York Times of working on the movie adaptation. “I hope that Blixenites will accept the way we’ve done it.”
Queen Margrethe II designed 51 costumes and made 81 decoupages, or collages, for the film. The sets were based on her drawings and other artwork.
“I’ve been interested in...
The royal, who celebrated 50 years on the throne in 2022, served as the costume and production designer for Netflix film “Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction.” The feature was released in September 2023; Queen Margrethe II was not paid by the production companies for her work on the film.
“Ehrengard” is an adaptation of Karen Blixen’s fairytale about a lady-in-waiting who dodges a royal court painter’s advances. Blixen was a Danish baroness who published under pseudonym Isak Dinesen.
“It was great fun,” Queen Margrethe II told The New York Times of working on the movie adaptation. “I hope that Blixenites will accept the way we’ve done it.”
Queen Margrethe II designed 51 costumes and made 81 decoupages, or collages, for the film. The sets were based on her drawings and other artwork.
“I’ve been interested in...
- 11/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Based on nothing but its name, Neil Burger’s “The Marsh King’s Daughter” sounds like the first draft of a Shakespeare comedy or maybe a fantasy adventure about a princess who inherits a spirited wetland full of talking birds and bullfrogs. Indeed, the title first belonged to a Hans Christian Andersen story about a pair of talking storks who build their nest atop the home of a Viking warrior, and Burger’s movie — much like the 2017 Karen Dionne novel on which it’s based — re-uses it as part of a conscious effort to set fantastical expectations for what turns out to be a grounded (if somewhat dubious) psychological thriller.
It’s a fitting misdirect for a film about a tween girl whose seemingly magical childhood, spent way off the grid in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is violently disenchanted by the discovery that her father is actually a...
It’s a fitting misdirect for a film about a tween girl whose seemingly magical childhood, spent way off the grid in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is violently disenchanted by the discovery that her father is actually a...
- 11/2/2023
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
You've likely heard the story of "The Little Mermaid" many times before. It begins with a mermaid longing to explore the human world - a longing that intensifies when she falls in love with a prince. She then exchanges her voice with a sea witch for the opportunity to become human, and though the sea witch nearly ruins everything, ultimately, the mermaid gets her happily ever after. That story, which was most recently retold in Disney's live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid" starring Halle Bailey, is a classic, age-old fairy tale . . . or is it?
Actually, the "Little Mermaid" story most of us know and love is a rewrite of a much older, much bloodier fairy tale. In 1837, per ScreenRant, Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen penned the original "The Little Mermaid." It begins similarly to Disney's familiar version, starting out by focusing on a mermaid longing to be with a prince whom she can't reach.
Actually, the "Little Mermaid" story most of us know and love is a rewrite of a much older, much bloodier fairy tale. In 1837, per ScreenRant, Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen penned the original "The Little Mermaid." It begins similarly to Disney's familiar version, starting out by focusing on a mermaid longing to be with a prince whom she can't reach.
- 9/10/2023
- by Eden Arielle Gordon
- Popsugar.com
The Little Mermaid is splashing into your home theater. Adapted from the Golden Globe-winning 1989 animated film, the live-action movie starring Halle Bailey as Ariel is available to stream starting Sept. 6 on Disney+.
Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen folk tale, The Little Mermaid also stars Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric (a role passed up by Harry Styles), Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton as well as the voices of David Diggs (Sebastian), Awkwafina (Scuttle) and Jacob Tremblay (Flounder). The soundtrack features music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Related: The Coolest Gifts for Little Mermaid Fans, From Stylish Swimwear and Fine Jewelry to Lego Sets
The Little Mermaid debuted at $118.6 million during Memorial Day weekend, marking one of the biggest openings of all time for the holiday. Below, find out where to watch the movie online without cable, plus how to stream the original animated version.
How to Watch...
Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen folk tale, The Little Mermaid also stars Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric (a role passed up by Harry Styles), Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton as well as the voices of David Diggs (Sebastian), Awkwafina (Scuttle) and Jacob Tremblay (Flounder). The soundtrack features music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Related: The Coolest Gifts for Little Mermaid Fans, From Stylish Swimwear and Fine Jewelry to Lego Sets
The Little Mermaid debuted at $118.6 million during Memorial Day weekend, marking one of the biggest openings of all time for the holiday. Below, find out where to watch the movie online without cable, plus how to stream the original animated version.
How to Watch...
- 9/5/2023
- by Danielle Directo-Meston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 80th annual Venice Film Festival launches on the Lido on August 30. This edition features a slew of Oscar hopefuls including Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” David Fincher’s “The Killer,” Yorgas Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” and Michael Mann’s “Ferrari.” They’re all vying for the top prize, the Golden Lion.
Seventy years ago, there were four now-classics in competition: William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday,” for which Audrey Hepburn would win Oscar, John Huston’s “Moulin Rouge,” Samuel Fuller’s “Pickup on South Street” and Vincente Minnelli’s “The Bad and the Beautiful,” which had recently picked up five Oscars. But the Golden Lion didn’t roar at the 14th edition of the international film festival.
The jury headed by future Nobel Prize laureate in literature Eugenio Montale just couldn’t decide on the best of the fest because according to the New York Times “the quality...
Seventy years ago, there were four now-classics in competition: William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday,” for which Audrey Hepburn would win Oscar, John Huston’s “Moulin Rouge,” Samuel Fuller’s “Pickup on South Street” and Vincente Minnelli’s “The Bad and the Beautiful,” which had recently picked up five Oscars. But the Golden Lion didn’t roar at the 14th edition of the international film festival.
The jury headed by future Nobel Prize laureate in literature Eugenio Montale just couldn’t decide on the best of the fest because according to the New York Times “the quality...
- 8/29/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
"The Little Mermaid" live-action musical fantasy feature, directed by Rob Marshall, adapting the 1989 animated feature, based on the 1837 fairy tale Hans Christian Andersen, stars Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy, streaming September 6, 2023 on Disney+:
"...'Ariel', the youngest daughter of the the 'Atlantica' ruler 'King Triton', is fascinated with the human world...
"...but mermaids are forbidden to explore it.
"After saving 'Prince Eric' from a shipwreck and falling in love with him...
"...she becomes determined to be with him in the world above water.
"These actions lead to a confrontation with her father and an encounter with the sea witch 'Ursula', making a deal with her to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress Eric.
"However, this ultimately places her life and her father’s crown in jeopardy.
"...'Ariel', the youngest daughter of the the 'Atlantica' ruler 'King Triton', is fascinated with the human world...
"...but mermaids are forbidden to explore it.
"After saving 'Prince Eric' from a shipwreck and falling in love with him...
"...she becomes determined to be with him in the world above water.
"These actions lead to a confrontation with her father and an encounter with the sea witch 'Ursula', making a deal with her to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress Eric.
"However, this ultimately places her life and her father’s crown in jeopardy.
- 8/7/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
With Netflix constantly pushing their latest originals and newly acquired blockbusters on subscribers’ feeds, it’s becoming harder and harder to go off the beaten path to find less mainstream, underrated sci-fi titles to stream. Here are a few hidden sci-fi gems to type into the search bar if you’re looking for something you aren’t likely to find on your Home Screen doom scroll.
*Editor’s Note: All movies are available in U.S. and UK unless otherwise stated.
The Block Island Sound
A mysterious threat from the ocean deep—or perhaps somewhere even more nebulous—growls ominously in the background of The Block Island Sound, a moody psychological drama whose sci-fi elements reveal themselves in morbid fashion. The family drama at the center of the story is the going concern here, but the looming external forces give the movie an interesting metaphor to pivot from. It’s...
*Editor’s Note: All movies are available in U.S. and UK unless otherwise stated.
The Block Island Sound
A mysterious threat from the ocean deep—or perhaps somewhere even more nebulous—growls ominously in the background of The Block Island Sound, a moody psychological drama whose sci-fi elements reveal themselves in morbid fashion. The family drama at the center of the story is the going concern here, but the looming external forces give the movie an interesting metaphor to pivot from. It’s...
- 7/12/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
“The Little Mermaid” is back.
And this time the beloved Disney classic, originally released in 1989 and heralding a new golden age of animated features for the company, is being brought to life via a combination of live-action photography and computer-generated imagery. It still loosely conforms to the story laid out by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837 and hews more closely to the animated feature written and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.
Ariel (now portrayed by Halle Bailey) is still a feisty mermaid living under the thumb of her overbearing father King Triton (Javier Bardem). She still swoons over Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and makes a Faustian bargain with Ursula the sea witch (Melissa McCarthy). And she still has a trio of animal sidekicks. If you’ve seen the animated original, you’ll be able to predict what is around every crashing wave, which isn’t to say that there...
And this time the beloved Disney classic, originally released in 1989 and heralding a new golden age of animated features for the company, is being brought to life via a combination of live-action photography and computer-generated imagery. It still loosely conforms to the story laid out by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837 and hews more closely to the animated feature written and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.
Ariel (now portrayed by Halle Bailey) is still a feisty mermaid living under the thumb of her overbearing father King Triton (Javier Bardem). She still swoons over Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and makes a Faustian bargain with Ursula the sea witch (Melissa McCarthy). And she still has a trio of animal sidekicks. If you’ve seen the animated original, you’ll be able to predict what is around every crashing wave, which isn’t to say that there...
- 6/15/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The Little Mermaid is getting doused in select foreign markets amid a racist backlash over the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey in the role of Ariel.
The movie has grossed a mere $3.6 million in its first 10 days of release in China, by far the worst showing among Disney’s live-action adaptations. It is also struggling badly in South Korea, where it has earned $4.4 million through June 4. Sources close to the movie, as well as box office analysts, say Disney knew Little Mermaid could face challenges, but is surprised by the extent of the backlash and its impact.
The social media outcry over Bailey’s casting has been particularly vociferous in both markets. Sources believe this has resulted in unverified audience reviews bashing the movie. In South Korea, such reviews have even made headlines.
Negative audience reviews have also populated social media in China. And just before the film opened in that country,...
The movie has grossed a mere $3.6 million in its first 10 days of release in China, by far the worst showing among Disney’s live-action adaptations. It is also struggling badly in South Korea, where it has earned $4.4 million through June 4. Sources close to the movie, as well as box office analysts, say Disney knew Little Mermaid could face challenges, but is surprised by the extent of the backlash and its impact.
The social media outcry over Bailey’s casting has been particularly vociferous in both markets. Sources believe this has resulted in unverified audience reviews bashing the movie. In South Korea, such reviews have even made headlines.
Negative audience reviews have also populated social media in China. And just before the film opened in that country,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Pamela McClintock and Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney’s live-action remake of their animated classic The Little Mermaid is now in theatres (you can read our review Here) – and also in theatres right now is The Asylum’s own animated version of the classic story! We have the Exclusive first look at the trailer for The Asylum’s version of The Little Mermaid, and you can check it out in the embed above.
Directed by Michael Johnson (Battle Oasis) from a screenplay by Anna Rasmussen (Shark Side of the Moon), The Asylum’s The Little Mermaid has the following synopsis: In this “half-fish” out-of-water animated adventure, a mermaid princess makes a bargain with a sea witch to become human. On land, the princess discovers just how much she loves the surface world and must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to stay there.
The Little Mermaid is based on a story Hans Christian Andersen originally...
Directed by Michael Johnson (Battle Oasis) from a screenplay by Anna Rasmussen (Shark Side of the Moon), The Asylum’s The Little Mermaid has the following synopsis: In this “half-fish” out-of-water animated adventure, a mermaid princess makes a bargain with a sea witch to become human. On land, the princess discovers just how much she loves the surface world and must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to stay there.
The Little Mermaid is based on a story Hans Christian Andersen originally...
- 6/2/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Following a season that saw its Broadway transfers Into the Woods and Parade score a slew of Tony Award nominations, the New York City Center has announced what’s coming next for its celebrated Encores! series: Once Upon a Mattress, Jelly’s Last Jam and Titanic.
The 30th annual Encores! season of concert stagings will kick off in January with Sutton Foster playing Princess Winnifred the Woebegone in Once Upon a Mattress (January 24-28) – the role made famous in 1959 by then-up-and-comer Carol Burnett. Directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with a new concert adaptation by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, the comical update of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea features such musical numbers as “Shy” and “In a Little While” with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.
Next up is Jelly’s Last Jam,...
The 30th annual Encores! season of concert stagings will kick off in January with Sutton Foster playing Princess Winnifred the Woebegone in Once Upon a Mattress (January 24-28) – the role made famous in 1959 by then-up-and-comer Carol Burnett. Directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with a new concert adaptation by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, the comical update of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea features such musical numbers as “Shy” and “In a Little While” with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.
Next up is Jelly’s Last Jam,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: This interview includes details about Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Good tides and accolades continue to roll in for Disney’s latest live-action remake, The Little Mermaid. Similarly to the 1989 classic, The Little Mermaid follows the story of the titular mermaid, Ariel, a precocious teenager who yearns to walk amongst the sun-soaked earth of the human world. Since the film’s debut over the three-day weekend, it made an impressive box office splash to the tune of $95.5M and is projected to set sail towards $163.8M, factoring in the international markets as it makes its global debut through Sunday. It seems that The Little Mermaid’s continued success is due in no small part to the transformative magic of the film’s onscreen players, whose modernized performances offer more to chew on this time around than its animated predecessor, warranting repeat visits to the movie theater.
Here, Deadline...
Good tides and accolades continue to roll in for Disney’s latest live-action remake, The Little Mermaid. Similarly to the 1989 classic, The Little Mermaid follows the story of the titular mermaid, Ariel, a precocious teenager who yearns to walk amongst the sun-soaked earth of the human world. Since the film’s debut over the three-day weekend, it made an impressive box office splash to the tune of $95.5M and is projected to set sail towards $163.8M, factoring in the international markets as it makes its global debut through Sunday. It seems that The Little Mermaid’s continued success is due in no small part to the transformative magic of the film’s onscreen players, whose modernized performances offer more to chew on this time around than its animated predecessor, warranting repeat visits to the movie theater.
Here, Deadline...
- 5/31/2023
- by Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney animation is famous for producing movies that are sweet, magical, romantic, and have uplifting happy endings that the whole family can enjoy. But if you go back to the source material they generally ignored, it turns out a lot of those childhood favorites should have had endings that were… different. Darker. Sadder. Sometimes even murder-y.
Like these…
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is based on a story by 19th century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. A lot of the details are pretty similar. A little mermaid who loves human things rescues and then falls in love with a human prince. She asks a sea witch to give her legs while sacrificing her voice to the witch in order to become human. However, the prince thinks another woman rescued him and agrees to marry her instead of the former mermaid. It is a relatively faithful adaptation for the most part.
Like these…
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is based on a story by 19th century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. A lot of the details are pretty similar. A little mermaid who loves human things rescues and then falls in love with a human prince. She asks a sea witch to give her legs while sacrificing her voice to the witch in order to become human. However, the prince thinks another woman rescued him and agrees to marry her instead of the former mermaid. It is a relatively faithful adaptation for the most part.
- 5/30/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
“Fast X” predictably won a second weekend on top of the mainland China box office, driving its total past the $100 million mark. But the disappointing start for Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” was the bigger talking point.
“Fast X” earned $17.6 million in China according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was a 66% drop compared with its opening weekend, but still gave the film a $110 million cumulative after 12 days and has caused estimates to be further revised upwards.
Ticketing agency Maoyan is now forecasting that the film will finish with RMB880 million ($126 million), having previously predicted RMB728 million ($104 million), and then RMB840 million.
That would make the film the top-scoring Hollywood title of the year (excluding 2022 release “Avatar: The Way of Water”). But the numbers are way down on past outings by the franchise.
To date, “Fast X” only ranks as the 49th best-performing Hollywood film in Chinese local currency terms.
“Fast X” earned $17.6 million in China according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was a 66% drop compared with its opening weekend, but still gave the film a $110 million cumulative after 12 days and has caused estimates to be further revised upwards.
Ticketing agency Maoyan is now forecasting that the film will finish with RMB880 million ($126 million), having previously predicted RMB728 million ($104 million), and then RMB840 million.
That would make the film the top-scoring Hollywood title of the year (excluding 2022 release “Avatar: The Way of Water”). But the numbers are way down on past outings by the franchise.
To date, “Fast X” only ranks as the 49th best-performing Hollywood film in Chinese local currency terms.
- 5/29/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Disney Animation is responsible for some of the most delicious villains to ever grace the silver screen. Who doesn't adore the back-stabbing, fratricidal Scar from "The Lion King" or the cackling Queen from "Snow White"? Classic Disney baddies aren't just fun to hate -- they're just fun. There's so much joy to be had, watching the regal Shere Khan suddenly go feral on Mowgli in "The Jungle Book" or Vincent Price's Professor Ratigan sing about his nefarious plans with unbridled glee in "The Great Mouse Detective" (arguably the film that was truly responsible for the Disney Renaissance).
By this point, you've undoubtedly gotten wind of us online grumps bemoaning the lack of dyed-in-the-wool, unsympathetic villains in Disney movies of late, be they animated features or live-action remakes. It's not automatically a defect, mind you. "Encanto," for example, doesn't need a Big Bad to explore themes about generational trauma or...
By this point, you've undoubtedly gotten wind of us online grumps bemoaning the lack of dyed-in-the-wool, unsympathetic villains in Disney movies of late, be they animated features or live-action remakes. It's not automatically a defect, mind you. "Encanto," for example, doesn't need a Big Bad to explore themes about generational trauma or...
- 5/28/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "The Little Mermaid."
The live-action version of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" hits theaters tomorrow. In addition to some of the songs we know and love from the 1989 animated version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, we're getting some new ones from composers Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) has one now, and Scuttle (voice of Awkwafina) even raps.
I attended the recent press conference for the film, where director/producer Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca spoke about a song that didn't make the cut. When I got to talk to them one-on-one during the movie's press day, I asked them about it. The song was for Javier Bardem, who plays King Triton — Ariel's (Halle Bailey) Mer-Papa. The two shared their perspectives on Bardem's prowess as a singer and the reason why the song was cut. But fear not, fishy friends...
The live-action version of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" hits theaters tomorrow. In addition to some of the songs we know and love from the 1989 animated version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, we're getting some new ones from composers Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) has one now, and Scuttle (voice of Awkwafina) even raps.
I attended the recent press conference for the film, where director/producer Rob Marshall and producer John DeLuca spoke about a song that didn't make the cut. When I got to talk to them one-on-one during the movie's press day, I asked them about it. The song was for Javier Bardem, who plays King Triton — Ariel's (Halle Bailey) Mer-Papa. The two shared their perspectives on Bardem's prowess as a singer and the reason why the song was cut. But fear not, fishy friends...
- 5/26/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
When it was released in 1989, Disney’s The Little Mermaid was a creative breath of fresh air for an animation studio thought to be well beyond its glory days. The bouncy, colorful fairy tale, fueled by instant-classic songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, kick-started a renaissance for Disney animation, taking it beyond the drab days of The Rescuers and Oliver & Company and into an era that included Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
But like those three classics – each one rightfully considered a gem in the Mouse House’s crown – The Little Mermaid has now long been milked for all possible profit through theatrical re-releases, home video sales and sequels, amusement park rides, and Broadway musicals. It now receives Disney’s last squeeze: a creatively inferior, bloated live-action remake that trades the energy of animation for cinematic karaoke.
Rob Marshall brings Disney’s version of the...
But like those three classics – each one rightfully considered a gem in the Mouse House’s crown – The Little Mermaid has now long been milked for all possible profit through theatrical re-releases, home video sales and sequels, amusement park rides, and Broadway musicals. It now receives Disney’s last squeeze: a creatively inferior, bloated live-action remake that trades the energy of animation for cinematic karaoke.
Rob Marshall brings Disney’s version of the...
- 5/26/2023
- by Chris Williams
- CinemaNerdz
In Hans Christian Andersen's original tale of "The Little Mermaid," first published in 1837, the titular mermaid longs to swim to the surface and explore the world of humans after falling in love with a human man. She visits a sea witch who has a potion that can give her legs in exchange for her voice; she will become human but won't be able to speak. In Andersen's world, mermaids don't have souls and, when they die, transform into sea foam rather than ascending into heaven.
In order to survive, the little mermaid will have to marry a human man before a certain amount of time elapses. It seems that the mermaid will not be successful in wooing the prince and is destined to become sea foam. At the last minute, the mermaid's sisters rally, giving their hair to the sea witch in exchange for a magical dagger. If...
In order to survive, the little mermaid will have to marry a human man before a certain amount of time elapses. It seems that the mermaid will not be successful in wooing the prince and is destined to become sea foam. At the last minute, the mermaid's sisters rally, giving their hair to the sea witch in exchange for a magical dagger. If...
- 5/26/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There is a moment near the end of The Little Mermaid, the latest in Disney’s ongoing series of live-action (or “sort of live-action”) remakes in which King Triton (Javier Bardem) emerges from the deep to impart a message to his mermaid daughter Ariel (Halle Bailey). This is supposed to be the mighty god of the sea, but Bardem’s outfit of armored scales looks cheap in the sunlight—a fact previously hidden by watching it in mostly dark scenes—and the actor appears to be standing in about three feet of water in a pool.
It feels like director Rob Marshall just wanted to get the shot in the can and say the hell with it, let’s move on. And it’s unfortunate that a lot of 2023’s The Little Mermaid feels just as perfunctory. And damn long as well. The 1989 original was 83 minutes in length; this one is 135 minutes,...
It feels like director Rob Marshall just wanted to get the shot in the can and say the hell with it, let’s move on. And it’s unfortunate that a lot of 2023’s The Little Mermaid feels just as perfunctory. And damn long as well. The 1989 original was 83 minutes in length; this one is 135 minutes,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
[Editor’s note: The following interview contains some spoilers for “The Little Mermaid.”]
When “The Little Mermaid” filmmaker Rob Marshall thinks about his remake of the beloved 1989 Disney animated original, he’s clear: It is its own thing.
“It’s so funny how people hold onto things,” Marshall said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “They don’t realize that this is a different genre. You have to make it work as a live-action [film] as if there were never an animated film. It’s your chance to do things that work for the story. It’s all about story. It’s like taking a beautiful opera, a beautiful play, and doing it again. You look at it through a new lens. It’s not 1989, it’s 2023, so what can we bring to it and still hold on to the most important things that really still work, but then kind of reimagine it?”
For Marshall’s ambitious live-action take on the story — one that...
When “The Little Mermaid” filmmaker Rob Marshall thinks about his remake of the beloved 1989 Disney animated original, he’s clear: It is its own thing.
“It’s so funny how people hold onto things,” Marshall said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “They don’t realize that this is a different genre. You have to make it work as a live-action [film] as if there were never an animated film. It’s your chance to do things that work for the story. It’s all about story. It’s like taking a beautiful opera, a beautiful play, and doing it again. You look at it through a new lens. It’s not 1989, it’s 2023, so what can we bring to it and still hold on to the most important things that really still work, but then kind of reimagine it?”
For Marshall’s ambitious live-action take on the story — one that...
- 5/24/2023
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. Photo by Giles Keyte. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The story of The Little Mermaid, of course, is not a new one. The original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale dates back nearly two centuries, and there have been several screen adaptations, dating back to the 1950s. Of course, Disney’s new version of The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake of the company’s Oscar-winning 1989 animated film. Halle Bailey, who stars in the new film, says that the moral of the story is — to paraphrase another Disney movie song — a tale as old as time. (Click on the media bar below to hear Halle Bailey) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Halle_Bailey_Little_MAermaid_Amessage_.mp3 The Little Mermaid opens in theaters on Friday.
The post Halle Bailey On ‘Little Mermaid’s’ Timeless Truth appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Halle Bailey On ‘Little Mermaid’s’ Timeless Truth appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 5/22/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
This article appears in the new issue of Den Of Geek magazine. Get your copy here.
If you want to see a musical adapted from stage to screen and adapted well, Rob Marshall is your dream director. For Chicago, he went high-concept, recontextualizing the Broadway songs as vaudeville numbers from the imagination of Roxie Hart. With Into the Woods, every prince, witch, and baker’s wife got a show-stopping number that justified why movie audiences should care about them. Marshall is keenly aware that, while theater is a heightened space in which it’s completely natural for characters to belt out their “I want” and torch songs, onscreen, it’s a tougher sell.
“You have to earn a song, especially in a movie,” he tells Den of Geek magazine. “It has to feel seamless coming from story and character.” For his live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, that...
If you want to see a musical adapted from stage to screen and adapted well, Rob Marshall is your dream director. For Chicago, he went high-concept, recontextualizing the Broadway songs as vaudeville numbers from the imagination of Roxie Hart. With Into the Woods, every prince, witch, and baker’s wife got a show-stopping number that justified why movie audiences should care about them. Marshall is keenly aware that, while theater is a heightened space in which it’s completely natural for characters to belt out their “I want” and torch songs, onscreen, it’s a tougher sell.
“You have to earn a song, especially in a movie,” he tells Den of Geek magazine. “It has to feel seamless coming from story and character.” For his live-action adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, that...
- 5/22/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
"The Little Mermaid" is a monumental film in the history of Disney and Western animation at large. John Musker and Ron Clements made drastic changes to Hans Christian Andersen's original Danish fairy tale and delivered a Broadway-style musical extravaganza that saved the studio during their worst and darkest time. This movie helped usher the Disney Renaissance, leading the way for some of their best movies. Even today, "The Little Mermaid" remains a film with not just stunning animation and music, but also a radical message.
But, according to Disney, all that is in the past, because live-action is the future. /Film's own Jenna Busch recently attended a press conference with the filmmakers behind the live-action "The Little Mermaid." During the press conference, the cast discussed the making of the movie and the fun that was had on set. For star Halle Bailey, there was no doubt about which scene...
But, according to Disney, all that is in the past, because live-action is the future. /Film's own Jenna Busch recently attended a press conference with the filmmakers behind the live-action "The Little Mermaid." During the press conference, the cast discussed the making of the movie and the fun that was had on set. For star Halle Bailey, there was no doubt about which scene...
- 5/22/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
We’ve been here before, haven’t we? A Disney live-action remake igniting a round of existential debate? This time it’s Rob Marshall’s interpretation of The Little Mermaid, based on John Musker and Ron Clement’s 1989 version and starring Halle Bailey as the titular sea creature. It features new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and wrings as much as possible from the corporation’s CGI budget.
The questions raised by this faithful adaptation are familiar, but answering them only matters to an extent. Nostalgia pays in cash, correctives in publicity. For the global conglomerate’s bottom line, remaking classics is worth it. That these already tempered fairytales are retrofitted for contemporary audiences is merely a bonus.
Marshall’s Ariel (Bailey) is Black — a choice that sent scores of people clutching their pearls and reverting to racist protestations. Their complaints of a nonexistent white erasure are littered across the internet under the hashtag #NotMyAriel.
The questions raised by this faithful adaptation are familiar, but answering them only matters to an extent. Nostalgia pays in cash, correctives in publicity. For the global conglomerate’s bottom line, remaking classics is worth it. That these already tempered fairytales are retrofitted for contemporary audiences is merely a bonus.
Marshall’s Ariel (Bailey) is Black — a choice that sent scores of people clutching their pearls and reverting to racist protestations. Their complaints of a nonexistent white erasure are littered across the internet under the hashtag #NotMyAriel.
- 5/22/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Rob Marshall is no slouch when it comes to working with musicals, going back to his first time working with Walt Disney Studios on the 1999 TV-movie adaptation of “Annie.” But working under the sea with a new, live-action version of the 1989 animated classic “The Little Mermaid” proved a challenge for even this seasoned director.
“It was exciting because it was so complicated, but [it was] definitely the most complicated one I’ve ever done,” Marshall told TheWrap. He cites his work on the 2018 feature, “Mary Poppins Returns,” as a foundation for working on this. “That animation sequence helped me with this because once again, working with nothing,” he said.
Marshall, a fan of complex choreographed numbers, wondered how that same kinetic energy could be brought to an undersea environment, particularly during the high-energy “Under the Sea” musical sequence.
Marshall ended up employing a technique utilized in Disney’s 1940 musical feature, “Fantasia.
“It was exciting because it was so complicated, but [it was] definitely the most complicated one I’ve ever done,” Marshall told TheWrap. He cites his work on the 2018 feature, “Mary Poppins Returns,” as a foundation for working on this. “That animation sequence helped me with this because once again, working with nothing,” he said.
Marshall, a fan of complex choreographed numbers, wondered how that same kinetic energy could be brought to an undersea environment, particularly during the high-energy “Under the Sea” musical sequence.
Marshall ended up employing a technique utilized in Disney’s 1940 musical feature, “Fantasia.
- 5/16/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
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