Jodi Benson talks Disney100: The Exhibition, The Little Mermaid

Disney Legend Jodi Benson, who starred as Princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid, was on hand for Disney100: The Exhibition‘s Chicago launch. Benson was among a number of dignitaries–including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse–on hand to celebrate the launch of Disney100: The Exhibition in Chicago. The exhibition includes some 250+ artifacts from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars throughout 14 interactive exhibits. There is something for everyone! Don’t plan on visiting on Tuesday because that’s…

"Jodi Benson talks Disney100: The Exhibition, The Little Mermaid"

The Little Mermaid: Awesome Music But Too Long

The live-action version of The Little Mermaid has awesome music as expected but the film itself is way too long at 135 minutes. Ariel (Halle Bailey) finally comes to the screen in live-action. The studio might call it a reimagining but they keep the basic gist of the story. Ariel is the adventurous young daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem). Much like the 1989 film, she is a free spirit and always rebelling against the…

"The Little Mermaid: Awesome Music But Too Long"

Disney100: Home Entertainment Re-releases Announced

Disney announced a special series of anniversary re-releases as part of the company’s 100th anniversary celebration aka Disney100. The re-releases come from some of the most beloved films released by the Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm studios through the years. It also comes days after the company aired one of the most emotional ads that anyone will watch this year. What we know is the following: a selection of titles will be released nationwide in special…

"Disney100: Home Entertainment Re-releases Announced"

Jamie Dornan Is Right About Fan Backlash

Jamie Dornan is right about fan backlash over the casting of Daniel Craig and Robert Pattinson as James Bond and Batman, respectively. We see this every time that studios announce their lead actor for a James Bond, Marvel, DC, or Star Wars movie. The fan backlash needs to stop. I mean it! What I encourage fans to do is just be patient and reserve judgement until after watching the movie. Films tend to be more…

"Jamie Dornan Is Right About Fan Backlash"

Halle Bailey cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid

Halle Bailey has been cast to portray Ariel in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures live-action adaptation of beloved animated classic, The Little Mermaid. The film is directed by Rob Marshall and produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, Marc Platt and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film will feature beloved songs from the animated classic by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as new songs by Menken (music) and Miranda (lyrics). “After an extensive search, it was abundantly…

"Halle Bailey cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid"

The Little Mermaid Celebrates 30 Years

The Little Mermaid will celebrate its 30th anniversary later this year but the film joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection with a new edition. Mermaid princess Ariel (Jodi Benson) has a dream of being human.  Much to her father’s dismay, Ariel frequently makes the journey to the surface.  It doesn’t matter that Atlantica King Triton (Kenneth Mars) forbids her from doing so.  Ariel is going to visit the humans because some dreams can’t be overcome. …

"The Little Mermaid Celebrates 30 Years"

Tribeca 2018: Howard – A Nostalgic Documentary

Howard is a long-overdue documentary that tells the story of the late songwriter/composer Howard Ashman, who passed away as a result of AIDS in March 1991. To those who grew up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ashman’s music played a large role in our cinematic upbringing.  Ashman and Alan Menken teamed up for The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.  Make no mistake about it, these films simply would not be…

"Tribeca 2018: Howard – A Nostalgic Documentary"

John Musker on Animation, Filmmaking, and Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Walt Disney Animation Studios director John Musker was in Chicago this week and addressed students of The Second City Training Center and Harold Ramis Film School.  I didn’t take a lot of notes during the Q&A session but here’s a recap of what I did jot down. Musker has an impressive resume over the years, having co-directed The Great Mouse Detective, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Princess and The Frog, and most…

"John Musker on Animation, Filmmaking, and Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers"