We're back! We made it through our list of animated films presented during the Walt Disney Studios Presentation earlier today, and we're set to wrap it up this afternoon with our first impressions of all of Disney's live action films that were presented at the D23 Expo.
John Carter - Based on the Barsoom series of novels written by Edgar Rice Burroughs (who may be arguably best known for creating the character Tarzan). John Carter, a Virginian Captain of the Confederacy during the time of the Civil War, is somehow transported while hiding in a cave to the planet Mars. Because of Mar's gravity, he finds himself with superhuman strength and find himself in the midst of adventures, and wars, with warring Martian clans and in a relationship with a beautiful princess. We
did think it was pretty cool to see Willem Dafoe on stage talking about his Martian character, though. Set to release March 9, 2012.
Chad - 3
Having known nothing about the character of John Carter prior to hearing about him at D23, I really didn't know what to think. To be honest, now that I do, I'm still not sure I'm sold. I
was amazed to find out that the character is that old, though. It's an interesting concept, and I'm sure I will probably see it eventually; I'm just not sure about theatrically yet.
Mark - 4
I'm glad I know what the movie is about now! For a while I had no idea what to think at all. It looks like a
Prince of Persia meets
Avatar. I liked both of those films so this maybe right up my alley
.
Overall - 7
Just waiting for more information to make a solid decision on how we feel about it.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green - The story of two adults who, unable to conceive a child on their own, make a list of the characteristics they would
want their child to have and bury them in the back yard, only to have their wish granted in the form of child who mysteriously appears in their home; Timothy Green. Stars Jennifer Garner Release and set to release August 15, 2012
.
Chad - 4
Truthfully, I'm a sucker for movies like this! When Jennifer Garner stood on stage and said this movie speaks to the parent in all of us, she pretty much had me right there. I may be a guy, but I ain't afraid of movies that make me cry, and this one looks like it's going to do just that. Pretty much a must-see in my book.
Mark - 3
The trailer was done really well, but the way they described the film made me a little nervous. I'm still debating whether I'm going to see this one or not.
Overall - 7
Just waiting for more information to make a solid decision on how we feel about it.
Chimpanzee - A look at the life of a young orphaned chimpanzee named Oscar and the ape who took him and treated him as his own; set to release date Earth Day 2012
.
Chad - 4
Will I be hunted down and vilified if I admit that I haven't seen a single Disney Nature film yet? I'm so ashamed... That said, I'm very interested in seeing
African Cats (I
will be buying it on Blu Ray when it's released) and after seeing the trailer for
Chimpanzee, I have every intention of taking my kids to see it. It looks amazing; gorgeous photography, cute chimps and an amazing story of love in the animal kingdom. If I didn't see this one I'd hunt
myself down.
Mark - 4
I've seen every Disney Nature Film, so why stop now? These movies are beautifully done, and should be seen by everyone. I will definitely be seeing this one when it is released.
Overall - 8
We're pretty excited about this one and will definitely be checking it out when it arrives in theaters.
Oz: The Great and Powerful - Take a look at Oz way back before Dorothy skipped down the Yellow Brick Road, and see how this humbug of wizard became known as the Great and Powerful. Starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, and Zach Braff; set to release March 8, 2013
.
Chad - 5
Having read the entire set of L. Frank Baum's original stories dealing with the mythology of Oz, I couldn't be happier to see this movie being made. Hearing the creators of this film speak in detail (and seeing concept art) about wanting to recreated Baum's original vision of Oz and its many locations and citizens leaves me wanting more! I have
extremely high hopes for this one.
Mark - 4
I love the world of Oz, and I love hearing the different stories that take place there, but I am a bit nervous about James Franco playing The Wizard. If done right, though, it's going to be amazing!
Overall - 9
We'll be there opening day.
The Muppets - They're back! After over a decade The Muppets hit the big screen once again to save their beloved Muppet Theater, home to the original television show so many of us grew up loving and watching from our own living rooms. Starring Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and
all of The Muppets; set to release November 23, 2011.
Chad - 5
Could
not be more excited for a movie. Having grown up watching "The Muppet Show" on TV on a weekly basis, and having viewed almost every Muppet movie to date, the thought of seeing them again on the big screen has me giddy. And being able to see Kermit the Frog on stage during the presentation?! If nothing else
that makes me want to see this as quickly as possible. And it looks
genuinely funny. Lots of laugh out loud moments, even in the brief little bit they let us view. A "must-see"!
Mark - 5
I will be the first in line for this; I guarantee it. Nothing else needs to be said.
Overall - 10
Midnight showing, anyone?
The Avengers - Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye team up under the command of Nick Fury to defend to the world from the forces of evil, namely Loki. Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel L. Jackson; set to release May 4, 2012.
Chad - 5
I have to admit (shamefully perhaps), that out of all of the movies we knew we'd be able to hear about, this one was at the top of the list. And what a way to end the presentation! Huge Marvel fan, have loved
every one of the movies that have come down the pike recently, and after seeing
Captain America over the summer, seeing
another new teaser during the presentation (twice! thank you, Robert Downey, Jr.!) may have put me over the edge. Seeing Scarlett Johansson on stage didn't hurt, either. Cannot wait for this one!
Mark - 5
Yes! It has come down to this: Earth's mightiest heroes teaming up for superhero v. supervillain battles of epic porptions. I mean, c'mon, you have Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man all in
one movie. It's gonna be da bomb yo!
And yes, I just said that.
Overall - 10
Midnight showing, anyone?
And there you have it, folks. Our very first thoughts on all of the the up and coming Disney movies that were previewed during the D23 Expo Walt Disney Studios Presentation.
So, what did you think? Are there any new ones on the list that you didn't know about before? Any film that you are
most excited about? Or maybe you were at the Expo and want to share your own thoughts with us? We'd love to hear from you! We hope that these have given you just a small taste of what we saw and heard during the presentation.
Tomorrow we'll keep right on trucking with our D23 coverage and start talking about the next panel we were able to attend, but we're keeping it a secret until then. Come on back, keep strolling with us, and enjoy D23 right alongside us as we relive the entire weekend with you.
