10 Overlooked Positives Of Divisive Upcoming Movies

7. It's Not Disney - Pan

Why The Film Is Questionable: The "live-action reimagining of a Disney animated classic" sub-genre has become something rivalling superheroes in terms of output. Last year saw Maleficent make over $750 million at the worldwide box office, and new takes on Cinderella, Peter Pan, Jungle Book (twice) and Tarzan are all on the way in the next couple of years, each with pretty impressive names attached as director. Not bad for something inspired by a coasting Tim Burton. Still, it's hard to get that excited about films that are essentially retelling magical childhood stories with a misunderstanding that dark and gritty equals slightly kooky set design. The Overlooked Positive: Disney have really turned themselves around in recent years. Their animation division is nearing Renaissance levels and the two most anticipated movies of the year (Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Star Wars: The Force Awakens) come from studios they recently acquired. But when it comes to movies bearing their name front and centre it's a different story, with a few too many John Carters and The Lone Rangers littering their output. Maleficent may have made a lot of cash, but it was a creative mess that couldn't quite escape its 2D inspiration, and there's nothing to suggest that their Cinderella and The Jungle Book won't fall into the same trap. Which makes Pan stand out. It's coming from Warner Bros., so doesn't have the same pressures to maintain and enhance an existing brand as the Disney projects. Judging by the genuinely impressive trailer, this could be a reimagining of a classic story that actually works.