There really isn't anything more fun than Easter Eggs that filmmakers sneak into their movies. Often it's in tribute to past work, or to other things they admire. Sometimes they even reference real-world events. We collected a bunch of our favorites, so let's get into them! Tell which ones you knew about and which ones were unseen until now.

The Spinal Tap Hat In The Princess Bride

The story behind director Rob Reiner sneaking his hat from This Is Spinal Tap! into The Princess Bride is that Mark Knopfler, who did the soundtrack for the fantasy movie, only agreed to do the movie if Reiner got the hat into a scene. He did, by hanging it on the wall in Fred Savage's character's room.

Avengers Comic In The Electric State

In a blink-or-you'll miss-it moment, there is a quick call back a previous Russo Brothers' movie in the Netflix original film, The Electric State. A robot can be seen reading an Avengers comic.

R2-D2 In Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

Steven Spielberg paid tribute to his good buddy George Lucas in his film Close Encounters Of The Third Kind by adding a little R2-D2 to the underside of the alien ship. It can be seen very briefly as the ship takes off.

The Duke Brothers In Coming To America

In Trading Places, Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd's characters take down the Duke Brothers and leave them broke. A few years later, in Coming To America, Eddie Murphy's character Prince Akeem hands a homeless man a wad of cash. The bum turns out to be Mortimer Duke, who shakes his brother Randolph awake, and they celebrate being back.

Pac-Man In Tron

Disney's Tron broke a ton of new ground with CGI use, and in the first wave of the video game craze, it makes sense they would find a way to work in Pac-Man, the biggest video game of the character at the time, and really the first video game superstar.

The HMS Surprise In Deadpool & Wolverine

There are a ton of Easter Eggs in Deadpool and Wolverine, many of them when the characters land in the void. One of the most subtle, and one of the funniest, has to be the HMS Surprise from Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World, a movie that many people are sad wasn't turned into a franchise. Or maybe this wasn't an Easter Egg? There is a debate that it could be a fake.

Ezekiel 25:17 In Captain America: The Winter Soldier

You wouldn't think a Marvel movie would reference a Quentin Tarantino film, but that's what happened in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. At the end of the movie, the audience sees Nick Fury's "grave," and on the tombstone, there is a quote from Ezekiel 25:17, which, of course, is where Samuel L. Jackson's Pulp Fiction character gets his famous speech in the opening scene.

Binford Tool Box In Toy Story

If you weren't a big fan of Home Improvement, the reference to the sitcom in Toy Story would be easy to miss. In the show, Tim Allen's character's show-in-a-show "Tool Time" is sponsored by Binford Tools. In Toy Story, Allen's character is seen trying to move a Binford Tools toolbox.

Club Obi-Wan In Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom

Of the many times Steven Spielberg has made reference to Star Wars, the most fun might be in Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom. The name of the club at the beginning of the movie, as seen as Indy jumps out of the window, is "Club Obi-Wan."

E.T. In Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

George Lucas paid a tribute to Steven Spielberg in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. During the scene in the Galactic Senate, one group of diplomats appears to be from E.T.'s home planet. It's good to know that everything was represented, even aliens in other universes.

Jimmy Buffett With Two Margaritas In Jurassic World

This is really more of a cameo than an Easter Egg, but it's kind of both. Sitting in Jurassic Park's Margaritaville is none other than the man who wrote the song and opened the first restaurant, the late, great Jimmy Buffett.

Goya's Portrait Of The Duke of Wellington In Dr. No

This has to be one of the best Easter Eggs ever. In the very first James Bond, and one of the best of the Sean Connery era, Dr. No, James briefly pauses to examine a painting in Dr. No's secret lair. The painting is a portrait of the Duke of Wellington by Francisco Goya. In the real world, that painting had famously been stolen the year before the movie came out, and at the time, it was missing. It seems Dr. No had it.

Starbucks Cups In Fight Club

This one is wild. Fight Club is a lot of things, and on one level, it's a pretty harsh critique of capitalism. As part of that, director David Fincher made sure that Starbucks cups appeared in every - or at least many - scenes in the movie. They are all over the place, and next time you watch it, you'll see them, we promise.

A Cowbell In The Jungle Book (2016)

Now this one is great. Director Jon Favreau seems to have snuck a great reference to a classic Saturday Night Live episode into his live-action version of The Jungle Book in 2016. When Mowgli visits King Louie, he bangs on a cowbell to summon the king. King Louie, of course, is voiced by Christopher Walken, who starred in the famous "more cowbell" skit on SNL.

Lou Ferrigno In The MCU Movies

One of the coolest things about the Hulk-centered movies in the MCU is that Lou Ferrigno gets his due. He famously played the superhero in the 1980s, of course. Getting his due in the modern movies is a fantastic tribute.

A Xenomorph Skull In Predator 2

Many years before they would meet in Predator V. Alien, it was established that the two franchises existed in the same universe. In Predator 2, there is a very clear Xenomorph skull on the wall in a trophy room of the team of hunters.

Yoda In E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Steven Spielberg really loves making sly references to the Star Wars franchise in his movies. In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, there is a kid dressed as Yoda on Halloween, and very briefly, you can hear Yoda's theme music from Empire Strikes Back. E.T. recognizes Yoda, but is pulled back before he can speak to him.

Batman V. Superman In I Am Legend

This one is wild. In I Am Legend, there is a billboard in a post-apocalyptic Times Square advertising a "Batman vs. Superman" movie. Legend came out in 2007, a full nine years before Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice came out. Of course, the idea of a team-up between the two giant DC comic characters goes way back, but still, it's almost like I Am Legend predicted the future in a movie set in the future.

License Plate THX-138 In American Graffiti

George Lucas' breakout movie was American Graffiti, and he found a way to work the name of his first movie, THX-138, into the movie set in the fifties. It appears on a license plate in the movie. Lucas has snuck it into most of his movies since, as well.

The Millennium Falcon In Spaceballs

Spaceballs is one of Mel Brooks's best movies. It's a parody of Star Wars, and Brooks manages to pay direct tribute to the epic space opera by sneaking in The Millennium Falcon at the end of the movie. As the main characters pull into the space truck stop, they park their RV right next to it. Sadly, Han and Chewie aren't seen inside the diner.

OB-3PO In Raiders Of The Lost Ark

This is one of our favorites. Lots of people are aware that Steven Spielberg snuck R2-D2 and C-3PO into the hieroglyphics in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but did you know that wasn't the only tribute? The tail number of the plane at the beginning of the movie (the one with the snake in the seat) is "OB-3PO," referencing Obi-Wan and C-3PO.

Douglas Adams' Face In The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

Towards the very end of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, the filmmakers pay quick tribute the Douglas Adams, the author of the beloved "trilogy" the movie is based on. The face of the late writer is seen very briefly as the ship swings around to head to the restaurant at the end of the universe.

Rango's Shirt In Rango

Johnny Depp voices the character Rango in the movie of the same name, and throughout the movie, there are a few references to one of Depp's other classic movies, Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas, most notably Rango's shirt, which is the same as Depp's character wears in Fear & Loathing.

A113 In Every Pixar Movie

One of the most famous Easter Eggs in movies has references to room A113 in almost all of the Pixar movies. Room A113 at California Institute of the Arts is where many of the artists and animators at Pixar studied in college, and they add it into the movie as a tribute to their education.

The Tesseract In Iron Man 2

The first time The Tesseract is properly introduced into the MCU is in the post-credit scene in Thor, but the first time it's ever referenced was in the preceding movie, Iron Man 2, when Tony Stark is seen looking through his father's journal is pauses on a drawing of the powerful object.

Hank Hill In Idiocracy

This one is really hard to catch, but it's there. At the beginning of director Mike Judge's Idiocracy, there is a family tree of the "idiot," and there are dozens and dozens of photos of his descendants. One of those, if you look closely towards the bottom, just left of center, is none other than Hank Hill. Judge, of course, is also the creator of King Of The Hill.

Roald Dahl Original Text In The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Director Wes Anderson paid a wonderful tribute to author Roald Dahl, whose story he adapted for The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and included a little of Dahl's original writing from the book.

Fire Marshall Bill In Liar, Liar

Jim Carrey had a lot of crazy ideas and nutty characters when he starred on In Living Color, and one of the most popular was Fire Marshall Bill. The idiotic fireman is seen very briefly in the background in Liar, Liar, and it's, frankly, brilliant.

Huttese Language In Men In Black

It's rare that you get an audio Easter Egg, but that's what we get in Men in Black. As K is showing J around the Men In Black headquarters, K stops for a cup of coffee, and there is a cadre of aliens making the coffee. They are speaking "Huttese," or the language of the Hutts, in the Star Wars universe. It's a great little tribute.

Callahan Institute in 50 First Dates

Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore in 50 First Dates, learns about her memory problems by visiting Dr. Keats, played by Dan Aykroyd. Keats works at the Callahan Institute. Callahan Auto, of course, is the name of the auto parts company Akyroyd's character tries to buy from Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) in Tommy Boy.

Easter Eggs In The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Did you know that there are literal Easter Eggs in a few scenes in The Rocky Horror Picture Show? The lore surrounding the eggs is that the cast had their own Easter Egg hunt and they either left some on purpose, or failed to find a few, but there are at least three that can be seen in the "Time Warp" scene, including on top of the statue to the right of Frank's throne.

The Race In Ready Player One

It feels a little like cheating by adding it to this list, since Ready Player One is basically one big Easter Egg. So we could mention dozens, but in the race alone, there is a Knight Rider car, Christine, The A-Team van, and a whole lot more.

When the Cinderella live-action remake came out in 2015, I thought, well, that was an interesting experiment. I wonder if Disney will make any more of these. Flash forward 10 years, and Disney has made several live-action remakes, with Snow White being the most recent, and Lilo & Stitch being the next one in line.

However, out of all of the live-action remakes that they've made thus far (there are 23 in total if we're counting pre-Maleficent remakes like the Dalmatians movies, and Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book), I still think 2016's The Jungle Book is the best one that they've ever done, and I have a few reasons why this is.

The Jungle Book Is The Only Remake That I Think Is Arguably Superior To The Original

I'll be real with you, The Lion King did not need to be remade. Neither did Aladdin, The Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast. In fact, none of the movies in the lauded Disney Renaissance period needed a remake. They were all great just the way they were (though, they admittedly had their faults).

However, when it comes to pre-Disney Renaissance movies? Well, then I think you have an argument for films that should be remade.

We've gotten a few of these, like Pinocchio, Dumbo and Lady and the Tramp, which were more direct remakes, and we've also gotten a few, let's just say, circuitous remakes, like Maleficent and Cruella, which play with the original story more and show them from a different perspective. However, none of these remakes (besides maybe Pete's Dragon-and I only say “maybe” since I'm not a fan of the 1977 film), are superior to the original.

None of them, that is, except for 2016's The Jungle Book.

Because look, the 1967 movie still holds up today. The story is enjoyable, the music is outstanding, and the animation is excellent. That said, while I certainly like the film, I wouldn't consider it a top-tier Disney flick like say, Peter Pan or The Sword in the Stone. I would call its live-action counterpart top-tier, though. The 2016 film is enthralling, engaging and even terrifying in some parts. In every way, I think it's superior to the original, and that is no small feat since the original is still pretty good (If not exactly top tier Disney material).

The Jungle Book's Special Effects Still Amaze

I don’t know if this is controversial or not, but I think most of the live-action Disney movies don’t look very impressive. Now, this isn’t always the case, as I think Lilo & Stitch looks pretty good, visually speaking.

But Beauty and the Beast definitely didn’t wow me, and neither did Aladdin. I thought the Beast looked pretty artificial, and Will Smith as the Genie just never worked for me on a special effects level. I mean, they were definitely serviceable, but I just thought they looked better in animated form. Tthe same goes for The Lion King, which all just sort of had an ersatz quality to it.

That said, I don’t feel that way about The Jungle Book. Shot entirely on a soundstage, what I think makes The Jungle Book look better than The Lion King is that it had a real actor present with Neel Sethi as Mowgli. This made all the difference, as everything around him looked real and it wasn’t just computer generated animals talking to each other.

This makes The Jungle Book look wholly unique when compared to the other live-action remakes, which predominantly had human characters interacting with CG characters. In The Jungle Book, it all just looks seamless and lifelike, and it still holds up today.

Honestly, I think The Jungle Book is the only live-action movie they visually got right, which makes it all the more immersive. A lot of that is also helped by the actual acting in the film, which I’ll get into next.

The Animal "Acting" Is Also The Best We've Ever Gotten From These Live-Action Remakes

I’m just going to read off some of the cast that voiced the animals in this picture, and you tell me that it doesn’t immediately spell success: Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Christopher Walken and Giancarlo Esposito (among others). I mean, good Lord, how can you not win with a cast like that?

And while I know, there are several examples of big stars voicing animated characters with mediocre results, I think Jon Favreau just has that magic touch (especially when it comes to Disney), and he produced cinematic gold with this one.

Idris Elba as Shere Khan is utterly TERRIFYING. Every time he's on the screen, I legit claw the chair. Ben Kingsley as Bagheera is perfect casting, and the way his lips move with the dialogue just works so well.

Scarlett Johansson's Kaa is absolute genius. Her sultry voice works so well when it comes to that lulling effect. And Christopher Walken as King Louie both sounds like it wouldn't work at all, and also like there could be no other choice for the character.

In truth, we haven't gotten great acting like this in a live-action Disney remake since, and I will die on that hill.

The Jungle Book Is One Of The Few Remakes That Genuinely Deserved To Be Remade

I somewhat talked about this earlier, but The Jungle Book was absolutely deserving of a remake. It's not like Moana, which is getting a remake, but just seems way too soon for me. The Jungle Book , as in the original story, is actually old. Like, 1894 old.

The original Disney adaptation came out in 1967, and Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book came out in 1994, so another live-action remake was definitely due in 2016.

And, the remake works for that reason. My kids have seen all of the Disney Renaissance films, but when it comes to the older Disney flicks, I have to pick and choose which ones they watch since they get bored easily by the earlier flickd.

It's mostly the animation, since it just screams “ancient.” Yeah, I think the older movies look great (especially the original Snow White), but my kids can't even sit through them, The Jungle Book included.

But they enjoyed the live-action remake. The 1967 original is the kind of film that needed to be updated just to stay relevant. I'm not sure if I can say the same for Moana, though.

Lastly, It's Probably The Most Rewatchable

I don't know why, but besides Snow White, I’ve watched every live-action Disney remake ever made (having a Disney+ subscription helps). And, unless Snow White breaks the mold, I’m pretty sure it will be a one and done watch for me as well, just like almost all of the other remakes.

That’s because I don’t think these live-action remakes are anything special. Many of them feel like lesser versions of their original films, and the ones that are unique, like 2018's Christopher Robin and Alice Through the Looking Glass, were fine for a one-time viewing.

That said, I've actually watched The Jungle Book three times no: once when it first came out, once when I got Disney+, and once with my children. Each time, I'm amazed with just how good it is.

The movie just builds and builds. It's fun, but it's also serious. Plus, unlike the Mulan remake, which I think strayed way too far from the original movie, I really liked the changes that this live-action version made. The original cartoon and this live-action movie feel like they compliment each other.

In every way, The Jungle Book remake just works, and it's infinitely rewatchable. But what do you think? Do you also love The Jungle Book live-action remake? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

For many of us, the sound of Disney songs brings in an instant air of nostalgia for our childhoods. And when you look back at the best Disney animated movies (along with some live-action and Pixar) from the House of Mouse’s one-hundred-year history, there are a ton of genuinely hilarious song lyrics. Check out which funny bars from Disney movies we chuckle to whilst singing along.

“Try the grey stuff, it's delicious. Don't believe me? Ask the dishes.“

One of the most charismatic Disney characters has to be Beauty and the Beast’s Lumiere, and he definitely shines the brightest (pun intended) during his solo song “Be Our Guest.” Lyricist Howard Ashman was clearly having a blast imagining what a talking candlestick would say. The lyric that gets us every time is when he asks Belle to try the “grey stuff” before pointing to the dishes as references. It’s so clever and fun.

"I'm in the mood to help you, dude."

Aladdin is one of Robin Williams' best movies, especially for what the actor brought to the character of Genie. In his show-stopping song, “Friend Like Me,” it’s a blast to see Williams’ ancient character blend together elements from Middle Eastern culture of the time with more modern phrases. A funny instance of that is when he literally calls Aladdin “dude.”

"Go ahead, get trampled by a rhino..."

In Disney’s Rapunzel adaptation, her captor is super evil, but one cannot help but love how hilarious Mother Gothel is, either. In her song “Mother Knows Best,” where she reiterates to Rapunzel why she should not leave her tower, it’s rather comical for the audience to hear the random ways she incites fear into the lost princess – especially with this rhino line.

"And, it hurt that my friends never stood downwind!"

Disney songs love wordplay, and “Hakuna Matata” has a hilarious one from Pumbaa. During the song, Pumbaa’s backstory is basically that he is super gassy and felt super embarrassed about it. However, with the phrase of the song, he’s able to embrace himself, smells and all. With that, this line uses “downwind” to have two meanings.

"Don’t know if I’m elated or gassy, but I’m somewhere in that zone.”

When it comes to all the Disney Princess movies, Frozen is definitely high on the list, and much of that has to do with how grounded and real Anna and Elsa feel. While other princesses are so dainty and graceful, Anna sings basically everything that comes into her brain, and in this line in “First Time In Forever,” she’s able to convey her stress about the Coronation in a relatable way.

"There's children throwing snowballs, instead of throwing heads. They're busy building toys, and absolutely no one's dead.”

In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton’s concept allows Jack Skellington to experience Christmas for the first time after living his life as the King of Halloween Town. While the lyrics are absolutely true to Jack’s experience when he is singing them in “What’s This?” it is very funny to hear a character announce that no one’s dead or being thrown – and it’s a revelation to him.

"So, you wanna be a hero, kid? Well, whoop-de-do."

Danny DeVito is so great as an old satyr named Philoctetes in Hercules, that it’s no wonder Disney fans really want to see him in the live-action Disney remake! One rather comical moment of his comes from his song “One Last Hope” when he injects some sarcasm into the opening line. It’s a solid way for Phil to comment about his past experiences training heroes, and it's fun to recite with him.

"Cleaning crud up in the kitchen as we sing along!"

Enchanted was an excellent addition to Disney movies because of how candidly it satirized the studio’s clichés over the years. This is especially put on display when Giselle sings “Happy Working Song” by going into detail about all the tidying up she is doing in her new live-action setting. It’s not quite as magical as in her animated land, that’s for sure!

"Don't underestimate the importance of body language, ha!"

During The Little Mermaid’s “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” the deliciously evil villain of Ursula successfully convinces young and naive Ariel to give the sea witch her voice in exchange for a spell that will give her legs. One funny line, especially for the delivery, is when Ursula suggests she uses “body language” while dancing rather playfully.

"I'd rather be called deadly for my killer show-tune medley. Thank you!"

After Rapunzel leaves her tower for the first time in Tangled, it’s fun to see her end up at a pub called “The Snuggly Duckling” full of ruffians. Her presence inspires the criminals to break into song for “I Have A Dream” to share their innermost desires. One great line is when one shady character shares that he’s secretly a pianist who wishes he was recognized for his talents. It’s sweet, too.

“We finish each other's…" "Sandwiches.”

During the first act of Frozen, Anna falls quickly for Prince Hans and they sing a duet called “Love Is An Open Door.” In one moment of the song, Hans says it’s crazy that they “finish each other’s” before Anna interrupts with “sandwiches.” Usually, that line would be “sentences,” but Anna’s quirky way changes things – made even better by him following up that with “that’s what I was going to say!"

“Winter's a good time to stay in and cuddle, but put me in summer and I'll be a... happy snowman”

Frozen was very clever to invent a snowman character who dreams of the summertime and actually devotes an entire song to his dreams around being in the season. It’s kind of a fun dark song because Olaf would technically melt if he was around in those weather conditions. This is played to directly when he says a line that rhymes with “puddle” and looks at one before going into a completely different direction lyrically.

"It just occurred to me that I'm illiterate and I've never actually had to spell it out loud before…”

While the live-action Beauty and the Beast is rather similar to the original animated version overall, Josh Gad’s LeFou brought some additional comedy to the song “Gaston.” He points out he’s illiterate while attempting to spell out Gaston’s name during the tune and it deserves the extra chuckle not found in the '90s original.

"These guys don't appreciate I'm broke."

In Aladdin, “One Jump Ahead” helps introduce Aladdin as a young man on the streets of Agrabah who steals in order to survive. The action-packed song is full of visual gags, but one line delivery that’s funny and relatable to some of us is how he casually says the law enforcement after him just doesn’t appreciate that he’s “broke.” What a mindset!

"Oh I wouldn't climb this tree, if a Pooh flew like a bee. But I wouldn't be a bear then, so I guess I wouldn't care then."

Winnie The Pooh is such a funny guy as is, so it’s no surprise he has his own song to match that energy. In the Sherman Brothers song “Rumbly In My Tummy,” Pooh laments on being all sorts of hungry which he hopes to grab from a honey tree. In a sweet line, Pooh thinks about if he was a bee he could fly up the tree he’s climbing, but then he would no longer be a bear, wouldn’t he?

“Hey! What has two thumbs and pulled up the sky when you were waddling yay high? This guy!”

Maui is a charismatic demigod who tells his story to Moana in “You’re Welcome.” One particularly funny line that Lin-Manuel Miranda cooked up for the lyrics was this one above that has Dwayne Johnson basically rapping in the best way.

"You say put them on your head. Ay, mi amor! Ay, mi amor!”

In Coco, Miguel sings the very catchy tune “Un Poco Loco” while trying to win a contest to go to Ernesto de la Cruz’s concert. Unlike many Disney songs, this one translates to “a little crazy” and is rather random to the narrative itself. The song speaks to how love can make one crazy, by basically saying one’s love tells him the sky is red and he should put his shoes on his head.

"You telling this story, or am I?"

Encanto’s “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” became the biggest hit of the 2021 movie, even though Lin-Manuel Miranda called the big hit the “least likely candidate for breakout success possible.” The whole song is a fun time, but especially when Mirábel’s uncle and aunt are trying to tell her Bruno’s backstory and fight over who is telling the story!

"'Cause when you're older, absolutely everything makes sense!"

After Olaf went viral for being the sweetest talking snowman in Arendelle, he gets another solo in Frozen 2. In the song “When I Am Older,” Olaf talks about his excitement for understanding more things when he grows up more and experiences life further. However, with lines such as this one, adults will especially chuckle because being older doesn’t necessarily amount to things in the world finally making any “sense.”

“What do they got, a lot of sand? We got a hot crustacean band.”

Sebastian the Crab is such a lively character in The Little Mermaid, even if it takes him some time to come around to Ariel’s dreams of being human. This is most apparent in his song “Under The Sea” when Sebastian brings together tons of talented sea creatures to show her that there’s a lot to love as one of them. Sure, it doesn’t work on Ariel, but they make a good case for it.

“Honey, you mean Hunk-ules!”

The Muses in Hercules help tell the story of the Greek hero with a lot of soul and sass. In “The Gospel Truth,” the muses kind of break the fourth wall to showcase how they find the hero attractive by calling him “Hunk-ules” rather than “Hercules,” and it’s an unforgettable part of the song.

"There's only she who is beautiful as me. So, I'm making plans to woo and marry Belle."

At the beginning of Beauty and the Beast, the setting and its characters are established with the ensemble song “Belle.” During the song, Gaston is introduced in a straightforward way by sharing his goals with these lines. There’s also something quite hilarious about Gaston referring to himself as “beautiful.”

“You’re not a voice, you’re just a ringing in my ear. And, if I heard you, which I don’t.”

At the beginning of Frozen 2, Elsa starts to hear a voice calling to her. While she’s singing about it in “Into The Unknown,” the songwriters found a witty way to communicate how she’s denying the voice calling to her with this line, which is also just well executed lyrically.

"It's genetics! Yeah, I got these genes from outer space. Peep the name, I'm magnificent!"

When Chris Pine was cast as Disney’s latest villain in Wish, he was “geeking out” about the process of getting to sing songs in an animated movie from the House of Mouse. In his big villain song, “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” Pine’s character of King Magnifico shows off his charm and sense of humor by commenting on his good looks.

I’m just a punky little eyeball, and a funky optic nerve.”

Not every Pixar movie has original songs, but Monsters Inc. does in the form of a duet between John Goodman’s Sully and Billy Crystal’s Mike Waskowski. The song “If I Didn’t Have You” is funny from beginning to end as the friends quip with each other about their friendship, but this line from Mike is especially a great line.

”I love to laugh, it’s getting worse every year.”

Laughing isn’t a “condition” typically, but in the case of 1964’s Mary Poppins, it is for Ed Wynn’s Uncle Albert, who starts floating in the air when he starts laughing uncontrollably. In the song “I Love To Laugh,” it’s simply comical to see this concept come to life as Albert sings (through his laughter) how it’s getting “worse every year.”

“This child is getting wildly out of wing.”

In The Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” Simba shares his excitement about being the ruler of Pride Rock someday. However, his majordomo, Zazu, is not impressed with the song. In a great pun moment from the ‘90s hit, he says Simba is getting wildly “out of wing” rather than “out of hand” – because he’s a bird.

”I’m the king of the swingers. Oh, the jungle VIP.”

In 1967’s The Jungle Book, “I Wan'na Be Like You” an orangutan named King Louie attempts to entice Mowgli to teach him about the ways of being human with him. The character voiced by jazz and swing singer Louis Prima makes a great joke about playing a monkey and the genre of the song by calling himself the “king of the swingers.”

"His assets frozen, the venue chosen is the ends of the earth, whoopee! So long, ex-Prince Ali!"

Aladdin’s Jafar is a rather comical villain, even though he’s terrifying as well. In the reprise for “Prince Ali,” which comes at a time when his evil plans are coming together, he uses his cleverness to roast Aladdin as he grabs the Genie lamp for himself and asks to become a sorcerer himself.

“Now when you pick a pawpaw, or a prickly pear…”

This is one of those lyrics that is just funny to say and leaves the tongue tingly. In The Bare Necessities, Baloo the Bear teaches Mowgli his motto for life, which includes how he picks his fruit in a long line full of alliteration.

"Are ya achin' (yup, yup, yup), for some bacon? (Yup, yup, yup.)"

Near the end of The Lion King, Timon and Pumbaa assist Simba in foiling Scar by the art of distraction. They do so by crafting up a hilarious Luau song where they use Pumbaa as bait. It will never not be a funny sequence in The Lion King.

"Who can make up these endless refrains like Gaston?"

Beauty and the Beast’s “Gaston” sequence is loads of fun as LeFou sings about his muscled-up mate in a pub full of people who worship him. One funny bit is when LeFou kind of comments on how they are singing a lot about Gaston by saying he makes up “endless refrains."

When you think of Disney, I'm sure plenty of things could come to mind at first. Perhaps the incredible animation or the iconic characters, but to me? It's always been the signing. 

First and foremost, I love Disney songs. We could talk about the best Disney villain songs because, trust me, there are plenty I could sing for hours on end, but today, we are going to talk about the best uplifting Disney songs – the ones that make you smile, make you dance, make you want to go out and achieve something, or are just entertaining as heck to listen to. Let's get into it. 

“Let It Go” (Frozen)

There is literally no way we could have a Disney song list about uplifting songs without mentioning "Let It Go" from Frozen. The song, possibly one of the most successful Disney songs of all time, blew up on the charts and is all about Elsa learning to let go of her past fears and be who she wants to be, powers and all. 

And yes, I am sure that the songs in Frozen 3 – and apparently the upcoming Frozen 4 – will be just as catchy, if not more. 

“The Bare Necessities” (The Jungle Book)

The Jungle Book was one of Disney's first major successes in terms of animated movies, and the songs in it were decently well-known, but "The Bare Necessities" topped that list with its upbeat rhythm, simple lyrics, and fun animated sequences. I'm pretty sure we will forget about our worries and struggles after listening to this. 

“Almost There” (The Princess And The Frog)

Tiana is an underrated Disney princess because she worked to achieve her dreams in The Princess and the Frog. And "Almost There" is the best example of that. Watching her envision her perfect restaurant while singing about how she's so close to achieving it will make you want to get up and work for your dreams, too.

“Everybody Wants To Be A Cat” (The Aristocats)

The Aristocats was another classic Disney movie, and while I'm sure everyone knows the three kittens from that film, I love the older cats – and the song they sing, "Everybody Wants To Be a Cat." You hear that jazzy beat, and instantaneously, you want to get up and dance. I wish I could play the bass as well as they do. 

“I Saw A Dragon” (Pete’s Dragon)

Pete's Dragon was one of the few live-action Disney films with musical songs, and this one, "I Saw A Dragon," screams uplifting and upbeat to me. Watching the bar patrons get up and dance and sing about finding this dragon, swinging their drinks in the air – I mean, come on, it's so much fun. And the choreography is well done. 

“You Can Fly!” (Peter Pan)

How can you get more uplifting than a song about flying? "You Can Fly" from Peter Pan is about believing in your abilities to accomplish the seemingly impossible – in this case, flying. Watching the Darling children, alongside Peter, soaring across London fills your heart with joy and makes me want to pass, too. 

“Go The Distance” (Hercules)

Hercules is my personal under-the-radar Disney film because the music in it is so fantastic and deserves far more praise. And "Go The Distance" is the quintessential Disney hero "I want" song. It's all about Hercules wanting to prove himself out there, saying he is willing to "go the distance" to find out where he truly belongs. His grit, strength, and uplifting attitude about doing so make this song so good. 

“Under The Sea” (The Little Mermaid)

Both versions of "Under the Sea," in the animated film and the live-action The Little Mermaid, are excellent. But today we'll focus on the animated version. You can't help but smile as you watch Sebastian sing with the entire sea surrounding him, visions of color and beautiful musical theatre music making you smile, talking all about how awesome it is "under the water." It's meant to uplift Ariel's spirits about the ocean, but it doesn't work – still a great song. 

“Be Our Guest” (Beauty And The Beast)

Beauty and the Beast has so many amazing songs, but I would only consider one super uplifting: "Be Our Guest." The villain song, "Gaston," is fun but not uplifting, and the rest of the music feels a little too romantic or plot exposition-y ("Belle"). "Be Our Guest," however, is uplifting with how welcoming the objects of the castle are to Belle, and truthfully, I'd give anything to try that gray stuff. 

“Once Upon A Dream” (Sleeping Beauty)

Truthfully, Sleeping Beauty was never my go-to Disney film, but I've come to appreciate it a lot more as I've gotten older, and "Once Upon A Dream" makes me grin every time. It's uplifting and sweet as Aurora sings about a man she once met "in a dream," her one true love. And what makes it better is when Philip joins in not that long after, their two voices harmonizing so perfectly. 

“Seize The Day” (Newsies)

You can't get more uplifting than Newsies. The movie musical, which later became a stage production, had many uplifting songs, but "Seize The Day" takes the cake. It's all about trying to "seize the day" and make the most of your time while you have daylight. It's fun, upbeat, and has some incredible choreography. 

“Hakuna Matata" (The Lion King)

"It means no worries for the rest of your days." Uplifting is critical for "Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King. Watching Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa all sing this song and drown out their worries by living their life makes you want to get up and dance, too. Hakuna Matata is pretty much my life motto. 

“Friend Like Me” (Aladdin)

I mean, duh. How can we get more uplifting than the Genie, one of Robin Williams' best roles? The Genie's song in Aladdin, titled "Friend Like Me," is literally how the Genie is the best friend Aladdin could ever have and he could give him the world – and honestly, it means so much more down the line when Aladdin sets his friend free from the shackles of his lamp. 

“Stand Out” (A Goofy Movie)

I am here, standing up on my soapbox and openly saying why don't we discuss this movie more? A Goofy Movie is an excellent film with a fantastic soundtrack, and "Stand Out" is the best. Tevin Campbell performs the song as Powerline, which is all about learning how to stand out above the crowd, using anyway to do so, and not being afraid to get noticed. Now that's uplifting – and one stuck in my head. 

“Out There” (The Hunchback Of Notre Dame)

Poor Quasimodo. Another classic example of a Disney "I want" song, "Out There" is sung by Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, singing about how he wants to explore the world and leave the confines of Notre Dame, wishing that he didn't have to stay inside and serve his master. While sad in its lyrics, the song is full of inspiration from Quasi about his dreams and goals, and one that makes me smile all the same. 

“A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” (Cinderella)

Cinderella is the queen of uplifting stories, working every day against her will for her stepmother but getting her happy ending through kindness and love. Her song, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," is possibly one of the most-known Disney songs of all time and is all about learning to believe in yourself so the dream that you make will come true – and for her, it did. Talk about uplifting. 

“Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” (Lilo & Stitch)

I rewatched Lilo & Stitch as an adult and didn't realize just how good it was, as well as the few songs that are featured there. The movie isn't a musical, but some songs are primarily soundtrack pieces, and "Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride" is fun and uplifting. How can you not smile while listening to this and watching Lilo, Stitch, and her family have fun? 

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (Mary Poppins)

Look, the songs of Mary Poppins are also pretty iconic if we're being truthful, but "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" is one of those pieces that I'm pretty sure is so uplifting it could wake someone up from a deep sleep. It's so upbeat, so fast, and is the perfect way to describe the energy of Mary Poppins. Plus, if you know how to spell it, you get bonus points in my eyes. 

“This Is What Dreams Are Made Of” (The Lizzie McGuire Movie)

Of course, I had to put this here. It's The Lizzie McGuire Movie. The end sequence is the best part. When Lizzie sings, "This is What Dreams Are Made Of," how can you not smile and want to get up and accomplish your dreams? Plus, the upbeat dance beat in the back makes it all the better. 

“Here Comes The Sun” (The Parent Trap)

Okay, so maybe it's a little bit of a sin that in this fantastic Lindsay Lohan movie, The Parent Trap, "Here Comes The Sun" isn't sung by the Beatles. It's a cover from Bob Khaleel. But I love the scene that it's associated with – watching Hallie (pretending to be Annie) spend time with the mother she never knew and the smile on her face – it makes me grin every time I watch it. It's so heartwarming. 

“On My Way” (Brother Bear)

Brother Bear is one of those early 2000s Disney movies that no one ever talks about nearly as much as they should. It's not a musical, but the backing songs are so much fun, and "On My Way" stands out. The song, written by Phil Collins, is about going on an adventure, meeting new people, and having fun. 

“Show Yourself” (Frozen 2)

Frozen 2 had a bit of a different tone from the first Frozen, and in "Show Yourself," Elsa is singing directly to that mysterious voice that is luring her towards it, asking it to "show itself" so she can finally find that connection. And the reveal, when she finds out it was her mother guiding her the whole time – chills everywhere on my body. Idina Menzel knocks it out of the park every time. 

“I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” (Mulan)

There is no way you haven't screamed "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" from Mulan at least once in your life. I have memories of high school and college blasting this song in the car and singing at the top of my lungs. 

No song is more hyped up than Mulan and her fellow soldiers training in their army to become the best version they can be, along with Donny Osmond's great vocals in the background. It's simply the best. I’m still upset that it was cut from the live-action Mulan.

“One More Sleep ‘Till Christmas” (The Muppet Christmas Carol)

The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of the best Christmas movies out there, and "One More Sleep 'Till Christmas" perfectly captures that feeling. Sung by Kermit, it's the best song to sing when you're ready for the season and all you want is to see Santa come and be with family. 

“Life Is A Highway” (Cars)

While Cars isn't my favorite Pixar film, "Life Is A Highway" has risen to the top. The song was originally sung by Tom Cochrane but was covered by Rascal Flatts in the movie, and truthfully, I want to ride in my car to this song "all night long" because it makes me feel free. 

“How Does She Know?” (Enchanted)

Rewatching Enchanted is a delight, and the music is even better. Enchanted is one of Amy Adams' best movies, and her song, "How Does She Know?" is uplifting, energetic, and will make you get up and dance and think of true love out there. Heck, you'll want to go out and buy flowers for a random stranger after. 

“What’s This?” (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic Christmas/Halloween movie and one of my favorite stop-motion films. In it, Jack Skellington finally has joy in his eyes again when he stumbles upon Christmas Town, singing "What's This?" as he stares in wonder at everything around him. How can you not smile? 

“I Have A Dream” (Tangled)

Tangled is one of my favorite 2010s Disney films, and Rapunzel signing "I Have A Dream" with the pub crew she and Flynn are at is a core memory for me. Watching everyone admit that they all have a dream is uplifting, and I will sing it every time. 

“Lesson Number One” (Mulan II)

I don't care what anyone says; I enjoy Mulan II. It's not as good as the first, but I do like it, and I think "Lesson Number One" from the movie is quite uplifting. I didn't realize I needed to see Mulan training the next generation of little girl warriors as a kid, but now? I appreciate this song so much more. 

“Touch The Sky” (Brave)

Brave is a film I don't understand why people don't like as much because Merida is a great character. This isn't a musical movie, but the song "Touch The Sky" is played when we first meet her. The song is about adventure and going out to find your destiny – which is so uplifting that it makes me want to climb a mountain like Merida. 

“Try Everything” (Zootopia)

Zootopia is another Disney movie that isn't a musical, but the song that went along with it, "Try Everything," sung by Shakira, is excellent. It's all about wanting to learn and try all the new things you can get your hands on. It inspires people everywhere – and inspires me to watch the movie again before Zootopia 2.

“Un Poco Loco” (Coco)

Coco is one of my favorite Pixar films, and the song "Un Poco Loco" is so funny, cute, and uplifting. It's all about a man saying that his love is a little crazy but always keeps him guessing, and he loves it, but watching Miguel and Hector dance and sing together is always the uplifting part, and it makes me grin. 

I think it's time for a Disney marathon to sing all these songs. Anyone know where a karaoke machine is?

This year finally sees the release of Mowgli, Warner Bros' adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, but it hasn't even been a full two years since we were treated to a "live action" Jungle Book movie. In 2016, Disney released its own adaptation that was inspired by the studio's 1967 movie, and this latest version was so critically and commercially successful that a sequel was quickly ordered. There have been few updates for The Jungle Book 2 since then, but according to screenwriter Justin Marks, the next movie will include some material that was scrapped from Disney's first Jungle Book movie. As Marks revealed:

Justin Marks also talked about how there's plenty of original source material that could be mined for The Jungle Book 2, whether looking at Kipling's sequel The Second Jungle Book or other short stories he wrote. It's possible that Marks and Jon Favreau may look in those areas for inspiration, too, but the men have definitely settled on incorporating elements that were tossed aside when Disney was tackling the story in animated form over five decades ago.

While speaking with Slashfilm during the Television Critics Association press event (where he was promoting his new Starz series, Counterpart), Justin Marks also addressed the fact that unlike Rudyard Kipling's original text, the new Jungle Book movie didn't end with Mowgli returning to live with his fellow humans. When asked if the sequel would delve into that territory, Marks responded:

Although the young Neel Sethi was the only primary actor to actually be seen in The Jungle Book, the remake featured an all-star voice cast that included Bill Murray as Baloo, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Christopher Walken as Louie, Lupita Wyong'o as Raksha and Giancarlo Esposito as Akela. With Jon Favreau busy with The Lion King, it will presumably be a while until The Jungle Book 2 takes the next step forward in development, but at least Favreau and Justin Marks already have ideas on where they're going.

The Jungle Book 2 hasn't been assigned a release date yet, but keep it here at CinemaBlend for more updates on the sequel. In the meantime, you can look through our Disney movies guide to see what the Mouse House has coming up.

Movies have been looking to previously created material for films for about as long as there have been movies. While more recent media like video games have become popular options for adaptation in recent years, the number one places movies will always look is novels.

A lot of people like looking at source material before going in to see a film. It allows you to understand what's going on before you sit down, and it means that you can see where a movie has taken liberties and made changes to the source. If you're looking for something new to read, here are several books you can read before the movies are released.

It

Written By: Stephen King - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: September 8, 2017

Stephen King is no stranger to the film adaptation. However, his magnum opus It has only ever been brought to the small screen. While King's most recent big screen adaptation The Dark Tower, has many scratching their heads, It looks to be bringing all the chills of the novel to the screen. This movie will actually only tell half the story, of the main characters as children, with a sequel planned that will follow up with what happens when they all grow up. The new Pennywise looks truly terrifying, and that's a very good sign.

American Assassin

Written by: Vince Flynn - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: September 15, 2017

American Assassin is the first film adaptation of a series of spy thrillers by author Vince Flynn. They focus on a character named Mitch Rapp who, following the death of his girlfriend in a terrorist attack, joins the CIA and is trained to become a professional assassin. Dylan O'Brien will play Rapp in the film adaptation, which Michael Keaton takes on the role of the man who will teach Rapp to become the titular American Assassin. Expect to see this become a franchise if the first film does well.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep

Written by: Philip K. Dick - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: October 16, 2017

Blade Runner 2049 isn't technically based on this Philip K. Dick novel, and even the original Blade Runner took significant liberties with the source material. Still, if you want to know where the entire idea of replicants came from, you'll want to check out Dick's original story. To be fair, there may very well be elements from the book that weren't used in the original film which could end up being part of the sequel, so there's value in checking it out.

The Mountain Between Us

Written By: Charles Martin - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: October 6, 2017

The Mountain Between Us is a story that's equal parts disaster and romance. It focuses on two characters, a man, who will be played by Idris Elba in the film, and a woman, who will be portrayed by Kate Winslet. The pair are strangers who find that both their flights home have been canceled, but since both really have a need to get someplace quick, one of them charters a plane and offers a seat to the other. Unfortunately, that plane will crash in the wilderness, leaving the pair stranded. Since the book is described as a romance, we're assuming the tense situation draws the pair closer together.

Same Kind Of Different As Me

Written by: Ron Hall and Denver Moore, with Lynn Vincent - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: October 20, 2017

In addition to being based on a book, Same Kind of Different as Me is also based on a true story. The book tells the story of a Louisiana sharecropper, Denver Moore, who, following years of hardship, meets Ron and Deborah Hall. While they come from very different places, they have a profound impact on each other's lives. The film adaptation will see Greg Kinnear as Ron Hall and Rene Zellweger as Deborah, Djimon Hounsou plays Denver Moore. If you're looking for an emotional, uplifting tearjerker, this is likely to be a good one for you.

Thank You For Your Service

Written By: David Finkel - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: October 27, 2017

Thank You for Your Service is a nonfiction book that follows the post war life of several soldiers who try to adjust to life at home after being at war. Jason Hall, who wrote the screenplay for American Sniper, wrote the script and will also be taking the director's chair. The book takes a real look at the difficulty dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder which means this one will likely be a fairly heavy affair. Miles Teller and Haley Bennett star among others.

Murder On The Orient Express

Written By: Agatha Christie - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: November 10, 2017

Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot is one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time, but it's been quite a while since we've seen him on the big screen. Luckily Kenneth Branagh is here, with an absolutely epic mustache, to fix that. The story sees a murder take place on the famous train, leading to a limited number of suspects. The cast of Murder on the Orient Express is the definition of all-star, and we can't wait to check it out. Even if you read this one so you know who done it, it promises to still be a fun movie experience.

Molly's Game

Written By: Molly Bloom - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: November 22, 2017

Molly's Game is a true story about a woman who ran Hollywood's most exclusive underground poker game. Molly Brown is clearly a remarkable person, and a remarkable cast and crew are coming together to tell the story. Molly's Game will be the directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin, based on a screenplay he wrote. Jessica Chastain will play the lead, with Idris Elba and Kevin Costner also along for the ride. Seeing a cast like that read Sorkin's signature dialogue, just the way he wants it read, should be worth giving this one a look.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Written By: Chris Van Allsburg - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: December 20, 2017

Yes, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a sequel, but ultimately, it's still based on the original children's book that spawned the first film. The sequel looks to have very little in common with the book, as it will set its story inside a video game rather than a board game, but the world itself appears to be the same that Robin Williams entered in the original movie, so checking out the book will still be useful in seeing at least where the story's ideas came from.

Fifty Shades Freed

Written By: E.L James - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: February 9, 2018

As much as it may seem to be the case, not every movie is targeted toward 15-year-old boys. Some of them are targeted to their mothers. If you're already all in after the first two Fifty Shades movies, then clearly you're set for the end of the trilogy. Christian and Anastasia may have a fairly poor BDSM relationship, but that hasn't stopped the films from being smashing successes. We expect nothing less from the third film, which, once again, is being released around Valentine's Day because somebody has an odd sense of humor.

The Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Written By: James Dasher - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: February 9, 2018

It's taken much longer for the third film in the Maze Runner series to make it to theaters than was originally intended. A tragic accident on the set left Dylan O'Brien injured and unable to continue filming the first time around. Now that production has restarted, we expect to see this third entry in the franchise before too long. Hopefully, it won't suffer the same fate as the Divergent films. It would seem the trend of YA dystopia books informing movies may be coming to an end for a while. This could be the swan song.

Peter Rabbit

Written By: Beatrix Potter - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: February 9, 2018

Peter Rabbit is a classic children's story by Beatrix Potter about a bunny who disobeys his mother and sneaks into a local farm to eat vegetables, something we're guessing more mothers wish their kids would do. He's chased out by the owner, Mr. McGregor, losing his clothes in the process. We're guessing the film version will be expanding on the brief story. The film version is set to be a combination of live action and animation, with human actors as the human characters, while the animals will be animated.

Red Sparrow

Written By: Jason Matthews - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: March 2, 2018

Red Sparrow is the story of a Russian agent who is trained in the art of seducing western agents in order to obtain information. However, in this case, the agent actually falls in love with her target. Jennifer Lawrence will play the Russian while Joel Edgerton is set to star as her CIA target. Francis Lawrence will follow up his time directing Lawrence in another set of literary adaptations, The Hunger Games, in what is going to be a much more mature story.

A Wrinkle in Time

Written By: Madeleine L'Engle -READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: March 9, 2018

One of the most anticipated film adaptations in 2018 is likely A Wrinkle in Time. The book is an award winner that nearly every school age child has read since it was released in the 1960s. The story follows three young children who go in search of a missing scientist, the father of two of them. The story is fantastic in every sense of the word and the first trailer for the film shows that Disney is really working to make the movie equally stunning. As with many of these books, there's more where this came from if the first movie is a hit.

Robin Hood

Written By: Various Authors - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: March 22, 2018

The stories of Robin Hood are so old that there's no single author credited with the creation of the character. The stories predate novels, but many books have been written about the heroic outlaw. Perhaps read several of them in order to get an idea of the different ways the character has been interpreted over time. The new movie with Taron Edgerton (Kingsman: The Golden Circle) is set to be an origin story, which would seem to imply it's not taking any particular version of the story as canon and instead, starting its own.

Ready Player One

Written By: Ernest Cline - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: March 30, 2018

For a certain group of people who grew up in the 1980s, there's no upcoming adaptation as exciting as Ready Player One. Equal parts virtual reality video game story and 80s pop culture nostalgia trip, Ready Player One is like The Da Vinci Code for Star Wars geeks. With Steven Spielberg in the director's chair, hopes are high, and the first trailer has lived up to most expectations. Fans have been waiting for this one for a long time and the wait is nearly over.

Meg

Written By: Steve Alten - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: August 10, 2018

The movie credited as the first ever summer blockbuster was a film based on a book about a rampaging sea creature. But Jaws has nothing on Meg. Meg is short for Megalodon, as the movie is about a prehistoric sea creature. That may sound ridiculous, and it is, but the inclusion of Jason Statham makes Meg sound like it's going to be just the sort of insanity we're looking for in the later summer of 2018. We can't wait.

The Girl in the Spider's Web

Written By: David Langercrantz - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: October 19, 2018

David Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was a successful enough film, but the plans to turn the entire Millennium trilogy into films never got off the ground. Rather than reboot the series entirely, the rather odd decision has been made to jump ahead and adapt The Girl in the Spider's Web, the first book written by David Lagercrantz following the death of original author Steig Larsson. The main characters are being recast, though the film is apparently supposed to be a sequel to the previous endeavor. Figure that out.

Jungle Book

Written By: Rudyard Kipling - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: October 19, 2018

Wait, didn't we already get this one? Following Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book for Disney, Andy Serkis is directing his own version of the project for Warner Bros. While the Disney version used CGI to bring the animal characters to life, this version will use motion capture, making Serkis the perfect person to direct the story, as well as play the role of Baloo. The Disney version was a massive success, making this follow up have a lot to live up to.

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch

Written By: Dr. Seuss - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: November 9, 2018

Dr. Seuss' classic story about an angry creature who hates Christmas has been adapted twice before. Once as an animated TV special, and then again as a live action feature. Now, the two ideas will be combined into the first animated feature film. While those of us that remember the Jim Carrey version might wish that they'd just stop making this one, the fact that Benedict Cumberbatch will be providing the voice of the title character is enough to make us curious at the very least.

Mortal Engines

Written By: Philip Reeve - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: December 14, 2018

Mortal Engines is a book which is a little bit post-apocalypse and a little bit steampunk. A major geologic event on earth has ravaged the planet and caused humanity to regress technologically. In response, cities have been outfitted with wheels and engines so that they may consume other cities in order to gain resources. The book is being adapted by Peter Jackson and the rest of the team behind The Lord of the Rings movies, so we can bet that this one will be a serious undertaking. Hopefully this one will redeem the mess that The Hobbit films were.

Mary Poppins Returns

Written By: P.L. Travers - READ THE BOOK

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2018

One of the most exciting literary adaptations currently on the schedule is the return of Mary Poppins to the silver screen thanks to the incomparable Emily Blunt. We know that the new film will see Jane and Michael Darling grown up and with kids of their own and while we have no idea exactly what the story will be, Lin-Manuel Miranda has said that the writers looked to the existing Mary Poppins stories for inspiration into the new film, so we do expect to see some elements from the books enter this otherwise original story.

Disney has always been associated with cinematic magic, as their specialty is bringing the stories of our childhoods into living, breathing life through animation. Though in the company's recent years, that magic has turned its focus to the live-action market as well, with almost a decade of revising animated classics into more realistic, live-action tales. At this weekend's D23, there were four live-action adaptations on the board in the coming years: Dumbo, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mulan. Each film is equally important in the Disney canon, and each needs to keep the following lesson in mind when becoming a "real" movie: don't forget to innovate.

Doing something different with a live-action adaptation is key to the success of a Disney live-action film, as just adapting the story wholesale will cause a lot of problems in the long run. While Beauty and The Beast was a smash hit for Disney this past March, there are still some that mock the film for playing it way too safe. With only a handful of new songs, and not a lot of difference between the animated classic and its recent revamp, there wasn't enough new material to distance the two films. Yes, the film was a financial success, but if these complaints aren't addressed, it'll cause bigger problems along the way.

Lest we forget, there was once an era where Disney looked through its catalog of classics and fables, and launched into a seemingly endless cycle of direct to video sequels. These cheaply animated, and mostly sub-par films managed to tarnish the reputation of the studio's animated branch, with Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Peter Pan all taking what were undoubtedly the biggest hits in the whole experiment. Not that there's anything wrong with making a sequel to a beloved classic, but if you're going to try and grab that brass ring, you should have a good, story-based reason to do so. If Disney's not careful, their live-action adaptations could become the next direct-to-video crisis.

A good example of a film that adapted its source material into a fantastic live-action product is the Jon Favreau-directed version of The Jungle Book. Rather than make a cookie-cutter adaptation of the classic musical we all know and love, Favreau's variant turned the film into an epic quest of Mowgli's, complete with more backstory and a ton more action. And yet, two of the film's classic songs, "I Wanna Be Like You," and "The Bare Necessities," still made appearances, which enhanced the film's classic appeal. But at the same time, you got to see a lot more to the story of Mowgli that the animated version never gave you, so there was a purpose behind the film existing.

Not so coincidentally, if there's a new and unique reason for your live-action adaptation to exist, then there's just as much incentive for your audience to show up. In the case of The Jungle Book, the audience surely showed up, as it became one of 2016's highest grossing films, which lead to Disney's unprecedented success in that same year. With projects like the Cruella De Vil prequel to 101 Dalmatians still on the books at Disney, it doesn't look like it'll all be carbon copies in the future. Not to mention, Dumbo is in Tim Burton's hands, and like the results or not, his Alice in Wonderland took the project in a fresh direction that didn't simply follow the road most travelled. So there's still hope in the Disney live-action canon, but it's a hope that needs to be reinforced.

Disney has gotten to this point of success with their live-action remakes by invoking the familiar, while at the same time taking chances. It's a factor that shouldn't be easily ignored, and yet with Beauty and The Beast, it feels like it could disappear in favor of chasing the next big hit. Though if our own Conor Schwerdtfeger's report on the opening number to Jon Favreau's The Lion King is any indication, our worries aren't justified, and we'll be in for some magical times yet. However, we'll close with a simple restatement of what we're concerned about, so that way if anyone feels the temptation to cave into a simple remake, they can be lead back to the right path.

The moment that the powers that be forget the Disney legacy of innovation and creatively adapted storytelling is the exact moment that these live-action adaptations become the new Direct to Video Sequels of the Disney world. And you can ask anyone, especially the fans of Disney, as well as the studio's creative director John Lasseter, and they'll tell you, that is an era that the studio would never want to return to.

The Lion King takes its place in the circle of remade life, on July 19, 2018, with Dumbo landing on March 29, 2019, and both Aladdin and Mulan awaiting formal release dates of their own.

There are a lot of titles in the Netflix Instant universe, and they cover a wide variety of genres, tastes and subject matter. Some of it is abysmal, and some of it is pretty good. But only a proud few can call themselves the top of the heap, and those films deserve to be trumpeted. Which is why we, here, at CinemaBlend compiled this list of the 15 best films on Netflix's streaming service at this moment. All are honorable in their own right, and they're just waiting for you to hit "Play."

To Kill A Mockingbird

For most people, To Kill A Mockingbird is probably the first time they came across the dilemma of which was better: the book or the movie? In the case of Harper Lee's seminal novel of justice and doing what's right, the answer is that the two are equal. While Lee's words breathe life into the difficult story, the film version of the Finch family's efforts to get to the truth showcase the book's message in a way that stays true to the page, while giving so much depth to the proceedings. Of course, when Gregory Peck is playing the epitome of fatherly justice, that kind of thing tends to happen.

Full Metal Jacket

If you didn't know any better, you'd probably be surprised to be told that Full Metal Jacket is a film in the canon of director Stanley Kubrick. The first half of the film is so unlike most of the director's body of work that it's only a further highlight to an already versatile career. But then when you get to the second half, you can totally see the Kubrickian logic and characters shine through the Vietnam War epic. Put both halves together, and you've truly got something to behold.

Zodiac

If you were to pitch making a mystery movie without a concrete ending, the reaction to this prospect would totally depend on who's behind the camera. In the case of Zodiac, David Fincher's the mastermind that gets to tell just that sort of story, and it works oh so beautifully. Considering he's teaming with Netflix to bring a serial-killer-hunting series to life, courtesy of this fall's Mindhunters, it's practically kismet that the tale of the obsession with capturing the Zodiac Killer would be available for streaming. If you want dark and twisted (and genius), look no further.

The Third Man

For as intimidating and impressive as he was in his day, Orson Welles seems like a figure almost completely lost to time. Thankfully, his acting and directing works live on, though they still need some help surviving in the modern era, what with the ravages of time being what they are to films of the age that The Third Man sprang from. With a 4K restoration recently completed, it doesn't look like this Noir classic dealing with murder on the streets of post-war Vienna will be going away any time soon. Still, don't wait until it's too late to partake in its thrilling charms yourself, as films like this tend to disappear off of Netflix without warning.

The Verdict

Not all movie stars get the chance to remain top-flight talents throughout their careers, and even Paul Newman knew that fact as he managed to accomplish it. The Verdict is a mid-period Newman film, but it's an astounding legal drama that sparkles under the direction of Sidney Lumet, courtesy of the script penned by David Mamet. Based on a novel of the same name, Newman plays a lawyer who accidentally becomes a hero when he tries to turn heel and get greedy for a change. Full of twists in both the litigation and personal sides of Newman's protagonist, it's a film that deserves a revival through popular acclaim.

Disney's The Jungle Book

While not all of Disney's live-action adaptations work, it's hard to argue against the fact that Disney's The Jungle Book works almost perfectly. Both expanding the story of the animated classic, thanks to leaning a little harder on Rudyard Kipling's source material, and adhering to the moments we all know and love, it's the gold standard of what a Disney remake should stand for. Also, for what it's worth, Bill Murray could use his scenes as Baloo as part of a future biopic, simply because we imagine he's basically the human version of that bon vivant of a bear.

Schindler's List

Schindler's List is not an easy film to watch. As an artistic product, it's absolutely flawless and a beauty to behold. But as a thematic piece of content, it's a rough film to experience, as the horrors of Nazi Germany are brought to light front and center, and in our faces. So why should an audience watch Schindler's List? Because the unsettling nature reminds us of the demons of the past, in the hopes that we never commit them again. But this is also a story of hope, and of fighting against the odds to prevail. Steven Spielberg faced his heritage head on with this film, and it's as rewarding for us as it was for him.

Frailty

After this year's tragic loss of Bill Paxton, his entire filmography came to the forefront again and proved one vital point: the man was totally underrated as a storyteller. Frailty is the nexus of that argument, as his directing and starring skills are at full blast in this horror/thriller monument. The tale of a southern patriarch and his quest to hunt demons, as well as the legacy that it left behind, also gave us one of Matthew McConaughey's earliest performances of note. While most had McConaughey bogged down in rom-com and slacker roles, Bill Paxton showed the world that the McConaughssance was going to happen, whether the world liked it or not.

Escape From New York

You can never go wrong with classic John Carpenter, especially when Kurt Russell's name is right on the top of the cast list. The legend of Snake Plissken was born with Escape From New York, and the landmark "same place, same day" plotline was inspiration for many films, and even video games, that would come after it. But besides its status as a genre icon, the film is also just a damned blast to behold. If you're looking for pulpy action and bad ass dialogue, make your way to New York before the remake does.

The African Queen

It's easy to say that Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn are quintessential movie stars, and that The African Queen is a verified classic. But what's not easy is to quantify WHY both of those statements are true. You honestly have to experience this story of a crusty sea captain and a missionary teaming together to defeat German soldiers during World War I. Trust us when we tell you, the fact that this much action could be contained in a film only running 105 minutes is proof alone that The African Queen is a product of an era that truly understood the magic of the movies.

Zootopia

How in the world does Zootopia exist? Seriously, in a world of Minions, ice princesses, and Scrat, how does a detective story exploring racial profiling and the politics of fear exist in the realm of children's films? Quite possibly Disney's best film out of its modern offerings, Zootopia has plenty for kids to enjoy now, and just as much for them to enjoy when they decide to revisit the film years from now. Timeless storytelling comes not only from crafting memorable characters, but also making a story that can be told again and again and still be enjoyable. That is Zootopia in a nutshell.

Blazing Saddles

Arguably, the majority of Mel Brooks' canon should be on Netflix, for the rest of recorded time. There's just something about his love of Hollywood and unique brand of humor that make his films true classics. Unfortunately, we'll have to settle for only two of his best films being provided via Netflix, and as luck would have it, Blazing Saddles is one of them. The best way to describe the film is, part western parody, part racial dissection, all classic comedy. Of course, the best way to enjoy Blazing Saddles is to watch it for yourself, and prepare to be sore with laughter.

Young Frankenstein

Made it through Blazing Saddles and want a little more Mel Brooks magic in your life? Say hello to Young Frankenstein! Another loving parody of Brooks' classic film habit, it's a film that almost didn't happen for various reasons. The black-and-white presentation scared Columbia away from producing, and if Mel Brooks didn't recuse himself from starring in the film, Gene Wilder wouldn't star in it. Though the latter was a sign of love, as the reason Wilder didn't want Brooks in the film was because he made it hard to keep a straight face as a co-star. Consider Young Frankenstein the Mel to your Gene, and prepare to smile all throughout.

Inglourious Basterds

In the ongoing argument over which Quentin Tarantino film is the best, Inglourious Basterds is a title that constantly crops up in the debate. Honestly, it's hard to argue that his Nazi hunting epic isn't his best comedic work, as well as his best action work. But the actual story that ties both worlds together is what makes this his best damned film, full stop. The Tarantinoverse quite possibly hinges on this movie, and if that's the case, it's only a further testament to just how important the Basterds are to the world of film.

Patton

It's hard to think that George C. Scott wasn't actually General George S. Patton in disguise. Sure, the ages don't match up, but Scott's performance of the idealized version of the World War II hard ass is so damned heroic that you're practically saluting throughout the entire picture. Also, that Jerry Goldsmith score only kicks the patriotic thrills into high gear, as the main theme alone is oft referenced and repeated in times of pop culture combat. This one's pretty long though, so make it a weekend afternoon watch in order to really take it all in.

Disney has built a literal kingdom of recognizable and memorable characters that not only propel films to massive box office success but stay with you well into adulthood. While there are plenty of princesses and villains to single out, where would a Disney movie be without a classic sidekick? A great Disney sidekick often outshines the hero, and so, in honor of these awesome characters, we've taken on the task of ranking the top 10 Disney sidekicks!

Note: This list is pure blood Disney. You won't find any Pixar characters on this list (they likely warrant their own list). You also won't find any villain sidekicks (sorry Iago fans), who really fall into a category all their own.

Taking into account categories like humor (sidekicks are often comic relief), personality, song, and lasting impact, this list was constructed from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs all the way to Moana. Whether you agree or disagree with our picks, let us know in the comments below!

10. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather

The three color-coded good fairies from Sleeping Beauty have more than earned their place in the top 10. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather are highlights of their debut film and have stuck around ever since. In a time when Disney was still trying to figure out lead female characters, the fairies completely outshine Aurora in the personality department, and steal the show with their playful bickering anytime Maleficent isn't around.

9. Lumière

Lumière debuted in Beauty and the Beast and in a movie jam-packed with memorable sidekicks, the talking candelabra stands above the rest. With his swagger and wit, Lumière was a key figure in setting the mood for Beast and Belle (candlelight makes everything more romantic). Lumière also sings "Be Our Guest," arguably the best song in the whole film. Admittedly, he works best when played against Cogsworth the clock, but Lumière's one of the only ones with a French accent in a movie set in France, so, points.

8. Jiminy Cricket

This one needs no introduction. First appearing in 1937's Pinocchio (the second Disney animated film ever) and voiced by Cliff Edwards, Jiminy Cricket has held a nearly constant presence in Disney Animation. The master of right and wrong, Jiminy is more the heart than the conscience of Disney, symbolizing morality for kids to follow. The only reason he isn't higher on this list is because his personality is a tad bland when compared to some of the more memorable sidekicks.

7. Olaf

Back when Frozen practically took over the world in 2013, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing Olaf. Now, a few years later, he's just as lovable. A scene-stealer in every way, Olaf is quite often hilarious, if a bit annoying at times, and as a magical snowman, he's one of the most creative Disney characters ever. His song "In Summer" is a delightful toe tapper full of character beats, even though it's completely eclipsed -- like everything in Frozen -- by "Let It Go."

6. Baloo

Nobody made licking an anthill look so good. The Jungle Book is almost structured in chapters, and just about everyone would rather skip right to the Baloo one. Voiced to lazy perfection by Phil Harris, the easy-going Baloo is the unquestionable highlight of The Jungle Book and his song, "The Bare Necessities," is one of the most iconic odes in the Disney library. While some sidekicks like to be worry warts, Baloo would rather chill out and dance, man, but he also steps up big time when he has to. Baloo even works in live-action, though having Bill Murray's voice certainly helps.

5. Sebastian

Arguably the first modern Disney sidekick of Disney's Modern Renaissance period, Sebastian has one of the biggest personalities of all Disney characters, in no small part due to his inexplicable Jamaican accent (provided by Samuel E. Wright). Either under the sea or on land, he goes above and beyond for Ariel in The Little Mermaid -- often times at his own peril -- and, if he could get one, he'd definitely have an ulcer. Sebastian is ultimately willing to do anything to protect Ariel, even brave a chef with crab-related bloodlust. Sebastian is also notable for having TWO amazing songs, "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."

4. Tinkerbell

You don't get put into the Disney opening logo for nothing. The source of the magic arch over the Disney Castle, Tinkerbell has been a mainstay ever since _Peter Pan _(1953), arguably eclipsing the title character of their shared movie. Though she's pretty petty and jealous in the actual film, it only speaks volumes that Tink has managed to flourish for so long, despite that negative attitude (an attitude that got rebooted in later years). Tinkerbell even has her own series of successful straight-to-DVD animated movies, one of the only sidekicks able to boast such an accomplishment.

3. The Seven Dwarfs

It doesn't get any more OG than these guys. The Seven Dwarfs are the original sidekicks, debuting in the very first Disney animated movie, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Humble coal miners, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey found Snow White sleeping in their cabin and instead of throwing her out, let her stay so she could cook and clean for them (it was the 1930s). The Seven Dwarfs are irrefutable icons and do more in Snow White's movie than she does. And don't even pretend like you've never bellowed "Heigh Ho" even once in your life!

2. Genie

The Genie is one of Disney's most hilarious and unforgettable creations, in large part due to Robin William's terrific performance. Who else could get away with impersonating Rodney Dangerfield and Peter Lorre (among many others) in a 1993 kids movie? Williams brought his signature manic non-stop energy to Genie, creating a unique character full of humor and heart. Genie is a full-fledged character at the center of Aladdin, and finally getting his wish to be free is the most emotional moment in the entire movie.

1. Timon and Pumbaa

It was impossible to separate these two. It can't be overstated how much Timon and Pumbaa took over The Lion King, one of Disney's best films. This is an iconic screen duo; the two of them steal every scene they're in; provide excellent comic relief; sing the best song in the entire movie ("Hakuna Matata"); all while making bugs look delicious. Their presence far extends beyond The Lion King, appearing in its direct-to-DVD sequel, their own animated series, and several other Disney-related materials. They even got their own prequel spin-off, The Lion King 1 ½, wherein they are present/responsible for some of the major events of The Lion King. Any sidekicks that become the all-consuming face of their franchise is worthy of the No. 1 spot and all of this makes Timon and Pumbaa the best Disney sidekicks.

Fairy tales. They are among the oldest stories that survive in our culture. They are some of the earliest stories that we hear, and the ones that we remember. Beginning in 1937 and running more or less to the present day, Walt Disney Animation began to turn many of these classic tales into feature films. Since then, multiple generations have grown up with these films, and for many audience members, Disney has made the definitive version of these ageless stories. At this point, the definition of the term "fairy tale" is essentially, "An animated movie made by the Walt Disney Company."

Now that Disney has turned every story ever written into an animated feature, they've now begun to remake each of them as a live action film, as well. However, most of these stories are so old that they're in the public domain, and Disney isn't the only studio that noticed how much money fairy tale movies can make. This means that not only are there more fairy tale films in development than you can count, in several cases, there are multiple studios working on the same property. How can you keep it all straight? Here's every single fairy tale movie we could track down (that we're not sure isn't dead). Clear your calendars!

Jungle Book

Didn't we just see The Jungle Book? Oh right, this is a different one. Previously Jungle Book: Origins, the film has apparently been retitled as simply Jungle Book. While Disney's version used simple computer animation, Origins will be using full motion capture to try to bring a new level of life and expression to the characters. To that end, Warner Bros. hired a motion capture expert, Andy Serkis, to direct the film as well as play the role of Baloo the bear. Waiting more than two years after Disney's try will hopefully be enough time for people to want to see this story again.

Release Date: October 18, 2018

Mulan

Mulan has become one of Disney's most popular princesses, mostly for being a heroine who breaks the mold for Disney. She's not driven by love, and she doesn't need a prince to save her. She does the saving. It's no wonder that Disney would look to the story for one its remakes. Fun fact: Ming-Na Wen, Agent Melinda May from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., was the voice of the original character. Any reason she couldn't play the remake in the live-action version? She already kicks butt. Hey Disney, I just did the heavy lifting for you. We recently learned that Mulan will not be a musical but that's about all we know about the film that's currently set to debut in 2018.

Release Date: November 2, 2018

Cruella

Disney struck gold with a movie from the villain's perspective with Maleficient, so they'll be going back to the well with the similarly themed, and titled, Cruella. As Disney had already done a pair of 101 Dalmatians live action films several years ago, with Glenn Close as the fashionista evil-doer, the new version has cast Emma Stone in the role, and will instead focus on the character's early days, and what made her the character we know and love...to hate. Glenn Close is acting as a producer of the new film which is being written by Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks) and Jez Butterworth (Black Mass). Most recently it has seemed that Mozart in the Jungle's Alex Timbers has been in talks to direct, and if that happens this one could go into full production later in 2017

Dumbo

Dumbo may be one of the strangest choices to transform into a live-action feature film, if only because it's barely an animated feature film. At just over an hour in length, it's difficult to even justify the "feature" moniker. However, with Tim Burton planning to direct the film, we have to say, he never let the source material get in the way of making a beautiful, and epic, story. Most recently Dumbo has been in the news because casting is currently underway. Danny Devito and Tom Hanks are reportedly in talks for roles. Will Smith was also up for the lead, though it appears those discussions have ended without a deal.

Aladdin

Guy Ritchie is going to direct a Disney musical. This is a thing that is going to happen. While the story of a street urchin who makes it big may be very much the sort of thin we expect from Guy Ritchie, a Disney movie is not. Still, that's exactly what we're getting. The film is having an open audition for the leads so we expect we may very well see unknown actors make their big screen debut. It appears the plan is for Aladdin to follow in the footsteps of Beauty and the Bast and be a full musical. This one is starting out as wild as Tim Burton's Dumbo but we're ok with that.

The Lion King

While the announcement that Jon Favreau has been brought on board to do a live-action (read: realistically animated, not using actual lions) version of The Lion King is some of the most recent news on this list, the fact that the project is being fast-tracked means that we might actually see it long before many of the earlier films on this list. One gets the distinct impression that maybe The Jungle Book was really just an expensive proof of concept that was devised in order to discover if a remake of Disney's biggest animated film ever was, in fact, possible. It appears the experiment was a success. The Lion King is currently slated to film prior to Favreau's Jungle Book sequel and has already cast Donald Glover as the voice of Simba and has announced that James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa from the animated film, because who else would you get to replace him?

Maleficent 2

Maleficent wasn't necessarily the best movie, but it was a wholly remarkable one that included Angelina Jolie doing some of the best scenery chewing that we've seen in a long time. It also made a lot of money, which meant a sequel was very likely. Since the Sleeping Beauty story is over we have no idea where this one is going to go, but since the original purported to tell us the true story of the famous fairy, we're sure there's more we don't know. Recently it has been reported that Angelina Jolie is considering Maleficent 2 as her next project, so if that happens expect this one to start moving forward much more quickly.

Christopher Robin

It's been a while since Disney first announced their plans to use Winnie the Pooh as the source for one of these many live-action remakes. While most of Disney's plans for these movies involve either prequels or direct remakes, Winnie the Pooh appears to be different because it's being set up as a sequel, where an adult Christopher Robin goes in search of his old friends. This has now been reflected in the fact that the film will actually be called Christopher Robin. Most recently, World War Z director Marc Foster was reported to be the director of the project so this one appears to be moving ahead. We're guessing this one will end up looking very similar to The Jungle Book when all is said and done.

The Little Mermaid

While Universal may have been the first to the Little Mermaid story (more on that later), their stumble regarding the casting may be the perfect opportunity for Disney. Not only have they recently announced their own live-action version of the Hans Christian Anderson story, or more accurately, the Disney version of it, but it will include the biggest musical talent of the moment, Lin-Manuel Miranda, along with the composer of the original animated film, Alan Menken. It would seem that they're planning to go the Beauty and the Beast route and make this one a full musical production. Here's hoping Miranda can cast himself as Sebastian the crab. That needs to happen.

Prince Charming

While the Prince Charming movie is being produced by Disney, this one is looking to be somewhat less of a "Disney movie." The studio didn't commission the script, but rather, purchased it on spec. It's said to be a revisionist take on the idea of Prince Charming, and not really a story about any specific character. The name Prince Charming has been given to the characters of several stories, including Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. We're imagining a character, not unlike the one in Bill Willingham's Fables comic. This sounds interesting.

The Sword in the Stone

We haven't heard a great deal about the live action The Sword in the Stone since it was announced about a year ago. What we do know is that Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman is involved. There's certainly an implication there that Disney's live-action The Sword in the Stone may have more in common with Excalibur than it does the Disney original. That's probably for the best with a modern audience. As long we get a special effects blockbuster wizard's duel, we're ok with that.

Tink

Reese Witherspoon has reportedly been tapped by Disney to play the lead role in Tink, a live action film that will focus on Peter Pan's possibly more famous sidekick. The screenplay is being handled by Victoria Strouse, who had the task of writing the script for Pixar's Finding Dory. The film is set to play with the timeline of the well known Peter Pan story, so this film could be a prequel, a sequel, or something in between. It's been over a year since this one was announced so we're not sure what's up with it. Still, it doesn't appear to be dead.

Tinkerbell

Not to be outdone, there's a second Tinkerbell movie planned, which is very much not the Disney story. Melissa McCarthy is attached to make a Tinkerbell movie for Fox. It's not clear exactly what kind of film this is. Nicholas Stoller, who is working on the script, has written everything from Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising to Muppets Most Wanted, so it's anybody's guess whether this will be a family-friendly fairy tale, or one only for adults. McCarthy is generally box office gold, so we'd expect this one to arrive on screen sooner rather than later.

Pinocchio

Another long-in-development project that has seen new life recently is Robert Downey Jr.'s plan to play Geppetto in a live-action version of Pinocchio. While the man inside the Iron Man suit obviously has a strong relationship with Disney, the studio that's been handling this project is actually Warner Bros. Both Ben Stiller and Paul Thomas Anderson had been attached to direct the film previously. After Anderson dropped out, Ron Howard signed on to direct. Still, it's been over a year since that happened and we haven't heard anything since. This one can't seem to stay down for long, so we're guessing it will begin to move forward sooner rather than later.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid was the movie that launched Disney's renaissance in 1989, so it's surprising that the first studio to the line with a live-action film version of the story was actually Universal. Sofia Coppola left the director's chair, but the studio looks to have a replacement on the hook, which wouldn't have slowed things down if that was the only issue. Kick-Ass and 5th Wave actress Chloe Grace Moretz was attached to star in the lead role, however, it appears that she recently pulled out herself, so the future of this one is unknown. The Universal take looks to be a significantly darker version than the well-known Disney film, which is fitting, considering the Hans Christian Anderson tale is absolutely black.

Night on Bald Mountain

Of all the source material that Disney will be mining to make live-action movies, this one might be the most unusual. Disney's Fantasia contained animated shorts combined with classical music. One of the most memorable was the animation that accompanied Modest Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain." Now Disney plans to turn the winged demon from that short into its own feature-length film. Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless who co-wrote the scripts for Dracula Untold and The Last Witch Hunter together are working on the script. This one could be interesting if we ever see it.

Pinocchio

Robert Downey Jr. isn't the only one working on a Pinocchio movie. The tale of the wooden boy who wants to be a real one was Disney's second animated feature, and the Oscar-winning "When You Wish Upon a Star" has become the unofficial theme song for the entire company. Needless to say, this one is important to the studio. While we haven't heard anything about this film in over a year, as far as we know, Peter Hedges is still working on the screenplay. We don't expect the mouse house will giving up on this one until it's done.

Genies

Around the same time that Disney announced Winnie the Pooh, Pinocchio, and just about everything else on this list, they also announced Genies. Originally, Genies was set to be a live-action prequel that would eventually lead into a live-action version of Disney's classic Aladdin. Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, who wrote the screenplay for Freddy vs. Jason among others, were handling script duties on this one, which was supposed tell the story of how the Genie became trapped in the lamp to begin with. With the announcement that a live-action Aladdin is coming to the screen ahead of this, it's possible this project is being shelved, though no official announcement has been made. They could still follow Aladdin with a prequel if they were so inclined.

Rose Red

One fairy tale character who has been overlooked in recent generations, in large part because of Disney's version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is Rose Red. Many fairy tale fans may not be aware that Snow White even has a sister. Disney looks to be taking steps to rectify this oversight, with a movie based on the character, which is being set up as a sort of live-action companion to the animated original. The story will follow Rose Red as she attempts to wake her sister from the curse of the poison apple. It's an intriguing idea, which has a lot of promise. Now it needs some talent to get involved.

The Jungle Book 2

Just about as soon as The Jungle Book hit theaters Disney signed Jon Favreau to direct a sequel. The first film became one of the highest-grossing films of 2016. There's no wonder that Disney would want to lock in a sequel as soon as possible. There were three total books written by Rudyard Kipling, as well as a fairly terrible sequel to Disney's original animated film, so there certainly exists plenty of material on which to build a sequel. The announcement that Favreau is working on The Lion King first means it will be a while before this one sees the light of day, but with nearly a billion dollar box office take, we can be fairly certain that it will happen eventually.

Mulan

As stated at the beginning, most of these stories are public domain, meaning it doesn't cost any studio a penny to get the rights to any story. Thus, alongside Disney's plans to make a live-action Mulan, Sony has now announced that they will do the same. While the Disney film will certainly be a live-action version of the Disney animated film, Sony is planning a movie that follows closer to the original Chinese legend. In addition, the plan is for the film to shoot in China and use a mostly Chinese cast.

Peter Pan

Peter Pan has seen plenty of live-action adaptations already. From Steven Spielberg's adult Pan in Hook to the recent trainwreck in film form that was Pan. There will be at least one more in between now and the heat death of the universe. Disney has decided that if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself. They'll be producing their own live-action Peter Pan from the same team that brought us the recent Pete's Dragon. Maybe the Disney pixie dust will make this one the hit that the others have only tried to be.

Snow White

Finally, we'll end this massive list where Disney began. In additon to making a film about Snow White's lesser known sister, the Mouse House is also planning a live-action musical based around the company's inaugural feature-length animated film. New music will be written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who were involved in the production of La La Land so it's clear that Disney is looking to make this movie as big as Beauty and the Beast. Erin Cressida Wilson who wrote the script for The Girl on the Train is handling the screenplay. Whether this film will be related to the Rose Red idea is anybody's guess at this point.

Disney songs are some of the most popular in the history of film. There are countless tunes that you still remember the words to today. However, over the decades, Disney has also produced some fairly unusual songs. There are so many Disney songs that we grew up with that we'll never forget, but there are also quite a few of songs that you have likely forgotten, or possibly even mentally blocked out.

These aren't necessarily bad songs. Some of them are quite good, while others are just strange. Still, they all qualify as songs you've likely forgotten exist, which is sad, because there's absolutely something memorable about each of them.

'Wreck-It, Wreck-It Ralph' - Wreck-It Ralph

It's not surprising if you missed this tune as it plays over the closing credits of Wreck-It Ralph after the Owl City tune "When Can I see You Again?" which will one day go on a separate list of Disney Songs I've Had Stuck In My Head For At Least Five Years. "Wreck-It, Wreck-It Ralph" is a song about the "classic" arcade game of the film. What makes this game special though is that's performed by Buckner & Garcia, the same duo responsible for another video game based hit song, 1982's "Pac-Man Fever." The song does everything to convince you it was actually recorded 30 years ago.

'The Siamese Cat Song' - Lady And The Tramp

This one is just...awkward. Lady and the Tramp just isn't one of the Disney films that has remained a popular and well-loved classic over the years, beyond the pasta scene, anyway. The Siamese Cat song consists of two cats singing with terrible Asian accents, who are also trying to end the life of a pet fish for their lunch before moving on to steal a baby's milk. This one has not aged well, and may be part of the reason Disney doesn't talk about this movie much anymore. Everybody, just remember the dog with a meatball on his nose and move on, ok?

'The World's Greatest Criminal Mind' - The Great Mouse Detective

Vincent Price once sang a Disney song. I could really leave this entry right there and the point would be made. There's more to it, however, because the song is actually pretty good. You can hear Price's pure joy at performing this song in ever line. It's a gloriously fun tune from a seriously underrated Disney movie. If you have never seen The Great Mouse Detective, go do so. You'll enjoy Vincent Price's performance as villain Ratigan if nothing else. It's a shame they weren't able to get Price to voice a character in a bigger movie, he could have been one of the all-time greats.

'One Last Hope' - Hercules

Danny DeVito once sang a Disney song. That is a thing that happened. However, while the random Vincent Price tune mentioned a minute ago is actually an entertaining song, "One Last Hope" from Hercules is...not. It's just not. It's maybe not DeVito's fault, the song doesn't do him any favors. It's probably not his key, assuming he has one, but while Disney can do a pretty good job of making mediocre voices sound good, that doesn't happen here. Hercules is pretty much a disaster of a movie from start to finish and while it has some good points worthy of praise, this song is not one of them.

'I Thought I Lost You' - Bolt

Like Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt is not a musical, and as such, the only song is over the closing credits, but you can count on Disney to close off any movie with a catchy pop tune. On its surface, there's nothing that strange about "I Thought I Lost You" at first glance It's your standard Disney pop. What makes this one worthy of the list is the oddness of the duet, Miley Cyrus and John Travolta. Granted this is 2008 Miley Cyrus, so we haven't quite reached swinging naked on a wrecking ball level Miley, but the fact that Disney was able to get the star of Grease to sing with their (then) pop princess is a fascinating thing to behold.

'Trust In Me' - The Jungle Book

It's possible that you haven't forgotten this one entirely, as it was played over the closing credits of the live-action remake of The Jungle Book by Scarlett Johansson. One of the interesting things that they did in that film was change the gender of the snake Kaa from male to female. This song was probably the reason they did that. "Trust in Me" is a song of seduction. There's really no way to not look at the song that way. Even when it's being sung by an animated snake to a hypnotized boy, there's an element of straight-up creepiness in this one.

'I Saw A Dragon' - Pete's Dragon

The 70s were weird. When Disney decided to remake Pete's Dragon they decided to not do it as a musical and that was probably for the best. However, it meant that we were all robbed of what we're sure would have a brilliant musical number consisting of Karl Urban singing about seeing a dragon while appearing three sheets to the wind. Mickey Rooney, who plays the town drunk in the original, tries to convince a bar full of townspeople of the monster he saw. It's absolutely bonkers but I'd by lying if I said it wasn't also fun.

'Once Upon A Time In New York City' - Oliver & Company

If we're being honest, the entire soundtrack to Oliver & Company could go on this list. Modern Disney musicals have always an element of pop music to them, but Oliver & Company is more specifically a rock musical. If you remember this movie's music at all it's probably because Billy Joel voices one of the characters and provides a song. However, here we're spotlighting the film's opening song. "Once Upon A Time In New York City" is sung by Huey Lewis and if that's not enough to make this one odd, the lyrics were written by Howard Ashman. Yes, the same guy who won Oscars for music from The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast got his start at Disney writing for a Disney rock musical based on Oliver Twist.

'You Might Think' - Cars 2

You can't separate music and driving, which may the reason that the Cars movies have some of the best soundtracks among all of Pixar's productions. While Cars 2 is one of the studio's rare misses when it comes to movies, the music is still top notch. Since you don't remember the movie you probably don't remember that the film included a cover of The Cars "You Might Think" that was done by who might be literally the best band ever chosen for such a task, Weezer. They're so perfect that you might not have realized you were listening to a cover.

There are certain aspects of the filmmaking process that we want to be able to identify while watching a movie, such as great writing or a solid performance. Visual effects need to be more subtle than that. When we see a fantastic battle or a magical creature, we want to give ourselves over to the fantasy and let the movie sweep us away; we do not want to look for cracks in the animation or try to figure out how a filmmaker pulled off an effect. No movie that hit theaters in 2016 epitomized that idea more than Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book, and that's why it deserves to walk away with the Best Visual Effects Oscar when the Academy Awards ceremony airs on Sunday night.

I'm going to lay this out in the simplest way possible: I had no idea that The Jungle Book was primarily filmed on a blue screen stage until long after seeing the movie, and I have a feeling that plenty of you felt the same way. Almost everything -- from the grass to the animals to the ruins that Mowgli wanders through -- was completely fabricated by the crew using advanced digital effects. The film's crew literally created an entire world around Neel Sethi that he never even saw during the filming process, and ultimately convinced us that it was a living, breathing jungle. That's the epitome of perfect visual effects work in action.

Need more proof? Check out this behind the scenes video from The Jungle Book set to see just how much of the movie was created using cutting-edge CGI techniques.

It is worth mentioning that there's also precedent for this school of thought to guide The Jungle Book to victory at this year's Oscar ceremony. When selecting a movie that's worthy of the highly-coveted award, there are two considerations that Academy voters must take into account. First, there is "consideration of the contribution the visual effects make to the overall production." Secondly, there they must think about "the artistry, skill and fidelity" involved. When compared to the rest of the competition, I do not know how any other film can win. The Jungle Book is one long visual effect that manages to completely convince the audiences that it is a purely organic world for its entire runtime. It pushes the whole field of Visual Effects work forward in entirely unprecedented ways, and its contribution to the creation of cinematic landscapes is going to be felt for years to come.

The Jungle Book will undoubtedly face some seriously stiff competition this year in the Best Visual Effects category. Movies like Rogue One and Doctor Strange were visual delights, and Kubo and the Two Strings proved to be a masterclass in stop-motion animation -- although in that regard, I would argue that Kubo is more deserving of Best Animated Feature instead of Best Visual Effects. However, The Jungle Book is the nominated film that comes the closest to seamlessly blending reality with fiction. As much as I enjoyed the Tarkin CGI resurrection in Rogue One and the mind-bending magical effects in Doctor Strange, there was never a doubt in my mind as to which effects occurred in-camera and which effects occurred in a computer. The Jungle Book arguably comes closer than any other movie in the history of film to completely eliminating the "uncanny valley," and that is something that deserves recognition. Not even the mighty Star Wars franchise could pull that off.

What do you think? Does The Jungle Book deserve the Best Visual Effects Oscar, or does that honor belong to another film? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Disney has had a stupendous past 12 months. Just one look at the box office top five proves that, as the studio rested comfortably in four of these spots. But that doesn't really underline Disney's supremacy. Because when we say goodbye to 2016 in just a few days time, the final numbers will reveal that it has been a record breaking year at the box office, with receipts totaling $11.3 billion. Disney will account for over half of this amount.

What's even more staggering about Disney's success is that's before we take into consideration Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which is already well on course to rival Captain America: Civil War at the top of the 2016 box office chart. Disney's most successful films over the last year have been Civil War with $1,153.3 billion, Finding Dory with $1,027.8 billion, Zootopia with $1,023.8 billion, and The Jungle Book with $966 million. Rogue One is already at $687.9 million after just 11 days of release, too.

Speaking to Vanity Fair about the past year at the box office, Dave Hollis, who is Disney's executive vice president of theatrical exhibition, sales and distribution, opened up about why the studio has found such success. Hollis believes that audiences flock to see Disney's movies because they don't want to miss out, as he added:

When Alan Horn was appointed as the studio head of Disney back in 2012, it's believed that he made sure to ask of every Disney, Marvel Studios, Pixar and Lucasfilm release whether audiences needed to see the movie now and whether they needed to see it in the theater. Clearly that strategy has worked quite a treat, as the Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic universes have never been in better shapes, while Disney's live-action retellings of their classic animated efforts have chimed with audiences, and their new animated films are even beginning to rival those from Pixar.

Plus it also helps that Rogue One, Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, Finding Dory and The Jungle Book have each been hugely enjoyable and well-crafted movies. These films have not just made audiences rush to go and see them in theaters, when it's now become much easier to just wait until they're released online, but the fact that they're very good films means they've benefitted from word-of-mouth buzz and chatter, too. And with Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Star Wars: Episode 8 and Beauty And The Beast being released in 2017, it's a success that's all set to continue.

There has been an awful lot of villainy in 2016, with every week seemingly bringing a new reason to feel a tiny bit depressed. But while that's hard to stomach in the real world, some people are actually paid to act downright atrocious for our enjoyment, and plenty did it splendidly on screen over the last 12 months.

We've seen evil animals; some of the best actors on God's green Earth being given the chance to strut their stuff as scoundrels; and the return of one of the most iconic screen villains in cinematic history. So all in all it has been a pretty good year for the baddies. To celebrate, here are the 10 best movie villains of 2016, ranked.

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains some major spoilers for a variety of films that were released in 2016. We're not happy about it either, but unfortunately it's kind of built into the nature of the list. If you get to a movie you haven't seen, please just skip to the next one!

10) Darth Vader (Rogue One)

Even if you had a problem with Darth Vader's brief dalliance with comedy in his first scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the finale saw him right back to his destructive best. In fact, Darth Vader boarding the Rebel command ship and working his way through a dozen soldiers with poetic precision was right up there with the most heinously swashbuckling antics we've ever seen from him. And it was utterly glorious. Even Darth Vader's first appearance in Rogue One was the perfect reminder that he is in constant agony, and if he'd been in more scenes then he'd almost certainly rank higher on this list.

9) Kichijiro (Silence)

To call Kichijiro a full-on villain might be a little harsh. However, it's undeniable that he gets Andrew Garfield's Sebastiao Rodrigues and Adam Driver's Francisco Garrpe into increasingly perilous predicaments because of his treacherous antics (which also previously led to his entire family being burned to death). Kichijiro repeatedly pops up in Martin Scorsese's meditative period drama, seeking guidance and offering his help, only to immediately prove unreliable. But, despite giving up the two priests to Tokugawa shogunate and repeatedly renouncing his religion, Yosuke Kubozuka is still able to imbue Kichijiiro with a vulnerability that means you can't hate him.... even though you feel like you should.

8) Thora Thacker (Hail, Caesar!)

While Tilda Swinton plays both Thessaly and Thora Thacker, the feuding identical twin sister gossip columnists in Hail, Caesar! it was her work as the latter that was the most villainous. Keen to get a scoop, Thora tells Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) that she's going to publish a story revealing that Baird Whitlock (George Clooney) had sex with Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes) in order to get his first big break. Unfortunately for Thora, Eddie has figured out that her source is actually Burt Gurney (Channing Tatum), who is a part of the Communist party and defected to Russia. If she uses him then Eddie could instantly tarnish her career, all of which immediately wipes the smug and fiendish smile off Thora's face... which even in just a handful of scenes Tilda Swinton was able to make stupendously annoying.

7) The Shark (The Shallows)

OK, I'll admit that the shark in The Shallows is overly vindictive and develops a borderline fetish for Blake Lively's Nancy Adams . Not only does it leap through the air like Michael Jordan to decimate a surfer, and scare the hell out of her, but you can practically hear its maniacal laugh as it stalks Nancy for most of the film's running time. That's exactly what makes it all the more satisfying when Nancy is able to overcome the shark, though, who impales itself on some particularly sharp metal bars that are sticking out of a buoy's anchor. If it had killed the seagull, then the shark probably would have to be number one on this year's villain list, but we're still giving it a lot of respect with the seven slot.

6) Ruby (The Neon Demon)

You don't really see Ruby (Jena Malone) turning into a villain in The Neon Demon. At first she appears to be the confidante that 16-year-old model Jesse (Elle Fanning) desperately depends on after just moving to Los Angeles. But what you really don't see coming is Ruby murdering Jesse. And what you really, really, really don't foresee is Ruby bathing in a bath full of Jesse's blood and seemingly eating at least a small section of her as part of her occult antics. And that's before we even get to her pleasuring herself with a corpse. It's the sort of stuff that you can never unsee, and while it's thought provoking and captivating it's mostly disturbing.

5) Douche (Sausage Party)

Nick Kroll was perfectly cast as Sausage Party's Douche, whose entire raison d'etre for being is destroyed when his nozzle is bent and he immediately becomes useless. Douche sets out to get revenge on both Frank (Seth Rogen) and Brenda (Kristen Wiig), who he blames for the incident, juicing up to become even bigger, stronger, and more violent. All of this gives Nick Kroll the freedom to go gloriously over the top and act, like, well, a douche. This is especially when it comes to his hoard of puns right at the climax of the film, and the way that he uses Ratatouille as an inspiration to control Darren (Paul Rudd)... just from a very, very different angle.

4) Assistant Mayor Bellwether (Zootopia)

It still breaks my heart that Assistant Mayor Bellwether was the mastermind behind the evil plot in Zootopia - mostly because Jenny Slate is amazing, and Bellwether's diminutive size and adorable voice just make you want to hug and pet the woolly headed creature for eternity. But that's exactly how she was able to get away with her dastardly plan, and what inspired it, too. Being under-appreciated and under-estimated leads Bellwether to frame her boss, Mayor Lionheart (JK Simmons), and convince Zootopia that the 10% of the population that are predators need to ostracized. Despite all that she still has the best movie hair of 2016, though.

3) Shere Khan (The Jungle Book)

Thanks to a combination of stunning visual effects, sound design (especially when it came to that deafening roar), and Idris Elba's imposing voice, The Jungle Book's Shere Khan was immediately menacing and terrifying when he first popped on screen in Jon Favreau's film. In fact, whenever he swaggered and sauntered into view you immediately knew that something bad was about to go down. Just look at what happened to poor Akela. Having overcome Baloo (Bill Murray), Bagheera (Ben Kingsley), and the pack of wolves led by Raksha (Lupita Nyong'o), Shere Khan finally looked set to kill Mowgli in The Jungle Book's finale. But clearly Shere Khan hasn't seen Batman Begins, because he doesn't check that he has sure footing, leading to his well-deserved fiery death.

2) Darcy (Green Room)

The most terrifying thing about the skinhead leader Darcy in Green Room is just how casual and putout he is by the entire incident that goes down in the film. Darcy feigns negotiations with the punk band Ain't Rights, who are trapped in the secluded Green Room that's surrounded by neo-Nazis, but really he has no problem having his goons kill them off one by one. It doesn't affect Darcy in the slightest. Since Darcy is portrayed so effortlessly by Patrick Stewart you know he could ratchet up the intensity and furor if he needed to, but he doesn't. Instead Darcy maintains a calm and calculated menace that you just can't take your eyes off of, and, as a result, you end up even more terrified and unsettled. It's this amazing performance and characterization that ranks him as our second favorite villain of 2016.

1) Howard (10 Cloverfield Lane)

What's more terrifying than a villain who actually thinks he's doing good? It turns out the answer to that question is found trapped in a cellar with John Goodman. In 10 Cloverfield Lane,Howard has purely positive intentions. He even rammed Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) off the road to save her life in the bunker. Allegedly. But it soon becomes clear that Howard isn't quite all he said he was, and after evidence arises that he abducted and murdered a girl years ago, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.) and Michelle are caught trying to escape. Emmett's decision to take the blame results in a bullet to the head and him in a tub of perchloric acid. But despite his actions, the fact that Howard is so adamant that he's in the right - to such an extent that he becomes basically the dictator in their post-apocalyptic bunker - means he percolates from gentle giant to volatile beast (both of which Goodman is adept at performing). For a long time in 10 Cloverfield Lane you're not sure if he's a fully blown nut job conspiracy theorist or clairvoyant preparer, and its this mystery that keeps the sci-fi thriller on edge and afloat. It's also why, if there was any justice in the movie world, John Goodman would be a sure-fire Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee for the performance. Especially since it would, somehow, be his first.

Disney may not control the world (yet), but the studio continues to be a powerhouse in Hollywood. The House of Mouse provide a lot of offerings in 2016, from animated tales like Finding Dory to action blockbusters like Captain America: Civil War. Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that many of these movies were critically and commercially well received this year, and it paid off for them big time, as Walt Disney Studios has become the first studio to cross $7 billion globally in a year.

The company announced their record-breaking achievement today, noting that it was Rogue One: A Star Wars Story's global debut that pushed them over the edge, bringing in over $290 million over it first five days of release globally. Along with the previously mentioned movies, Zootopia, The Jungle Book, Doctor Strange, Moana and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (which was released in December 2015) were crucial to the studio hitting this impressive blockbuster milestone. The press release went on to note that Disney holds five of the top 10 films of the year globally, domestically and internationally. Thanks to their successful 2016, they also now hold five of the top six domestic openings in industry history (four of those being MCU movies), as well as holding four of the top five animated films of all time. Pixar and Marvel Studios also both crossed over $10 billion in "combined lifetimes grosses" for their movies.

While 2016 hasn't been a great year when it came to quality blockbusters, Walt Disney Studios largely managed to soar above all that. Okay, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Alice Through the Looking Glass, which both underperformed commercially and earned a lot of negative reviews. The BFG's box office draw also wasn't as high as expected, though it did earn positive reviews. Still, the positive far outweighed the negatives as far as this studio is concerned. Other Disney movies that came out in 2016 included Pete's Dragon and Queen of Katwe, both of which did well for themselves critically.

You'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't like at least one of the Disney movies that came out this year, whether it was watching a new version of Mowgli's journey through the jungle or witnessing former surgeon Stephen Strange becoming a powerful conjurer of the mystic arts. Looking ahead, it looks like 2017 could be another excellent year for them, as their heavy hitters include Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Cars 3, Thor: Ragnarok and Star Wars: Episode VIII, among others. Rest assured, if the studio breaks past $8 billion in 2017, we'll be sure to let you know around this time next year.

If you're looking to add some Disney flair to your moviegoing experience this holiday season, Doctor Strange, Moana and Rogue One are still playing in theaters.

We have the list of movies and TV shows set to become available streaming on Netflix for the month of October. Check it out to see what's going to be available. Please note that dates and titles are subject to change...

Not a whole lot happening on the movie front in November. Netflix added some interesting titles in October, but it looks like we'll have to make do with that for at least the next month. There are a few randoms from the early aughts, including Alfie and Just Friends. We also get a few Stephen King morsels (Cujo, Thinner). And not to be left out, there's the award-winning Richard Linklater film, Boyhood.

Things aren't looking so bad if you've got little ones looking for new stuff to stream. There's a collection of Thomas & Friends movies on the way early in November, and later in the month, we have Paddington and the new Jungle Book to look forward to.

And on the original content side, Netflix has the new season of Danger Mouse, series debuts of Tales by Light, Case and Estocolmo, and it looks like Dana Carvey is back with a new comedy special. And certainly not least among the originals is the return of Gilmore Girls, which arrives at Netflix on November 25.

See the list of what became available to stream on Netflix in October here.

With The Girl On The Train being released into theaters this weekend, and with Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Inferno to come, libraries are probably having a hard time keeping those books on the shelves. The big reason is that folks want to be able to say whether the book or the movie was better, as well as to find out whether they'll want to see the movie in the first place. Considering how many book to film adaptations there are out there, that's a lot of reading if you don't do it right.

Thankfully, we've got a handy rundown of the most important book to film adaptations that are coming in the next couple of years. In addition to our quick summaries for the book/movie combos you're about to research, we're also including links to both our Preview pages for each film, as well as an Amazon link to purchase these books for your own perusal. Bibliophiles rejoice, as we're about to conjure up that new book smell and run through a laundry list of books you should get your hands on between now and 2018.

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Written by Ben Fountain, 2012 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 11/11/16 - Get more info here.

Ang Lee's follow-up to his previous literary adaptations, Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk follows the story of the titular war vet, and his reflections on everything surrounding an act of heroism that has sent him home on a "victory tour" celebrating his platoon's actions. While the trailer is selling a wistful film that's heavy with emotion, Ben Fountain's original novel contains more of a satirical and darkly comedic edge mixed in with a heavy punch.

Stories Of Your Life And Others (Arrival)

Written by Ted Chiang, 2002 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 11/11/16 - Get more info here.

While Stories Of Your Life And Others is a short story collection, Story Of Your Life is the party of the Ted Chaing book you should pay extra attention to. This is the basis for Denis Villeneuve's Arrival, a film about an extraterrestrial species coming to Earth, and as such, this should be an easy read to knock off of the list. That being said, don't be surprised if you find yourself reading through some of the other titles included in Chiang's work.

A Monster Calls

Written by Patrick Ness, from an original idea by Siobhan Dowd, 2011 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 12/23/16 - Get more info here.

A Monster Calls was created from a concept by children's author Siobhan Dowd, who sadly passed away after a fight with breast cancer - a battle that undoubtedly inspired the book's story of a young boy coming to terms with his mother's diagnosis. A novel with rich illustrations, A Monster Calls is a good warm-up for your tear ducts, as it will prepare you for the journey ahead in director J.A. Bayona's adaptation of the same name.

Live By Night

Written by Dennis Lehane, 2012 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 12/25/16 (limited) / 01/13/17 (Wide) - Get more info here.

Things are going to get a bit tricky here. Dennis Lehane's Live By Night is actually the middle installment of a series of books that the author has centered around the fictitious Coughlan family. The Given Day is the book you'll want to start with for a complete picture, as Ben Affleck's character in the Live By Night movie, Joe, is introduced as a child in this installment, with his more mature countenance going on to lead the stories of Live By Night and World Gone By. But if you just want to get the barebones framework for the film, and work your way through the rest in your own time, Lehane's Live By Night is the tome to go with.

Fifty Shades Darker

Written by E.L. James, 2012 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 02/10/17 - Get more info here.

Fifty Shades of Grey took the world by storm when it was published a few years ago, while also inspiring an equally successful film adaptation. But with the medium of film limiting the extent of the raw sexual content that James' steamy series has been known for, some moments are eventually going to be lost in translation. Needless to say, if you want your romance unfiltered, you're going to have to pick up a copy of the book version of Fifty Shades Darker and take it for a spin before you get ready to check out the big screen version set to be released in early 2017.

The Dark Tower Series

Written by Stephen King, 1982 - 2012 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 02/17/17 - Get more info here.

There are two Stephen King films on this list - and both are going to be tricky for readers interested in catching up with the source material before the new film. They both have some quirks to how they're being adapted. In the case of The Dark Tower, it's been heavily implied that the film series will be a follow up to the original seven book series that King wrote. On top of this information, there's an eighth book, The Wind Through The Keyhole, that takes place between fourth and fifth books in that original series. So it's hard to nail down one specific book to read in preparation for the movie, but seeing as The Gunslinger is the first, and shortest, entry in the series, we'll say you should start there. That being said, if you're have time and you're up for the task, maybe just read the whole series.

It

Written by Stephen King, 1986 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 09/08/17 - Get more info here.

And now we arrive at the second major Stephen King adaptation in the works. It, King's opus of childhood innocence gone by and the scourge of an evil clown terrorizing the adults he terrorized 30 years prior, is set to arrive in theaters early in Fall 2017. An earlier plan for the adaptation was to split the story into two movies, the first focusing on childhood versions of our protagonists, and the second film would detail the adult's battle with Pennywise the Clown's evil forces. However, plans for the adaptation have changed hands over its development, and it may only be one film now. The book is a 1,168 page epic, so block out a lot of time for this dark tale, but it's worth it.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (Blade Runner 2049)

Written by Philip K. Dick, 1968 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 10/06/17 - Get more info here.

If you're familiar with Ridley Scott's brilliant 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner, you're more than likely set for the release ofBlade Runner 2049, the sequel that will be coming out in 2017. However, if you want to dig a little deeper into the literary origins of Philip K. Dick's tale of synthetic organisms that are "more human than human," it's best go to back to the story where it all started: Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep. This is especially because we have no clue where this new film will take us in terms of the world of Replicants.

Red Sparrow

Written by Jason Matthews, 2013 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 11/10/17 - Get more info here.

This is one of the entries that most people may not be as familiar with, as the Red Sparrow Trilogy has been operating under the radar of Hollywood since 2013. The Red Sparrow novel was released in that same year, but it took until recently for the film industry to start building a plan to adapt the story of a Russian double agent and a CIA case officer she's assigned to seduce and compromise. This first in a trio of books could be the next big thing in adult literary adaptations, as Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton have been cast as the first film's leads - so that's who you've got to look forward to steaming up the big screen next November.

Let It Snow

Written by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle, 2008 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 11/22/17 - Get more info here.

One town, under a huge snowstorm. A whole bunch of teenagers, trapped by said snowstorm. Three unique author's voices telling three different stories that interconnect into one big bunch of YA romantic comedy. That, in essence, is Let It Snow, which basically sounds like a teenaged version of Love, Actually, minus the sad gifting of a Joni Mitchell CD. All at once heartwarming and hysterical, John Green's name will be the big marquee grabber (having previously written both Paper Towns and The Fault In Our Stars), but Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle's stories are heavy hitters themselves, helping to create one big overall story of snowbound romance.

Murder On The Orient Express

Written by Agatha Christie, 1934 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 11/22/17 - Get more info here.

One of the most legendary murder mysteries of all time, Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie's entries into the canon of her most famous detective character, Hercule Poirot. As a passenger on board the Orient Express, Poirot will have to work his way through his fellow passengers and find out which one is behind the murder of an American businessman also on board the train. Also, as an added bonus, this is the second oldest entry on the list, so make it a point to read this one before watching what may be a modernized adaptation, set to be directed by Kenneth Branagh and feature an amazing cast that includes Daisy Ridley, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, and Michael Pena.

The Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Written by James Dashner, 2011 Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 01/12/18 - Get more info here.

Chances are that if you're going to see The Maze Runner: The Death Cure, you're probably already a fan of the series. Keeping this in mind, it's also very likely you've read the other two books, as it hasn't been long since the film versions of The Maze Runner and The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials hit theaters. So if you haven't read the last book, and want to do so before the finale of the post-apocalyptic YA trilogy is released in theaters, you should probably bone up on the final chapter while you still have time.

Fifty Shades Freed

Written by E.L. James, 2012 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 02/09/18 - Get more info here.

You're this far into the dark and dangerous adventures of Christian and Anastasia after both Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker. How you could get this far and not be curious as to how it all ends is a mystery to us. Every journey must come to an end, and if you leave yourself hanging after the second installment in this series then you may be a masochist... which means you should be reading Fifty Shades Freed anyway, as it's practically a fait accompli. Read about what happens to the two featured lovers on the page, and then go see the adventure play out on the big screen in early 2018.

Meg

Written by Steve Alten, 1997 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 03/02/17 - Get more info here.

You're not reading enough books about gigantic prehistoric sea creatures. There's no use denying it - as even the most die hard of you book lovers have probably skipped most of the creature features on the sci-fi shelf. But if the immense megalodon featured at the center of Meg is a tough enough beast to give Jason Statham and his team a run for their money, then surely it is worth some time on a lazy weekend, no? It sounds like a freaky story about a seriously deadly shark, and if you're excited for the blockbuster adaptation, there's no better way to get ready than by reading the book.

Ready Player One

Written by Ernest Cline, 2011 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 03/30/18 - Get more info here.

Ready Player One has to be one of the most hotly anticipated adaptations of a beloved piece of modern literature. With the treasure hunting sci-fi novel coming off as part Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and part The Matrix, there's bound to be some intricacies in the hunt that will get lost in adaptation, which is being directed by none other than the legendary Steven Spielberg. On that subject, reading the book will also be the only place to see the story with all of its Spielberg references in tact - as the filmmaker is removing them from his version of the story as not to distract the audience.

The Jungle Book

Written by Rudyard Kipling, 1894 - Read the Book!

Movie Release Date: 10/19/18 - Get more info here.

Yes, there was already an adaptation of The Jungle Book that was released into theaters this past spring courtesy of director Jon Favreau, but we're not confused. Warner Bros' The Jungle Book is heading to theaters in 2018, with the film representing a darker-toned adaptation of Rudyard Kiplings book, set to be the directorial debut of performance capture genius Andy Serkis. Between the original literary source and the new Disney adaptation, you'll have plenty to get you ready for the latest take on Mowgli's great adventures.

Jon Favreau proved, earlier this year, that cutting-edge technology allows filmmakers to breathe new life into animated classics when he brought The Jungle Book back to theaters. Many wondered if Favreau would rush into a Jungle Book sequel, seeing as how successful this first movie was. As it turns out, he has something different, and equally awesome, in mind.

Walt Disney Studios confirmed this morning that Jon Favreau will fast-track a live-action retelling of The Lion King, which will include songs from the original animated movie. No release date has been set for the film just yet, though knowing the intense and lengthy production schedule for The Jungle Book, we don't imagine that we will see it in theaters any time soon.

The Lion King, released back in 1994, banked a staggering $968 million dollars during its box office rune, making it on of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time... at that time. It even won an Oscar, for Elton John and Tim Rice's "Can you Feel the Love Tonight." (Naturally, Lion King has been surpassed by Frozen and a handful of recent Walt Disney animated movies since then, but it's still a smash.) Yet, The Lion King also has branched out into numerous other avenues of pop culture, including a very successful Broadway show that had award-winning music.

This is a new trend for Walt Disney. After The Jungle Book, the studio is prepping for a live-action interpretation of Beauty and the Beast, which co-stars Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as The Beast. Now we'll have a live-action Lion King to look forward to, and in the news break, Disney confirms that they are moving ahead with negotiations for The Jungle Book 2, also with Jon Favreau.

The biggest question will be timing. Favreau spent years working on The Jungle Book, because the CGI and green screen work needed to bring the animals to life acting alongside young actor Neel Sethi. And the story of The Lion King means that Favreau will have to create several CGI creatures, as well... in fact, 100% of them. But maybe the process that he perfected on The Jungle Book will allow him to work quicker? Hopefully not at the expense of quality.

Disney will have Beauty and the Beast in theaters in 2017, so it's POSSIBLE that this movie could make it into theaters by the end of 2018. We will continue to track all details on the movie, but with the studio confirming the news, we can officially get very excited for Favreau's interpretation of the classic Walt Disney story!

We hope you are excited about movies this month, because there are a slew of new releases that should be worth at least a watch, and may even earn a coveted spot on your shelf. If you like movies about gymnastics, cats, moms, pissed off birds, fairytale characters or even assisted suicide, we've got your covered. Oh yeah, and Disney's new live action The Jungle Book is making its big debut and there are more TV Blu-ray and DVD sets than I really want to attempt to sum up in a sentence. Instead, you can check out this month's releases, below.

In addition, if you are looking for the July releases, head here. Unless otherwise noted, Digital releases are the same week as Blu-ray and DVDs.

The Bronze Blu-ray Review

Melissa Rauch is a really funny lady. Most people know her as Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory, but in Bryan Buckley's The Bronze, she's nothing like the high-pitched petite lady she plays on network TV. In fact, for most of the movie, Hope Ann Greggory (Rauch) is a lean, not-so-nice former gymnast who hasn't done much in her life in the time since winning a bronze metal at the Olympics. When she is given a chance to train a hotshot young gymnast Maggie (Haley Lu Richardson), she has to be cajoled into it via a promise of money, but while Hope seems a bit unlikable at first, the movie has more of a feel-good comedy angle nearer the end. Thomas Middleditch and Sebastian Stan also star in the flick, which comes to us courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The easy-to-watch little comedy doesn't come with a ton of extras, but deleted scenes are included. As The Big Bang Theory continues to age, Melissa Rauch is certainly one to watch. You can order your own copy of The Bronze, here.

Keanu Blu-ray Review

Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key might not be producing new TV for Comedy Central anymore, but that doesn't mean they've stopped doing projects altogether. In fact, they've moved on to the big screen for Keanu, an action adventure comedy about two men and a cat. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Rell (Jordan Peele) comes into possession of an adorable kitten named Keanu. But when the kitten is stolen, Rell and his partner Clarence are sucked into an underworld of drug dealing and other gangster activity. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's flick is more action-oriented than comedic than one would expect, considering the movie was written by Peele and frequent TV writer Alex Rubens. The good news? there are enough HPV jokes and weird Blair Witch Project references to keep audiences amused throughout, and occasionally a few absurd plot moments that will keep you in stitches. (Anna Faris even cameos in one.) Extras on the Blu-ray disc are limited, but deleted scenes and the gag reel are worth a watch. You can order your own copy here. Digital copies have also been available since July 19.

August 2 Blu-ray and DVD Releases

Mother's Day

Keanu

Batman: The Killing Joke

The Lobster

Meet The Blacks

Confirmation

High-Rise

Blindspot: The Complete First Season

The Knick: The Complete Second Season

The Girlfriend Experience Season 1

Viral

Careful What You Wish For

The Trust

Laser Team

Puerto Ricans In Paris

April and The Extraordinary World

Manhattan Night

Chosen DVD

Summer Camp DVD

Guernica DVD

Sniper: Ghost Shooter DVD

High Strung DVD

Louder Than Bombs DVD

The American Side DVD

Week of August 2 Early Digital Releases

The Huntsman: Winter's War

Reindeer Games: Director's Cut

Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season (August 1)

Supergirl: The Complete First Season Blu-ray

Supergirl has only aired for one season so far, but it already has a pretty storied history. Interesting love interests and afew very big twists were introduced during the superhero drama's very first season on the air, and Supergirl has also already dealt with the challenge of hopping networks and moving its production to Vancouver for Season 2. While the show doubtless has challenges ahead of it, the first season capably sets up a world where Kara Danvers brings Supergirl out of the shadows and chooses to use her extraterrestrial abilities to save the world. Melissa Benoist's Supergirl has its detractors, but I've always loved the way she combines certain girlish (and sisterly) tendencies with a steely strength and resolve. Binge-watching the first season for a second time on the Blu-ray disc also made me appreciate Kara's relationship with her sister Alex (Chyler Leigh) and Cat Grant's (Calista Flockhart) quest to discover who the superheroine actually is a bit more. A lot of the extras with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's set are pretty expected, including the gag reel and deleted scenes, although I like that the latter could be accessed in a couple of different places. I also enjoyed "A World Left Behind," which looked more into why Krypton was portrayed the way it was during the firs season. Comic-Con footage is also available, although you can view that footage online too. If all of this seems right up your alley, you can order you own copy of Supergirl: The Complete First Season with an added Digital copy, here.

August 9 Blu-ray and DVD Releases

11.22.63

A Hologram For The King

Halt And Catch Fire: The Complete Second Season DVD

Code Black: Season 1 DVD

NCIS: New Orleans The Second Season DVD

Supergirl: Season 1

The Tiger

Last Days In The Desert DVD

Week of August 9 Early Digital Releases

The Nice Guys

The Angry Birds Movie Blu-ray

There are some animated movies that are made for kids but work nearly just as well for adult audiences. Then there are kids movies like The Angry Birds Movie, a fun and entertaining flick about four birds who meet in anger management class: Red (Jason Sudeikis), Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride) and Terence (Sean Penn). The four birds are around when some pigs show up on an island, but Red is suspicious of their motives, and rightfully so. It's a silly bit of escapism, but is remarkably watchable for something based on a game with a super simple premise. Like the flick itself, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's set is also geared to the kids. The menu page is extremely simple to use and 4 "Hatchling Shorts" are also available with the Blu-ray disc. There's also a dancing extra and another that shows your kids how to make you own Angry Birds DIY project, if they are feeling crafty. These extras might even hold your kids' attention for a few minutes after the movies runtime, which is a feat. Plus, a DVD and Digital copy is also included. Order your own copy for the home, here.

August 16 Blu-ray and DVD Releases

Gotham: The Complete Second Season

The Angry Birds Movie

God's Not Dead 2

The Affair: Season 2 DVD

Hell on Wheels: Season 5

Once Upon A Time: Season 5

The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Seventh Season

Week of August 16 Early Digital Releases

Money Monster

Love & Friendship

Popstar

A Bigger Splash (August 19)

_Looking _(August 22)

Castle: The Complete Eighth Season DVD Review

As far as ABC's sets go, gone are the days when we got cool 3D covers and intricate Blu-ray sets, but since Castle only recently ended on the network, we were hoping for some nice retrospectives and goodbye messages from the cast. Unfortunately---and probably because Castle was so abruptly cancelled---the Castle: The Complete Eighth Season set is missing all of those things. Still, fans can relive the feel-good ending of the series on this DVD set and Castle as a whole is a show that looks good in Standard Definition. Plus, there are a few bells and whistles in the form of deleted scenes and audio commentary---but not for the finale---that may be worth a watch to those who loved and stuck with the ABC drama for eight years. I wish that Castle had been given a more retrospective set for its ending, but because ABC wanted to churn this out quickly and feelings may have been hurt after the cancellation, I see why this didn't happen. As it stands, at least all 22 final episodes of the series can be binge-watched to our heart's content. And at least Caskett got the ending that relationship deserved. Relive your favorite moments with the 5-disc DVD set, available here.

The Nice Guys Blu-ray Review

You should expect something likable from a movie starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. Throw in Shane Black, who wrote Lethal Weapon, and you know the script is going to be pretty solid. But Shane Black didn't just write The Nice Guys, he also directed it, and those efforts paid off. The Nice Guys is a really fun flick, and one of the biggest surprises of the summer. The plot of the part-thriller, part-comedy follows shady private detective Holland March (Gosling) and capable enforcer Jackson Healy (Crowe), who cross paths while looking into the death of a porn star named Misty Mountain---but quite frankly, her death may not be exactly what it seems. March's daughter, Holly (Angourie Rice), is the type of precocious kid who is more helpful than annoying and the rest of the cast is rounded out by some big names, including Yaya DeCosta, Matt Bomer, and more. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's set isn't really big on the extras, only coming with a short "Making of" featurette and another that segment that gushes about Shane Black's work ethic, but that's not why you were buying this title, anyway. Order your own copy here.

DC's Legends Of Tomorrow: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Review

By now, many fans are gearing up for Legends of Tomorrow's second season, but if you missed the show during its first outing on the CW or are an Arrow or The Flash fan who hasn't given the network's third DC show a shot, this week it a good time to check it out---on glorious Blu-ray or Digital HD. Legends of Tomorrow starts Atom, White Canary and a slew of other heroes and heroines who have created TV's first network superhero team-up show. The first season, which has 16 episodes, mixes time travel and a bunch of different personalities; in short, it has something for everyone. While not the gritty drama Arrow has been or the light-hearted romp The Flash tries to be, Legends does have its own flavor and we hope the show continues to grow as it works through its growing pains and heads into Season 2. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment says the first season set comes with an hour of additional content, and there does seem to be quite a bit of that, here. The big extra is access to the 2015 Comic-Con panel if you weren't there/haven't found that on the Internet yet, but there are deleted scenes and a gag reel, as well. There's even an entire featurette devoted to Jonah Hex, because Warner Bros. totally understands what the fanbase wants. Order the Blu-ray here.

The Huntsman: Winter's War Blu-ray Review

The Huntsman: Winter's War is a big budget movie from Universal Studios that looks stunning, and it knows it by the proliferation of ways the film has been released. You can catch it on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand starting today. We looked at the Blu-ray copy of the flick, and provided you liked the movie, this is one particularly nice set, coming with bonus features that touch on girl power, the visual spectacle---including one particularly fanciful extra on the costumes---and more. Still, it needs to be noted The Huntsman: Winter's War has been facing an uphill battle since the movie displaced Kristen Stewart and chose to focus on The Huntsman Eric (Chris Hemsworth), as well as sorceress Ravenna (Charlize Theron), her sister Freya (Emily Blunt) and a huntswoman named Sara (Jessica Chastain). Despite the stunning cast, Cedric Nicolas-Troyan's movie can be convoluted, although it maintains enough narrative threads that people should connect it with the first movie. If you did like the flick, you can order it here.

August 23 Blu-ray and DVD Releases

The Nice Guys

Elementary: The Fourth Season DVD

The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season

The Huntsman: Winter's War

DC's Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete First Season

Ash vs Evil Dead: The Complete First Season

Castle: The Complete Eighth and Final Season DVD

Lucifer: The Complete First Season

Clown

DC Superhero Girls: Hero Of The Year

Narcos: Season One

Sunset Song DVD

NCIS: The Thirteenth Season

Maggie's Plan

Ratchet & Clank

Week of August 23 Early Digital Releases

The Jungle Book

Now You See Me 2

The Jungle Book Blu-ray Review

The Jungle Book is a feat of motion capture and animation, set in a magical world where animals talk and a very young boy is hoping to find his place. Jon Favreau's vivid movie is much darker than the original animated Disney classic, but no less watchable. The cast, too, is also top notch, with Idris Elba playing on the iconic Shere Khan, Bill Murray taking on the role of Baloo, Ben Kingsley playing Bagheera, Scarlett Johansson taking on a female version of Kaa and Christopher Walken playing King Louie. Christopher Walken, Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Neel Sethi round out the incredible ensemble cast, which follows Mowgli running from Shere Khan through various terrains. Walt Disney Home Entertainment's set is beautiful, too, with a carefully designed menu screen and a slew of bonus features. These are more for the Disney adults who loved the film than the kids, however. "The Jungle Book Reimagined" goes into detail about how Jon Favreau got involved with the project---it was pitched to him---and even looks at the musical score and how the movie was made, which essentially included a lot of post-production work first. All of the bonus features are super-informative like that, but they will be a snooze for kids. On the bright side, the whole family can enjoy the flick. You can order your own copy here.

Me Before You Blu-ray Review

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin are often the highlights of the projects they have appeared in, and they got the chance to take on lead roles in the messy romantic film Me Before You, which was directed by Thea Sharrock. The film is not your traditional romance, and it needs to be consumed with a box of tissues rather than the usual ice cream. It's main premise---about a paralyzed man and his youthful caretaker---also is not without controversy, as it tackles a lot of ideas about humanity and life that may . Despite how you may feel about the general premise, Sharrock's movie is a joy to watch, filled with life and two likable leads that will pull you into the movie and help you to invest in the unconventional story. If you haven't given You Before Me a watch yet, it's an unexpected gem of a movie, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment's set won't cost you an arm or a leg on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital. You can order the bestselling film on Amazon.

August 30 Blu-ray and DVD Releases

Me Before You

The Jungle Book

Arrow: Season 4

Criminal Minds: Season 11 DVD

Chicago Fire: Season Four

Chicago Med: Season One

The Night Manager

Star Wars Rebels: The Complete Season 2

Grey's Anatomy: Complete Twelfth Season

NCIS: Los Angeles-- Season 7 DVD

Disney has had a pretty great year of cinema, and a lot of that is due to the massive success of The Jungle Book. A live-action adaptation of the classic cartoon of the same name, The Jungle Book featured groundbreaking visual effects and a voice cast consisting of A-list Hollywood talent. It's been reported that a sequel is in the works with Jon Favreau returning to direct but there has been no official announcement from Disney. Well, one actor hopes they announce it soon because he's more than willing to come back for a sequel. That actor is the breakout star of that film Neel Sethi (Mowgli), the only one in the cast who actually had to be there for filming.

While speaking with ScreenRant, Neel Sethi weighed in on the hypothetical sequel and it sounds like the first time actor had a great time making the first one. He's definitely willing to come back for a sequel to continue the adventures of Mowgli the man cub.

It's good to know that Sethi is so eager to come back for a sequel. There was a lot of pressure on him as the sole human character in the entire film and this was his first time acting in a movie. However, his involvement in the sequel really depends on what direction the filmmakers want to take it. Unlike other Jungle Book movies, this one ended with Mowgli staying in the jungle - clearly setting up the opportunity for more adventures. It's possible the sequel will have a time jump and recast for an older Mowgli. On the other hand, production could just wait a few years for the 13-year-old Sethi to shoot up like a tree when his teen years go into full effect.

One reason that Disney might not have announced a sequel yet is so that they can nail down a basic story. They've basically already told the plot of the original animated picture, so the sequel would be entering uncharted waters. There's apparently some untouched material from author Rudyard Kipling's original novel, so a sequel could choose to adapt more of the source material.

Disney also made a direct to video sequel to the animated Jungle Book that featured a civilized Mowgli returning to the jungle for another adventure and butting heads with a returned Shere Kan. A live action sequel could cherry pick some material from that movie. Of course, there's always the rich thought provoking material of Tale Spin, a Disney cartoon that starred Jungle Book characters as anthropomorphic animals in a 1940's-like city, in which Baloo was a bush pilot and Shere Khan was an evil businessman.

There's sure to be some news about a Jungle Book sequel eventually - and we've still got Andy Sekis' version to look out for - so keep it here at CinemaBlend and we'll keep you updated.

Twitter has given us many gifts since it was invented, and now it's possible that it has bestowed upon us one of the best memes to ever meme the internets. Ladies are now being encouraged to name their vaginas after the last film they saw. I know! This article is going to be awesome!

The meme started a couple of days ago, and has quickly become a popular way for the women of Twitter to get in on some pure, nonsensical fun. The basics are super simple: let everyone know what the name of your vagina would be based on the last movie you saw. Some people are sticking to the last film they saw in a theater, like Twitter user @Christinaa_A, who now has one of the naughtiest vagina names on (fake) record:

Ahem...Sausage Party, indeed. Some of the names will likely make ladies of all ages stand up and cheer. Just take a look:

No Country for Old Men? Amen, sister! What? OK, never mind. As can be expected with a process this silly and random, many of the new names turn out dirty in a major way, and will give you all kinds of mental pictures you probably don't want swirling around in your head during the workday...or, possibly, at any time of the day.

Oh, dear. A lot of elderly ladies just got very uncomfortable and have no idea why. It's like the mention of Midnight Meat Train has caused a disturbance in the vagina force. Speaking of force, some of the names are quite strong and demanding of our attention. Which is fitting, I think, considering what it is we're discussing here.

Now that, friends, is a vagina that demands to be noticed and treated with a fitting level of respect. A vagina named Crimson Peak will not be ignored! Actually, neither will this vagina, if I'm thinking about the title in the correct terms.

Oh, who the hell am I kidding? Of course I'm thinking about the title in the only terms that you can think about that title in relation to vaginas. She last watched The Jungle Book, people. It's pretty obvious what's being said here, whether it's true or not, am I right?

Just for reference, since I know you must all be wondering, my vagina has a first name now, and it also happens to belong to a totally awesome dude who is the chosen one. That's right, folks, I am now in possession of a vagina named Keanu. And, because the internet is frequently a wonderful place where dreams can come true, I'm A-OK with that.

By all accounts, this summer blockbuster season has been a disappointment. But that hasn't stopped people from flocking to the theaters. Five of the current Top 10 movies on the 2016 box office charts were released over the summer... though that means that an additional five movies that came out long before the usually lucrative summer season managed to strike gold. The data suggests that the summer no longer stands as the only time in which a movie can hit and hit big. Deadpool collected bank in February, as did Zootopia. Meanwhile, movies that clung to traditional hot spots -- like Independence Day: Resurgence -- suffered under the weight of mediocre reviews and apathetic crowds.

We recently looked ahead at the 21 movies that we hope will revive 2016 after this lackluster summer frame. But before we put the summer season in the books, let's look back at the 10 box office winners of 2016 so far. These are not movies that managed the most profit, because they kept their budgets down. These are just the 10 movies, according to Box Office Mojo, that have sold the most tickets in 2016 so far. How many of these did you see? If you skipped them, tell us why in the comments section below.

Kung Fu Panda 3

Released back in January, the animated Kung Fu Panda 3 demonstrated real staying power for the Jack Black-led franchise, which quietly dominated the early frame of 2016 to the tune of $143 million. Even better for the series, this sequel did gangbuster business overseas, pushing the global box office take to $519 million, all but guaranteeing that a fourth Kung Fu Panda will be in the works before we know it. Even better, this movie was good. Quality is not being sacrificed by a series pandering to little kids. It's not Pixar, but it's far better than your average animated feature film.

X-Men: Apocalypse

With all due respect to Bryan Singer, I completely forgot there was an X-Men movie in theaters this summer until I started putting this list together. Hitting theaters over the Memorial Day weekend, Singer's follow up to the popular X-Men: Days of Futures Past pushed its domestic cume to $155.4 million -- good for seventh place (out of nine films) on the overall X-Men scale. Not great. These mutants were outclassed by another foul-mouthed Merc, who'll show up much later on this list.

Suicide Squad

The jury is still out on David Ayer's Suicide Squad. As we have covered in recent weeks, critics weren't overwhelmed by the DC super-villain team up, but audiences continue to head to theaters to check it out. So far, Squad has earned nearly $238 million at the box office, but the night is young, as they say. We recently reported that Suicide Squad was expected to lead the box for a third weekend, and there's no real competition on the horizon. Could it eventually overtake Batman v Superman as DC's top earner this year? Would that be a total shock?

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

This one was supposed to be a slam dunk. Putting Batman (Ben Affleck) into his Superman sequel, Zack Snyder was combining, arguably, the two most popular superheroes on the planet in one movie for the first time. With Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to boot! And yet, here _Dawn of Justice _sits, at number 7 on the annual Top 10, with it looking likely that it'll get passed by Suicide Squad in weeks. What happened? The post-mortem continues, because there are several reasons Dawn of Justice only earned $330 million domestically to date. Plus, with Rogue One, Fantastic Beasts and Doctor Strange all on the way, is it possible BvS isn't even in the yearly Top 10 when all is said and done?

The Secret Life of Pets

When it comes to animated movies, if you build it (and it's halfway decent), they will come. Families need distractions in the summer season, because when it's hot, two hours in the air conditioning watching ANYTHING will do. That being said, with $340 million in tickets sold domestically, Secret Life tapped into a rabid audience... to the point where we already have movement on a Secret Life of Pets 2.

Zootopia

From this point forward, you are going to hear a recurring word on this list: Disney. The Mouse House is having an incredible year, diversifying its successes across its various properties, from Marvel to Pixar, to its own traditional animation. Zootopia, which has earned $341 million, is an original idea set in a city populated by domesticated animals. But it was the spunk of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), the smarmy charms of Nick Wild (Jason Bateman), and the creativity of the film's vision that kept crowds returning week after week to enjoy this incredible feature.

The Jungle Book

Switching over to live-action -- well, sort of -- Jon Favreau's Disney remake The Jungle Book crushed the competition this spring with its vivid CGI interpretation of the classic Disney cartoon. Not a full-blown musical, The Jungle Book mixed some familiar tunes into the more mature telling of an orphaned boy who's raised by wild animals. In my opinion, the stellar 3D helped sell a ton of extra tickets, leading to a $363 million haul and a fourth-place landing on the charts to date.

Deadpool

How did this happen? The superhero movie no one wanted to make became the foul-mouthed comedy no one wanted to miss. Credit Ryan Reynolds and director Tim Miller for continuing to believe in the unorthodox screenplay by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, turning Deadpool into a $363 million smash hit in the United States. The movie also devoured overseas records, and paved the way for Deadpool 2, which likely will build on this film's success by introducing fan favorites such as Cable and Domino.

Captain America: Civil War

Essentially The Avengers 2.5, Civil War rounds up almost every available Marvel hero into a battle of wills over the Sokovia Accords, basically pitting Captain America (Chris Evans) against Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) in a battle that is both personal and global. Earning $407 million to date, Captain America is the fourth-highest grossing Marvel movie, but not this year's highest-grossing film. That shocked me. I'm even more surprised, truthfully, at the movie that pushed Civil War from the top of its perch.

Finding Dory

Pixar swims to the top of the ranks with the unexpectedly brilliant Finding Dory. Not that I expected Finding Dory to flop. Pixar has set a standard, and even their disappointments are generally pleasing to a certain extent. But so much time had passed since Finding Nemo, and I wasn't sure how hungry audiences were for the further adventures of Ellen Degeneres' forgetful fish. Well, Dory has banked an impressive $477 million domestically, making it the movie, to beat for the rest of 2016.

The movies that just missed the Top 10

The films that almost made the Top 10, and still might by the time they are finished playing out in theaters, include:

_Star Trek Beyond _- $142 million

Jason Bourne - $131 million

Central Intelligence - $126 million

The Legend of Tarzan - $125 million

Ghostbusters -- $122.6 million

Last year, Disney's box-office take was almost $2.3 billion worth of solid gold hits. Part of that massive haul was due to a quick start in the first half of the year, as the studio had crossed the $1 billion mark by June 2015. And now, thanks to the last two months of box-office gold, Disney has become the fastest studio to cross the $1 billion mark – with Captain America: Civil War being the film to do the honors.

The news comes from ComicBook.com, as the $181.8 million take from Captain America's latest adventure has boosted the studio over the golden mark – making it the fastest climb to $1 billion thus far. The previous record was held by Universal, whose 2015 was made memorable with films like Furious 7 and Jurassic World kicking their profits to the same metric by June 14th. And much like Universal's first half of 2015, Disney's 2016 started with a hell of a roster that's still making money to this day.

Disney's biggest hit before Captain America: Civil War was March's Zootopia, which is still in the top 10 after opening in the first week of its release month. Its total grosses, worldwide, have reached $956 million – making the film the second highest grossing, non-Pixar animated effort from the legendary studio. Also a huge hit for 2016 was Disney's The Jungle Book, which has only been showing since April 15th, but has pounced on $776 million in almost a month of box office grosses. With the clash of Avengers bringing in $181.8 million in one weekend of general release, Disney's record breaking grosses are only looking up.

The studio has some promising films on its release schedule for the rest of 2016, including this month's Alice Through The Looking Glass, next month's Finding Dory, and both another Marvel and Star Wars movie being released in November and December, respectively. All four offerings have track records and data that would suggest that their relative grosses are primed to keep Disney in the black for the rest of the year. While this makes up for the deafening thud that the studio's first film of the year, The Finest Hours, it still might stall a little bit due to increased competition. In particular, Alice Through The Looking Glass and Finding Dory have X-Men: Apocalypse and Central Intelligence to square off against.

While the Finding Nemo sequel may have a better time fending off Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Kevin Hart at the cinemas, the sequel to Tim Burton's $1 billion cash cow may not do as well against the third and final entry in the trilogy that started with X-Men: First Class. In other words, they may want to help Captain America: Civil War along its way to being another Marvel box office juggernaut, as they might face a bit of a rough summer ahead.

Captain America: Civil War is currently in theaters now, with Alice Through The Looking Glass opening on May 27th and Finding Dory on June 17th.

Summer blockbuster season gets underway next weekend with the arrival of Captain America: Civil War, but in the final April weekend things were less than exciting. Three new movies landed in theaters this weekend, but none were able to do better than $10 million, much less unseat last weekend's top movies.

The Jungle Book held strong to first place, dropping just over 30%, and adding $42 million to its now $252 million total. That puts it well ahead of where strong performer Zootopia was on its third weekend, but well behind the year's top performer-to-date, Deadpool. The Huntsman: Winter's War narrowly held on to second place, banking just $9 million.

As a director Garry Marshall has made some decent contributions to the world of entertainment. He created Happy Days, launched Anne Hathaway's career by casting her in The Princess Diaries, and made Julia Roberts a household name with Pretty Woman. But his career has had its low points too, and I'm not just talking about putting Rosie O'Donnell on screen in bondage leather. Most recently he subjected audiences to two unnecessary pieces of holiday drivel, Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

After that, things seemed mercifully quiet from the Marshall movie front, a pause that ended this weekend with the arrival of his newest holiday debacle, Mother's Day. Critics panned it, but somehow it still made $8 million, no doubt thanks to Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis and the aforementioned Ms. Roberts. If Marshall is planning a series of holiday themed comebacks, Father's Day seems the next illogical step, but audience participation is going to have to improve. With a reported $25 million production budget Mother's Day may be the end of the holiday line.

The top newcomer, Keanu, opened at number three with $9 million. The first feature film foray for comedy team Key and Peele fared well with critics (75% at Rotten Tomatoes), but audience enthusiasm was just barely enough to assure the movie will end up mildly profitable against a reported $15 million production budget.

If you played on a PlayStation 2 in the early 2000's you may vaguely recall being excited about a game called "Ratchet & Crank". You clearly didn't recall it well enough to be excited about a movie version released this weekend, and you were in good company. The video game movie adaptation continued the time honored trend of failed video game movie adaptations by tanking to the tune of $4 million for a seventh place debut.

For the full weekend top ten, check out the chart below:

The Jungle Book (2016)

$42,439,000Total: $252,095,800LW: 1

THTRS: 4,041

The Huntsman: Winter's War

$9,390,000Total: $33,986,025LW: 2

THTRS: 3,802

Keanu *

$9,350,000Total: $9,350,000LW: N

THTRS: 2,658

Mother's Day *

$8,302,319Total: $8,302,319LW: N

THTRS: 3,035

Barbershop: The Next Cut

$6,125,000Total: $44,705,640LW: 3

THTRS: 2,310

Zootopia

$5,006,000Total: $323,518,489LW: 4

THTRS: 2,487

Ratchet & Clank *

$4,823,000Total: $4,823,000LW: N

THTRS: 2,891

The Boss

$4,250,000Total: $56,111,125LW: 5

THTRS: 2,823

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

$3,810,000Total: $325,132,593LW: 6

THTRS: 2,330

Criminal (2016)

$1,325,000Total: $13,476,167LW: 7

THTRS: 1,578

In between all their Marvel, Star Wars and animated movies, Disney's been plowing full steam ahead in recent years with the live action remakes of their classic animated movies. These have ranged from the alternate take of the Sleeping Beauty story, Maleficent, in 2014 to the more traditional Cinderella in 2015. 2016 has already seen The Jungle Book come out, and Alice Through the Looking Glass follows next month, but the studio isn’t done with these by a long shot. In fact, they just announced that we can expect even more fairy tale-related movies in the coming years.

The new additions (via Variety) start with a feature scheduled July 28, 2017, moved up from its original December 22, 2017 release date. This fairy tale movie will be followed by another on April 6, 2018, followed by yet another on December 20, 2019. Disney had also staked out other dates late last year, and assuming the rest of those stay where they are, that means the studio has seven live action fairy tale-related movies coming out between 2017 and 2019. So far the only post-2016 one that’s been officially named is Beauty and the Beast next March.

Although none of these new dates had actual titles attached, there are plenty of options on what they might be. Along with the scheduling announcement, Disney also confirmed several of their movie in development. These include Maleficent 2 (seeing Angelia Jolie return to the  eponymous role), Jungle Book 2 (with Jon Favreau returning to direct), Tinkerbell (starring Reese Witherspoon), Dumbo (directed by Tim Burton), Cruella (starring Emma Stone) and, while not a remake of an older Disney cartoon, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (directed by Lasse Hallstrom). They also said they are planning a Mary Poppins sequel (starring Emily Blunt and Lin Manuel-Miranda). It’s possible not all of these will see the light of day depending on how progress goes, but given The Jungle Book’s success and how well their other recent live action remakes have done, it makes sense that Disney wants to continue on this financially and critically-lucrative creative path.

Along with these fairy tale offerings, Disney also scheduled two other live-action movies for August 3, 2018 and December 25, 2018, respectively. That adds up to five new dates announced today. These also weren’t given titles, but the other confirmed movies included the Dwayne Johnson-led Jungle Cruise and the Ava DuVernay-directed A Wrinkle in Time. Depending on how the studio views "fairy tale," it’s possible some of the movie mentioned earlier might fit better into this category, like Cruella or Mary Poppins 2. Either way, look forward to more fantastical live action adventures that don’t take place in the MCU or a galaxy far, far away.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding Disney’s live action features as they come in. In the meantime, check out our extensive list of the fairy tale movies, Disney and otherwise, that have been announced or reported for the near future.

These three aniticipated Fairy Tale movies aren’t the only ones on Hollywood’s radar. In fact, if you can believe it, there are no fewer than 23 Live Action Fairy Tale Movies In Development at the major Hollywood Studios! Which ones are coming to theaters soon? Read on.

From Pete’s Dragon to Beauty and the Beast, Hollywood has plenty of Live Action Fairy Tales coming to theaters in the next five years. But it’s not just Disney. Universal, Warner Bros. and more will be pumping out live-action versions of your favorite Fairy Tale stories.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The 23 Live Action Fairy Tale Movies Coming To Theaters In The Next Few Years

But why stop there?

- Here are 6 Fairy Tale Characters Who Deserve Their Own Spinoff

- These are the reasons why we believe Disney’s Live-Action Remakes Are Working So Well

- And this is who is playing Cruella in Disney’s Live Action Take on the character. Hint: She’s perfect!

With no new significant competition at the box office this weekend, The Jungle Book held the number one spot for a second weekend in a row.

Adding $60 million, a typical 40% drop from its opening weekend, Jungle Book just missed $200 million, landing at $191 million. Despite that strong showing, it has yet to prove it has the stamina of Disney's other major movie on the market, Zootopia. Zootopia, now in its 8th consecutive week in the top five, dropped less than 20% from last weekend. With $316 million it has set a bar that Jungle Book may struggle to meet.

Prequel The Huntsman: Winter's War froze up solid over the weekend, tanking to the tune of just $20 million, well short Snow White and the Huntsman's $56 million opening in 2012. Foreign sales of $80 million helped bolster Winter's War against its $115 million production budget, but don't look for this limp performance to inspire Universal to pony up for a third installation.

A little known rated-R action flick Compadres opened quietly in fewer than 500 locations, but garnered enough attention to break into the top ten, banking $1.3 million for a ninth place opening.

For the full weekend top ten, check out the chart below:

The Jungle Book (2016)

$60,803,000Total: $191,477,426LW: 1

THTRS: 4,028

The Huntsman: Winter's War *

$20,080,000Total: $20,080,000LW: N

THTRS: 3,791

Barbershop: The Next Cut

$10,830,000Total: $36,031,492LW: 2

THTRS: 2,676

Zootopia

$6,611,000Total: $316,435,606LW: 5

THTRS: 2,798

The Boss

$6,080,000Total: $49,508,205LW: 3

THTRS: 3,375

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

$5,520,000Total: $319,501,603LW: 4

THTRS: 3,066

Criminal (2016)

$3,100,000Total: $10,864,486LW: 6

THTRS: 2,683

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

$2,100,000Total: $55,374,740LW: 7

THTRS: 1,749

Disney and Jon Favreau seems to have made more than just the bare necessities with its CGI/live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book. It just goes to show what utilizing groundbreaking FX and hiring a brilliant voice cast will do for the success of a movie. The film already had a stellar opening weekend and it's not slowing down. The Jungle Book is already shaping up one of the biggest hits of 2016.

According to Variety, The Jungle Book has dominated its second week with $60.8 million domestically. It only dropped 41% from its opening weekend, making its total income $191.5 million in just 10 days. This will make The Jungle Book the fourth largest 2016 title, but it will probably finish higher than that while it remains in theaters.

The Jungle Book is doing just as well globally as it is in the states. The film made $96 million in international markets, making it's global income a whopping total of $528 million. It's also the highest-grossing Hollywood release in India with $28.8 million.

Its main competition for the weekend was Universal’s Huntsman: Winter’s War, the sequel/prequel/reboot to 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman. Huntsman: Winter’s War was left in the dust on its opening weekend, earning only $20 million. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, and Emily Blunt and was directed by Cedric Nicholas-Troyan. The film has not been received well by critics and currently has a 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which most likely impacted its performance this weekend.

This is a big win for Disney, who continues to dominate the box office with successes like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Captain America: Civil War, which is currently tracking for a $175 million opening. The Jungle Book is looking to be their most successful live-action adaptation, having gotten mostly positive reviews and performing extremely well at the box office. Its already in development sequel is now pretty justified, and Disney will most likely want to put even more effort into their many other announced live-action adaptations, to ensure a similar success.

It’s hard to bring up the Disney Jungle Book without thinking of that other Jungle Book from Warner Bros. The studio is already feeling the heat and they’ve delayed the film to 2018 and have even brought on Alfonso Cuaron as a "consultant." The film has two years to improve on the special effects, so it might still hold a few surprises.

The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau and written by Justin Marks, stars Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, Lupita Nyong’o and Neel Sethi as Mowgli and is now open in theaters.

6 Reasons Disney's Live Action Remakes Are Actually Working Disney’s live-action remake of The Jungle Book blew away the competition this past weekend, providing a sure sign that their recent trend of retelling classic stories in a new medium is actually working. But this success isn’t merely by chance or brand loyalty. In fact, there are a couple really good reasons as to why the live-action renaissance at Disney is working out in their favor. Here now are the six reasons why Disney’s gamble on bringing their animated classics into the world of live-action has been nothing short of amazing.

They’re Opportunities To Expand On The Stories / Characters

While Disney’s animated classic canon is still legendary in both its artistry and its musical legacy, their depth of character and story was still an Achilles heel until the second golden age in the 1980’s. Disney couldn’t be faulted for this, as animated films were barely long enough to craft a basic story, much less a deeply layered deconstruction of stories like The Jungle Book or Alice In Wonderland. But thanks to the craze of live-action remakes, the canvas for those stories has expanded to a point where plots and characters we once knew as simple song factories have turned into poignant stories. Most impressively, the film Maleficent gave a deeper understanding to a one-note villain from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, providing a better reason for the titular villain’s scorn other than not being invited to a royal christening.

We Have The Technology To Make The Films Look More Realistic

The world of animation, as gorgeous as it is, can only convey the imagery of stories such as Cinderella or Alice Through The Looking Glass to a certain degree of quality. However, with the advent of CGI technology, the imagination has a much bigger sandbox to play around in. A full-blown digital effect spectacle such as Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book can take the Disney animated classic, which was undoubtedly limited by animated technology and storytelling models, and turn it into something much more tangible for the non-animated film audience. Baloo, Shere Khan, and all of the other animal characters of Rudyard Kipling’s literary classic now look just as realistic as Neel Sethi’s impressive performance as Mowgli. No longer is the action relegated to mere watercolors, as the story jumps into the physical medium, helping the audiences of today find a way to identify with the stories of yesterday.

The Films Are No Longer Just Vehicles For Musical Numbers

Musical numbers in a Disney film are so standard at this point that even Disney poked fun at the convention with their live-action comedy Enchanted. As we stated before, you don’t walk away from a classic Disney movie reciting the dialogue. Chances are, you’d be walking out humming or singing a song from The Sherman Brothers, Alan Menken, or any of the other composers and lyricists that Disney has had at their disposal. Yet while The Jungle Book did port over two musical numbers from the animated original, the film wasn’t built as a vehicle to deliver just the message of those numbers. With a more modern, story driven spin on the source material available, kids are more likely to recite the Law of the Jungle than the Bare Necessities. Though that’s not to say that kids won’t love the songs, it’s just that there’s so much more than just a jaunty tune for everyone to take away from The Jungle Book’s more recent incarnation.

There’s Usually An Edgier Take On Material

Speaking of The Jungle Book, since when was Shere Khan a raving psychopath? Idris Elba’s fantastic performance as the menacing tiger of Jon Favreau’s re-interpretation is just one of the many signals that Disney is allowing the remakes of their animated classics explore more serious, and in some cases much edgier, material than the animated source material. While Alice’s incarceration in a mental institution during Alice Through The Looking Glass is another fine example of pushing the Disney envelope, the most brutal is perhaps the thinly veiled violation during the events of Maleficent. With the main character losing her wings through a pretty brutal sequence, Disney isn’t allowing the same old fairy tale constraints to hamper their modern interpretations of classic tales. Should Disney ever decide to remake animated films such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, they’ll be able to correct the storytelling decisions that were made to sanitize the material for the animated iteration.

Great Casts And Great Directors Are Involved

Of course, a glossier and/or more edgy interpretation of animated classics from Disney’s past is going to still need fantastic talent behind it. Anyone can throw money and technology at a story, and still come up short if the vision and the performances aren’t there to back it up. For instance, take Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella, which is a film that got right what most other live-action adaptations of the same story forget to even include: the farcical comedy. Without Branagh’s vision, and the stellar cast of actors like Lily James, Helena Bonham-Carter, and Cate Blanchett to bring that vision to life, Cinderella could have been merely a very pretty princess tale. But with the conviction to both the serious and the silly, the film manages to remain a magical experience, without being an empty, shallow affair. It’s that approach to the Disney classics that make any modern remake worth the time in the theater, as they aren’t merely relying on the shadows of the past. Rather, they’re using the best talent available to build upon the already present foundation.

The Films Expose New Generations To The Classics

For as much as we’ve taken a couple of digs at the Disney animated canon, we still recognize that without those original masterpieces of animated artistry, we wouldn’t have the newer, more improved versions we’re seeing hit theaters today. If The Jungle Book wasn’t such a hit back in its day, Jon Favreau would have never been inspired to remake that film into the action-adventure that we’re lucky to have on our screens today. Not to mention, the remakes of films like Alice In Wonderland and Cinderella also have fans returning to the original films as not only sources of comparison, but also so that the children growing up today can share the visions that the rest of us had grown up with. Inspiration is two-fold when you take a classic and reimagine it, so just as we look to the future of The Jungle Book’s new franchise bid, we’re also happy to look back and remember the animated renditions that set our imaginations aflame – only for that torch to be passed to the live-action pioneers of today.

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Over the decades, it’s possible no single company has been able to build its own fan base to the degree that Disney has. They’ve been running for so many generations now that the people who became fans as children have grown up and become filmmakers in their own right. Jon Favreau is one of these people. When he decided to take on the live-action version of Disney’s The Jungle Book he also decided he wanted those familiar with the 1967 animated classic to get some additional levels of entertainment. The new film is full of references to its predecessor.

The most common use of reference in the film is when Jon Favreau filmed scenes that were directly taken from the animated version. Yahoo Movies points out several of them including:

You might have to be an animated Disney expert, or have recently rewatched the animated version, to pick these moments while watching the live action film, but it’s clear that Favreau wanted those fans who would notice to be reminded of the original film.

The shots are far from the only Jungle Book references. While the most obvious callback to the last film is the inclusion of some of the songs, another reference is incredibly obscure because it never actually appeared in the original film. Rocky the Rhino was a character who was going to appear in the film’s finale, alongside some Fab 4-inspired vultures. According to Yahoo:

There's generally two ways that remakes get handled. One way is to try to make something completely new, only using the original film as a springboard. The other way is to make something that holds the source material in reverence. Since Disney was responsible for both films, and the company was built on the success of animated features like the original Jungle Book it’s no wonder that this is their point of view. As Jon Favreau himself says, the people making the new movie loved the old one as much as those in the theater.

Did you catch all the references in the new Jungle Book? Let us know what your favorite moment was in the comments below.

The Jungle Book delivered the third opening of 2016 above $100 million this weekend, and it's only mid-April! Is that important? Yeah, it is.

The first movie to break the triple digit line was the first Raimi Spider-man in 2002. Since then fewer than 40 movies have achieved the feat, with usually only 2 to 3 movies per year hitting that mark.

Last year was a boom year with six movies cracking $100 million on opening weekend, but as usual most of those were summer or holiday debuts. The first came in April with Furious 7. This year we're in April and there are already three on the books. Looking down the list of 2016 releases, this may be the year that more than ten movies break triple digit debuts.

The Jungle Book only narrowly arrived at that level, hitting number one with a hypnotizing $103 million. That's a nice turn around for director Jon Favreau who stumbled slightly when his post-Iron Man era Cowboys & Aliens failed to deliver at the box office.

Barbershop: The Next Cut claimed a distant second place with $20 million. That doesn't sound too bad until you realize that's a little less than the original Barbershop banked back in 2002 when ticket prices were 60% what they are now. Still, it was enough to push past last weekend's number one The Boss which fell more than 55% to add $10 million to its now $40 million domestic total.

The third newcomer this weekend, Kevin Costner's Criminal, slumped in with $5 million for a number 6 start. That's Costner's lowest wide-release opening since Rumor Has It in 2005 and second lowest since 1997's The Postman two titles anyone would hope a movie could outperform.

For the full weekend top ten, check out the chart below:

The Jungle Book (2016) *

$103,567,000Total: $103,567,000LW: N

THTRS: 4,028

Barbershop: The Next Cut *

$20,210,000Total: $20,210,000LW: N

THTRS: 2,661

The Boss

$10,170,000Total: $40,351,910LW: 1

THTRS: 3,495

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

$9,010,000Total: $311,311,730LW: 2

THTRS: 3,505

Zootopia

$8,235,000Total: $307,478,756LW: 3

THTRS: 3,209

Criminal (2016) *

$5,850,000Total: $5,850,000LW: N

THTRS: 2,683

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

$3,260,000Total: $52,095,490LW: 4

THTRS: 2,297

Miracles from Heaven

$1,900,000Total: $56,930,812LW: 6

THTRS: 2,082

God's Not Dead 2

$1,712,236Total: $16,956,407LW: 7

THTRS: 1,585

It’s not exactly hard to see why most children will put "movie star" on their list of dream jobs. It’s a pretty glamorous gig that opens doors to all kinds of wild adventures and opportunities, not to mention gives you time with incredibly talented and famous individuals. Actor Neel Sethi got to live this particular dream after he landed the lead role in director Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book - and he most definitely had the chance to take full advantage of it, specifically walking away with a brilliant story to tell about the time spent he spent recording the song "The Bare Necessities" with Bill Murray.

Prior to The Jungle Book’s release, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Neel Sethi for a quick interview at a press event for the film in Los Angeles, and it was during our chat that he told me about the downright magical time he had recording the movie’s best known song – involving a trip across the country and fun with some really awesome people. I asked the young actor if his singing was done on-set or in a recording studio, and he explained,

For most people, that’s a story that’s preceded by, "I had the strangest dream the other night…" but for Neel Sethi it was 100 percent reality. That feeling in your gut right now? That’s jealousy of a 12-year-old kid.

Funny enough, "The Bare Necessities" wasn’t a song the young Jungle Book star was even familiar with before signing on to Jon Favreau’s live-action adaptation. A part of his process going into his audition for the movie was getting to know the famous Disney track, and – like the rest of us – once he got it in his head, he couldn’t let it go. Said Sethi,

You can watch Neel Sethi talk about recording "The Bare Necessities" in the video below:

The Jungle Book is now in theaters nationwide.a

Many people were skeptical when Disney announced that were making a live action adaptation of their classic 1967 animated film The Jungle Book. It was unclear how exactly they could even pull it off. There’s only one human character, Mogli, and his interactions are entirely with animal characters. Not to mention that the original was pretty lazy when it came to its own animation. Then Disney announced that all the environments and animals would be created with CGI. It was unclear at the time how Disney would pull this off without the movie looking fake or hokey. Would the effects sell that Mogli is actually in a jungle and not in some warehouse in Los Angeles? Would audiences even respond to the movie?

The answer to both of those questions is a very loud and powerful yes.

The Jungle Book opened this weekend and Box Office Mojo has the box office results. In three days the film has made an estimate of over 100 million dollars domestically. The film had a budget of 175 million, which it will more than likely earn back in the coming weeks. The movie about a child pretending to be friends with a talking bear is officially a hit.

Talk about the little engine that could. Not just a hit in the box office, the film is also getting very positive reviews from critics. The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man 3, Swingers), is being praised for its spot on casting and incredible effects. Seriously, this is ground breaking special effects. It’s one thing to create realistic animals, but it’s the jungle itself that everyone will remember years from now. The film is gorgeous and with the way Mogli interacts with his environment, you really forget that this was all created on someone’s computer.

All of this success really makes you wonder about that other Jungle Book movie that Andy Serkis is making. Formerly titled Jungle Book: Origins, the film has already been delayed twice. It was originally supposed to release this year, but will now arrive in theaters in 2018. This will give the film time to work on its own special effects, but it’s probably a move to help it escape the massive shadow being cast by Disney’s version.

With the success of the film, Disney has already announced that a sequel is in development. The Jungle Book is only the latest in a line of live action adaptations of classic Disney Films. It follows Maleficent and Cinderella, with the success of these films inspiring at least a dozen more adaptations. A live action Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson as Belle is arriving in 2017 while Disney has announced the development of Mulan, Dumbo, a Tinkerbell film, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and a prequel to Aladdin starring the Genie.

The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau and written by Justin Marks, stars Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, Lupita Nyong’o and Neel Sethi as Mogli and is now open in theaters.

It looks like Jon Favreau and the folks at Disney can pretty much forget about their worries and their strife. The latest adaptation of The Jungle Book opens this weekend and has already met with an insanely positive critical response. However, good reviews aren't enough to build a solid franchise; it also takes money. Luckily for The Jungle Book, it looks as though money won’t be in short supply during its theatrical run, as the film is currently looking to score an astronomical opening weekend at the box office.

The Thursday night numbers are in, and they bode incredibly well for The Jungle Book. A new report from THR indicates that the CGI/ live-action hybrid update of the Disney classic opened to an incredibly impressive $4.2 million during North American Thursday pre-screenings. Generous estimates point to The Jungle Book hurtling past the loft $70 million mark during its opening weekend, although Disney has reigned in its expectations by suggesting that the figure may fall somewhere closer to the high $60 millions.

The financial success of The Jungle Book isn’t just theoretical, Jon Favreau’s latest film has already put on a clinic overseas. Opening in a small number of minor markets overseas last week, the film has already grossed more than $30 million internationally, with estimates indicating that the $175 million blockbuster could very well pass $75 million once it opens in major international markets.

Disney seems to have realized that it has something special on its hands with The Jungle Book. In anticipation of such a great opening weekend and theatrical run, rumors have begun to swirl that the studio has begun looking into a sequel. These reports also seem to indicate that Disney has every intention of keeping Jon Favreau on board if they move forward with The Jungle Book 2; so all eyes remain on them to keep this momentum going as they move towards the future of the franchise.

An update of the classic Disney tale, The Jungle Book tells the story of a young boy named Mowgli as he lives his young life in the wilderness. After a vicious predator named Shere Kahn banishes him from his home, he goes on a life-changing journey to find more humans like himself. Audiences and critics have really responded to the film, as it currently has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

We will keep you up to date regarding the critical and commercial success of The Jungle Book as it becomes available to us. Judging by the fan response, it’s a movie that children and adults will find endlessly enjoyable. Featuring an all-star cast including Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson and Billy Murray; the film opens today so be sure to check it out!

2016 has been a good year for Disney so far. They started out with on their biggest animated films in years with Zootopia. The movie has done huge box office numbers and is nearly universally loved by critics. If past is prologue, the studio may be about to repeat that success. The Jungle Book has been receiving equally glowing reviews, and it’s now set up to have an equally big opening weekend. Estimates are putting it somewhere in the range of $70 million.

Last weekend the Melissa McCarthy comedy The Boss was able to slightly edge out Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to win the weekend box office but as both films have received poor reviews it’s unlikely either will see a strong weekend coming up. That leaves The Jungle Book ready to pounce on a wide open box office. According to Variety, The Jungle Book is expected to land anywhere from $65 million to $75 million. This would put it about on par with Disney’s previous live-action remakes, Cinderella and Maleficent, which both came it at just under $70 million in their opening weekend. Both also went on to gross over $200 million at the US box office alone.

Of course, the other thing that Zootopia may imply for the future of The Jungle Book is the degree to which success was underestimated. The predictions for the animated feature's opening weekend were in the area of $60 million, but the film went on to gross $75 million. Zootopia currently Disney’s second highest grossing animated feature. Though, to be fair, it’s a long way behind Frozen. If The Jungle Book is able to exceed expectations to an equal degree we could see an absolutely epic opening weekend.

The current record holder for an April opening weekend is Furious 7 at over $147 million. An opening at $70 million would put the The Jungle Book in competition for the number four spot, currently held by another entry in the franchise, 2009’s Fast and Furious.

Disney is certainly counting on The Jungle Book to be big. They’re already trying to get Jon Favreau signed on to direct a sequel before the first film is even in theaters. Disney currently has release dates sets for four more live-action fairy tale films through 2019, and they have way more than that currently in development. If The Jungle Book does as well as it appears it will, you can be sure this trend will only be continuing.

In the last few years, the Walt Disney Company has discovered a new way to make a whole lot of money. Digging into their long history of animated classics, they’ve begun to create a series of live-action remakes, so far including Alice In Wonderland, Maleficent (a take on Sleeping Beauty), Cinderella and The Jungle Book. This is a specialized franchise in its own right, but could we ever see them united to form a cohesive cinematic universe? If it were up to The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau, the answer to that question would be ‘no.’

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Favreau during a Los Angeles press day for The Jungle Book earlier this month, and in addition to discussing the film’s use of technology and his upcoming Magic Kingdom project, I also brought up the idea of all the live-action adaptations of Disney classics forming their own cinematic universe. Given that he is the director of Iron Man and Iron Man 2, he knows a thing or two about building a CU, but explained why it wouldn’t be such a great idea for this new franchise:

Given that Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book are all set in either non-descript locations or times, there really isn’t anything in any of the individual movies that would present a conflict where continuity is concerned… but it’s still not hard to see Jon Favreau’s point. Public plans for a cohesive Marvel Cinematic Universe sprouted all the way back in 2006 – two years before the arrival of Iron Man. And while the fun there is to retroactively see how all the pieces fit together, mashing all of the Disney classic adaptations together might feel like an ungraceful cash grab.

You can watch Jon Favreau talk about the idea of a Disney cinematic universe in the video below:

Do you agree with Jon Favreau, or do you still think there is a window of opportunity for all the Disney remakes to fit together? Hit the comments section below with your thoughts, and check out The Jungle Book in theaters on April 15th.

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Disney’s no stranger to the cutting-edge developments of 3D presentation. The studio’s animated divisions (both traditional Disney animation and its collaborations with Pixar) have steadily refined how 3D is used to entertain. See Zootopia or Inside Out for recent examples of spectacular 3D. On the live-action side, Marvel and Star Wars often use 3D to enhance their stories.

Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book is a hybrid of both worlds. Meant to look like live-action, the new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic relies heavily on CGI to bring animals to life… allowing the 3D to shine in the process. This column, as many of you know, isn’t a review of The Jungle Book. You can see that here. Instead, this is a breakdown of the 3D on display in The Jungle Book, to help you decide whether or not you should pay extra to see Favreau’s film in that format. So, let’s dive in!

Fit Score

5/5

Though The Jungle Book is the latest in Disney’s latest push to make live-action versions of its classic fairy tales (like Cinderella before it, or the upcoming Beauty and the Beast), the way that Jon Favreau decided to create his jungle setting and his animals with cutting-edge CGI means that this Jungle Book was tailor-made for 3D. The director filmed his entire adventure in a warehouse, which gave him better control over the image, which allowed for proper manipulation when converting to 3D. This isn’t animated, but it might as well be, and we all know that animation works better in 3D.

Planning & Effort Score

5/5

Similarly, The Jungle Book makes it look like every frame was composed with 3D in mind – which is extremely impressive. Right from the very beginning, as the "man-cub" Mowgli (Neel Sethi) bolts through the jungle with a pack of wolves, we view the action through vines, leaves and braches that appear to put us IN the jungle setting. Other scenes are framed so that we look through an animal’s legs, or over a jungle construct. The enhancement that comes with 3D appears to have been considered on every shot in Jungle Book, meaning Favreau and his team worked hard to earn your 3D money.

Before the Window Score

3/5

Before the Window continues to be a missed opportunity for 3D in the modern age. Things just don’t reach out and drop in your lap during a 3D movie like they used to, and because so few films attempt it, I’m beginning to think it’s just too hard to pull it off successfully. Otherwise more films would try it, wouldn’t they? Every once in a while, a character’s vivid face will peek off the screen, be it the slinky snake, Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), with her menacing tongue, or the amusing Baloo (Bill Murray). But the instances are rare.

Beyond the Window Score

5/5

Here, instead, is where 3D makes its money. The depth of focus in Jungle Book is mesmerizing… probably because Jan Favreau had complete control over his digital imagery while constructing The Jungle Book from a green screen. Each scene in The Jungle Book is a gorgeous portrait, and one that you almost want to step into. The clarity of each scene runs deep, and you will spend chunks of minutes enjoying the backgrounds in Favreau’s excellent film.

Brightness Score

4/5

I thought The Jungle Book was going to be in trouble here, as the movie contains several nighttime scenes. Yet, even in the dark of night, Favreau makes sure to include enough artificial moonlight to brighten his characters and his locations. And during the day, the sun-drenched scenery of Mowgli’s jungle home has an extra bit of artificial enhancement to really compensate for the dark glasses one has to wear in a 3D screening. I’d give this a perfect 5, but one stretch during the story’s final confrontation (no spoilers) gets way too dark, hiding the imagery. Other than that, the brightness is fantastic.

Glasses Off Score

5/5

Going back to the Planning & Effort section of this week’s column, every scene in The Jungle Book seems to have been constructed with 3D in mind, and that fact is proven when you take your glasses off during a screening (as I did numerous times, to test). Everything outside of young Neel Sethi was EXTREMELY blurry when I took my glasses off, from the trees in the background to the animal characters sharing scenes with Mowgli. This means an ample amount of 3D tech had been applied to the image, creating the memorable pop off the screen. Some 3D movies can be watched without glasses. That’s NOT the case for The Jungle Book.

Audience Health Score

4/5

Once again, Jon Favreau has complete control over his imagery, and the way that 3D will enhance it. There’s a fair amount of action in Jungle Book from Mowgli sprinting away from predators to monkeys carrying the young boy through the braches of towering trees. I took particular notice of this during one hectic scene, where Mowgli must dive into a herd of stampeding animals in order to avoid the vicious tiger, Shere Khan (Idris Elba). Favreau knew how long to leave us in the pack of stampeding animals, and when to pull his camera back to show us the scope of the action. Audience health was top of mind, and The Jungle Book never assaults our senses with its 3D.

3D SCORES RECAP

3D Fit

5

P & E

5

Before The Window

3

Beyond The Window

5

Brightness

4

Glasses Off Test

5

Audience Health

4

Total Score

31/35

Final Verdict: Get your 3D tickets for The Jungle Book now. Seriously. As a parent, I completely understand the financial burden of bringing a family to a movie, and I do NOT recommend adding 3D prices lightly. However, if you have any interest in seeing The Jungle Book, the planning and effort Jon Favreau put into constructing this world through 3D makes it worth the effort, and I’m not sure you’d be getting the full experience in a 2D presentation.

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Click to visit our full To 3D Or Not To 3D Archive.

Love it or hate it, Disney knows how to sell a good old-fashioned franchise. That’s been the studio’s bread and butter for years, and they've got it down to a science. With that in mind, Jon Favreau’s upcoming reboot of the Disney classic, The Jungle Book, hasn’t even hit theaters yet, but it has already drummed up quite a bit of buzz. In fact, it’s garnered so much buzz that the studio has already begun thinking about a bright future for that franchise.

Disney seems feel fairly confident in the upcoming adaptation of The Jungle Book, because The Wrap has just reported that the studio currently has a sequel in development. Although not many details have come forward in terms of the plot and overall direction of the potential sequel – which makes sense, considering the first film hasn’t even hit theaters yet – it seems that Disney has their eye on Jon Favreau to once again take Mowgli on a life changing adventure. So far The Jungle Book seems on track to become a major success. Between it’s all star cast – which includes Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, and Scarlett Johansson – and its obvious mass appeal, the film has potential to absolutely dominate this year's early summer box office.

Although we haven’t even seen the upcoming adaptation to The Jungle Book yet, we do know that there’s precedent for a sequel in the Disney universe. In 2003 the studio released a sequel to the original animated classic – aptly titled The Jungle Book 2. The project starred Haley Joel Osment, John Goodman, and Mae Whitman, and while it did not exactly perform well critically, it established that Mowgli’s story does not necessarily have to end after his first adventure.

Considering the fact that The Jungle Book has not even hit theaters yet, it would seem that Disney has quite a bit of faith in the film’s ability to drawn an audience when it finally releases. If the film proves itself as a major commercial success, then we think it’s safe to classify Jon Favreau as the ace in the hole when it comes to starting a major franchise. First he helped Marvel Studios get the Marvel Cinematic Universe off the ground with the first two Iron Man films, and now he may have once again proven himself with this adaptation of a beloved Disney classic.

We will keep you up to date with all of the latest and greatest news and rumor pertaining to The Jungle Book as they become available to us. Jon Favreau’s upcoming reboot of the classic Disney tale will hit theaters later this week on April 15. Stay tuned for more details!

Can Captain America just come out already? Why do we have to wait? Alas, it’s not this week. Get ready for Elvis & Nixon and The Huntsman Winter’s War.

Just remember, I'm not reviewing these movies, but rather predicting where they'll end up on the Tomatometer. Let's take a look at This Rotten Week has to offer.

Rotten Watch Prediction

44%

This movie might be fine but I almost couldn’t get passed a very simple thing: neither Kevin Spacey nor Michael Shannon look anything like Richard Nixon or Elvis Presley respectfully. Now, is this crucial to the overall arching theme and possible success of the movie? No. But considering those are two of the more popular figures in American history, you’d think there would be a little more effort to make the leads look, you know, like the real dudes.

Elvis and Nixon tells the story of the Blue Suede Shoe-d one showing up at the White House one day, requesting to be an undercover NARC and ultimately getting a famous photo shot with Tricky Dick. It looks cute enough on the surface, has an excellent cast and the trailer gave out a laugh or two. But I suspect the film is quickly forgotten in the Rolodex of movie history, and runs into problems with the leads performing more caricatures than actually diving into the real people. It won’t bomb, but I can see it grating on certain critics. %NEW PAGE%

Rotten Watch Prediction

14%

Because remaking fairy tales is still kind of the rage, we are treated to another installment in the world of Snow White. Does anyone care? I didn’t think so until I looked at the box office numbers for the first in the series, Snow White and Huntsman (48%). It kind of did great which goes a long way in explaining why there is a sequel coming out.

Now this one is conspicuously missing the Snow White part thanks in large part to Kristen Stewart (SW in the first), getting caught in an affair with Rupert Sanders (director of the first one). That seems to have spelled the end of both of their involvement with the sequel so we are just left with the Huntsman and the hope that you remember it’s related to the first. It’s getting shelled by critics early and I think it stays in the basement. It wasn’t like the first had a ton to stand on and the sequel seems like mostly a money grab. There won’t be a third. %NEW PAGE%

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Overall, a strong week from the Rotten Watch with two out of three predictions hitting the mark. First off, I had a head start with The Jungle Book (Predicted: 99% Actual: 95%) so it’s tough to take too much credit here. The film crushed it with critics who praised both the directing work from Jon Favreau and the lead Neel Sethi. There was also a great amount of love for the special effects especially when it came to pulling off the talking animals which is never an easy feat. All in all, this could have gone a completely different direction, but they appear to have taken a classic novel and eventual Disney cartoon and made the live action something uniquely its own.

Meanwhile Criminal (Predicted: 34% Actual: 26%) was right in range on the other side of the spectrum. I could tell this flick had a ton of issues right from the start considering the trailer just didn’t seem to line up in anyway with the tone of the film. Everything about what was happening on screen screamed boilerplate action flick. And yet the trailer attempted to pull on heartstrings with a love story. It didn’t meld together in the two minutes sneak peek and doesn’t seem to have had any more clarity with the full run. Critics panned it and we will all forget it ever happened in two weeks.

And finally, Barbershop: The Next Cut (Predicted: 50% Actual: 92%). Wow! Look, I don’t ever like being wrong on a prediction. But if I’m going to miss, I’d much rather miss like this. We are always rooting for good flicks and this one blew it out of the box. There were some critical legs to stand on as the first two films in the series had warm receptions. But this latest topped them both. Critics loved it for being both funny and socially relevant, never an easy pairing. I got killed in my prediction, but who cares? This one’s a keeper.

Next time around we’ve got Keanu, Ratchet and Clank and Mother’s Day. It’s gonna be a Rotten Week!

While Disney’s live-action take on The Jungle Book is getting ready to hit theaters in a couple weeks, the other live action take on the same story has decided that it needs a bit more time to get everything right for its version. Warner Bros has decided to push back Jungle Book: Origins a full year into 2018, and the film’s director agrees this is the right thing to do. Andy Serkis says to make the film as good as it can be they need to take as much time as they can.

For the last couple of years two different adaptations of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book have been in development. Disney had Jon Favreau directing a live-action adaptation of their classic animated film, while Warner Bros had Andy Serkis both directing and starring in their own version. The two films were already separated on the calendar by a year and a half but now Warner Bros. has tacked an additional 12 months on top of that by shifting the date from October 6, 2017 to October 19, 2018. On his Facebook page Serkis praised the decision, as he says the level of motion capture performances he is trying to achieve will require a lot of time.

Never let it be said that Andy Serkis undersells. Based on this statement, he really seems to be trying to do something special with Jungle Book: Origins. The film will mark the directorial debut of Serkis, in what has to be one of the better choices for a first time director, considering his experience with motion capture. Still, the challenge here does seem substantial. Generally, motion capture is used when digitally creating humans, or at least humanoid creatures, for the screen. Here Serkis will be trying to create human expressions on non-human animals. To say the ambition here is huge might even be an understatement.

The timing of the announcement is interesting, however. Early reviews of Disney’s The Jungle Book have been overwhelmingly positive. While it’s far from clear that the decision to push Jungle Book: Origins back was to give it more separation from Disney, the fact is that doing so will only help it in the long run.

Which version of The Jungle Book are you most excited to see? Is your choice getting closer, or did it just move further away?

Since late 2010, Jon Favreau has been attached to direct Disney’s Magic Kingdom - a film where one of the company’s theme parks comes to life – but the project hasn’t exactly been barreling through the stages of production. Instead, things have moved along slowly, and the filmmaker has seen his attention turn towards other movies like Cowboys & Aliens, Chef, and The Jungle Book. Considering it’s been a minute since we’ve heard talk about the project, one might ponder whether it is still alive or if it still has a director attached… but wonder no longer! We recently spoke with Favreau, and confirmed that Magic Kingdom is still very much in the pipeline.

The press day for The Jungle Book was held this past weekend in Los Angeles, and when sitting down with Jon Favreau I took the opportunity to ask about the future of Magic Kingdom. While our conversation opened with a discussion of the new impressive technology employed on his latest film, the conversation turned towards his upcoming projects. Favreau explained that he is still excited by the prospect of making the fantasy blockbuster, but that the biggest thing holding the project up has been the wealth of huge movies that Walt Disney Pictures is set to release in the next few years. Said the director,

Jon Favreau went further, noting that the other big live-action movies that Disney has been releasing – in addition to his own take on The Jungle Book - will wind up having an influence on what’s put together in Magic Kingdom. He commended his experience working with the studio, and certainly seemed eager to do it again:

You can watch Jon Favreau talk about the development of Magic Kingdom and the influence of the technology used on The Jungle Book in the video below:

So when will we actually get to see Magic Kingdom come to life? With a slate filled with titles from Marvel Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Animation, and more in the next few years, it could still be a while, but it’s certainly a goal for Jon Favreau. Stay tuned for more updates about the project as it moves further into development.

In the meantime, you can see The Jungle Book in theaters on April 15th.

The death of comedian and actor Garry Shandling was a shock to both fans and friends last month. One person who was especially shocked was director of The Jungle Book Jon Favreau. Garry Shandling hadn’t acted in four years when Favreau cast him as Senator Stern in Iron Man 2. Now, Shandling’s final performance will be as the voice of a porcupine in Favreau’s The Jungle Book. It may be fitting that this will be the actor’s final role, as it was apparently so important to him that Shandling recorded his lines a second time, because he’d come up with better material.

The porcupine Ikki isn’t in the original Disney animated version of The Jungle Book, but he is in Rudyard Kipling’s original story and Jon Favreau asked Garry Shandling to take the part. The director tells Yahoo Movies that after recording the lines once, Shandling called him back and wanted to take another shot at it, something that was nearly impossible, because the first set of lines had already been animated.

Recording dialogue for any sort of animated film is significantly more difficult than many might believe. One of the great things about is the freedom to improvise. However, once the animation is done, doing Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) ,where your lines have to match the lip movements that are already present, is much more work. It’s normally done on live-action films when a line isn’t properly recorded the first time. Doing it here, when it wasn’t technically necessary, was a lot of extra work. However, Jon Favreau says it was worth it. Every joke was better and the part as a whole was greatly improved. Garry Shandling’s perfectionist nature is even more clear considering the part isn’t actually that large.

For what it’s worth, Garry Shandling returning to do more work was something of a happy accident, as he got to see some of the completed scenes from The Jungle Book. Since he would pass away prior to the film’s premiere, he would not have another opportunity to do so. The Jungle Book has been dedicated in his honor.

While we don’t expect the live-action version of Disney’s upcoming The Jungle Book to be an exact remake of their 1967 animated version, there is one moment that has been teased in the trailer that tells us part of the classic will be brought back into the new version. The song "Bear Necessities" will be performed by the film’s stars, Bill Murray and Neel Sethi. If you can’t wait to hear them perform it, then there’s good news. The pair did it on TV last night. Check it out.

Ahead of The Jungle Book’s April 15th release Bill Murray, who voices Baloo the bear, and Neel Sethi, who plays the "man-cub" Mowgli, were guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live. During this appearence, the host persuaded them completely out of the blue we’re sure, to perform a verse from the best-known song that came out of Disney’s animated version of the same story. The two actors give their best exasperated looks before accepting their fate. Bill Murray just can’t help but be entertaining with every fiber of his being. Plus Neel Sethi looks to just be having the time of his life. The young actor is making his feature film debut as the lead in The Jungle Book. We’re not sure he’s got a future as a singer, but his enthusiasm makes up for it. Also, the bear suits are a nice touch. If watching this doesn’t just make you feel happier, then watch it again.

Overall, The Jungle Book looks to be significantly more dramatic and action packed than the animated version. As Jimmy Kimmel says, the actors only perform part of "Bare Necessities" in the new film, so it will likely be more of an easter egg than a full on musical moment. We don’t expect any of the film’s other songs to make an appearance. Although, if it turns out Christopher Walken performs a verse of "I Wanna Be Like You" at some point we’ll just go get in line for the movie right the hell now.

Are you interested in Disney’s new version of The Jungle Book? Disney is now making live-action versions of their stories with the same frequency that they made the animated films to begin with, so many more are on their way. Do you think they’ll be classics in their own right one day?

Growing up, we all have to learn about the bare (bear) necessities in life. No other story has become so iconic for hammering home that idea than the animated Disney classic, The Jungle Book. A new clip from Jon Favreu's upcoming live-action retelling of this tale has just hit the web, and provides us with a terrifying introduction to the film’s villain, Shere Kahn, voiced by none other than Idris Elba. Check out the clip below to see for yourself.

The above clip seems to take place fairly early in the film, with the film’s protagonist Mowgli living secretly among the pack of wolves who adopt and raise the orphaned boy. As all of the animals in the jungle convene at the watering hole, Idris Elba’s Shere Kahn notices a "strange odor," which he unmistakably identifies as that of a human. What follows is a standoff between the tiger and the wolves, as Shere Kahn explains that man is forbidden from their land. Elba just exudes dominance in this role, he’s basically Stringer Bell from The Wire in wild animal form.

Based off of what we have seen from the trailers, it seems likely that this showdown between the animals is what leads to Mowgli going on the run in the first place. Shere Kahn’s forced exile will eventually send the film’s young protagonist on a journey which will bring him into contact with numerous animals, such as the bear Baloo (Bill Murray), the giant snake Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), and the orangutan King Louie (Christopher Walken).

As much as Idris Elba wrote the book on how to be a menacing villain, the thing that we love the most about his take on Shere Kahn is the fact that he’s a villain he can empathize with. He doesn’t hate humans for no reason at all, he has suffered at the hands of men before, and in his own way he fears what Mowgli could become capable of if he stays in the jungle long enough to grow up.

If you haven yet to check out the clip above, do yourself a favor and watch it. You could be a longtime fan of The Jungle Book, or a complete novice the story, but it conveys just the right amount of menace and heart to appeal to just about anyone. We will bring you all of the latest and greatest news related to The Jungle Book as it becomes available to us.

The Jungle Book hits theaters on April 15. Stay tuned for more details.

Disney has had a new habit with creating sweeping and grand live-action adaptations of classic property cartoons. Although some of these attempts have been less than stellar, Disney as a whole seems to be ready to make these adaptations a fairly regular occurrence. The latest of these Disney live-action adaptations is the upcoming CGI romp The Jungle Book. Disney has just released a new TV spot advertising the new film. Check it out below.

Overall, The Jungle Book is shaping up to be a pretty epic adaptation of the classic Disney story. Let’s break down exactly what we’re being shown in this new TV spot.

The most exciting aspect of this new trailer is arguably the closing audio that is playing underneath the final shot. This audio was a lovely call back to the original 1967 Disney cartoon. If you listen closely to the melody being whistled, you’ll realize that it is the melody from one of the most famous songs from the original, "Bare Necessities". This jaunty tune was originally sung by Baloo, voiced by the late Phil Harris, who tries to teach Mowgli to be more carefree and take both the good and bad parts of life as they come.

Of course, the new Jungle Book seems tonally opposite to the 1967 version. In addition to the use of live-action and CGI effects to bring the animals to life, it overall feels like a very dark reboot. Of course, this isn’t the first time a reboot would go for a darker tone than the source material. Luckily for us, there is still a strong cast of comedians who will be voicing the various animals. Bill Murray will be playing Baloo, and Christopher Walken’s signature voice will be given to the character of King Louie.

If you watch any footage from the original Jungle Book you will see how starkly different each movie’s narrative seems to be. This new trailer also focuses much more on Mowgli’s backstory. We are shown a shot of a younger Mowgli, and the narration focuses on the perspective of Bagheera. Bagheera is traditionally Mowgli’s guardian, and it appears that this relationship will be fleshed out in the live-action adaptation. Additionally, the voice talent of Sir Ben Kingsley will surely give both an endearing performance, as well as the use of lovely diction.

Then again, it is a Disney movie so there is sure to be a fair amount of comedy mixed in as well. While the majority of the marketing material thus far has been both morose and visually stunning, I’m sure we’re going to be seeing more footage as The Jungle Book gets closer to release.

The Jungle Book will run, fly, and slither into theaters on April 15th, 2016.

The Super Bowl, annually, is a spot where major studios bring the best of their upcoming slates so that they can appeal to hundreds of millions of eyeballs all at once (while spending millions of dollars to do so). Last night was no exception, with massive summer tentpoles from Jason Bourne to X-Men: Apocalypse bringing visually stunning – albeit too brief – commercials to Super Bowl 50, hoping to steal focus from the game and, maybe, sell a ticket or two.

We have covered all of the Super Bowl trailers in detail, and you can hit up our News Index for the rundown of each spot. But before we move away from the marketing blitz surrounding the big game, these are the moments that made up put down our drinks, pause from the chips and dip, and stare at the screen with out mouths hanging open. They are the most badass images from the Super Bowl Movie Trailers, with an explanation why they caught our collective eye.

Team Cap

Captain America: Civil War looks very much like Avengers 2.5, as some members of the MCU have taken to calling it. And as we lead up to the May blockbuster, we have been wondering which heroes will fall on which side. Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) are going to be at odds over the Sokovia Accords, forcing existing Marvel heroes to choose a side. Well, on Sunday, we officially met Team Cap… with the surprising reveal of Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) on the screen! Here’s one side of the Civil War equation…

Team Iron Man

… And here’s the other side of the Marvel battle. Just as Captain America’s squad had a surprise face, Iron Man officially recruits Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) to his Civil War army. I guess I’m a little surprised that Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) chooses Tony Stark after her long association with Steve Rogers in the MCU. Vision and War Machine both owe their existences to Stark. Natasha, however, has various allegiances, and we’re destined to see her scrap with Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) with the War breaks out. Anyway, with no Spider-Man sighting, these two team shots were the most memorable reveals from the Civil War showing. Great stuff, Marvel!

Psylocke Slices A Car In Two

It’s always exciting to see a new hero leap from the pages of a comic book to the big screen. X-Men: Apocalypse is going to recycle a number of familiar mutant heroes, from Cyclops and Nightcrawler to Storm, but the blockbuster is giving us our first movie version of Psylocke, and Olivia Munn got a hell of an introduction in the Super Bowl spot. Somersaulting through the air, the mutant uses her signature sword to slice a flying car in half. Badass! Psylocke will serve as one of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) in Bryan Singer’s upcoming X-Men sequel, which is bad news for the students of Charles Xavier (James McAvoy).

Jason Bourne’s Single Punch

Jason Bourne has been away for several years, last starring in a Bourne adventure in 2007. The Super Bowl trailer for the upcoming Jason Bourne cut through any sort of sentimental nostalgia for the character by reminding us, immediately, what a badass he is. The one punch, delivered to the face of his opponent, sold me a ticket to this new Bourne movie. I don’t need to be shown anything else. Bringing director Paul Greengrass back into the fold alongside Matt Damon is a bonus. But fist-throwing Bourne is all I need for this sequel to fly.

Aliens Disrupt the Flyover

Speaking of "flying," Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day Resurgence is the only film yesterday that cleverly played off of the fact that it was airing DURING the Super Bowl, showing crowds in a stadium who are enjoying a flyover at a big game … only to have that flyover disrupted by alien warcraft! It was an awesome image, and one that jolted audiences into realizing we were in a futuristic world, one that only Emmerich could conceive. And that’s BEFORE the buildings start tumbling, in classic Roland fashion.

Krang!

Truth be told, we’re having a hard time getting fired up for the second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. It looks an awful lot like the first one, and that one wasn’t great. So we perked up quite a bit when the Super Bowl trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows gave us our first glance at Krang, the iconic Turtles adversary who lives in the belly of his shell. All we really see if a grotesque eyeball staring back at the four shelled warriors. But the presence of Krang is enough to keep us interested in this sequel… for now.

The Cloverfield Monster... Right?

How will 10 Cloverfield Lane connect to the original Cloverfield? Will it, at all? It’s still very possible that this J.J. Abrams-produced mystery movie has nothing in common at all with Cloverfield outside of a now-marketable name. But if John Goodman is being overprotective because the monster from the first movie is terrorizing his home, then the above image might be our first glance at the trouble that’s about to reach his front door step.

Tony Catches a Bullet

I love this shot from the Civil War trailer because of the reaction on Robert Downey Jr.’s face. Tony Stark, over the years, has maintained a level of bravado that acts as a bit of a shield. But when the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) pulls the trigger, and Iron Man catches a bullet, Stark looks surprised. Stunned. As if the War has escalated to a point in where he wasn’t prepared to reach, and his life really is/was in danger. It’s a great sell by Downey, and it proves that the stakes are higher in this third Captain America movie than they probably have been in the past.

A Marvelous Team Up

I love this ad. Yes, it’s a Mini Coke can commercial, so it feels a little sell-out-ish. But because Marvel has left The Incredible Hulk on the shelf for the time being we have to take the scenes with the green giant any place we can get them. Couple that with the fact that we get to see Ant-Man (with Paul Rudd’s voice) interacting with an Avenger means that this Coke ad gives us a slight tease at the team ups that will come in Infinity War… in a few years. Make Mine Marvel!

A Blue Mystique Sighting

Jennifer Lawrence made headlines recently when she admitted to us in an exclusive interview that she would be blue in X-Men: Apocalypse, because that’s how we KNOW her character, Mystique, from the movies. Yet, early footage shown at both San Diego Comic Con and in theaters recently showed Lawrence in her, ahem, natural colors. With one quick Apocalypse choke, we see Mystique back in blue. And all is right with the mutant universe… for now.

Bourne’s Las Vegas Car Chase

Las Vegas doesn’t get used as a backdrop for action movies as often as you would assume. Maybe the overcrowded tourist destination presents too many logistics headaches for a film shoot, and so productions avoid it? Well, Sin City is going to host the third act of Jason Bourne, and Sunday’s Super Bowl spot gave us an all-too-brief glimpse at a car chase on the Strip. Actually, a car pile up, or vehicle carnage. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is going to cause problems in Nevada, and this clip teases what’s in store for later this summer. We can’t wait.

The Jungle Book Silhouettes

Jon Favreau’s commercial for his live-action The Jungle Book almost looked 3D, to the naked eye. Didn’t it? The images seemed to pop off the screen, and I loved the way Favreau pulled his lens back to give his sideways-shot silhouettes of the legendary Disney characters. I caught one of them, above, but there are a handful of gorgeous shots on the full Jungle Book tease, as well as great voice work by the very funny cast. Put this one on your calendar.

Death Metal Doggies

Outside of a Dorito’s commercial, the death-metal joke in the trailer for DreamWorks Animation’s The Secret Life of Pets made me laugh the hardest – and on a night where my hometown Carolina Panthers were shitting the bed, I needed a smile, badly. With the poodle standing by a stereo, you assumed there’d be a musical cue gag. I didn’t expect death metal, and that’s what made the joke work. I hope for more subversive humor from Pets, and with the voices of Louis CK and Kevin Hart, chances of big laughs are high.

This poll is no longer available.

**UPDATE** With 2016 in the rearview window, it’s time for you to check out the always updated schedule for new movies in 2017!

2016 is loaded up with interesting and exciting films this year, including Captain America: Civil War, Ghostbusters, Suicide Squad, Finding Dory and the anticipated Star Wars spinoff, Rogue One. For those of you trying to keep all of the dates straight, here’s the rundown on what’s headed into theaters in 2016.

Dates and titles are subject to change. We'll do our best to keep this list updated with the most current information. We’re mainly focusing on wide releases here, but if there’s a 2016 movie you don’t see on the list, and want to know the date, drop it in the comments and we’ll do our best to dig up the info!

The Hateful Eight - January 1 (expanded release)

The Forest - Friday, January 8

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi - Friday, January 15

Norm of the North - Friday, January 15

Ride Along 2 - Friday, January 15

The 5th Wave - Friday, January 22

The Boy - Friday, January 22

Dirty Grandpa - Friday, January 22

Fifty Shades of Black - Friday, January 29

The Finest Hours - Friday, January 29

Jane Got a Gun - Friday, January 29

Kung Fu Panda 3 - Friday, January 29

The Choice - Friday, February 5

Hail, Caesar! - Friday, February 5

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Friday, February 5

Deadpool - Friday, February 12

How to Be Single - Friday, February 12

Zoolander 2 - Friday, February 12

Race - Friday, February 19

Risen - Friday, February 19

The Witch - Friday, February 19

Eddie the Eagle - Friday, February 26

Gods of Egypt - Friday, February 26

Triple 9 - Friday, February 26

Desert - Friday, March 4

London Has Fallen - Friday, March 4

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Friday, March 4

Zootopia - Friday, March 4

10 Cloverfield Lane - Friday, March 11

The Brothers Grimsby - Friday, March 11

Coco - Friday, March 11

The Other Side of the Door - Friday, March 11

The Perfect Match - Friday, March 11

The Young Messiah - Friday, March 11

Miracles from Heaven - Wednesday, March 16

The Bounce Back - Friday, March 18

The Divergent Series: Allegiant - Friday, March 18

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Friday, March 25

The Disappointments Room - Friday, March 25

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 - Friday, March 25

God’s Not Dead 2 - Friday, April 1

The Boss - Friday, April 8

Hardcore Henry - Friday, April 8

Barbershop: The Next Cut - Friday, April 15

Criminal - Friday, April 15

Everybody Wants Some - Friday, April 15

The Jungle Book - Friday, April 15

The Huntsman Winter’s War - Friday, April 22

Keanu - Friday, April 22

Elvis & Nixon - Friday, April 22

Mother’s Day - Friday, April 29

Ratchet & Clank - Friday, April 29

Same Kind of Different as Me - Friday, April 29

Captain America: Civil War - Friday, May 6

Going in Style - Friday, May 6

The Darkness - Friday, May 13

Free State of Jones - Friday, May 13

Money Monster - Friday, May 13

The Angry Birds Movie - Friday, May 20

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising - Friday, May 20

The Nice Guys - Friday, May 20

Alice Through the Looking Glass - Friday, May 27

X-Men: Apocalypse - Friday, May 27

Me Before You - Friday, June 3

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows - Friday, June 3

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping - Friday, June 3

The Conjuring 2 - Friday, June 10

Now You See Me 2 - Friday, June 10

Warcraft - Friday, June 10

Central Intelligence - Friday, June 17

Finding Dory - Friday, June 17

Independence Day: Resurgence - Friday, June 24

The Shallows - Wednesday, June 29

The BFG - Friday, July 1

The Legend of Tarzan - Friday, July 1

The Purge 3 - Friday, July 1 (Purge: Election Year Trailer)

Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates - Friday, July 8

The Secret Life of Pets - Friday, July 8

The Infiltrator - Wednesday, July 13

Ghostbusters - Friday, July 15

La La Land - Friday, July 15

Ice Age: Collision Course - Friday, July 22

Lights Out - Friday, July 22

Star Trek Beyond - Friday, July 22

Nerve - Friday, July 29

Bad Moms - Friday, July 29

Jason Bourne - Friday, July 29 (New Jason Bourne Trailer)

Nine Lives - Friday, August 5

Suicide Squad - Friday, August 5 (Suicide Squad Trailer)

Pete’s Dragon - Friday, August 12 (Watch the trailer.)

Florence Foster Jenkins - Friday, August 12

Sausage Party - Friday, August 12

Spectral - Friday, August 12

Ben Hur - Friday, August 19

Kubo and the Two Strings - Friday, August 19

War Dogs - Friday, August 19

Don't Breathe (Formerly titled A Man in the Dark)- Friday, August 26

Mechanic Resurrection - Friday, August 26

Hands of Stone - Friday, August 26

Solace - Friday, September 2

Morgan - Friday, September 2

The Light Between Oceans - Friday, September 2

Sully - Friday, September 9

Before I Wake - Friday, September 9

The Wild Life - Friday, September 9

When the Bough Breaks - Friday, September 9

Snowden - Friday, September 16

Blair Witch - Friday, September 16

Bridget Jones's Baby - Friday, September 16

Hillsong - Let Hope Rise - Friday, September 16

The Magnificent Seven - Friday, September 23

Storks - Friday, September 23

Deepwater Horizon - Friday, September 30

Masterminds - Friday, September 30

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Friday, September 30

The Girl on the Train - Friday, October 7

The Birth of a Nation - Friday, October 7

Friend Request - Friday, October 7

Middle School: The Worst Years of my Life - Friday, October 7

The Accountant - Friday, October 14 (The Accountant Trailer.)

Kevin Hart: What Now? - Friday, October 14

Max Steel - Friday, October 14

A Monster Calls - Friday, October 21

Boo! A Madea Halloween - Friday, October 21

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back - Friday, October 21

Ouija 2 - Friday, October 21

Keeping Up with the Joneses - Friday, October 21

I Am Ashamed - Friday, October 21

Inferno - Friday, October 28

Doctor Strange - Friday, November 4

Trolls - Friday, November 4

Hacksaw Ridge - Friday, November 4

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk - Friday, November 11 (Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk Trailer)

Shut In - Friday, November 11

Almost Christmas - Friday, November 11

Arrival - Friday, November 11

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them - Friday, November 18

The Edge of Seventeen - Friday, November 18

Bad Santa 2 - Wednesday, November 23

Allied - Wednesday, November 23

Moana - Wednesday, November 23 (Moana Trailer)

Rules Don't Apply - Wednesday, November 23

Jackie - Friday, December 2

The Eyes of My Mother - Friday, December 2

Incarnate - Friday, December 2

La La Land - Friday, December 9

The Bounce Back - Friday, December 9

Office Christmas Party - Friday, December 9

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Friday, December 16

Collateral Beauty - Friday, December 16

Assassin’s Creed - Wednesday, December 21 (Assassin's Creed Trailer)

Passengers - Wednesday, December 21

Patriots Day - Wednesday, December 21

Sing - Wednesday, December 21

The Space Between Us - Wednesday, December 21

Why Him? - Friday, December 23

A Monster Calls - Friday, December 23

Silence - Friday, December 23

Fences - Wednesday, December 28

20th Century Women - Wednesday, December 28

Hidden Figures - Wednesday, December 28

Live By Night - Wednesday, December 28

Which 2016 movies should you still be looking forward to? We break down the most anticipated movies of (the rest of) the year next...

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By the time that 2016 is over, we will have seen hundreds of new movies released to the masses – some starring popular names and recognizable faces, and others comprised entirely of up-and-comers looking to leave their mark on the industry. From all of those titles, we expect to see multiple standout performances, some coming from actors who we’ve never really heard anything about. Obviously this field will be filled with a lot of surprises that we don’t see coming, but there are certain performers who we definitely have our eye on going into the new year.

Going through the 2016 release calendar, we’ve put together a list of 10 lesser-known names who we think are going to wind up leaving an interesting mark on the cinematic year. Read on to find out our choices!

Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool)

All of the footage we’ve seen from Deadpool has suggested that the film will be packed to the brim with all kinds of hilarity and insanity – mostly courteous of star Ryan Reynolds – but we expect big things from Brianna Hildebrand’s Negasonic Teenage Warhead. We’re not entirely clear on what her character’s abilities are, but her part as an angst-y, goth teen should work great as a foil to the ridiculousness of the titular Merc With The Mouth.

Cyrus Arnold (Zoolander 2)

We were actually introduced to young Derek Zoolander Jr. in the final moments of Ben Stiller’s 2001 comedy Zoolander, but in Zoolander 2 he’s all grown up and turned into young actor Cyrus Arnold. It’s true that we haven’t seen much of the character in footage just yet, but surely Stiller must have seen something significant in him to cast him within such a star-packed ensemble, and the young actor should have a fun geeky role to play opposite his idiotic fictional father.

Anya Taylor Joy (The Witch)

There are still a few high-profile movie from the 2015 indie film festival circuit coming out in the next year, but The Witch is easily one of the most buzzed about. A horror film set in colonial New England, the story follows Anya Taylor Joy as a young girl who finds her family set upon by the evil of a witch. The feature is incredibly dedicated to its period setting, and Joy has already earned high marks for her performance.

Jaeden Lieberher (Midnight Special)

With films like Take Shelter and Mud, Jeff Nichols has firmly established himself as a director to watch – and in his last film demonstrated an impressive ability to work with child actors. It’s for this reason that we have high expectations for Jaeden Lieberher in the sci-fi thriller Midnight Special. He demonstrated impressive talent with his performance alongside Bill Murray in 2014’s St. Vincent, and we expect a lot from him as Michael Shannon’s gifted son in the new movie.

Neel Sethi (The Jungle Book)

It was all the way back in July of 2014 that Neel Sethi landed the hotly-pursued role of Mowgli in director Jon Favreau’s live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book - and now that the movie is about to come out, the young actor is on the verge of stardom. From what we’ve seen, the film looks absolutely beautiful, and obviously Mowgli is the key character in the story. If Sethi can impress, the sky is the limit.

Lana Condor (X-Men: Apocalypse)

Bryan Singer has assembled a talented group of young actors to play the young mutants who will likely play key roles in the X-Men franchise beyond X-Men: Apocalypse, but Lana Condor is one star that has caught our curiosity. She doesn’t have any professional credits just yet, and as Jubilee will be introducing a brand new character – so there is real opportunity for her to leave an indelible mark. We’re staying positive and hoping that she does.

Alexandra Shipp (X-Men: Apocalypse)

That’s right: 2016 looks like it’s going to be a big year for young actors joining the X-Men universe. Playing Storm in X-Men: Apocalypse, Alexandra Shipp steps into a very interesting position, as fans never really did take to the performances of Halle Berry. That being said, Storm is a very important character in this franchise, and Shipp is now in a position to become the best live-action version of the weather-controlling mutant.

Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2 : The Enfield Poltergeist)

Director James Wan is returning to the world of horror this summer with the sequel The Conjuring 2 : The Enfield Poltergeist, and while Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga will surely be back front and center, the young Madison Wolfe is a talent you should keep an eye on. Playing Janet Hodgson in the adaptation of the famed Entfield Poltergeist story, she’s has a key role to play in the movie’s plot, and could surprise us all.

Travis Fimmel (Warcraft)

At 36 years old, Travis Fimmel is a bit older than all of the other actors on this list, and it’s true that he has the television show Vikings… but we predict that it will be his big screen role as Anduin Lothar in Duncan Jones’ Warcraft that will really make him a superstar. The large-scale fantasy epic is aiming to make a big impact this summer, and as the human lead he’s in position to earn a lot of attention.

Jessie Usher (Independence Day: Resurgence)

Given that Jessie Usher is playing the son of one of the biggest action movie stars of the 1990s, there’s certainly a good amount of expectation for his role in Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day: Resurgence. We don’t exactly expect him to match the charisma of Will Smith’s Capt. Steven Heller (that would just be unfair), but if utilized properly he could be a real stand-out (which is saying something when you look at the talented ensemble cast).

You probably know that Disney is in the midst of knocking out live action versions of their back catalog of animated films. Following the success of movies like Maleficent and Cinderella, we’re going to get new versions of Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio, and many others. One of these projects, The Jungle Book, just dropped a first look teaser trailer, and while it is definitely different from the source material, what we see here is epic and tense.

There’s not a ton to this trailer, but the footage from the Jon Favreau (Iron Man) directed film certainly gives you a good sense of the adventure audiences will go on when the film drops next year. Tonally, this definitely focuses on the harrowing danger that the young protagonist faces as he navigates the myriad hazards of living on his own in the jungle. There are, however, nice nods to the source material, most notably that bit at the end that shows Mowgli riding down the river on the belly of a bear.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 book of the same name, Disney’s original animated The Jungle Book (there was a live action version in the 1940s) tells the story of Mowgli, a young orphan boy on his own in the jungle who is taken in and raised by the creatures who inhabit the wilderness. Along with his friends Baloo, the bear, Bagheera, the black panther, and a pack of wolves, he must survive the wilds, including the villainous man-eating Bengal Tiger, Shere Khan.

This version appears to follow at least a very similar story arc with Mowgli (Neel Sethi) and friends, though it sure looks like it is going to have way more of a focus on epic action. And Favreau and company have put together a fantastic cast to bring the animals to life. The only one we really encounter here, however, is Scarlett Johansson as the python Kaa, though with that deep, sultry voice, she’s a damn near perfect choice.

Though we don’t really hear them, the rest of the cast is also seems like they are spot on selections. Bill Murray voices Baloo, Ben Kingsley lends his vocal talents to Bagheera, Lupita Nyong’o voices Raksha, Giancarlo Esposito is Akela, and Christopher Walken is the leader of the orangutans, King Louie, which should be a total blast. Perhaps best of all, Idris Elba voices Shere Khan, and I can’t think of an actor better suited to bringing a level of menace to that role.

While this doesn’t really tell us much, it is certainly a promising first look. I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but I have to admit, after watching this, I’m on board. The Jungle Book opens April 15, 2016.

When Disney dropped our first good look at what’s to come in Jon Favreau’s live-action Jungle Book at the D23 Expo, we were left with our jaws dropped. Well now, they’ve given us even more to get excited about, as they just shared the first footage into the stunning jungle setting of the upcoming feature. Take a look:

Of the images Disney has shown us prior to this footage, we weren’t sure how realistic the live-action was going to look. The two images gave somewhat realistic portrayals of Mowgli and Bagheera, but still the touch-ups and editing of the photos gave them a surreal, dreamy aura. Well with this current footage, we are still seeing how dreamy this jungle is going to be, but in a much more realistic setting. With a quick glimpse of little Mowgli, too, Walt Disney Studios showed just enough in this short Vine to let us get a feel for what a live-action version of Jungle Book has the potential for.

Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 collection of stories, has seen a number of adaptations over the years. From the classic Walt Disney animated film version in 1967 that taught us all about the "Bare Necessities" all the way to Chuck Jones’s made-for-TV cartoons and even a number of stage adaptations. But the coming years prove to be some of the most exciting prospects for the classic stories. Both Walt Disney and Warner Bros. are developing live-action versions of the story, both different, but to include the iconic characters that many people over the years fell in love with.

Disney’s live-action/CGI adaptation has a screenplay written by Justin Marks, new to the game of feature length films, but most impressively, Jon Favreau has signed on to direct. The actor/director has been making his name in the director's chair with films such as Elf, Iron Man and Iron Man 2, and most recently the critically-acclaimed Chef. Disney’s Jungle Book has also lined up a stellar cast which includes Bill Murray as Baloo, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Christopher Walken as King Louie, Lupita Nyong’o as Raksha and Neel Sethi as Mowgli.

The film was announced a couple years ago, but had taken some time to pull together a cast, and only recently begun to move forward at full speed. Favreau has promised to maintain some of the original qualities of the story, but also hopes to add some mythic elements along with a different overall tone. From this teaser we can see a sense of mystique forming. But for those attached to the Disney animated version, there will be some nostalgia such as Baloo’s "The Bare Necessities" being sung by Bill Murray.

The Jungle Book plans to hit the big screen on April 15, 2016, but be sure to stay tuned for more gorgeous footage.

Earlier today, we showcased the first ever poster for Jon Favreau’s upcoming The Jungle Book, which gave us a close-up look at the brand new live-action versions of some truly legendary literary characters. That, however, is not the full extent of the preview that we received this morning, as Disney showed off an entire sizzle reel from the 2016 blockbuster.

The new film was part of the huge live-action presentation that was held this morning at Disney’s special D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, and in addition to revealing the movie’s first poster and bringing stars Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o, and Neel Sethi to the stage, director Jon Favreau also introduced the first ever clips from the feature. And while it’s not entirely done just yet, with still a great amount of post-production work to do, I was surprised by just how good The Jungle Book legitimately looks.

Beginning with voice over narration from Scarlett Johannson’s snake character, Kaa, the footage started with the explanation of the conflict that exists between man and animal, with fire a.k.a. "The Red Flower" taking central stage with its ability to bring warmth, light and destruction. This is paired with footage of the tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) attacking a young Mowgli (Neel Sethi), the panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) finding the little boy, and Mowgli explaining to his wolf mother Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o) that he needs to leave his family before anyone else gets hurt.

This leads Mowgli to head out into the wilderness with Bagheera, and in the next scene they find themselves cautiously moving though some tall glass. In a moment of tension, the panther calls out "Down!" as Shere Khan suddenly attacks again – forcing Mowgli to run. He evidently winds up getting knocked unconscious after this experience, as he is then woken up by Baloo (Bill Murray) – a friendly bear who becomes the man cub’s new travel companion. While they walk together, the giant bear begins to mumble the song "Bare Necessities," and Mowgli reveals that he doesn’t really understand the concept of a song. In a wonderful little moment, Baloo explains that everyone has a song and starts whistling his little tune – which eventually becomes part of the score of the sizzle reel.

The preview concluded with a rapid procession of clips, featuring a herd of elephants, an actual appearance by Kaa (performing a bit of hypnosis), and a warning that if you "send a man back to the village, they’ll make a man out of him." The showstopper towards the end, though, is the first appearance of Christopher Walken as the orangutan King Louie, who steps out of the shadows to proclaim, "I’m the king. Call me Louie." It wrapped up with shots of apes swinging through trees, Mowgli climbing up a rock face, and concluded with the line, "There are many tales told in the jungle, but none so strange as the tale of Mowgli."

When it comes to crafting live-action adaptations of animated classics, Disney has already had great success in the past couple years with both Robert Stromberg’s Maleficent and Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella - and it looks like the studio will be able to continue that impressive stretch with the release of The Jungle Book next year. Admittedly, the animation required to make the animals talk struck me as a bit odd - just because it looked weird seeing such realistically-rendered animals forming English words – but overall I was impressed with what was shown. The movie is scheduled to come out on April 15, 2016, meaning that Disney probably won’t officially be releasing any footage until the fall, but allow me to prepare you by saying that you’ll be impressed by what it has to offer.