LEXI ROBERTS

STAFF WRITER

     For many of us, the newly released Disney movies provided us with a chance to let out our inner child and bring back so many delightful memories. The recent live action remakes of The Lion King and Aladdin had people singing in the theaters to the songs they have known since early childhood. Toy Story has had people attached to the main characters since it was first released in 1995. In the recent release of Toy Story 4, people had to say a final farewell to the gang. 

     The Lion King has been a Disney classic movie since the original release date in 1994. The movie follows a young lion cub named Simba, who will one day be king of the Pride. Simba has the perfect family and teacher until a traumatic incident occurs. Simba blames himself and runs to an oasis, where he meets Timone and Pumbaa. Simba’s new friends teach him to live by the phrase “Hakuna Matata” which means no worries. When Simba is grown, a friend from his past convinces him to come back to Pride Rock and take back this rightful place as king. Many people cannot see the differences in the original and the live action, other than the obvious that the hyaenas look like they could actually bite your arm off. Beyoncé’s song, “Spirit”, also gave Nala, the main female character, a stronger role in the plot and enforced her strength.

     The sing-along story of Aladdin has been a Disney fan favorite for years. Aladdin is a local “street rat” in the kingdom of Agrabah, where the beautiful princess Jasmine lives. Aladdin, along with his monkey Abu, come across a lamp in a pyramid, they then rub the lamp and the mystical genie comes out where he offers Aladdin three wishes. The Genie and Aladdin become friends and plan a grand scheme to win Princess Jasmines over. Through the story, Aladdin learns that Jasmine will not love him for all the money he has or if he is prince, she will travel the world with him because who he is in his heart. When the headline first came out that Aladdin was going to be a live action, people began to ask who would take Robin Williams place as the Genie. Director Guy Ritchie reached out to the best candidate for the part, Will Smith. Smith only agreed to the part if he could put his own twist on the Genie, which he certainly did.

     Toy Story 4 gave everyone a chance to say farewell to Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. The final movie in a fantastic series takes the road with Bonnie and her new toy, Forkey, along with the rest of the crew. As the journey takes a detour, Woody reunites with his long-lost friend Bo Peep. Woody and Bo go on an adventure and realize they don’t have the same idea on what life as a toy should be. At the end of the movie, Woody has a choice to change his mind and live how Bo thinks life should be or stay with the rest of the gang. Toy Story has been a part of most teens’ life since childhood and the final adventure was one that will not be forgotten.