If I have to ask one question recently, it’d have to be “Do you like movies?” I’m sure everybody would raise their hand and say “Yep!” And then I’d ask, “What kind of movies?” Chances are there would be a variety of fantastic answers from mystery to horror to comedy. Certainly some would narrow it down a whole lot more giving specific details on what they prefer such as a bit of action with some fluffy romance. Or they would rather watch one of those special effect films that send you deep into the future! Of course when I wonder about this question, it ties into the old vs. new debate.
Many of the older generations, such as myself, view movies and shows of their day as better from the remakes of today. Others born into newer generations prefer the motto, “Out with the old, in with the new”. Cause how many of you kids can say that you enjoy the classics like your parents or grandparents? Am I right? Of course, many kids I do know actually like seeing older films such as mine. One of them enjoys sitting down now and again with his grandfather to watch an old-fashioned black and white western movie.
This debate can go on forever, that’s for sure. But there’s a similar topic that could be an even better, and possibly bigger, argument to bring up for fun. Let me ask you, when you sit down to switch on your television or buy a ticket at the movie theater, which one is it mostly for? An animated film/series or one of those awesomely-made live actions? I’ve heard many people debate about this simple question in the movie franchise for years. Mostly though, it’s about animated films being remade into a live-action sequence or the complete opposite.
Unfortunately, it would be a hard argument to have since everybody has their personal preferences. Some go for animated, others for live-action. I have an affinity for both live-action and animated. However there are times when I think one is better than another. So, I might not be a good debater unless it’s about a specific topic.
Speaking of which, surely most of you have heard about all these amazing new live-action films being made recently from plenty of our favorite animated films or series, yes? A few are already out while others in production. Honestly, there is nothing like seeing your favorite animation movie being brought to life with real people and fantastic special effects. But no matter how great it sounds, it all comes down to how much the audience will appreciate it. Many movies have this habit of turning story lines and characters around so much that even if we grew up with them, the remake has become a stranger to us.
Check out my favorite top five, new and old, below. Perhaps one or more of these are a favorite of yours:
“Beauty & The Beast”
This fairy tale has made a few twists and turns into different depictions – 80s series, 1992 animated film, 2012 ongoing series, a 2014 French film and an in production film. Of course one can love each one of these while others prefer one over the other. I actually adore most of the “Beauty” franchise cause it’s become a permanent love in my life. However, though I may have grown up with all of them and find the Disney classic my top favorite, it is the French live-action, “La Belle et la Bete”that tops it all! Why? Because I love the realistic feel it gives off as it is set in old ages with a more lifelike beast, anger and all. It made even me fall in love with this beast of a man. Live-action for the win!
“Dragon Ball Z”
Most of you have got to know this spectacular hit anime, right? This series, spawned from the manga work of Akira Toriyama, has sprouted out several movies, three action-packed series and, because America loved it so, a live-action film called “Dragonball: Evolution”. Now, honestly, no matter how much love this series gets, the movie could not rub off on its viewers. Many fans of the franchise knew it would be a severe bust if they tried to create a live-action film from America, hence a serious downfall in ratings. There were actually a few who actually enjoyed the movie’s story, but almost all those viewers were not serious DBZ fans. As a fanatic myself of anime, especially this series, I wouldn’t give them movie a time of day! But I learned to take a breath, suck it up and take a glance. No, I didn’t like it much. It was okay to me, but not something I’d watch over and over again back to back. Maybe a timeline of about 5 years I’ll watch it again. So, in choosing between animation versus this live-action? Animation takes the win!
“Cinderella”
It’s always nice to see our favorite fairy tales brought to life whether it be in animation or live action. It had a smash hit animation back when your parents or grandparents were kids thanks to Disney and, recently, they created a live-action Cinderella that premiered in theaters just last year. Plus, if you didn’t know, they created a fantastic Broadway musical that starred the amazing Carly Rae Jepsen! Now, for way back when, the animators seriously knew what they were doing! I’ve never seen a single flaw as it has a smooth running sequence. The music, characters, backgrounds, storyline; all beautiful! However, there’s nothing like being in front of a live-action of your favorite. How you imagined the characters would look as actual human beings became reality thanks to Disney! Your imagination is able to run wild when it is brought to life whether in theater or on stage! BUT, and I have to say this, no matter how much I go for the awesomeness of live action in Cinderella, it’s the memories of the animation that take the win for this one!
“Ben 10”
This series has come a long way since it first started on Cartoon Network. You know, Ben 10, Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Omniverse, etc. The character was seriously one of the best I’ve ever watched! And I wasn’t a kid when they first aired it. The series itself dealing with one kid who can become any alien he wanted to kick some keister while giving me a good laugh had my vote! And if you’ve seen this series, you’ll know that there are some serious issues Ben goes through being aliens. While as a cartoon, he does everything that real life wouldn’t consider normal. Inhuman even. And while my love for this series endured, I became an even greater lover of it when I found out they created a couple live-action movies to go along with it! And, OMG, they may have been made with live actors, but the effects and storyline totally pulled me in, almost life-like! I fell in love all over again! Of course, though I would love to say I enjoy the live-action movies, the cartoon totally gets me more!! YES! Animation for the win!
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
There are so many parts of this franchise, it’s not even funny. They have plenty of television series and movies out there, you don’t know where to start. Did you know they even had a live concert gig back in the early 90s called the “Comin’ Out Of Our Shells” Tour? No? Well, you do now! For me, the cartoon series of these four totally rad ninjas can pretty much do anything! As a cartoon they were able to go in space, do ninja moves that couldn’t be possible done in reality, warped into cyberspace, visit the future and a whole lot more. The live-action movies gave them a bit more docile nature, but still with awesome ninja-butt kicking action. In the 90s live actions, there wasn’t much for special effects, so they were limited on what they could do, yet with serious style! The newer 2014 film granted them the pleasure of being CGed, have technology advanced effects and dish out some serious turtle-tude! And I love ALL the things about Ninja Turtles! But, if I had to choose one over the other right now, it’s gotta be live-action! Cowabunga!
So, I explained a bit about my favorites in the animation versus live-action debate! How about yourselves?