1994’s “Aladdin: The Return of Jafar” (or “Aladdin 2: The Return of Jafar,” or simply “The Return of Jafar” as it’s known in some circles), was originally intended to be the trio of episodes for the television spin off of the hit 1992 Disney film “Aladdin.” Not wanting to miss out on milking their hit further, Disney cobbled together a movie that acted both as a sequel and an entry point in to the “Aladdin” syndicated animated series. This meant that much of the resolution of the original movie was rendered pretty much null. Factor in that Robin Williams refused to reprise the role of Genie once again after a fall out with Disney, and you have what is—well, just an okay movie.
Tag Archives: Adaptation
“Mask of the Phantasm” is Still the Best Batman Movie Ever Made
We can get argue about Batman in the movies all day long but when it comes down to it the best Batman movie I’ve ever seen is “Mask of the Phantasm.” It’s shocking that the movie initially didn’t do well at the box office since Batman was still a hot property in the 1990’s. Back in 1989 when “Batman” was unleashed, wearing his symbol on a button or t shirt or hat was like a fashion statement, while in 1992 Michelle Pfeiffer just made wave portraying Catwoman in “Batman Returns.”
Peter & The Wolf (2023)
“Beware. For Wolves come in many disguises.”
Sergei Prokofiev’s classic musical fairy tale “Peter and the Wolf” is a story that’s been adapted, and adapted, and re-interpreted, and remade, and rebooted, for sheer decades. My first introduction to “Peter and the Wolf” was the animated adaptation from an episode of “Tiny Toons Adventures,” and since then the story pops up every now and then for modern audiences. This one is written by musician Gavin Friday and the one and only Bono, both of whom originally collaborated on this story to produce a book to benefit the Irish Hospice Foundation. Their version is brought to screen thanks to Gavin Friday who offers up a minimalist but beautiful truncated take on the original story.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023)
Director Emma Tammi and Universal’s “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is the product of too little, too late, as even the original article that set the template for a trend, feels outdated and old hat by now. Scott Cawthon’s horror video game was, at one time, everywhere on youtube, and in store shelves. Now that we’ve finally gotten the feature adaptation fans were clamoring for, Universal reveals an obvious fear in showing the real teeth of the video game.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
It’s been pretty much the consensus that “The Exorcist” is one of those rare lightning in the bottle cinematic achievements that has yet to find a contemporary in its massive sub-genre. Over the years, studios have fought to build a classic in the same vein, and now Blumhouse has tried their hand at continuing the cinematic adaptation of “The Exorcist.” While its arrival has pretty much squashed any and all attempts at forward momentum that the “Halloween” movies had, “Believer” actually ends up as a pretty okay reboot. It’s by no means as terrible as “The Heretic” but David Gordon Green has a lot to do if he hopes to achieve any kind of success with the next two films in his series.
At this point whether or not there will be a follow up remains to be seen.
The Black Phone (2022)
Director Scott Derrickson bring to screen what is really one of the more riveting thrillers of 2022. While “The Black Phone” almost always runs the risk of getting lost in its obvious influences of Stephen King and Amblin, “The Black Phone” ends up being a truly engaging and often scary hostage thriller. This one thinks somewhat outside the box bringing us not only in to the hot seat of the character that’s been kidnapped, but it also gives us a look at the echoes that emanate with every victim that villain “The Grabber” has ever victimized and murdered.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005)
After being introduced to ruin the 100 Acre Wood in 2005’s “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie,” Disney brings Heffalump back to ruin my favorite holiday, Halloween. Normally Winnie the Pooh is very good about ringing in Halloween, but “Heffalump Halloween Movie” is a pretty dull adventure, sadly. The whole attempt to curb the entire narrative toward the bland goofy elephant, and away from Winnie the Pooh is uninteresting.