Very clever move, Disney. Very clever indeed. I see what you did here. You take a director, Jon Favreau, who has worked out well for you in the past, who is able to handle the big budget action films, but also has a deft hand for children’s film and you offer him your iconic-theme-park comes to life franchise film, Magic Kingdom. Smart thinking Disney.
It’s kind of refreshing to see a conglomerate soulless corporation like Disney (Mickey has had dead eyes since the 1950s, true story) actually make an inspired choice for their basic cross promotion, synergy, advertising-hidden-as-entertainment film. Favreau can make a great kids film (Elf) but can also handle the big budget actioners (Iron Man and Cowboys and Aliens). So while it’s still a shame to see them basically making an extended two hour commercial for their theme parks, at least it will be well made.
So congratulations Disney, on making a rather inspired choice for your indomitable quest to make sure every child in America wants to visit your parks and will scream bloody murder if they don’t get to go. I’m glad to see that after the billions of dollars you have earned forcing shlock on the children of the world, underpaying and overworking employees, and monopolizing the competition you are finally earning those dollars. Pirates of the Caribbean turned out decently well, considering its source material, but it showed with the right talent behind it, anything is possible. So maybe with Favreau behind the lens this won’t turn out to be complete crap. Disney, you made the right first step, but please please please don’t turn this into Mac and Me.
Source: Deadline
