The Donut Guy Blog

There is a tidal wave out there. From the depths of classical cartoon nostalgia comes a tsunami of live action remakes. From The Lion King to Little Mermaid you see cartoons of your past come to life. I say that tongue in cheeks since most of it is digital art everywhere, but I digress. As each of these has come along, I have found myself in a place and wonder if others are as well. I just don’t need to see it.

I’m not necessarily offended by the idea of doing these. I may take a slight jab here and there, but overall, if the art can be done differently, then who is to say that is wrong to do. In the worst view these are totally a cash grab by studios where the art has been created mostly and they are only investing slightly in a way that is less risky for them. People will come to the box office based on nostalgia, as well as new fans who never got to see the older versions. That is where I found myself today sitting next to my daughter watching. “How To Train Your Dragon”. 

I know how to train my Dragon. I’ve watched four films and several specials on the topic that had excellent storytelling and voice actors I felt connected with. I am not ashamed as a storyteller to say, I like cartoons and kids stories. There is a space for that feeling and how well done dialogue is woven for both adult and kids alike. Did I need to see this? No and I’m okay with that. Did my daughter want to relive her nostalgia and watch it with me? Yes and that really is the story.

I’m not going to take away any amazing new story beats from this movie. I’m going to take away a memory of the laughter from my daughter, a few jabs with a couple comments, and handing over some Twizzlers with a smile. With my children being teenagers, it is time that I know that is fleeting and I have to savor while I have it. I may be busy and I may have a lot going on, but taking these moments to spend time is really matters. If live action cartoon movies take us there so be it. 

I will say all the way back in the day that Gerard Butler was inspired casting and still is today. He is exactly the right fit in his role just as he was with his voice being used previously. Here is someone I look forward to seeing in any role to this day.

Final note for live action: do not change a major story beat lightly. I did not make it to Lilo and Stitch but my children have described it to me. Knowing they changed some of it in the end it really did get to me. I’m not a fan. I cannot tell you how much I’m going to avoid that movie, but Ohana means Family and it means no one gets left behind.