The mouse’s main residence has gone comedy, news, and superhero, which is why 2019 is truly the year for a Disney Magic Kingdom built for every viewer, at every age group. While Disney acquired Marvel back in 2009, welcoming superheroes officially into the fold, the entertainment magnet acquired 21st Century Fox and it’s subsidies in March of this year, so the chances of us seeing Homer and Marge Simpson as a crime-fighting duo are actually possible (well, probably not).
However, do consider putting these Disney releases and sequels on your must-see movie list:
1. Captain Marvel
Released in March 2019, Captain Marvel enjoyed rave reviews, but not just for the performance of actress Brie Larson as Carol Danvers. No, the little performer who stole the show was Goose the cat. The Captain Marvel origin story showcases plenty of action and violence for parents, lots of sci-fi/fantasy for the nerds in the audience, and plenty of positive messages for the kids. Overall, it’s great to finally see a Marvel’s confident female superhero get her own flick.
2. Toy Story 4
Woody and Buzz Lightyear are back for a fourth movie. This storyline takes the rivals turned buds on a road trip with the regular gang like Jessie and Buddy, plus new characters Forky and Bonnie (with a surprise heartwarming reunion with Bo Peep). Overall, you can expect the same wholesome, tear-jerking entertainment that previous Toy Story movies are celebrated for. Perhaps where Toy Story 4 stands out from the rest in the franchise is the emotional human feelings woven into the story, which is not only the bond between toy and child, but the universal questions that resonate with everyone about finding our true and fulfilling purpose.
3. Avengers: Engame
Avengers: Endgame picks up the story 10-years after Infinity War. Sure Thanos abiliterated half the universe, but what happens next? Be ready for some real wow moments as the Avengers reunite as allies and attempt to restore balance to the universe. If you plan to watch with the kids, know that there’s quite a bit of violence including several explosions, stabbings, shootings, lots of drinking, some swearing, decapitation, and note that a few beloved characters do meet their end. In the end, Endgame provides a thrilling, albeit not a happily-ever-after conclusion ending to a franchise that focused on love, duty, and honor among friends. And Captain Marvel does make a show-stopping appearance in the film.
4. The Lion King
I have one name for you: Donald Glover! Childish Gambino is leading the pride as the voice of the CGI-created, live-action Simba. This reboot of Pride Rock also features fearsome, super-star voices from Beyoncé and Jon Favreau. If you haven’t yet seen it, get ready for your beloved animated classic in impressive CGI animation visuals. The story of cub to king also takes on a bit more realism in that it’s less charming and darker with a slight Shakespearean feel.
5. Aladdin
Guy Ritchie directing a Disney movie?! Before you go in expecting a hail of gunfire between Aladdin (Mena Massoud) and the Genie (Will Smith, no seriously blue skin and all), get ready for what many movie-goers refer to as a “better than expected” live-action remake with a really stellar soundtrack. While there are mild insults, kissing, and drinking involved, parents should know going in of the presence of weapons, several harrowing near deaths and one actual fatality in the storyline. Perhaps the most overlooked victory for Aladdin is the real live-action, carpet-riding peril that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats.