As the entire world continues to shelter in place to do our part to slow the curve, we need content to keep our brains occupied. Thankfully, Netflix has not let us down. Tiger King has roared right into our living rooms and been the purfect entertainment to keep us all on the couch instead of out and about. While Dax Shepard and Ed Norton fight it out on Twitter to decide who will play the Tiger King when the movie inevitably gets announced, we have ten movies featuring big cats to continue your entertainment marathon.
Remakes and Reboots are inevitable when it comes to Disney nowadays. For the past few years they’ve been adapting their animated classics to live action with a few tweaks and big named casts. Aladdin was the most recent movie that was adapted last year, with Director Guy Ritchie behind the lens. This is actually my first Disney live action adaptation as I chose to avoid them previously due to the fact that I had already seen the original and therefore had no desire to see it remade. To my surprise, this movie is not only as fun as the original but it delivers well with cinematography and visuals. This time Aladdin is played by Mena Massoud, and Naomi Scott as Jasmine. Both do well for their roles, both bringing life to the characters, but we all know who the standout of the cast is. Will Smith as the genie is something I didn’t think that I ever wanted to see, but I was very wrong. While the main characters are there to guide us through the story, the genie is our comedic gem bringing smiles and creating an entirely original, new iteration of a classic character. If you’re like me and decided to avoid these live action remakes then this is a good one to give a go and see if you’ll enjoy these reimaginations of Disney’s classics. (Alex Henderson)
A happy coincidence occurred with this week’s BEC. My wife and I made a commitment to read to our newborn daughter every night at bedtime, and we just completed the full Chronicles of Narnia. So, I had a small thrill of delight upon discovering Liam Neeson agreed to voice Aslan in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” because of his son’s love of the books. Some casting choices just work, and Neeson’s is one of those. Through his voice, he gives Aslan dignity, strength, humor and even warmth. Even with the exceptional CGI from Disney, a proper voice is a requirement for this role. His performance is what gives this movie it’s heart. (Donald Skidmore)
What seems to be the most common business decision made by Disney today? Let’s take all of the beloved animated films we have already done and make “live action” versions of them because people will pay nostalgia money! The most recent attempts of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King were some head-scratchers. Why take animated films that were such high-quality films and try to create a miracle by making films that are just as good? A great remake takes something and either grabs the potential of the original and builds upon it or takes it in a fresh and unique direction. Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book does the first. I will admit to you now that the original animated film was one that didn’t wow me as an adult. Zero plot and a limited amount of memorable musical numbers made the 75 minutes or so drag along. Favreau on the other hand injected thrills and intensity into this classic story. The effects are incredible as these animals look life like up against the real set pieces and Mowgli. The story has more structure and some strong themes of being who you are. But the character work and vocal performances steal the show. We are here to talk about big cats right? How about Sir Ben Kingsley bringing a regal presence to our mentor Bagheera? Or the horrifying intensity that Idris Elba oozes from his voice as our big bag catm Shere Khan? But let’s not forget Christopher Walken portraying a gangster gigantopithecus named King Louie. And of course, the real MVP of Baloo portraying all of the appropriate laziness and charm we love by Bill Murray. This is a wonderful remake to enjoy! (Shane Conto)
A film that I didn’t view until much later in life and the type of film that people are shocked that I hadn’t seen it was The Wizard of Oz. It was one of those films that everyone hears about and I never really felt compelled to see it since I knew all the beats and iconic scenes due to how famous the film was. I am so glad that I took the time to experience the film myself. The Wizard of Oz (1939) is a film that needs to be viewed by everyone as it is an important piece of film history. The creative team behind the film makes a great choice by having all of the footage in Kansas be in black and white. This is very effective when Dorothy is taken to the vibrant and vivid world of Oz. The bright colors jump off screen and must have been something to take in back in 1939. Despite not being the first Technicolor Film ever made, it still wasn’t the norm for films to be shot this way. The richness and intensity of the colors truly make the viewer feel like they have leapt in a magical world full of wonder. Another aspect that really brings the film to life is the elaborate sets and costumes that add to the world building. They keep the audience wrapped up in the whimsical nature of this magical setting. You can’t talk about this film without mentioning the talented and timeless performance that Judy Garland gives as Dorothy. She was 16 at the time and had the presence of a seasoned veteran. Garland’s voice and the innocence of her character wanting something more than boring old Kansas makes you feel for her when she is dropped into the unknown. Luckily she runs into some friends who help her along her journey. The Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), The Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and The Tin Man (Jack Haley) all accompany and add even more flavor to the overall story. Especially Bert Lahr as The Cowardly Lion, he is so hilarious and his performance has so much energy. His false sense of confidence and courage is entertaining and well done throughout the film. The Wizard of Oz is a classic film that will live long in both film history as well as history in general. (Joseph Vargas)
Arguably, this movie has one of the most memorable soundtracks in a classic Disney picture. Especially, when you consider the fact that unlike many of its counterparts, the characters don’t really break into song during the story. Instead it’s flooded with a specialized score by Genesis member Phil Collins, and I can tell you now, that those songs have pervaded the social consciousness of every child that has seen this film. In terms of big cats, the one in this movie might not be the most influential or noteworthy part of Tarzan, however she does serve well as its secondary antagonist. Acting as a representation of the wild nature of the jungle, she is the catalyst that Tarzan must overcome to truly have a place in his home. Clayton, the primary antagonist, who represents the danger and threat of forced civilization and progress, later challenges this and brings about the main conflict in the story for our main character – where does he belong? The classic story of the ape-man Tarzan is told with equal amounts of zany action comedy, fun animal sidekicks, as well as a touch of darkness that has long separated Disney from its competitors. There are moments that have easily traumatized a child or 50, but in a good way. By not shying away from the darker parts of the tale, there’s an opportunity in it for a stronger sense of catharsis when the happy ending eventually makes its way towards the viewer. So, with great tunes, fun action and a worthy story, this is a good one to dust off and watch when you’re in the mood for something different. (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
For some reason when Disney animation comes up, Zootopia is almost never mentioned. You’ll hear about the obvious choices like Frozen, Tangled, or Wreck-It Ralph, but Zootopia tends to be forgotten. It’s a real shame, because it just so happens that it is an excellent movie (and is better than the aforementioned). This movie has everything you could want or ask for from an animated movie about a society of anthropomorphized animals. It’s fun, funny, has a great story, and a simple but excellent message: don’t judge people solely based on their outward appearance. The theme alone makes it relevant to just about any time period. If you’ve never seen this, or just haven’t in a while, it’s well worth the watch and possibly the best thing to come out of Disney Animation in almost 20 years. (Editor’s note: The performance from Jason Bateman alone makes this deeply satisfying and worth the watch. Go watch this right now!). (Robert Bouffard)
Life of Pi is one of the most visually stunning and breathtaking films you can see. These amazing visuals are complimented by an equally beautiful storyline about a boy conquering fear and surviving against all odds. This movie grabs your attention and does not let go as you continue to get more and more attached to the main character nicknamed Pi. The power of the human spirit and appreciating all life around us are themes that shine throughout this picture. Tremendous pacing and a complex main character make this film even better and a must watch for movie lovers everywhere. (Kaleb Wolters)
When talking about a classic like The Lion King, it’s hard to encapsulate its greatness in one blurb. The Lion King is a timeless tale that resonates universally with every audience on Earth. It’s very rare that a movie does that and has the lasting impact that The Lion King did. It’s widely regarded as the best animated film of all time—and for good reason. It’s funny, charming, sweet, sad, adventurous, and a powerful tale that’s moving in all the right ways. The Lion King also has one of the most iconic soundtracks and scores ever to be produced. All you have to do is hum one of the many great tunes on the soundtrack and almost instantly someone will start humming it back. Is The Lion King pretty much Hamlet with animals? Yes, but that’s what makes it so great and timeless. It easily earns its place on a BEC centered around big cat movies and honestly is pretty high up there on an even broader category such as …cough..cough best animated movie of all time. (Ben Davis)
It was the second-biggest film of 2018, the first superhero film to be nominated for best picture, and a winner of three Golden Globes. Black Panther took the world by storm, showing everyone that black is beautiful. This film is probably my favorite film of 2018 and definitely a favorite of all time for many reasons. It’s one of those films where you can sit there and enjoy it even if you don’t know what’s actually happening. The MCU’s ability to give us amazing movies in a cohesive universe while also delivering self contained , character driven stories really shines through here. The cast was stellar, especially Michael B. Jordan as the villainous Erik Killmonger. Even though Killmonger is the villain, I feel like T’Challa was the actual villain in this film. He should’ve had a heart to heart with his cousin, but then again, we wouldn’t have a movie. The cinematography was amazing, the costumes, the soundtrack and seeing my people portrayed as royalty, instead of stuck in poverty was a wonderful feeling. This film shows that little black and brown kids can be superheroes. The film lived up to the hype and beyond. (Chantal Ashford)
What would you say is the greatest dad movie ever? You might wonder what I mean by that. Those movies that are so manly that dads everywhere what to watch them. You have Braveheart, Predator, and Roadhouse. Then you have Gladiator. You all know the line, right? Russell Crowe’s exclamation of who he truly is will get everyone in the room pumped and ready to see him show Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus who the true emperor of Rome is. Gladiator has your standard revenge story that motivates the manliest of protagonists. Ridley Scott takes this timeless and commonly used trope but adds great scope to create an epic feel that will certainly entertain you. There is powerful emotion and strong performances that make the film standout as well. Crowe’s presence is undeniable while Phoenix brings such manic energy that Commodus will surprise you at every turn. Oliver Reed gives great energy and gravitas in his final film performance. But where does Gladiator truly stand out? In the arena of course. The action and thrills are heart pounding as Han Zimmer’s score is epic and bombastic in the best ways. One of the most memorable scenes of all is the “one-on-one” fight with the legendary Tigris. But what does Tigris bring to the fight with him? Tigers of course! This scene is an incredible mix of effects and action and Maximus must fight off not only a worthy opponent but his big kitties too. With all of this quarantine time, take the three hours to enjoy this epic film. (Shane Conto)
Honorable Mentions
Ice Age
Drunk Frank here to talk about ICE AGE! What can I say about this movie that hasn’t already been said besides “Purrrrrrre Masterpiece”. This has to be one of my favorite movies to feature a big ol’ kit kat. Yeah, A big hairy cat named Diego and voiced by Dennis Leary who gets to go full Leary in this movie. Then again that’s why he gets hired. The character of Diego is one of the more interesting things about this cinematic prestige film. He starts out vicious and allows his bloodlust to control him as he guides his companions into an ambush. Along the way, he accidentally befriends them and is then forced to confront the internal dilemma of whether or not he should betray or save his new, interspecies comrades. Evolve or die my friends. (Drunk Frank)