Preview: Waking Sleeping Beauty (2010)

Synopsis:

A documentary examining the rebirth of Disney Animation in the late 1980s.

• Poster: B-

Review:

The concept of blowing up a castle might have been more effective were it more detailed. It seems overly simple for such a documentary, but that may be the entire plan.

• Trailer: A-

Review:

Having spoken many times in relation to my thoughts on The Princess and the Frog, the Disney rebirth in the late '80s and early '90s is a fascinating period. Although it makes no bones about being of that period, I hope they at least mention the fact that this is something that happens to Disney animation frequently. First, after the successful period including Pinocchio and Fantasia; then again after the successes of Sleeping Beauty and The Jungle Book and again after the rebirth discussed in the documentary, following The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Mulan. Still, it will be most interesting looking at some of the biggest names we have today when they were in their formative years.

Oscar Prospects:

Industry-centered documentaries haven't been faring well with the Academy. I think this could break the trend, but would need strong critic support.

Release Date:

• March 26, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (March 21, 2010) Original