I remember when I first saw the animated Lion King in theaters – the movie glitched at a very tense part with Scar, so we sat there for several minutes just like ‘uh….’ before finally getting to finish the incredible story. All these years later, I’ve been nervous if the new version would live up to the high bar set by the original – but it seriously blew away all my expectations! It’s the same, but not – I can’t even decide which version I like better because they’re both amazing! If you’re debating, here are 5 Reasons to see The Lion King Remake when it hits theaters July 19, 2019.

The Voice Cast

Once they announced the cast brought on board for this film, I had high hopes for it – and it was absolute perfection! I loved the voices in the original, but it seems that this crew was born to voice these roles – from Donald Glover as Simba and Beyoncé as Nala, to John Oliver as Zazu and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi. My favorites were Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon – as much as I loved these two crazy characters before, they’re even more hilarious and lovable now!

Visually Draw-Dropping

I was quite a bit younger when the original hit theaters, and I remember how beautiful the animation looked – it was quite amazing for that time. We all know how far technology has come, so the skill put into every single scene and moment is incredible. There were moments you could almost think that the team was just showing off their skills with CG and making it look so real, but we weren’t at all complaining because HOLY COW it’s worth seeing even just to see the details, movements and everything. STUNNING!

Trip Down Memory Lane

Here’s the thing – a lot of the movie matches the classic exactly, or at least very close to. Some may think they don’t need to see it because of that, but oh you’d be wrong – it’s still the story we grew up knowing and loving, but that doesn’t make this one any less worth watching because it gives you such a warming sense of nostalgia. It doesn’t feel repetitive or like a copy-cat in any way, it’s more of a ‘remember how you felt at this part’ memory sparking time.

New Surprises

I know I said a lot matches the classic – but there’s still plenty of surprises! It almost makes it more fun, because you’ll be going along enjoying the same lines as the movie you’ve seen before…the WHAM something new, unexpected and absolutely hilarious ensues. I think that made it a million times better, because it comes as SUCH a surprise since the rest is the same. I’m impressed with the perfect balance of same, similar, and completely different they managed to do!

Laugh-out-Loud

Y’all know I love my comedy in films, and The Lion King didn’t disappoint at all! What’s more – even though so much was the same, those surprises I mentioned are even more hilarious because you can’t predict it. You don’t see them coming AT ALL, meaning an audience busting-out laughing out loud throughout the movie. I’d even dare say this new film is even funnier than the original – you’ll see what I mean when you run out to see it this month!

Hurry to see The Lion King remake in theaters July 19th!

I remember watching the animated classic Dumbo when I was little, thinking not much could be more adorable than the little elephant with ginormous ears – now I have to admit that there is something better….the new version in the live-action remake that’s hitting theaters this week! Seriously, he’s super cute – but more than that, the whole film is full of amazing characters and touching moments, plus excitement and laughter to round it all out. After enjoying the adventure with this crew, you’ll realize that Dumbo is the Family We All Need.

I love that there’s several nods to the original film, from hints or remakes of the songs (Baby Mine is BEAUTIFUL), to the mice, and – of course – Dumbo’s feathers. It’s similar in story, but also completely different with new characters, villains and challenges that they must overcome. Don’t think that just because you’ve seen the beloved classic, means you won’t be in for big surprises with the newer Dumbo!

We were able to take the whole family, and every single one of us loved it – from my young boys and early teen girls, on up to my hubby (who was a bit skeptical going in, but did truly enjoy it after all). The music was both fun, beautiful and tense depending on the moment, and really delightful the whole movie through. I didn’t ever feel like it dragged on, as each scene was important and well-performed. The graphics were incredible, too, as my kids kept asking ‘did they use a real elephant?’ Love it!

The cast is full of talent, from Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito to Michael Keaton and Eva Green. They bring a lot of heart to the film, pulling you in and making the audience wish they could come along for the ride.

I’ve seen the original movie, I knew some of what to expect (knowing some things would be different), but still had moments with tears in my eyes – kudos to the directors, screenwriters and cast for making such a touching film that is truly feel-good!

There’s also some important messages from Dumbo, such as what family really means and the importance of treating others well. What lengths will someone go to for those they care about? Some further than others, that’s certain.

Hurry & see the magic of Dumbo for yourself – in theaters this week!

Grab your popcorn, nab those tickets and bring your friends because we’re in for an incredible year of motion picture releases! Here’s all the exciting, beautiful, grip-your-seats Walt Disney Movies Coming in 2019!

Planning a Disney trip? Check out Get Away Today  for great prices – use Promo Code: BusyMomsHelper

To make things easier, I put them in order of release date – get ready for some amazing movie watching this year!

March 9, 2019 – CAPTAIN MARVEL (Marvel Studios) #CaptainMarvel

This all-new adventure takes place in the 1990s, a previously unseen perdio in the history of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) following the journey of Carol Danvers who becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. Can Davers and her small crew of allies protect mankind when a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth?

The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.

Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patricia Whitcher and Stan Lee (oh how we miss this incredible man!) are the executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman and Joe Shrapnel & Anna Waterhouse, and the screenplay is by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck and Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Jac Schaeffer.

March 29, 2019 – DUMBO (Walt Disney Studios) #Dumbo

Many of us remember this touching, adorable film from our own childhood, and now it’s coming to life in an all new live-action adventure where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and any dream can take flight!

Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”).

April 17, 2019 – PENGUINS (Disneynature) #DisneynaturePenguins

Follow a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin, named Steve, who joins his ‘few’ fellow males (millions of them, actually) in the icy Antarctic spring as they’re on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a LIFE partner and start an adorable family of penguins. Will Steve get his happily ever after, or will killer whales or leopard seals get in the way?

From the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s “Penguins” opens in theaters nationwide in time for Earth Day 2019.

April 26, 2019 – AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Marvel Studios) #AvengersEndgame

Get ready for the ENDGAME with the next, much anticipated Avengers film!

More details to come!

May 24, 2019 – ALADDIN (Walt Disney Studios) #Aladdin

This was always a favorite of ours, so of course we’ve shared the animated classic with our kids numerous times. Now it’s an even more exciting adventure in vibrant and thrilling live-action! Watch the tale of the charming street rate, Aladdin, as he joins the brave and self-determined Princess Jasmine on an adventure where the Genie may be the key to their future.

“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin (“Sherlock Holmes”) and Jonathan Eirich (“Death Nate”) with Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Marc Platt (“La La Land”) and Kevin De La Noy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”) provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar-winning lyricists Howard Ashman (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hanson”). The film, which was shot on practical stages in London and on location amidst the stunning desert vistas of Jordan, has a talented creative team helping to bring Agrabah to life, including: director of photography Alan Stewart (“The Commuter”), production designer Gemma Jackson (“Game of Thrones”) and costume designer Michael Wilkinson (“American Hustle”).

June 21, 2019 – TOY STORY 4 (Disney·Pixar) #ToyStory4

I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of watching our favorite group of toys on their next adventure – this time, a road trip with friends old AND new can show Woody just how big the world can be for a toy.

Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”).

July 19, 2019 – THE LION KING (Walt Disney Studios) #TheLionKing

I recall seeing this in theaters when I was little, and can’t wait to share this beautiful new version! In the African savannah the future king, Simba, is born, but after some betrayal, tragedy and drama, Simba finds himself in exile. With a curious pair of newfound friends, he’ll have to figure out how to face his past to take back what’s rightfully his.

The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, “The Lion King” utilizes pioneer filmmaking techniques to bring these treasured characters to life in a whole new way.

August 9, 2019 – ARTEMIS FOWL (Walt Disney Studios) #ArtemisFowl

For any who’ve read the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, you’re in for an amazing treat as we follow the adventure of 12-year-old Artemis Fowl as he seeks to find his father who mysteriously disappeared. Can this genius, criminal mastermind figure out what happened, or will his dangerous plan prove to be too much for even him?

“Artemis Fowl” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, with Josh Gad, and Judi Dench. Judy Hofflund and Branagh are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers. Conor McPherson wrote the screenplay.

November 22, 2019 – FROZEN 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

I’m sure there’s many families out there who can’t wait to see what Olaf, Elsa, Ana and the whole Frozen crew are up to in their upcoming film – more details on the way!

December 20, 2019 – STAR WARS: EPISODE IX (Lucasfilm)

I’ve been so excited to see the new adventures of the Banks family, and share all the magic, music and adventure with my kids as I remember from the original film in my childhood. The audience in the theater was filled with beautiful nostalgia every moment of Mary Poppins Returns, and the perfect cast, incredible choreography and thrilling story capture our hearts all over again!

As usual, I wouldn’t dream of sharing any spoilers, because you’ll want to enjoy every surprise along the way for yourself. Here are some things that really had us talking the entire drive home after the movie, and why you need to hurry out to see Mary Poppins Returns with your family right away.

Perfect Casting

I’ve always deeply admired Julie Andrews, so was a bit worried that this just wouldn’t leave up to her level. I couldn’t have been more wrong, as Emily Blunt was ‘positively perfect in every way’. It was as if a day hadn’t passed for our beloved Mary Poppins, with the same spunky, adorable personality and mannerisms as before.

Along for the ride is Jack, played by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, the leerie (lamplighter, if you were wondering), who was a boy the last time Mary Poppins made an appearance. Together, they help the new Banks children – Anabel, John and sweet Georgie – deal with an incredible loss, and help their father, Michael Banks, and aunt Jane to find a solution to the family’s current dilemma before they lose the home they all love so dearly.

Music & Dancing

You can’t have a Mary Poppins movie without songs and just as before, the music is not only amazing, but will have you singing along while hearing beautiful (and much needed) messages that will touch your heart and help guide your life. I was particularly fond of the leerie dance scene, with bike stunts and everything!

Just wait for a special appearance by Dick Van Dyke himself, it had me almost in tears I was so excited!

Quotable Lines

There’s plenty of lines in the original film that I still quote to this day, and now I have more from Mary Poppins Returns that I know I’ll use with my family in the future. I love the fun, excitement, imagination and the practical sense all mixed together!

I don’t want to share too much, but my whole family was pulled into this beautiful film every moment, and couldn’t wait to see the newest adventures with Mary Poppins. Hurry out to see it this week with your own family and relive the magic, adventure and fun!

What’s your favorite Mary Poppins song?