Lady and the Tramp: A Movie Review

Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, is about to make its debut on November 12, 2019.  While subscribers will be introduced to new series, like The Mandalorian, viewers will also be able to see original movies like NOELLE and the live action remake of Lady and the Tramp.  Does the Lady and the Tramp remake live up to the original animation?  Or should it have just been left alone?  More importantly, is it kid friendly?  Keep reading for my thoughts on the live action remake of Lady and the Tramp!

Lady and the Tramp:  A Movie Review

Besides my Frozen 2 Red Carpet Experience, I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of Lady and the Tramp at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California during The Geekly Retreat.  I’d been looking forward to it, especially since I’m a longtime fan of the original animation.  I was especially pleased to read that Monte, a rescue dog from Arizona, was cast to play Tramp (voiced by Justin Theroux), a stray dog who lives on the street who falls in love with a pampered Cocker Spaniel named Lady (voiced by Tessa Thompson).

In many respects, the live action remake is very similar to the original animation.  For example, Lady no longer has her owners’ undivided attention once they have a baby of their own.  As both a parent and a dog owner, I can relate.  And much of the storyline is focused on Lady’s relationship with Tramp.  But what about the fact that the movie is now live action instead of animation – does that mean that it will no longer appeal to kids?  Speaking of which…….

Is Lady and the Tramp kid friendly?

Yes!  Lady and the Tramp is a movie that the whole family can watch together, including children.  It is a Disney movie after all 🙂  Kids will love that the dogs talk to each other (thanks to CGI that’s not over the top) and there are some funny moments in the film, especially the scenes involving Lady’s neighbors, Trusty (a Bloodhound) and Jock (a Scottish Terrier).  There’s also a catchy musical number called “He’s a Tramp” that will get kids (and adults) moving in their seats!

There are some scenes, however, that could be scary for some kids especially if they love dogs.  For example, dogs are chased by a dog catcher (played by Adrian Martinez) and taken to the dog pound.  One of the characters is also injured.  As always, you’ll want to take your child’s personality into account when making a decision as to whether or not they are ready to see this live action remake.   I did have the opportunity to interview Yvette Nicole Brown (who plays Aunt Sarah) and Adrian Martinez and it’s interesting to hear their take on their villain roles.  More about that soon!

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed the live action remake more than I thought I would.  Not only will fans of the original movie be pleased that the remake doesn’t differ significantly from the original, but newer generations will also be introduced to a family favorite.  However, while I’m a fan of the original and the remake, I do wish that the remake took place during present day.  That might have put a different spin on a classic film without veering too much off course.

In the grand scheme of things, though, that’s not a deterrent from watching the movie.  I can’t wait to watch the remake with my son during family movie night!  You can watch Lady and the Tramp beginning November 12th on Disney+!  In the meantime, you can watch the trailer below!  You can also read about my friend Patty’s visit to the set of Lady and the Tramp by clicking here.  Have you subscribed to Disney+ yet?

About Lady and the Tramp

In Disney+’s “Lady and the Tramp,” a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home. Life is good for Lady, an overachieving American Cocker Spaniel who resides in an upscale suburban neighborhood. Her owners, Jim Dear and Darling, spoil her daily and her neighbors, Jock, an outspoken Scottish Terrier and Trusty, a world-weary Bloodhound, are always within barking distance. But when a baby enters the picture, Lady is no longer the center of attention, and the arrival of catloving Aunt Sarah only complicates matters. Lady soon finds herself alone on the streets in an unwelcoming part of town. Fortunately, Tramp steps in, and the streetwise mongrel is quick to teach her the ways of the world. Before long, the prim and proper pure bred and the fast-talking mutt are partaking in moonlight strolls in the park and romantic spaghetti dinners by candlelight. Tramp savors the independence of a world without leashes or fences alongside his roguish friends Peg and Bull, but Lady misses the comfort and safety of a family, and soon both must decide where – and with whom – they belong. A heartwarming romantic adventure that seamlessly combines live action and photorealistic animation, “Lady and the Tramp” stars: Tessa Thompson as the voice of Lady and Justin Theroux as the voice of Tramp; Kiersey Clemons as Darling; Thomas Mann as Jim Dear; Janelle Monáe as the voice of Peg; Yvette Nicole Brown as Aunt Sarah; and Sam Elliott as the voice of Trusty. The film is directed by Charlie Bean from a screenplay by Andrew Bujalski and Kari Granlund, and is produced by Brigham Taylor with Diane L. Sabatini serving as executive producer.