The 1955 'Lady and the Tramp' film is still wonderful. Loved it as a little girl and to this day it is still my second favourite 50s Disney film after 'Sleeping Beauty'. Disney have been very variable when it comes to their live action remakes, tending to be visually impressive but not necessary and lacking the heart of the originals (some also suffering from trying to do too much or being too faithful). This is probably not a popular opinion, but of the remakes only 'The Jungle Book' and 'Cinderella' were above good.
While not hating it, this new live action version of 'Lady and the Tramp' was a disappointment in many ways. As a remake, it is unnecessary and a complete misfire especially with it having nowhere near enough of what makes the 1955 film so great and memorable. As a film on its own terms, it's also not very good while not being a complete waste of time. There are good things, but as far as the live action Disney remakes go, 'Lady and the Tramp' is towards the bottom.
'Lady and the Tramp' looks good generally, especially the photography and the quite stunning recreation of the period. The music is mostly fine, at its best with "Bella Notte". When it comes to individual scenes, the best are the truly charming opening and the iconic spaghetti scene accompanying "Bella Notte" (not quite as magical this time around but still a lovely rendition).
Although the cast didn't do much for me on the whole, there are a few winners. Justin Theroux does a nice job as Tramp, rough around the edges yet charming, and F. Murray Abraham portrays Tony with a real twinkle in his eye. It is though Sam Elliot's pitch perfect Trusty that shines best of all.
However, there are exceptions when talking about the visuals as not everything looked good. The editing does look choppy in places and the dogs' mouth movements don't always sync and have some unintentional creepiness. Worse faring, and one of the aspects that sticks out like a very sore thumb, is the hideous look for the cats. The characters themselves are also a complete failure, with very little personality. While liking the music on the whole, "What a Shame" was an embarrassment and very out of place in the film and with the rest of the soundtrack.
Most of the cast don't work, the humans are a mix of bland (with Jim Dear and Darling lacking warmth) and annoying (the dogcatcher does grate). And Tessa Thompson is just too brassy for Lady, which doesn't gel at all with how Lady looks. Ashley Jenson manages to make a caring and wise character like Jock obnoxious, the gender change being one of many puzzling and pointless changes. Others being anything to do with the cats, more of the dogcatcher (which was time wasting and repetitive generally) and of course the interracial marriage (not realistic for the period, or at least the attitudes towards them wouldn't have been). Found myself connecting with very few of the characters, including Lady. Tramp, Trusty and Tony fare best.
Pacing feels erratic, rushed structurally from a feeling of things being left out in the editing room when they shouldn't have been and also dull from having next to no substance to nearly everything. There is nowhere near enough soul or charm, apart from two scenes, the chemistry between the characters didn't feel properly connected and it all feels too safe and like it was trying not to offend while managing to sort of doing so. The script can be awkward and cheesy, as well as too modern sounding.
In conclusion, lacklustre. 4/10.
