2012 was a great year for the Walt Disney Company. The hits were big, the investments were sound, and the misses were rare.
Disney Studios
The big highlights of the studios must start with The Avengers movie. Wow, I know I saw it, and millions of others did too, making earn over $1 Billion! Although the movie sure to make a lot of money, it was also very well done. The story was solid and the movie was entertaining, which is actually a very rare quality for comic movies. Kudos to Joss Whedon, Disney, and Paramount for brining this together. They saw the potential and each ceded some control. This was a great culmination of Phase 1 in the Marvel plan.
Pixar released Brave. Brave was not great, I think we all agree on that, but that's only comparing it to other Pixar films. Brave is a solid movie that can hold on its own. The character Merida is enduring and Pixar should be proud of the work they've done.
Disney animation is back with a vengeance! The biggest surprise for Disney of 2012 must be Wreck-it-Ralph, a fun adventure through video games lore. Can you foresee a sequel yet, it's almost guaranteed!
A solid film worth recognition is Chimpanzee. The newest documentary from Disneynature, which follows Oscar the chimpanzee through his adventures. I applaud Disney for continuing with these documentaries even if they're not making lots of money. Documentaries like these make Disney a company positive for schools and showcases the drama of nature.
Although it wasn't a Disney movie, Disney distributed Lincoln (which will likely win Best Picture), which is STILL in theaters! A great movie.
Misses
John Carter- This one clearly missed the mark and should never have been made, but especially not for that much money.
Frankenweenie- This one actually made some money, but this is simply a re-release of a Tim Burton film. This film is terrible, plain and simple.
Parks and Resorts
What a year of expansions! Fantasyland in Walt Disney World, Carsland in California Adventure, and expansions at Hong Kong Disney...not to mention continued construction at Disney Shanghai. Few new rides...but land expansion is long term thinking.
Flops
Although the news broke last year, I'm still not sold on a land based on Avatar in Animal Kingdom. The movie is mediocre and years old. The sequels may be planned, but James Cameron is notorious for slow development of films, and it sounds pretty boring. Expedition Everest was a great addition, Avatar land just sounds weak.
Disney's other areas all had significant additions and milestones as well. New technology, consumer products is consistently making newer and fresher products, and ESPN/ABC are doing very well in the ratings.
The biggest milestone though? Simple- The deal of the year occurred when they purchased Lucasfilm. This is a sure thing. Film ideas are already in the works, but what can this open up? A Star Wars land is possible at the theme parks, but an entire Star Wars park is also possible. Star Wars tv shows and more. Disney makes very smart acquisitions. Pixar has paid off in full, Marvel has paid off with movies, and Lucasfilm will do the same!
