The Lion King movie review

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour, 58 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

It’s been 5 minutes, so that means it’s time for another Disney remake. I absolutely loved the original 1994 The Lion King: The Walt Disney Signature Collection (Theatrical Version) movie and watched it MANY times with my kids while they were growing up. While the virtual reality CGI is stunning, The Lion King “live-action” doesn’t have quite the magic, emotion, and charm of the sweet animated original. It’s often referred to as a “live action” but it doesn’t actually have any humans in it.

The 1994 The Lion King: The Walt Disney Signature Collection (Theatrical Version) was directed by Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers. The Lion King remake was directed by Jon Favreau, who did an outstanding job with The Jungle Book (2016) (Theatrical) remake, so audiences were expecting great things. In the first movie, we admired the artistry, music, humor, and creativity, while in this second one, what’s admirable is the technology.

A lot of audiences are asking one word: Why? If this movie is almost the exact same thing as the 1994 version, why bother making another film? The incredible photo-realism of the movie is what makes the film fresh, but not new. It’s precisely because of that attempt to make the animals look so real that prevents the animals from showing emotion on their faces and strips the movie from pulling on the heartstrings.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

If your kids have seen the animated version and you’re fine with it, then you’re safe to let them watch this The Lion King because it’s almost identical. The original is so much better though. If your kids haven’t seen it, introduce it to them.
Two lions die.
Some animal violence.
Dishonesty and deceit
Some name-calling
No profanity

THEMES:

“Remember who you are.” – Mufasa (James Earl Jones)
“Everything you see here exists together in a delicate balance.” – Mufasa
“We are all connected in the circle of life.” – Mufasa
“You can’t escape your destiny.” – Zazu (John Oliver)
“To change your future, you gotta put your past behind you.” – Timon (Billy Eichner)
Protect everything life touches.
Friendship
Destiny
Brain vs. brawn
Responsibility
Disobedience

THINGS I LIKED:

- The CGI/virtual reality animation was truly amazing.
- James Earl Jones! Who doesn’t love him and his voice? Director Jon Faverau said he wanted to invite him back because his voice sounds like a king who has ruled for a long time.
- The only two other people who reprise their roles from the original movie were Elton John and Hans Zimmer who created the songs and music.
- The talented cast includes James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyonce Knowles, Seth Rogen, Keegan-Michael Key, John Oliver, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Alfre Woodard, John Kani, Eric Andre, JD McCrary, and Shahadi Wright Joseph.
- Unlike the original animated movie, all of the lions are voiced by actors of African descent.
- Director Jon Favreau encouraged the actors to improvise a lot. Apparently, quite a bit of what they came up with stayed in the film.
- Beyonce sings a new song in the movie that she wrote especially for the movie. You’ll love her new album The Lion King: The Gift.
- Some of the music from the Broadway version are used in this movie. You’ll love the soundtrack!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It kind of feels like you’re watching a Disney Nature documentary but with voiceovers from actors. It’s an odd mixture.
Some of the singing just isn’t as good as the original movie. Seth Rogen comes to mind…His vocal coach was Pharrell Williams
Jeremy Irons expressed interest in playing Scar again like he did in the original movie. It’s too bad he wasn’t selected for The Lion King because he was fantastic. Surprisingly, Benedict Cumberbatch turned down the role! Chiwetel Ejiofor, however, is an equally excellent actor and did a great job too.
The hyenas in the original movie are more comical, while the ones in this version are more serious and deadly. The hyena, Ed, has his name changed in this movie to the African name Azizi.
No Hawaiian War Chant! That funny scene was deleted due to time constraints, according to Director Jon Favreau, even though this remake is half an hour longer the original 1994 version. Instead, Timon starts to sing Be Our Guest from Beauty And The Beast.
This movie is almost a shot-for-shot remake, although several things have been changed from the original movie. For example, the hyenas in the original movie are more comical, while the ones in this version are more serious and deadly. The hyena, Ed, has his name changed in this movie to the African name Azizi. The song and scene “Be Prepared” was changed more for political reasons than anything else because of its original Nazi vibe. There is a wonderful scene with Simba and Rafiki that was completely removed from the film, which is a shame because it was a necessary one that binds their characters together and underlines one of the themes.

FUNNY LINES:

“Cheetahs never prosper.” – Zazu
“Two giraffes were caught necking.” – Zazu
“We’re going to name him Fred!” – Pumbaa (Seth Rogen)

INTERESTING LINES:

“While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.” – Mufasa
“A true king’s power is his compassion.” – Sarabi (Alfre Woodard)

OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

The Lion King: The Walt Disney Signature Collection (Theatrical Version)