One of my favorite Disney movies growing up was “The Lion King”. It had great music and was just an entertaining animated feature. The film also came out when I was around nine years old so it was a newer Disney film compared to movies like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” or “Cinderella”. When I heard they were doing a live action remake, I was intrigued, especially since it was going to be directed by Jon Favreau.
For the few people who haven’t seen the original Disney film, “The Lion King” tells the story of Simba, the young son of King Mufasa, as he learns about the circle of life from his father. Unfortunately, Mufasa’s brother Scar wants to rule and he will do anything to be the new king, even if it means killing his brother and nephew. Simba manages to escape Scar’s wrath and is raised by Pumbaa and Timon. After growing up, Simba’s old friend (and new love interest) Nala runs into him and persuades Simba to return and reclaim his rightful place as king.
For the most part, this is a pretty faithful remake and plays out pretty much beat for beat. I really enjoyed the film and thought it was pretty well done. Most critics have trashed the movie and the general consensus among them seems to be the film ‘lacked heart’. I, for one, felt the movie had plenty of heart and while the movie looks more realistic, I don’t feel like that takes anything away from the film as a whole. I am not the biggest Disney fan ever but I really enjoyed this film.
Now, one thing I do want to discuss really quickly is the fact that this is being labeled a live action remake. The phrase ‘live action’ is being used very liberally here since the film is mostly computed animated. Yes, it is meant to feel real and the characters are modeled after real animals, but that doesn’t change the fact that the label of ‘live action’ is a bit false.
While the film is largely computer animated, it does feel awfully real most of the time. There are a lot of shots that feel straight out of a National Geographic or Disneynature documentary. It’s these moments with small details that really help sell the movie and set it apart from the original animated version.
The voice cast all did a great job. Casting Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, as Simba was an inspired choice. I was a bit surprised how small Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s part was but she did well with what she was given. I loved that James Earl Jones returned as the voice of Mufasa. James Earl Jones has such an iconic voice that it would have been nearly impossible to replace him. Lastly, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner knocked it out of the park as Pumbaa and Timon. Timon and Pumbaa were easily my favorite characters in the movie.
Ultimately, “The Lion King” doesn’t have much new to offer besides it’s new realistic look and feel but would anyone really want them to change the classic film too much anyway? Just sit back, repeat to yourself ‘hakuna matata’, and just enjoy the film.
Grade: B+
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