Unless you've been living in another solar system since 1994 (when the original "Lion King" was released), there's no need to discuss anything about the plot. Suffice it to say that it's a timeless story with a great message and multiple themes including friendship and redemption. Disney's recent strategy seems to be re-making old animated classics in CGI versions, such as "Dumbo," which received disappointing reviews, and the new version of "Mulan" that is set to be released around the Christmas season. This strategy will probably make them billions, but I'd like to see some new ideas, too. This new version is reasonably faithful to the original, although some of the songs have new arrangements and there are some new songs, as well. What makes the film special is the amazingly realistic CGI of the jungle and the animals. My sister (Jo), Robin, and I were in Africa in January – on the Serengeti plain – and the jungle in the film looks just like it, as do all the animals. The Cinematographer (Caleb Deschanel) did a fantastic job, and the Director (Jon Favreau) gets fine performances from the leads and keeps the film interesting. There's also some nice comic relief with Pumba (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner) as they discuss whether God exists and other existential themes. If you are a fan of the original, you'll probably enjoy it, although it won't have the impact that the original did. If you are one of the few who never saw it, you are in for a treat!
The Lion King: Still Roars!
The Lion King: Still Roars!
2019-08-06
David
75
7.5
Fine Re-Boot of the Original!
User Rating : No Ratings Yet !
8
Unless you’ve been living in another solar system since 1994 (when the original “Lion King” was released), there’s no need to discuss anything about the plot. Suffice it to say that it’s a timeless story with a great message and multiple themes including friendship and redemption.
Disney’s recent strategy seems to be re-making old animated classics in CGI versions, such as “Dumbo,” which received disappointing reviews, and the new version of “Mulan” that is set to be released around the Christmas season. This strategy will probably make them billions, but I’d like to see some new ideas, too.
This new version is reasonably faithful to the original, although some of the songs have new arrangements and there are some new songs, as well. What makes the film special is the amazingly realistic CGI of the jungle and the animals. My sister (Jo), Robin, and I were in Africa in January – on the Serengeti plain – and the jungle in the film looks just like it, as do all the animals. The Cinematographer (Caleb Deschanel) did a fantastic job, and the Director (Jon Favreau) gets fine performances from the leads and keeps the film interesting. There’s also some nice comic relief with Pumba (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner) as they discuss whether God exists and other existential themes.
If you are a fan of the original, you’ll probably enjoy it, although it won’t have the impact that the original did. If you are one of the few who never saw it, you are in for a treat!
