If there is anything that can be said with great conviction about director Jon Favereu’s The Lion King is that it is a visual wonder. It truly is a crowning achievement in the art of film making. Spoiler-free discussion ahead…
While I marvel at the visual achievement on display, there was still a part of me wondering why. As in, why make the film in the first place especially since the animated feature is arguably one of Disney’s best. Much like its live action predecessors, The Lion King follows its animated counterpart pretty much shot for shot. If you’ve seen the original, there are no real surprises. Even the fate of Mufasa (voiced once again by James Earl Jones) doesn’t feel the same. It just didn’t have the emotional punch.
All that side, nothing can take away from how incredibly life like everything appears. You believe you’re in Pride Rock. You believe in the wonder and majesty that surrounds this world. The soundtrack with an added song will have you singing along and the appearance of Timon and Pumbaa (voiced by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen respectfully) steal every scene they are in. So much fun.
Don’t get me wrong The Lion King is very enjoyable and it will be recognized I’m sure at Oscar time for its visual greatness. I just question the need to redo the past. Walt Disney was built on its animation legacy. The live action variety although good, falls a bit short of that legacy that it inspires to emulate.
Directed by: Jon Favereu
Starring: Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyonce Knowles, John Kani and John Oliver
PG 110 mins
THE LION KING – ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
