I remember sitting at the D23 Expo and watching a sneak preview of the live action version of The Lion King and feeling the hairs on my arm rise. There was something about hearing the song “Circle of Life” and seeing the characters we grew up with brought to life. It left me excited and wanting to watch this remake.
Given what Jon Favreau had done with Jungle Book, I trusted him to make this happen in a way that would transport us into that world and allow us to forget that it was actually all done through CGI. The fact that they were able to create this world full of vegetation and animals and have it look so realistic is really impressive. Not only did he do just that but he also pretty much left the story as is. While I appreciate him honoring the original film, I felt he could have also made it is his own while paying homage to the original.
As far as casting went, I was good with everyone except for Beyonce doing the voice of Nala. I know it probably won’t be popular opinion but here I go, she isn’t that great of an actress. There is no range or emotion in her delivery, at least when it comes acting…she is obviously very good as a singer.
Is this film good for the kiddos? Yes. Keep in mind that because the movie is so realistic, the scenes come off as more violent, or should I say intense. Even I was impacted by Mufasa’s death and I knew what to expect. The Lion King is a movie the whole family will enjoy. Go check it out in theaters on July 19, 2019.
More about The Lion King
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother — and former heir to the throne — has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
