THE LION KING (Theatrical Release USA 2019)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Lion King—photo realistic animation—retells the 1994 animated Disney movie. The photo realistic animation is fantastic, but the movie does not have the impact or the charm of its 1994 version due to a concentration on technique rather than reaching an audience’s heart. The voicing of Chewetel Ejiofor strangely sounds like the voice of Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady…sophisticated and well modulated. It is good to hear the reprised voice of James Earl Jones in the role of Mufasa 19 years after playing the original voice role.  Good work for Director Jon Favreau for directing a new version of the story that can present itself as new to this generation of children. Adults may feel ‘let down’ due to its failure to retain the freshness of its parent film.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

To learn how to rule a kingdom, a young lion takes a long journey.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jon Favreau for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Tom C. Peitzman, Thomas Schumacher, and Julie Taymor for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Scar (voice of Chiwetel Ejiofor), Zazu (voice of John Oliver), Mufasa (voice of James Earl Jones), Rafiki (voice of John Kani), Sarabi (voice of Alfre Woodard), Young Simba (voice of JD McCrary), Young Nala (voice of Shahadi Wright Joseph), Sarafina (voice of Penny Johnson Jerald), Kamari (voice of Keegan-Micahel Key), Azizi (voice of Eric André), and Shenzi (voice of Florence Kasumba).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This fantastic animation promises a great deal for new stories…but may fail old favorites.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers