The Lion King (2019)

Director: Jon Favreau

After the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.

Loving the original film so much, and hearing lots of negative remarks about this remake, I was very skeptical watching it. I had so many preconceived thoughts about this movie. After much deliberation, though, I finally decided to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Wow, I’m glad I did! ‘The Lion King 2019’ exceeded all my expectations in abundance. Firstly, the element everyone is raving about: the animation. I mean honestly, can it possibly get any better?? This film proves just how far animation has come and what they can accomplish nowadays (with the right budget, off course). Its hard to believe not a single real animal was used for the film. They all look so incredibly realistic. Scar is a really creepy character in this ‘live action’ adaptation.

Regarding the voicing, the only actor reprising his voice work, is James Earl Jones as Mufasa. I missed the sarcasm Jeremy Irons so perfectly added to Scar’s character. It made him sound even more devious. The other voice work is fine, I don’t really have complaints there. (Only that I also really missed Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi).

Since these are now real – or should I say ‘realistic’ – animals, I actually found it funnier and much scarier than the original. The suspense was a lot more intense. It was also more emotional with realistic animals. Then there were some scenes that were honestly too cute for words! I highly anticipated the musical segments, which were so colorful in the animated film, and I must say they didn’t disappoint here. Obviously a lot more realistic, these segments were stunning.

I’ve heard a lot of complaints from viewers saying the animals have no emotion – or lack the emotion of the original film. Well obviously. We certainly can’t have animals doing the things they did in the animated film. It would look kind of awkward and not credible. On the contrary, the animals actually have a lot of emotion and was so realistic within the context of the film. They had all the emotion I expect real animals to have: joy, fear, sadness, remorse…

‘The Lion King’ is still one of the most incredible stories ever written. This 2019 ‘live action’ film did not disappoint. It is an absolutely beautiful movie. It is spectacular and stunning in its production and looks incredible on screen. This is a gem of a movie!!

Regarding all the negative reviews I’ve seen, I wonder how they would have rated the movie if this was an original with nothing to compare it with? I’ve heard complaints about them not using the same voices or music, but what would the point of a remake be if you use exactly the same actors? Rather rate the movie as a stand alone, and not a comparison.

‘The Lion King’ became one of the highest grossing movies of all time, earning (at the time of writing this) $1.6 billion on a $260 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Without a doubt, YES!!