The Lion King (2019) Review

The Lion King (2019)

Directed By: Jon Favreau

Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & James Earl Jones

Synopsis: 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.

Review: Jon Favreau returns with another Disney classic ‘update’. I loved the original ’94 movie and I was fan of what Favreau did with the Jungle Book, so I knew it was in good hands.

The animation for the lions and the other animals is mind blowing. The lions look so life like which is truly amazing and incredible to watch. From the very start the characters ignite a rollerocaster of nostalgia, you will find yourself falling in love with them all over again. Having James Earl Jones back as the voice of Mufasa was a true highlight. The only downside is I never felt there emotions played through as intended, seeing as the lions are so life like there expressions are limited, and at some points the emotional content and songs that were in the ’94 version are just not the same, making it feel slightly out of place.

The scenery was incredible the CGI was done to perfection, there were a few times you would think Pride Rock and the surroundings were real. Nothing was skimped on from trees blowing in the background, clouds moving in the sky, dust when characters were walking. It was all done to perfection. Not one fault.

The story still remains the same but is played out a little darker this time around. The fight scenes are magnificent, my favourite was when Mufasa saves Simba from the Hyenas. He runs in mighty and strong and even though out numbered every hyena backs down. A few goosebumps were raised on the arm I will admit. Scar looked quite menacing too, you could see he wasn’t physically strong and stood no chance against Mufasa, but he was a caniving and evil. Timon and Pumba steal the show from the moment they appear and provide us with a good few laughs.

Overall I would say get yourself down to the local cinema and give this a blast. It’s one to be watched on the big screen