The Lion King

By Quinn Marcus

(2019) 

AGE: 8+

70% sweet/sour

So What’s the Story?

Based off of the 1994 Disney classic, comes the story of a young lion named Simba. Who, after witnessing the murder of his father Mufasa is forced to leave the kingdom and never return by his uncle Scar. Out in the wilderness Simba discovers new friends and learns the true meaning of the great responsibility given to him.

Is It Worth Your While?

Like most disney live action reboots the films never exceed the decent territory, but if this had been a bit better than it was, it would have proved it wrong, now here are my reasons. First we have the directing by Jon Favreau director of ‘Iron Man’ (90% sweet), ‘Iron Man 2’ (62% sweet/sour) and ‘The Jungle Book’ (2016, 67% sweet/sour). Was pretty good. Some shots that he made were beautifully executed, but some shots such as the final battle sequence was so close to the animals that all you saw were blurry silhouettes of animals running around off and on the screen. In short, that scene could have been done better, the middle of the film he directs exceedingly well working with a script that is different from the original for those moments. So for the directing, I give a B. Next we have the special effects. Blending well with most of the cinematography, the animals and landscape designs are realistic and all out incredible. So for the special effects, I give an A. Third we have the script. I thought that the script in the middle was one of the things that caught my eye. The script of the beginning and end was practically the same as the original, but they made the middle funnier and more energetic. So for the script, I give a B+

Fourth, I thought that the story was all too familiar in parts of the film, but it invented its own fun and dark atmosphere that gave the story some power. Most of the songs were done well, but the song ‘Be Prepared’ was completely thrown away and a waist of a great scene. So for the story, I give a B.

How Was the Cast?

The cast in ‘The Lion King’ were a perfect choice for their characters. First we have Donald Glover as Simba. Being a singer, Donald Glover’s voice was good for Simba, and acting wise, he did pretty well in the time that he had onscreen. Next we have Beyoncé as Nala. Also a singer she did a great job with Donald Glover on singing ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and the new song ‘Spirit’ which was a fine addition to the film. Overall these two leads had exceptional chemistry together. Third we have Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. Him and Billy Eichner were an incredible comedic duo providing most of the laughs and entertainment to the film. Fourth and finally we have Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. Almost making his character as devious and cunning as the original, The new version of Scar was nothing but evil, but the lack of the full version of ‘Be Prepared’ gave him less value.

Aging ‘The King’

‘The Lion King’ was much darker than the original, but the comedy was created on a whole other level. Making it balanced. Some blood is shown, the Young Simba and Nala are put in danger many times. Mufasa is pushed off a cliff by his own brother and seen dead on the ground. Some settings are intense and dark. However the whole film teaches lessons of courage and responsibility. Overall the film is made for kids and up.