The Lion King (2019) Review

A Shot For Shot Remake Featuring Beyoncé? Yes Please.

​The Lion King | Walt Disney Pictures 

The Lion King | Directed by Jon Favreau | Adventure | PG | 1 H 58 MIN

Written by Anton Charpentier

​There isn’t much that Jon Favreau brings to the table in this literal shot for shot remake of the original, other than removing the censorship of the word 'fart.' Yet, the film roars new life once more into the timeless story of The Lion King. This time as a “live action” retelling. Some may scoff because the film is still very much animated, as in they didn’t make real lions sing several songs by Elton John, much to our disappointment. What they did accomplish is something quite incredible: outstanding visual effects that very well could be considered real. Looking at the film through the mindset of visual prowess, it might be one of the best ever made, especially paired with such a great tale of growing up and discovering ourselves in the journey of life. An amazing ensemble also greatly benefits this film, dramatically and comedically. The only downside is that it shows restraint, read as fear, to become its own film and stand apart from the original; something I think this films precursor The Jungle Book (2016) actually managed to do.

The Lion King | Walt Disney Pictures 

​So, should you go see The Lion King? Well did you read the title? This thing has Beyoncé in it why haven’t you seen it you dummy! In all seriousness, it’s worth checking out, you’re not going to have a bad time watching this movie unless you suck as a person. Sure, you might be able to be a snob and question its relevance or even call it a cash grab, and you’d be right, but you’d also definitely annoy everyone. Yes, we all know the film is owned by Disney who owns half the world at this point, and yes, it’s not something you can bring up to earn yourself some cinema buff cred, but gosh darn it, those baby lions are so goddamn cute. Honestly, as I write this, I realize there’s no point in this review, either you’re going see it or you’re going to see it. The good news is that it’s better than the Aladdin movie that came out like two months ago, and better than Dumbo which came out four months ago. My god, they really are just pumping out these remakes, let’s just hope the Moana remake is at least two years away.
 
Overall, it’s a great story packaged with incredible animation, it’s hard to dislike. If you’re looking for a new movie, this isn’t what you’re looking for. If you love the visual effects and new film technology, this movie is an absolute treat, and the fact that it’s at times shot for shot give an impressive reference to what the animators were trying to reproduce. If you love Disney as much as I do, then you’re going to love this movie. If you prefer to watch edgy movies that you suggest to family and friends, many of whom pretend they will watch it but really never do because the movies you watch scare them, then go back to your cave and talk about Gaspar Noé with your Michael Haneke dolls. I’m kidding, we still love you film weirdos, just let us eat dinner in peace and quiet.