Film Review: The Lion King (2019)

I had high hopes for this new remake of the classic film. Friends had assured me it was worth the watch, and I have to agree.

Disney’s last few remakes have taken the box office by storm, raking in millions worldwide. It’s most successful film to date is the 2017 remake of Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.

The Lion King, although only released less than 3 weeks ago has nearly beaten the 2017 film. So why its popularity?

As you are all familiar, The Lion King takes on the basic plot line of Hamlet, just with lions…

Simba is the heir to the kingdom which his father, Mufasa, rules. Mufasa’s jealous brother, Scar, will do anything to gain the kingdom.

Evil Scar, alongside his hyena pack, sends a wildebeest stampede through a gorge where he planted young Simba to practise his ‘roar’. Mufasa goes to rescue his son and when he pleads for his brother’s help, Scar sends him plummeting to his death. trampled by wildebeest.

Poor Simba is exiled, but lives a care free live with a meerkat and a warthog: Timon and Pumba. *Proceeds to sing Hakuna Matata*

In the meantime, Scar is ruling and causing chaos in the kingdom Simba let behind.

It takes the baboon, Rafiki, and Simba’s best friend/girlfriend Nala, to convince Simba to return to the kingdom. He does and harmony is restored.

Well, I was worried that the new film would veer too far from the original just as an excuse to showcase its realistic CGI.

Thank heavens it stayed true to the original, with James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa. Beyoncé’s Nala was great, although the over-ambitious singing did kill some moments.

As the opening scenes rolled in, I half expected David Attenborough to appear and start talking due to the brilliant CGI. The detail is extraordinary.

As remakes go, I was satisfied. Plus it was just an excuse to re-live my childhood and singalong to the songs. I’m sure I wasn’t alone, which maybe explains its success.

Have you watched the remake? What were your thoughts?

Till next time Biscuit Breakers!

– Henna