Skip to content
Menu
Meerkat Musings
  • Welcome to Meerkat Musings
  • Meerkat Podcasts
  • Why Meerkats?
  • Formula 1
  • Why I love…
  • What I think…
  • Sci-Fi Analysis
  • Reviews
  • Meerkat Fiction
  • Meerkat Book Reviews
  • Sites Meerkats Like
  • Site Updates
Meerkat Musings

The Lion King 2019 Review

Posted on July 23, 2019July 23, 2019
Tweet
Follow me

The King has returned. Or has he? By the way, spoilers sort of exist here.

This morning I saw the new incarnation of The Lion King, a film that by now you all know holds a very dear place in my heart. Given my love for the classic, I was both nervous and excited to see the remake. Sitting in the cinema, awaiting the famous opening scene, I was filled with trepidation and anticipation in equal measure.

I snagged a pic of the poster, and then one of the movie theatre itself…

It was bizarrely empty! Then again, not all the schools were out for summer, and IMAX is off putting for some, but it meant at least there would be no disruption or distraction from the movie.

Did I enjoy it? Yes, yes I did. From the spectacular opening rendition of Circle of Life (which is always beautiful, no matter the form it takes), which was extremely faithful to the original, to the entrance of Timon and Pumbaa, to a stunning new version of Can You Feel the Love Tonight, The Lion King soars, albeit with one nagging detail that I can sort of overlook but not completely. The film was emotional – but I think more because I couldn’t help but see it through a lens tinted by 25 years of adoration for the original. The little flaw I’m referring to? It’s not only a flaw, for it’s also a sign of exquisite work – but the film’s quest for realism leads it to be a little too real in some ways.

I understand it, this little issue, because in creating this stunning, sumptuous visual and musical feast, Jon Favreau wanted realism, and lions (among other animals) do not tend to visually emote. If you’re a cat owner, you’ll understand that cats do not smile, or scowl (unless threatened), or cry. Big cats show their feelings through body language and vocalisations. This is all well and good, and no one can take away the detail here (the way in which the animals move is incredibly lifelike), but, especially for younger audiences, having the animals emote just a little more would bring more gravitas to certain scenes.

That being said, Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar) has a brilliant voice that evokes a lot of subtle menace. There is a great deal of angry energy in his performance and you can understand his anger at his position without requiring to see it written on his face. I know my wife will disagree (she rightly loves Nathan Lane’s Timon), but I loved Billy Eichner’s take on the neurotic meerkat, and for that matter, Seth Rogen’s Pumbaa too. The original double act is a hard act to beat and I don’t think the new duo manage that feat, but they hold their own for a new generation.

Donald Glover can sing. I mean, really sing, and he can act too. I haven’t seen many of his films, but I know he smoothly glided into the role of Lando in Solo and was easily one of the best things in that movie. He’s one of the best things about this one too, and his duet with Beyonce Knowles-Carter (and if you dont know who she is, where have you been?!) is absolutely gorgeous. I felt Beyonce made Nala her own and Donald did likewise with Simba – it’s just again, that question of emotion!

There is no movie without the legendary James Earl Jones. The man who gave life to Mufasa in the original reprised the role for the remake, the only original cast member to do so. His deep, rumbling, powerful voice is instantly recognisable, bringing respect and wisdom with it. I was happy with the entire cast – even John Oliver as Zazu, despite the awkward nature of the new interpretation of the character lending itself to, being a bit distracting.

Can I say The Lion King 2019 is as good as The Lion King 1994? No, no I can’t. It is a good film, made better if you have seen and loved the original. As a standalone film, existing in a vacuum, I’m not sure it would carry the same impact, due to the ultra-realism on display. It retains the epic musical score, has breathtaking visuals and the beloved characters are still there – they just need a little more expression! Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 8/10.

Please follow and like us:
error0
fb-share-icon0
Tweet
fb-share-icon20

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The Awakening UK

The Awakening USA

Please like and follow this meerkat!

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet
YouTube
Follow by Email

Meerkat Comments

  • Football Manager 2021 – A New Beginning – Meerkat Musings on Football Manager 2021 P2 – Aldershot give me a Shot
  • Football Manager 2021 P2 – Aldershot give me a Shot – Meerkat Musings on Football Manager 2021 – A New Beginning
  • DarthTimon on Democracy vs God
  • We Were in a Discussion 2 – theologyarchaeology on Democracy vs God
  • theologyarchaeology on Democracy vs God

Meerkat Tweets

Ben BerwickFollow

Ben Berwick
Retweet on TwitterBen Berwick Retweeted
SelfPubShowcaseSelfPubShowcase@SelfPubShowcase·
9h

A fallen warrior, together with a small band, must tear down everything his kind holds dear and reshape his people -- or see them utterly destroyed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DK71165 #scifi #action #adventure @darth_timon

Reply on Twitter 1352720198835568656Retweet on Twitter 13527201988355686561Like on Twitter 13527201988355686562Twitter 1352720198835568656
Retweet on TwitterBen Berwick Retweeted
DerenicByrdDerenic Byrd@DerenicByrd·
19h

Kalief Browder allegedly stole a backpack at 16, spent 3 yrs at Riker's Island without trial.

Riley Williams stole a laptop from Speaker Pelosi's office and tried selling it the Russians. She was released to her mother

There are two justice systems in America #BlackLivesMatter

2
Reply on Twitter 1352559036915310594Retweet on Twitter 1352559036915310594142852Like on Twitter 1352559036915310594322179Twitter 1352559036915310594
darth_timonBen Berwick@darth_timon·
13h

https://meerkatmusings.co.uk/real-women/ I'd love to hear from women about this one! #ThursdayThoughts

Reply on Twitter 1352650142101491713Retweet on Twitter 1352650142101491713Like on Twitter 1352650142101491713Twitter 1352650142101491713
darth_timonBen Berwick@darth_timon·
16h

Worth checking out people!

Paul@CappyTalks

Debuting: The Captain's Quiz

It's the newest trivia game sweeping (mildly brushing?) the nation. All you have to do is answer the questions.
https://captainsspeech.wordpress.com/2021/01/21/the-captains-quiz/

Reply on Twitter 1352600654636789766Retweet on Twitter 13526006546367897661Like on Twitter 1352600654636789766Twitter 1352600654636789766
Retweet on TwitterBen Berwick Retweeted
bicknakerbick@bicknaker·
21 Jan

if the penalty for a crime is a fine, then that law only exists for the poor https://twitter.com/BBCBreaking/status/1352303033716264966

BBC Breaking News@BBCBreaking

Fines of £800 for anyone attending a house party of more than 15 people to be introduced in England from next week https://bbc.in/360eFEh

Reply on Twitter 1352308102868201474Retweet on Twitter 135230810286820147425158Like on Twitter 1352308102868201474120792Twitter 1352308102868201474
Load More...

Meerkat Categories

  • Art
  • Books
  • Charity
  • Family
  • Fiction
  • Film
  • Food
  • Football
  • Formula 1
  • Games
  • History
  • Interwebs
  • Music
  • Other Stuff
  • Politics
  • Religion
  • Reviews
  • Sci Fi
  • Science
  • Site News
  • Society
  • Technology
  • TV
  • Uncategorized
  • Weird
  • Work

Meerkat Podcasts

Meerkat Musings
Meerkat Musings
A man (meerkat?) called Ben discusses the world!

Podcast Subscription Menu

  • Visit Website
  • RSS Feed
Favourite Day of the Week
by Ben Berwick

A random generator gave me this random question!

Favourite Day of the Week
Favourite Day of the Week
January 17, 2021
Ben Berwick
Meerkat Musings on 2021!
January 8, 2021
Ben Berwick
Grosjean's Fiery Escape
November 30, 2020
Ben Berwick
Tea vs Coffee!
November 28, 2020
Ben Berwick
Musings on Cats
November 24, 2020
Ben Berwick
Mistakes and Anxiety
October 27, 2020
Ben Berwick
Trumped by Covid
October 2, 2020
Ben Berwick
Covid Conspiracies!
September 25, 2020
Ben Berwick
The Power of Words
September 18, 2020
Ben Berwick
School and Books
September 4, 2020
Ben Berwick
Search Results placeholder
©2021 Meerkat Musings | WordPress Theme by Superbthemes.com