Directed by Jon Favreau

Starring: Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth Rogen

Rated PG for sequences of violence and peril, and some thematic elements 

When “The Lion King” was announced as the next film that would get the live action remake treatment, I was excited to see how the film would be done. Doing a remake of a beloved film brings a new opportunity to showcase something or an idea that is not explored in the original version. Then the casting was revealed and I was more excited because I am fans of multiple actors who are in the film. But after viewing the actual film, my expectations were let down.

“The Lion King” (2019) is the newest Disney “live action”remake of the 1994 animated film. The films tell the story of Simba, a cub, who is next in line to the throne. But when Simba’s father, Mufasa, is killed by Simba’s uncle and Mufasa’s brother, Scar, Simba runs away and soon enough needs to return home to take the throne from his uncle.

“The Lion King” has an A list cast, from recent Grammy winner Donald Glover to film legend James Earl Jones. While I praise the filmmakers for getting this A list cast, I do have some issues with the voice acting. But first, Chiwetel Ejiofor, as Scar, does a fantastic job with his voice work. Ejiofor is of course a great actor and always brings his A game when coming into a new role. But a part of me could not help make the comparison to Jeremy Irons, who voiced Scar in the 1994 original film. Nevertheless, Ejiofor does a fantastic work as Scar and is the standout from the voice work.

But as much praise is given to one actor, I do have issues with the other voice actors. For example, when I saw Zazu (voiced by John Oliver) and Nala (voiced by Beyonce), I did not see those respective characters but the actors doing their voice work. As much as I enjoy John Oliver’s program on HBO, I did not enjoy his voice work here. Probably because all I kept thinking is Oliver in a recording booth reading lines. The same goes to Beyonce as well. Not that they are great actors but because the characters they play that are being portrayed on the screen as not given much facial expressions when they are on the screen. Zazu is quite unpleasant to watch on screen, his design is inferior compared to the 1994 original. Nala on the other hand does not stand out because she looks the same as the other lions in the film. This is why a film like this works well in animation as in animation, the characters can stand out by their facial expression and colors. But there is none here as all the lions look the same, with the exception of Scar. This is the biggest issue that plagues the film. The lack of character distinction and facial expression does not support the voice actors who are trying to do their work. It’s unfortunate that great talent such as John Oliver and Keegan-Michael Key are wasted due to an issue they have no control over.

But as mentioned before, a remake gives the audience an opportunity to explore new ideas that were not shown in the original film. But no new ideas are shown in the film, it sometimes feels like a shot by shot remake. After thinking for some time, this remake is unnecessary. “The Lion King” is nothing more than a cash cow for Disney as nothing new is added. The film is not even a “live action” remake as 99% of the film is CGI. Only one shot of the film is actually real.

In short, “The Lion King” fails to live up to the high expectations set by the original film. The film is an unnecessary remake that is nothing more than a money maker for Disney. Fans of the original “Lion King” are better off watching that instead of the remake.

2/4