Faded PRIDE
‘The Lion King’ remake is good but lacks bite
What if you are singing and suddenly something startles you in the middle of the highest note? Understandably you are shaken, but the show must go on and you have fun anyway. ❚ That’s what it feels like to watch 2019’s “The Lion King.”
Overall, it’s a wonderful movie that is sure to bring back memories and inspire chills that go down your entire body. Audiences are going to have fun. However, there are moments that don’t connect, which is surprising because of how engaging the highs are.
Most people are familiar with the story by now. But for those living under Pride Rock, think “Hamlet” with lions. A jealous lion tries to kill his older brother, the Lion King, and his nephew, to claim the throne. Like its animated predecessor from 1994, themes of bravery and learning responsibility are the same.
For the most part, the story stays the same, too. In fact, the first five minutes are the same, shot for shot. And yes, the stampede scene is still heartbreaking. But the plot has more depth by filling gaps that the original didn’t establish such as how Nala left her pride to spontaneously find Simba in the jungle.
The hyenas also play a more critical role than just comedic relief. They create a lions versus hyenas dynamic that feels like two kingdoms fighting a century-old war against each other. They’re still funny, however. The film heavily relies on Billy Eichner as Timon and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa to bring selfdeprecating Disney jokes to lighten the mood.
But the visual experience is where there is a huge difference in this modern take on a beloved tale.
Jon Favreau, who beautifully directed 2016’s “The Jungle Book,” brings another visually pleasing movie to life using photo-real technology. It is absolutely worth all the labor, because it’s clearly made with love and attention to detail, as the hyenas are more terrifying and other animals appear more lifelike as manes blow in the wind.
For such a talented cast, line deliveries feel oddly robotic and drained of emotion. Maybe it’s because the characters in 1994 were very over-thetop dramatic (looking at you, Jeremy Irons as diva Scar). But sometimes it would’ve been cool to see an unhinged Scar (voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor) lose it rather than state his dialogue stoically.
At least they did a great job with casting because the actors complement their characters’ personalities well, especially with Donald Glover and Beyoncé as adult Simba and Nala.
When it comes to music, it’s no surprise that Glover and Beyoncé win best performance with their enchanting rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Yet this is where things are hot and cold. “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” is still fun without its technicolor pop, but “Be Prepared” leaves more to be desired.
Despite minor hiccups, it really comes down to an entertaining time with no worries — er, “Hakuna Matata.”