It seems like everyone has been excited for this remake to come out. Although, the issue with remakes is, will it live up to the high praises of the original animated film.
Everyone knows the story of The Lion King; it has been told so many times and a spectacular piece to watch at the theatre. For those who don’t know, The Lion King is believed to be based off Shakespeare's Hamlet. In short, this story is all about Simba who goes on a journey, leaving his home and best friend Nala because of a tragic event that occurs. After many years, Simba is discovered and goes back home to take back what is rightfully his and be the person he should be.
The animation in this film is fantastic. The animation looks so realistic you forget that the animals aren't real but CGI. Every animal looks amazing, yet they don’t show as much emotion as they did in the original film. As animals don’t show much emotion, it is understandable why they don’t in this film. However, for viewers it can be difficult to connect to the characters as they aren't showing much emotion. Mufasa's death is always a heart-breaking moment in the original film, yet this time around there wasn’t as a big of an impact. I found that a lot with this film, even though the CGI is amazing, certain moments that had a real impact in the original, don’t have as much as an impact. It feels like something is missing as the impact should still be there, yet it isn't. The original film is so loved that something breath-taking would have needed to be made for it to make it better and chosen over the original. It is difficult to improve on the original animated film as it is so loved and amazing to watch, time after time.
A star cast, with the voices of Beyoncé to Seth Rogan to James Earl Jones. All these talented people have put their voices to some of the most recognisable characters in Disney history. The performances from the entire cast are great, everyone has put their own spin on these beloved characters. We got to see more of an insight of certain characters like Nala and the hyenas. These characters are still as lovable as when we first them in 1994. A particular duo who could be seen as scene stealers are still Pumbaa (Seth Rogan) and Timon (Billy Eichner). Rogan and Eichner have done a brilliant job in making these characters just as funny as ever. There is a reference to another classic Disney film song, and this provides one of the funniest moments in the film.
The songs are still as amazing and catchy as they have always been. The arrangement of some songs was altered slightly, most likely to make them sound better. It is personal preference whether the new alterations to the songs make them better or add no real effect. With that being said viewers will still enjoy these songs just as much as the real compositions.
Overall, it is difficult to review this film without comparing it to the original. This remake is amazing, the CGI is extremely believable that you forget that the animals are animated whilst watching the film. This film still has the charm of the original, but would I choose to watch the remake over the original - most likely not. There doesn’t seem to be as much emotion and impact with the remake which you did get with the original. This is a beloved film, the characters and songs are so loved, this is a classic film and it has been remade. Viewers will still love this film but is it better than the original? Personally, I don’t think it is.
Comments