Disney’s remake of their 1994 animated film with incredible CGI work is quite impressive.
From the moment that “Circle Of Life” blasts from the theater speakers, you know that you’re in for a treat. Elephants, monkeys, birds and a myriad of species gather to pay respect to papa lion, Mufasa (James Earl Jones) and baby cub Simba (Daniel Glover), and each one moves and looks incredibly real.
The good feeling from the cub’s arrival is quickly destroyed when old Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) shows up. His jealousy of his brother Mufasa and baby Simba has made him an evil creature. He wants to kill his family so he can take over as King and he teams up with the hyenas to do that dirty deed.
With that dark theme, its welcome comic relief when Pumbaa, the gassy warthog (voice by Seth Rogen) and
Timon the meerkat (Billy Eichner) show up. The kids in the audience on opening night were delighted by their humor.
With the PG rating which accommodates more violence, it was a needed break.
Beyoncé voices grown up Nola, Simba’s childhood friend and I found her acting was weak.
Directed by Jon Favreau (The Jungle Book) the film has a couple of realistically scary scenes for younger kids. The hyenas are especially creepy and a long scene were Mufasa is pushed off a cliff by Scar and is trampled to death, is tough. Perhaps its because the animals look so lifelike, that it’s so difficult to watch.
The songs are great, the drama is mixed with some welcome humor the scenery is spectacular and the star of the show is the fabulous CGI.