Did we really need this?

Rating: 5/10 (16 March 2017)

OK, let's get the gay thing out of the way first: it was horribly forced and awkward.
Remember "Victor Victoria"? Anyone? For the few that remember what a GOOD movie is like, everyone in that film BELONGED in that film.
The gay character here is present because political correctness and diversity. That's all.
A lesson to all: when you shove something into a decidedly non-political movie for the sake of your ideology even when it should be clear it doesn't fit, you ruin it. This goes for 'Christian' and any other philosophies as well. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR STORY. Nothing else matters.
As for the rest... it's just... there. Despite being 'live-action' it feels flatter than the 2D animated original. The story goes through the motions and achieves nothing more. I'd rather watch the animated version again.
I fear this is also going to be the case with the retold "Lion King" Disney is planning. As with this movie, I feel most people are going to look at these over-expensive CGI effect fests and conclude as I do: other than nostalgia-driven cash grabs, what's the point?