Excellent animation quality but average storyline with dull mid-section

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2009)

'The Lion King' is a watchable cartoon feature with a serviceable plot line but excellent animation. The opening sequence is breath-taking. There's also an amazing stampede later in the film that feels stunningly real. There are some fine songs by Elton John. Alas, the story isn't as great. The plot is loosely inspired from Hamlet but feels rather feudal. The mid-section tends to sag. The film goes overboard in its depiction of the villain Scar (a fine Jeremy Irons) by giving him pronounced 'asiatic' features as opposed to the good lions. Despite these misgivings, the film remains entertaining.
Overall 7/10