Whole family will thoroughly enjoy this one

Rating: 6/10 (26 January 2008)

I have a confession to make. This is the first fully animated Disney production that I have ever seen! Perhaps some would say that I have begun at the wrong end (beside the fact that I have been living in a closet all my life), however "The Lion King" (Disney's 32nd full length animated feature) has given me an inkling of what I may have been missing.
Disney continue their recent trend of popular animated features by bringing us this tale about the circle of life. Young lion cub "Simba", heir to his father "King Mufasa's" throne, thinks there'll be nothing to assuming his rightful place at the top of the food chain. Things look terribly gloomy though when Simba's evil Uncle Scar kills Mufasa, takes his brother's place as king and drives poor Simba far from his home. The dramatic adventure story that unfolds from here is good, and will keep the kids involved, yet the movie's real strength is its sharp wit and very funny dialogue. Several moments will have you in stitches, while movie buffs will delight in "performances" from many recognisable voices. James Earl Jones is an appropriate choice for Mufasa, Jeremy Irons' Scar is wonderfully sardonic, while comedienne Whoopi Goldberg is a real treat as a nasty Hyena. Listen too for the voices of Matthew Broderick, Rowan Atkinson, Cheech Marin, Robert Guillaume, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane and Moira Kelly.
"The Lion King" is a joy musically too, with Hans Zimmer providing a vibrant African score and both Elton John and Tim Rice some catchy show numbers, including Elton's beautiful love theme "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" Disney's high production values are clearly evident in a fine animated film which the whole family is sure to thoroughly enjoy.
Saturday, October 29, 1994 - Knox District Centre