On the fence again!

Rating: 6/10 (2 February 2001)

Well, once more I'm revisiting an old Disney movie that I haven't seen in a while but had memorized years ago. And, again, I do not know what to say about our old buddy, Simba.
First the good news. This is still a great looking movie. The opening sequence is still one of the most breathtaking pieces of animation ever made. The score is also phenominal.
However, of all the Disney movies of the early 90's, this is the one that has aged the least well. The story really isn't all that original (can anyone say _Hamlet_?), and the characters are too derivative from other characters who were popular at the time (Timon and Pumbaa are essentially the nuetered Ren and Stimpy). Furthermore, the much hyped celeberaty voice-overs are very distracting. Who the hell casts Rowan "Mr. Bean" Atkinson for his *voice*?
When all is said and done, "Lion King" makes for good eye-candy, but not much else.