An underwhelming and needless remake...

Rating: 7/10 (22 July 2019)

I really wanted to love this movie, if for no other reason than to prove the naysayers wrong. But alas, while it was enjoyable enough, it just wasn't that remarkable. At least with the other two Disney remakes this year, they brought to life an animated movie, breathing new life into an old but beloved property. As cool as the "photo-realistic" lions with the moving mouths were, I couldn't figure out why Disney was doing this other to say they could and to continue minting money hand over fist. The story is the same, the beats are the same as in the original, but it lacked much emotional oomph and didn't foster any kind of connection with the audience. (Turns out the eyes really are important to convey emotion.) Billy Eichner stole the show as Timon, Seth Rogen was great as Pumbaa, and the rest of the voice cast is all good, but Beyonce fans probably won't be happy considering how little she's in it.