Mixed Feelings

Rating: 7/10 (18 July 2019)

I've read the reviews. I've watched the film. I'll review this from both perspectives.
Progressive view: The film is very true to the original. It could have been so much more. Nala could have given more speeches about misogyny, forced marriage, equality. We know lions are physically stronger than lionesses, but do we have to reflect reality? Nala should have been faster, stronger, smarter and featured much more than Simba. We should be educating our children that girls always come first. The male characters had WAY too much dialogue. Also, if Disney were serious, they wouldn't have human washed this film. They would have cast real lions and warthogs!
Alternate view: This film is very true to the original. It's the first Disney movie in ages that hasn't pushed sexism onto our children. If you haven't seen the original, i'd recommend this version being superior because the cinematography is amazing and the story is almost identical. Some of the actors in this version are not as good (eg. Chiwetel as Scar was terrible as he was far too "serious" rather than devious and his singing was very poor. Timon and Pumba weren't funny. Shenzi was poorly acted: arrogant rather than sly and a scrounger like Whoopi Goldberg was in the original). But, the story maintained the heart and fondness from the original. If your children haven't seen the original, this one is worth watching.
I found it enjoyable. Danny Glover was good (but the male singer in this version wasn't a patch on Jason Weaver from the original). This version doesn't stand in its own right, but it's an excellent remake. This film is politically correct free (meaning no sexism or racism). That alone makes is a cut above most modern Disney. Favreau should be commended for creating the most child friendly Disney movie since the Jungle Book remake.