Not Destroying The Classic, Not Doing It Justice Either

Rating: 3/10 (19 July 2019)

I will start by saying there will be spoilers, but I will try to keep them to a minimum.
Heavily disappointed in what I saw last night, but that's partly on me because I usually have mild expectations when I go to see a movie because I know I'm paying and if it sucks nobody is giving me my money back.
It did not ruin the classic (thank God for that) but it did not do it justice either. An argument can be made that this is The Lion King we are talking about (A legendary franchise, one of the best animated movies of all time) and not some random Disney movie you just happened to stumble upon, yet it does not entirely make up for the movie.
Starting on a positive note, the visuals were absolutely spectacular. Marvelous. And I can really say that wearing my 3D glasses I felt I was in the jungle. But that's just about it.
The acting, the emotional lines (by that I mean lines where they show happiness, excitement, sadness etc...) were crashing against the stoic faces of the characters. It felt like the actors were behind the screen reading them as the movie went on and I was watching a realistical puppet show.
Heavily disappointed on Beyonce's part (although I'm crazy about her). Nala and Simba were basically childhood sweethearts and while I'm aware of her lack of acting skills, I thought she would be fantastic in her role being so relatable for her on the romantic part (she's been with Jay Z her entire life and loves him as much as Nala loves Simba). From her, I expected more. Although, her singing is amazing as usual.
Now, I see why singers shouldn't be actors and vice versa. But if you want a singer acting in a movie I recommend you A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga, she absolutely slayed it. Bradley is just the cherry on top.
Mufasa's death was a joke. A terrible joke. I asked myself 'Are you kidding me?' Once I saw it. Then there is the Simba vs Scar epic battle. Epic? Blink and you missed it. All the hype for nothing.
There are 3 things I liked about this movie and a huge lover of the originals, which is why I'm so kind giving it 3 stars. 1. The visuals. 2. James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa. 3. Beyonce's singing and how they didn't ruin Circle of Life.
If you really want a good, realistical, humorous, musical Disney remake. I recommend you from the bottom of my heart to watch Aladdin, trust me, you will not be disappointed.