Visually Stunning, Lack Luster Vocal Cast

Rating: 4/10 (19 July 2019)

Let me preface this review by saying that my complaint is not with the film's ability (or lack thereof) to get "realistic looking", digitally crafted lions to emit a variety of emotions through facial expressions. I don't think any of us put too much stock in that aspect. What most people are referring to is the film's lack of verbal emotion. While Donald Glover and BeyoncÃ© command the stage for their own styles of music, their performances in the movie's songs fell very flat. Neither of them were able to convince me of the emotion we take for granted in the original. The voices they provide for the characters didn't quite match up to who we remember as Simba and Nala. I'm afraid I have to agree with most of the reviews that the movie fell very flat creatively and emotionally. I felt like the voice cast didn't quite match what most of us were probably anticipating, considering how great they are on their own. The scenes with Mufasa definitely lacked the majesty (no pun intended) that he brought to the 1994 film. It was still tear-jerking listening to his voice. That was one casting they did right. Jeremy Irons needed to be scar. The performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor wasn't by any means lacking - on the contray, his Scar was still very menacing. Jeremy Iron's "Be Prepared" (Jim Cummings sang most of the song) was unfortunately changed to the point that it was almost laughable. Chiwetel wasn't able to bring the same "Villainy" to Scar as Jeremy. Iron's voice was definitely needed to bring more credibility to their claim of honoring the original. Rafiki's voicing was also underwhelming. Robert Guillaume was missed dearly in the 2019 remake. His iconic portrayal of the beloved character would've been one of this remake's saving graces. John Kani brought his own interpretation, which tended to be a much more solemn and "peaceful watcher" Rafiki compared to the vivacious and witty Rafiki from the 1994 version. However, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogan have great chemistry and I felt they paid homage to Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella. Hans Zimmer's original score was almost the same in the remake and it definitely held the film together. The graphics and detail in a majority of the film are breathtaking. The fight scene between Simba and Scar is so intense and incredibly shot. So, if you're looking for a film that has beautiful landscapes, is visually stunning, and brings you to a special place, then see the movie. But be warned that the overall experience may be lack-luster.
Regarding people who are praising this movie and saying those who gave it negative reviews don't understand or love Disney, I've seen this on Broadway more than I wish to admit and I've gone through 2 VHS of this film growing up. I love Disney. We're DVC members. My appreciation for Disney isn't lacking, however this film didn't inspire or evoke deep emotions like the original. Please trust the professional critics on this one. For once I will agree they got it right.