Goosebumps throughout the film

Rating: 8/10 (11 February 2020)

Let me say first off, the 1994's version is the epitome of my childhood. I would cry every time the wildebeest scene would come (like all of you did too, I am sure), the music shaped my childhood, the beloved characters I recognise as my own friends. The backyard of Pride Rock is where I played and grew up. The 1994 movie is one of the first clear memories of my childhood. My father bought the LCD (laser disks for you Gen-Zs and Millennials who dont remember this relic from the 90s) and after it became obsolete, the VHS copy which we still have, safely tucked away somewhere, collecting dust. I was a year old when the movie came out, yet my father's pride in his LCD sound system resulted in the Lion King being played quite frequently on the weekends at my house. I remember my elder brother crying and running to the kitchen so he wouldnt see the wildebeests in that pivotal scene.
What I am trying to tell you is The Lion King holds a very special place in my heart. And I was very very worried on hearing it was to be remade. What I feared worst was a repeat of Ghostbusters. Thankfully this isnt the case here. When I heard Jon Favreau was behind the helm, I felt we could all rest easy, he wouldnt botch it up and he didnt! He understood what it was to stay true to the real spirit and magic of the film and still take advantage of modern technology to only make the film experience better.
This movie from start to finish, was a sensory experience of unbelievable proportions. Goosebumps from the opening scene, right until the end. The music, oh my god. The music! They have stayed true to the original versions and still managed to incorporate music from the original African roots. I loved the life John Oliver, Seth Rogen, Beyonce gave the characters through just their voices. So grateful that James Earl Jones, the one true king, was able to lend his voice to bring to life the majesty and regality of Mufasa. Have to say Chiwetel Ejiofor did not bring the magic to Scar the way Jeremy Irons did. If anything thats my only complaint.
The visuals, oh my god.. The magic of animated version was brought to life so remarkably, it takes your breathe away. Imagine revisiting your favourite childhood haunts as an adult, with every vague and hazy memory brought to life with such vivid colours and detail, you cant imagine how the artists did it. And the music.. the new versions by Hans Zimmer will have you singing along and bopping your foot and still catch you by surprise.
Dont listen to the haters, the movie is a treat and a trip down childhood for all us 90s kids.