The Lion King Comes To Life in 2019!

Rating: 10/10 (30 October 2019)

Some eight years ago, watching the beloved 1994 Lion King movie, I remarked to my 15-year old niece that it would be amazing if Disney would remake the Lion King with real life characters, as today's CGI tech can permit.
And now, here it is, the 2019 adaptation of The Lion King comes to life!
But heed this: the main comparison between the original and this hyper-real remake is that this time around the movie is not for the kiddies!
Under grey African skies, the storyline (which is pretty much identical to the original animated classic) unfolds with some subtle differences. Which makes it even more enjoyable since no one really wants a word by word remake.
But the fact that the animals are so realistic makes this version a little terrifying because of certain scenes which are darker and even scary at times. Even the broad comedy of the original hyenas has been stripped away to reveal them as more sinister and menacing. The fangs of hyenas and animal growls can alone give a kid the nightmares.
And yet for all its realism, it tends to be even more touching.
For example, the part where little Simba loses his dad makes you wanna cry, because the expressions on his face is so vividly sad, thanks to the well done CGI technological advancements. (Please note this is not really a spoiler since this is a review of the remake version. As an added note, this new little Simba is so adorable makes you want to buy the plushie!)
This 2019 release, to put it quite simply, is Amazing to behold.
No doubt this is a historic moment in cinema, a landmark film being restored to its full glory!
Both the Director Jon Favreau and the Cinematography by Caleb Deschanel are to commended, with special mentions to Chiwetel Ejiofor who lends his voice to a convincing Scar, Seth Rogen who plays Pumbaa and of course the legendary James Earl Jones for Mufasa.
I also enjoyed the soundtrack which utilizes a lot of drums and musicians like Beyonce and Pharrell Williams, making it more authentic to the music of Africa.
For this reinvention of The Lion King (as well as the recent Jungle Book remake) I must admit that Disney has gained my full respect. The fact that Disney has very much evolved is quite evident with many roles being played by African American descent actors and musicians this time. Even the hyenas were given African names for this version. After all, is this not a story out of Africa?
All this talk of the movie makes me want to watch it again and so I leave you with 'hakuna matata', because no doubt there will be a sequel released in the near future...