This was my absolute childhood favorite and meh.

Rating: 4/10 (19 July 2019)

I have to point out that I could probably quote the entire animated movie if need be. I know all the facial expressions and nuances the characters project. This is a big problem for a "live-action" animal movie. A CGI bird is not at all capable of making any face other than that if a freakin bird.
The songs do not have the effect when there is no facial expression along with the lyrics. "Be Prepared"? For what? A disappointing half assed attempt at that song? The dark undertones of the song weren't there.
The charm of the hyenas is completely gone. No laughs to be had, no chemistry whatsoever between them, and the classic "say it again... Mufasa! oohhhh." is never uttered.
The voice acting is weak for almost all characters (little Simba was terrible but who can compare to JTT). Even James Earl Jones feels out of place. Adult Simba and Scar are the best acted. Like I said, I know every nuance of each character and this version had the lines read with no "extra", no silliness, no intimidation, no fun, just flat.
The banter between Timon and Pumbaa didn't have the same bite and the self aware jokes were just corny. You can't CGI a realistic meerkat in a hula skirt.
"Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" in the middle of the day while we stare blankly at each other? As lovely as Beyonce sings, she definitely Beyonce-ed up the song. Save the vocal runs for the soundtrack. Watching a blank faced lion sing that song like that was just offensive.
The ending had little tension. "Lions! Attack!" Are you kidding me? And the zoom out scene of Simba's flash back... really? They can't seriously think that looked good.
I started out this review as a 5/10 but the more I think about it, the lower I want to rate it. I'll admit I may be overly critical but even as a stand alone film, it does not hit the mark. It didn't feel like a Disney movie at all.