The Lion King 1½

Plot synopsis:
The film is told through the perspective of Timon and Pumbaa through the literary device known as a frame story. The two are shown in silhouette form watching the original film. Timon interrupts the film to fast-forward to his scenes, but Pumbaa's protest prompts Timon to share his backstory.
Timon is a social outcast in his meerkat colony on the outskirts of the pridelands. While unconditionally supported by his mother, Ma, Timon dreams for more in life than his colony's bleak existence hiding from predators. Uncle Max is nearly eaten by hyenas Shenzi, Banzai and Ed due to Timon's day dreaming. This becomes the last straw for the colony, prompting Timon to leave to find a better life. He meets the mandrill, Rafiki, who advises him to find his place in the world via "Hakuna Matata" and to "look beyond what you see". Timon takes this saying literally and observes Pride Rock in the distance. Believing Pride Rock to be his paradise home, Timon ventures to the rock and encounters Pumbaa the Warthog on his way. The two quickly form a bond and Pumbaa accompanies Timon.
The pair arrive at Pride Rock during the presentation of the new prince to the Pridelands' animals (to Timon's annoyance, believing the crowd to be a long line to claim Pride Rock as real estate). Timon then "looks beyond" pride rock to find a small cove near a pond. To Pumbaa's reluctance, the pair cut through the crowd, but Pumbaa nervously claims he doesn't "do so well in crowds". Pumbaa explosively passes gas, causing nearby animals to faint but prompting animals further away to bow to Simba. The pair make a home at the cove near the pond, but are awakened one morning to the sounds of Simba singing "I Just Can't Wait to be King." The pair leave due to the "noisy neighbors", and find a new home at the Elephant Graveyard. They are scared away from there after witnessing Mufasa fight the Hyenas, and Timon decides to make a home in a glowing green cave. Scar's rendition of "Be Prepared" scares the pair off again, and Timon then chooses to find a home in a hot gorge. The pair are then chased by the Wildebeest Stampede (that results in Mufasa's death in the original film), but miraculously survive albeit being thrown off a waterfall.
Exhausted from their adventure, Timon decides to give up, until Pumbaa (who had been talking about a magical place that raised skepticism from Timon) turns Timon's head to a luxurious green jungle. The pair finally settle there with the philosophy of "Hakuna Matata". During their time there, they encounter a homeless lion cub named Simba in a nearby desert, nearly dead. The pair rescue young Simba and decide to raise him under their philosophy. Scenes are shown of Simba's chaotic upbringing from a hyperactive and affectionate young cub, to an ambitious and egotistical adolescent, to a laid-back and content young adult.
Years later, Nala appears after chasing Pumbaa and reunites with Simba. Believing "Hakuna Matata" to be in jeopardy, Timon and Pumbaa attempt to sabotage their dates, but fail. After witnessing Simba and Nala's off-screen argument, Simba disappears, to Timon's horror. Nala and Rafiki explain that he had run off to challenge Scar, and need their help. After Nala leaves to follow Simba, Timon, who is hurt that Simba had left them, unsuccessfully tries to persuade Pumbaa to stay, believing he has everything he wants in the jungle. Pumbaa leaves to follow Simba, and loneliness starts to overcome Timon. Rafiki appears again and helps Timon realize that his true Hakuna Matata is with the ones he loves, prompting Timon to take off after Simba, Nala, and Pumbaa.
Timon catches up and reconciles with Pumbaa, before then journeying on to Pride Rock. After helping Simba and Nala with a distraction (the "luau" dance), Timon and Pumbaa evade the hyenas and run into Ma and Uncle Max who came looking for Timon (after Ma met Rafiki earlier in the film). Timon proposes that they help Simba by getting rid of the hyenas. Whilst Simba battles Scar, Ma and Uncle Max are directed to construct a series of tunnels beneath them, and Timon and Pumbaa use various tactics to distract the hyenas while the tunnel is being made. When the tunnels are finished, Max quickly knocks down the sticks, breaking the ground under the hyenas. However, the last few get stuck and the plan fails. Cornered once again by the hyenas, Timon bravely dives underground and breaks the remaining sticks, completing the cave in, and causing the hyenas to be ejected through the tunnels. Immediately afterwards, Scar is thrown off the top of Pride Rock by Simba.
Simba accepts his place as king of the Pride Lands, thanking Timon and Pumbaa for helping him. Timon takes Ma, Uncle Max and the meerkat colony to live in the predator-free jungle to complete his "Hakuna Matata." Pumbaa and Simba celebrate with the meerkats, who praise Timon as their hero. In the final scene of the film, Ma, Uncle Max, Simba, Rafiki and many other silhouetted Disney character cameos join Timon and Pumbaa to re-watch the film in the cinema. As the film fades to black, Pumbaa reminds Timon that he still doesn't do well in crowds.

Tags: psychedelic, entertaining

Review:
Cute, Harmless Fun. Being a fan of the first Lion King, I was definitely looking forward to this movie, but I knew there was really no way it could be as good as the original.
I know that many Disney fans are wary of the direct-to-video movies, as I have mixed feelings of them as well.While watching The Lion King 1½, I tried to figure out what my own viewpoint was regarding this movie.
My favorite parts of the movie include the montage of Timon & Pumbaa taking care of young Simba and the surprise ending featuring some great cameos.I could have done without many of the bathroom jokes though, like the real reason everyone bowed to baby Simba at the beginning of Lion King 1.
That feature is definitely a lot of fun!!So all in all, The Lion King 1½ isn't a perfect movie, but it's cute and entertaining.
This is a straight-to-video movie, so it should go without saying that it's not going to rival the first Lion King, but that said, this was downright good.My kids loved this, but that's a given, they love anything that's a cartoon.
The big shock was that *I* liked it too, it was laugh out loud funny at some parts (even the fart jokes*), had lots of rather creative tie-ins with the first movie, and even some jokes that you had to be older to understand (but without being risqué like in Shrek ["do you think he's compensating for something?"]).A special note on the fart jokes, I was surprised to find that none of the jokes were just toilet noises (in fact there were almost no noises/imagery at all, the references were actually rather subtle), they actually had a setup/punchline/etc, and were almost in good taste.
In true Mystery Science Theater 3000 fashion, we see Timon (voice by Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa rewind the tale of The Lion King to a point before the familiar story.
The Lion King is not only a outstanding animated kid's film, but one of the best movies ever made.
Those movies are better off seen in the video stores (in the "new releases" area), rather than seeing their theatrical posters outside the theaters.This one is merely a spoof of the first film (although the events in "Simba's Pride" hasn't taken place yet), on Timon (voiced by Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa's (voiced by Ernie Sabella) point of view.
Original voices from the first film, like Matthew Broderick, Woopie Goldberg, Cheeche Martin and Robert Guillaume, return to their voicing roles from the first film, while Julie Kavner and Jerry Stiller give some hilarious comedy relief as Timon's mom and grumpy uncle.So doesn't this sound fun.
Don't expect the production values of a theatrical release, but do expect the highest quality of direct to video release.It is set up as Timon & Pumba begin watching the original Lion King in a darkened theater and abruptly switch tracks and begin narrating their own story.
The voice talents are all well performed, though I couldn't help thinking of Marge Simpson every time I heard Julie Kavner.Many of the jokes in the movie will be well recognized by viewers as recycled over the generations, but are presented more with the familiarity of comfortable quirks of old friends than annoyingly repetitive.The music has made me realize how much I enjoyed and miss a good musical integrated with a Disney feature.
The only problem was the reprise of the 'Dig A Tunnel' at the end of the movie, switching its lyrics and tune from defeatist to uplifting.Story line is pretty well done, and the integration of new plot elements is done almost perfectly, though the final bit during the hyena chased stretched the storyline credibility a little.
Lion King II:Simba's Pride is the BY FAR the best direct-to-video sequel that Disney, or any other studio, has made for an animated feature.
I know Disney always displays lack of creativity when making "straight-to-video" films - but rehashing the plot of the original film with a "new perspective" is an all-time low...soon they'll just be re-releasing the original films with new animation and new songs and be calling it a "new version of the movie we all love." Nathan Lane surprisingly returns to his role of Timon yet again.
Timon and Pumbaa the animated animals from the world of the original "Lion King" embark on a narrative journey to tell us the original story the way it REALLY happened...as they see it.Of course Timon is now the hero of the story, yadda yadda yadda, blah blah blah...The musical sequences are lame and the animation is crap.
This film is a spin-of of "Lion King", focused on the characters of Timon and Pumbaa.
For example, in the original Lion King Rafiki tells Timon and Pumbaa that Simba has went to fight Scar, but here, it is Nala.
Classic scenes from the original such as the sunrise, the animals bowing to baby Simba, the "Be Prepared" musical number, the stampede that KILLED MUFASSA, and just about every serious moment are ruined by Timon and Pumbaa's unfunny commentary and fart jokes including cutting to QVC footage, Pumbaa breaking wind numerous times, and literally pausing the movie to parody Mystery Science Theater (disrespecting fans of that show as well).
This movie may not be a complete disaster because of its decent execution of the story it is telling by itself, but the way it literally pastes jokes on the original film to pander to the little kiddies is a disgrace.
The Lion King 3 or 1 1/2 as it's known to some other countries i think is good, i found this movie very intresting because it told us what Simba got up to when his father died and when he ran away from pride rock as his uncle scar told him to run away and never ever return.
"The Lion King" is without a doubt my favorite Disney movie of all time, so I figured maybe I should give the sequels a chance and I did.
By focusing on Timon and Pumbaa, who pretty much stole the first film,all the omens seemed good for this entry.The problem for me is that the idea of them retelling the story from Lion King 1 from their own point of view wasn't enough to sustain a film,which considering the short run length doesn't bode well.
The entire movie is actually being watched in a theater by Timon and Pumbaa, kind of like "Mystery Science Theater 3000".
The plot is pretty good, since were looking at Timon and puma's side of the story (and a bit of samba's', since he was kicked out of the pride lands and ended up in a jungle with Timon and puma.) Secondly, the characters are interesting and in a way, unique.
The last song in the film just adds to it.The Lion King 1 ½ is good for the kids, but miles away from the original.6/10 Good: Well, it's interesting and funny for children.Bad: It seems way too corny and simple to even have the name "The Lion King" on it.
Yes, it is build on "The Lion King", but the original movie was a masterpiece, so why shouldn't it?If your children loved "The Lion King" make sure *NEVER* to put them anywhere near "The Lion King 2", and bring them this movie instead.And with vocal talent of Nathan Lane, Julie Kavner and Ernie Sabella to name few, it is a great cast and movie.People, I rather see this movie 10 times then watching some of Disney's "not-so-great" movies (and the list there is L----ong)!I suggest to everyone to see "The Lion King", and a day after see this movie.
It even has the original voices of Adult Simba, Timon, Pumba, Rifki, The Three Main Hyenas from The Lion King.
So far, I've seen it three times and I would love to watch it again with the other Lion King movies.
The comedy duo Timon and Pumbaa are back for more laughs and to tell their version of the story "The Lion King".
I really like the first lion king it was pretty well darn and quit funny and sad the 2nd one was okay it did had a few problems but I like this movie its not my favorite Disney movie but its quit good to watch the story is about Timon and Pumbaa who also appear in the short series called Timon and Pumbaa now are the main characters of this film the story is about Timon telling people about his life and not being happy and wanting to have a new life he tells his mum what he is looking for and sits off on his adventure and where Pumbaa and both make a became best friends and said that friends stick to gather in the end the story is very well done will its not as good as the first 2 but quit well done story is pretty good but its not as good as some other 2000 Disney films from the early 2000s but its not that bad its better then Inspector gadget 2 that awful direct video but all in all its fun for people who love direct films but if you are true lion king fan you might be a bit upset.
It does have its problems, it is too short(then again this is a problem most of the sequels have), some of the story, the Lion King but in Timon and Pumbaa's perspective is predictable but it is a great concept and there are a few parts such as the ending that felt a tad rushed.
However, it is vibrantly animated, the music is very good, there are some surprisingly funny jokes(like Timon and Pumbaa's stalling during the climax), the dialogue is well written and hilarious and the voice acting is very well done.
Timon and Pumbaa journey off into finding their dream place and find it and soon find it and also Simba who they raise but soon they must choose between their dream place or helping Simba face his evil Uncle Scar and proclaim his right as the Lion King of Pride Rock!
Filled with wonderful characters, animation, and story and music Lion King 1 1/2 is in my opinion the best of any sequel and better than Simba's Pride even though I will admit I really did like that one too!
Lion King 1 1/2 is a great Disney sequel the whole family can enjoy!
this Disney animated feature isn't really a Lion King movie.it's basically the story of Timon(the Meerkat)and Pumba(the Warthog)and how they first met.it eventually shows the some of the events from the original Lion King from their point of view.it obviously condenses the events a lot,and their are actually only a few moments from The Lion King here.i thought it was an OK movie,but i found it a bit slow and i thought some scenes went on too long.the song are not as memorable.at least i didn't think so.at least the same voice actors were used as in the original.this movie is fairly short,about 70 minutes,not including end credits.as an aside,this movie was produced after Lion King II: Simba's Pride.all in all this is an entertaining movie,but it doesn't have the same impact of the original Lion King.for me,The Lion King 1.5 is a 6/10.
Though "Simba's Pride" wasn't exactly bad, it did suffer some problems: lack of an good script and bad characterizations, which made impact of what otherwise a okay film.Anyway: It's nice to see Timon and Pumbaa's personalities blossom again in the way that we (or certainly me) loved about them in this film; in "Simba's Pride" they were completely annoying and I didn't liked the "Timon and Pumbaa" series neither.This film could easily have been a stupid one, but fortunately the filmmakers didn't took the wrong turn and instead focused to make this film at times extremely hilarious.
Storywise, this is Timon's story and although the filmmakers try to integrate his tale with Simba's, it makes the screenplay feel a little rushed at times.But hey, those details doesn't impact this otherwise amusing movie.
Like the previous sequel (The Lion King 2) I was glad that Disney brought back most of the original voice actors which makes a big difference and they kept a good level of traditional animation.
It starts with Timon's first home...For anyone with a good sense of humour who liked the first films of just about any age, enjoy "Lion King 1/2"!
Like in the original lion king, weren't Timon and Pumbaa with Simba when he beat Scar?
Just like Tom Stoppard's beguiling film, we get to view the action from the point of view of two of the minor characters from the original: Timon, the meerkat with a penchant for breaking into song at the drop of a hat, and Pumbaa, the warthog with flatulence issues.
With more laughs than any other third-in-a-Disney-series movie, Hakuna Matata is worth watching - if only for the hot tub scene which is still funny despite being a little bit predictable..
This one, being the third part to The Lion King (Simba's Pride is the second.) actually has an original idea to it while still involving the fun of the first.
And it was kinda funny how they would stop it at random parts and let Timon and Pumbaa comment on it.This was a really great movie, and I would definitely recommend it to any Lion King fan..
It takes a unique slant on the story, it follows the origins of Timon and Pumba, which you know by now from the advertising, but it does so while cutting in and out of the original Lion King story line, and always in funny ways.
I like this even more than the original movie, or Lion King II, which was pretty good.
All of these things tell viewers parts of the story they've never known before.Timon and Pumbaa are responsible for a lot of the humour in the original "Lion King", but as I stated in my review of "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride", they're not they're not as consistent in that sequel.
As the main characters in "The Lion King 1½", they're occasionally funny, like they are in the second film, but have not returned to full comic form.
Having it where Pumbaa farts and that's why all the animals kneel down, while it is funny, it completely kills one of the best scenes in the "The Lion King".
"The Lion King 1½" is a fun comedy film, and it's certainly one of the better direct-to-video sequels.
Upon watching this film, one can only assume the following: Disney STILL isn't sorry, Ei$ner STILL thinks they can make a good spin off, Nathan Lane has NO pride, and 13-year-old boys LOVE fart jokes and puns.
But the only thing that slightly ruins the treasures of this film for me, are the interruptions of the Timon and Pumbaa in the theater silhouette scenes (I really think the film creators could've done better without this aspect and given more time to developing the original plot for Timon especially with his family and meerkat colony), and especially all of the non-Lion King Disney characters that come in at the very end.
This semi-sequel to the Lion King sees to spin off side characters Timone and Pumba, retelling the original story through their eyes, including the story of how they met.
The animation is as good as ever, if a little less flamboyant than the original, but the plot here is all about taking it easy, Hakuna Matata.Timone and Pumba decide to watch the events of the first film, frequently stopping mid-film to joke about parts of it, like a real audience.
The Lion King told the story from the side of Simba the young lion, 1 and a half is from the view of Timone and Pumbaa, a less than perfect duo made up of a meercat who left home because he could not dig tunnels without burying his friends and neighbors and a warthog who has an odor issue.
The movie is a little short on substance, but Disney does a good job of filling time with various sketches starring Timone and Pumbaa as they "watch" the movie with us.
As the only true direct-to-video Disney movie that I own, The Lion King 1 1/2 is a good step up from several others (at least from what I've heard others say about them) in that it doesn't entirely soil the original film.
The movie is about The Lion King from Timon (a meerkat) and Pumbaa's (a warthog) perspective.
While viewing their journey together and seeing their story intertwine with the original The Lion King movie, Timon and Pumbaa frequently interrupt the film to add their own funny comments.
(That jungle Timon and Pumbaa found, by the way, was tribute to the original title's name for The Lion King, "King of the Jungle.") Again, I feel this movie appeals to the kids mostly, but some adults might find humour in it..
"The Lion King 1 1/2" is a comedy affair that involves everyone's favorite meerkat and warthog, Timon and Pumbaa.
The story, for those who haven't read the other reviews, is about how Timon and Pumbaa meet, and how they affect events in the original Lion King.There are actually some very funny jokes in the movie.
While being a parody, the Lion King 1 1/2, Timon and Pumbaa's story is well told from beginning to end.
Still I like it better than Lion King 2, partially because of the refreshing way to tell the stories.
Things I like the most out of the movie are clever ways to show the involvement of Timon and Pumba in the story even before they met Simba without interfering with the old plot.
It tells the same story as the Lion King, but from Timon's and Pumba's point of view, which is hilarious.
We can now see how the two legends met, and their adventures before meeting Simba.It's not as good as the first, it's not a great movie, but it's entertainer, funny and original.