Lion King Film Review
Lion King (1994) Review
Cast- Matthew Broderick, Moira Kelly, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jeremy Irons, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin.
Plot- Simba (Broderick) is the prince of pride rock, who flees after he believes he caused his father Mufasa's (Earl Jones) death, meanwhile his evil uncle Scar (Irons) takes over the pridelands and causes destruction.
When the signature 'Circle of Life' music starts to play, we ALL know whats coming. The sun rises, the meerkats peer, the gazelles quickly spin around and we all sit in anticipation that leads to one of Disneys most magnificient feats in their 90 year history. Trying to find faults with this film is literally like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
This was the first film of Disney's that boasted about, a) its heritage, and b) it's outstanding cast. The heritage of the film believe it or not is from the Shakespearian play, 'Hamlet'. The film takes Simba on a emotional rollercoaster growing up with the idea he killed his own father through his mistake while his evil uncles claims the throne. For a Disney film, which tend to be all happy moments and magic, choosing a Shakespearian tragedy to base a film with lions in was a gigantic risk, but amazingly it's the first of its kind and it carries a massive punch. Secondly the cast, everybody within this film was cast spot on. The soft speaking Broderick providing Simba's troubled adult is amazingly portrayed. Kelly playing the concerned emotionally scarred love interest Nala again was spot on. The stars of the filmhowever, are the forever loved Timon and Pumbaa, the meerkat and warthog double act that steal the show within every scene they're ever lucky enough to appear in. This is solely down to Lane's fast spoken humour that appeals to both adults and children alike, and his counter part Sabella providing the lovable gruff sidekick.
Finally, the music of the film is probably the most important and rememberable thing that has become of the Lion King phenomenon (apart from th humour, the plot, the visuals and the film itself of course). With songs that will remain with us for the rest of time, its no wonder they won an oscar for best soundtrack. 'Hakuna Matata', 'I Just Cant Wait To Be King' and 'The Circle of Life', are just a few of these amazing heartfelt songs that help narrate the plot and love that is being spread throughout the films protagonists and creatures alike.
Verdict
An absolute classic, one of Disney's finest ever films, and a film of our generation and obviously a film of more generations to come. Outstanding.