Review of The Lion King (2019) by Jakeyjake — 21 Jun 2023

To do a poor remake of a classic film is bad enough, but to do so in the most shamelessly lazy, corporately manufactured way possible is downright disrespectful to the brilliant men and women who made the the 1994 Lion King what it was.

This is a movie that desperately clings to the popularity, creativity and charm of the original film, it adds nothing new or interesting, and the small subtle changes they do try to haphazardly ham-fist in, make no sense and completely undermine the original intention of the 1994 film.

I don't think Jon Favreau is a bad filmmaker, but I absolutely believe that he has no regard whatsoever for the original Lion King. I think he looks at a project like this as a spectacle, a visual display of CGI experimentation for nothing more than dollar signs and his own personal satisfaction.

The emotion, the effectiveness and the artistry of the 1994 film are completely lost on this remake, and it shows in every frame, minute detail and casting decision. It's a film that knows how much The Lion king is beloved, but it doesn't understand why it's beloved.