Dir. Roger Alles, Rob Minkoff 1994 (3D version), USA. Dur. 89 mins.
Cast (voices): James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Matthew Broderick, Rowan Atkinson
Review by Carlie Newman
While it is good to be able to see The Lion King once again, we do not necessarily need to see it in the brand new 3D version. However, there are still many moments that bring enjoyment even after all these years. First on our screens in 1994, Disney’s animated film tells of the birth of the lion cub, Simba, to the wife of King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones), the ruler of the Pride Lands area. The King tries to prepare young Simba for his future life leading the other animals wisely and justly, but the youngster only wants to play with his friend Nala. Mufasa’s wicked brother, Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons) plots to get rid of the King and Simba so that he can rule. He achieves this when his scheme to lead Simba into danger succeeds and Mufasa dies saving his son from a stampede of wildebeest. When Scar convinces Simba that he has caused his father’s death, Simba, urged on by his uncle, flees.
Luckily he is befriended by a large kindly warthog called Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella) and his companion, a meerkat called Timon (Nathan Lane). Simba is taught by them to deal with life in a carefree manner. It is only as an adult that Simba (Matthew Broderick), once he has met up once more with Nala, learns how Scar has ruined the Pride Lands. Simba realises that maybe it is time to return and take his place as the Lion King.
Most of the voices fit the characters in exactly the right way. Irons brings a most effective sinister, slimy quality to the evil Scar, while Lane and Sabella are just right as the two animals who save Simba when he is alone in the world. Their song “Hakuna Matata” (meaning: no worries) reverberates in one’s head long after the film has finished. Rowan Atkinson is far better as Zazu, the hornbill – who is a loyal servant to King Mufasa and tries to control young Simba – than he is as the hapless Johnny English in his new film, while James Earl Jones’s beautifully mellow voice is perfect for King Mufasa.
The lovely songs, such as the “Circle of life,” with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Elton John, add to the story, and “Can you feel the love tonight” won an Oscar for best original song. The music is rousing, the dialogue witty. And the 3D element? Does it increase our enjoyment? Well, not really, except in some sequences such as the birds flying or leaves falling around. So what’s next? Bambi 3D?
[cinemabase tt0110357 video_player]
xx - posted on 23/05/2012 13:13:28
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