Elka Billings

I went to see this movie with high hopes - and came out with them. After reading so many bad reviews, I'm surprised. The animation, the music especially, and the introduction of more animals in the film, were beautiful and astonishing. Sure, the real life animals did not offer the same emotion, but real life animals do not do the same things animated cartoons can do. I admit, I was a little let down by the lack of heart - as some people have said - but I understand. There were certain lines delivered by the characters in the first animated film that were very gripping but did not hold the same power in the remake which again was a bit disappointing. Some of the comedy and the playfulness in the first film was made more serious and dark in this film.. but what can you expect with real-life animals? The filmmakers tried to make it as real life as possible. I personally believe that some of Mufasa's lines were delivered a bit dry and Simba's voice were flat at times. However, Beyonce did a pretty good job assuming the role of Nala and I was very surprised. Maybe this movie wasn't the as compelling as the first, but anyone who has watched the original version already feels the emotion that comes with it.. and I most certainly could feel it in this film. Solid 8.5/10.