Rating: 
Summary: Are Disney Mad?
Review: Ok, so I haven't seen the DVD, as it hasn't been released, but are Disney mad? The Lion King was one of, if not, the most popular Disney animation of all time. If Disney are willing to release TLK: 2 on DVD why not release the first, and in my opinion much better, rendition. I loved this film when it was released 5 years ago, and I always wanted it. As its not available in the UK anymore, I and I'm sure many others, would welcome a DVD release.
Rating:
Summary: Awe-inspiring...
Review: The Lion King has beautiful animation, GREAT songs (Be Prepared sends shivers down my spine), good characters, a brilliant villain (unlike certain other Disney bad guys) and marvellously quotable dialogue. This and Mulan are my favourites, however I can't watch the scene with Mufasa's death because I cry too much. I definitely recommend this film, however I can't bear the Timon and Pumbaa spin-off.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best cartoon films ever made
Review: This animated film about a young lion cub growing up feeling guilty about the death of his father really got to me. I saw this in the movies and I can honestly say I couldn't stop crying when Mustafa (James Earl Jones) was killed. Also there are very funny moments in the movie that will have you laughing. Great family film and teaches kids about taking responsibility. The animated special effects are mind-blowing. This video is part of my film library, and I brought it for ME, not my kids :o). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Rating:
Summary: One of Disney's absolute best!
Review: In the world of the animal Kingdom the loins have always rulled. And this story is about the best one of them all. WHen Simba is born he know's he's desined to be a great leader, and he just can't wait. But when tragedy strikes the Pride Lands, Scar accuses it to be poor Simba's fault. SO he runs far away, but he can never escape his past. In my opinion this is one of the greatest animated movies that Disney has ever put out. The actign is great, the animation is great, and the plot will draw in everyone!If you like to watch movies you'll fall in love for this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Last of the "great" Disney movies
Review: The Lion King is/was/will probably always be my favorite Disney movie. It's more raw, more emotional, more realistic, and more jarring. Unfortunately, it's also the last of the "great" Disney movies, followed by such tripe as "Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Hercules." It's Shakespeare with a beastly twist.Simba is the heir to the lion's throne-ahead of his scraggly uncle Scar. The boisterous young cub bounces around the savanna with his best friend (and fiancee) Nala, as well as spluttery rhinobird Zazu and his majestic, kindly father Mufasa. Mufasa is no distant "king of the forest," like Bambi's dad-he has an active and excellent role in his son's life. Good role model there. But when a freak stampede kills Mufasa, Scar tells the traumatized Simba that it's his fault. The cub runs away from home, hounded by hyenas into a waterless wasteland. There he is found by a meerkat and a warthog named Timon and Pumbaa, both outcasts. The duo becomes a trio, and years pass by... until the hunger-crazed Nala appears, telling Simba what has happened while he was gone. A warning: Timon and Pumbaa's cutie gross-out antics get old quick. Just tune them out, except for the "luau dance." Aside from the gorgeous musical score, the animation is truly spectacular, combined with excellent voices. The scene where Mufasa speaks to Simba to urge him back ends with a heartfelt, "Father, don't leave me..." that moves me to tears. Excellent and dramatic is the "Circle of Life" song at the beginning, the battle with Scar, and the glorious shot of Simba climbing Pride Rock, roaring, and being saluted by his subjects. This movie will make you cry, laugh, and show you strength in the making. Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Not just a Bambi ripoff
Review: Although it might be accused of plot similarities to "Bambi", The Lion King stands on it's own as the best animated film of Disney's silver age save for "Beauty and the Beast". It starts off with the greatest opening sequence in animation history, which already must rank within the top ten moments in all animation, period. Disney has since tried to match it in "Dinosaurs", but it remains unequalled. The inimitable "Circle of Life" has no rival except "When you wish upon a star" as Disney mood-setting music. The animals of the African plains pay homage to the new lion prince, Simba, at his birth. Already he has one strike against him in his father Mufasa's brother Scar, bitter because Simba is now the heir to the throne of the pridelands. While Simba and his friend Nala grow, Scar plots with hyena henchmen to dethrone Mufasa. Scar's moment comes in one devestating blow, managing to make the young cub stricken with guilt in the process. Simba runs off and is saved from death by exposure to the elements by Pumbaa, a kind warthog, and Timon, his meerkat best friend. As an adult, he has forgotten his legacy until a now-grown Nala and Rafiki, his father's baboon best friend, remind him. He goes to face the hour of reckoning with Scar, his friends by his side. The movie includes some of the best voicing work and dialogue in the Disney cannon, especially that of Scar - so evil as portrayed by Jeremy Irons that he actually drew a gasp from my jaded father - and Nathan Lane's Timon, who I feel will eventually take his place as Disney's greatest second banana (and no, I'm not forgeting the Seven Dwarves or Cinderella's mice). His now famous luau scene is Disney's supreme howler moment.
Rating:
Summary: Wounderful Movie
Review: The Lion King is one of the best and most wounderful movies I have ever seen. And It is so much better then The Lion King II Simbas Pride. This movie can bring the whole family togather. It is great for young children trust me I loved it when I was 5 or 6 when I came out. It also has the best and most beautiful songs. Bye It Today, in that matter buy it NOW!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Reluctant fan
Review: I didn't want to like this movie - I never like the hyped ones - but my 2-year-old HAD to see it, and she's watched it again and again over the last year. After so many viewings, I hate to admit it, but I'm still not tired of it, and my daughter still adores Timone, Pumba, Simba, Nala, and all the rest . . . loves them all more every time she watches.
Rating: 
Summary: Memorable and beautifully made, but not Disney's best
Review: "The Lion King" opens with a sequence that I consider one of the best and most spectacular in modern film. We see the sun rising over the African savannah, then follow all the animals of the savannah as they rush to attend the coronation of Simba, the prince of the animal kingdom. It's sweeping and beautifully presented, and the Tim Rice/Elton John opening music is absolutely smashing. A great beginning, to be sure. Then something bad happens: the dialogue begins. Although "The Lion King" has some memorable scenes and characterizations (most prominently: Nathan Lane's unforgettable voicing of Timon the meercat, and Jeremy Irons' seething portrayal of the villanous Scar), and also contains some of the best musical sequences ever put in Disney films (no faint praise), it suffers from a weak, aimless plot. Matthew Broderick's voicing of Simba, the would-be king, is utterly unconvincing - imagine Ferris Bueller as a lion and you get the idea. I think they needed someone with a more commanding voice for this role. And parents beware: this is a G-rated film, but many of the themes (patricide, fights to the death, etc.) are guaranteed to have your your kids in your room at about 2 am. "The Lion King" works well as entertainment, mainly because of the beautiful animation and the smashing music and songs, but it's not among the strongest Disney films by any means.
Rating:
Summary: Among Disney's best!
Review: The Lion King helped rekindle my interest in Disney's animated features. Though a long time fan of the Disney Company's work in animation, I had become somewhat dissatisfied with Disney's animation after a string of the likes of mis-hits like "The Rescuers," "The Rescuers Down Under," "The Great Mouse Detective," and the like. With the release of films like "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," and "The Lion King" I find myself once more enjoying Disney's animated features again. The Lion King boasts a top-notch cast of voice actors, great music, no, make that fantastic music, starting with the opening number -- clearly inspired by music of Africa. There are also endearing characters in the form of Pumba and Timon, Scar -- the conniving 2nd in line to the throne, majestic King Mufasa, and the snivelling trio of hyenas. Oh, Simba was all right, but his wasn't the character that made the film for me. The story, dealing with royal succession, could have come straight from the European continent, and may well have, but it sets up the stage for a great show. The animation is good, the chracters are likable (or dastardly), and the whole film comes together exceedingly well. 5 stars for an animated feature. Enjoy! Alan Holyoak
|
