Disney Movie Review:
32/52 - The Lion King
Ryan Dosier- The third masterpiece in a row for Disney animation came in
1994 with the arrival of The Lion King. You would be hard pressed to find
anyone born after 1984 that doesn’t positively adore this movie and connect it
100% with his or her childhood. The Lion King allowed a warthog to sing and
delivered the biggest hit animation had ever seen. The impact and love for The
Lion King can still be seen to this day. It truly is the king of them all.
After the unbelievable success of Beauty and the Beast and
Aladdin it seemed doubtful if not impossible that Disney could create a
trifecta of masterpieces—but lo and behold, they did it. The Lion King is a
powerful, resonating, joyful, dark, and astounding ride from start to finish.
It is a triumph of animation, voice acting, layouts, music, and so much more.
Simba is one of the truly fantastic characters created by
Disney. He is incredibly real with emotions that connect powerfully with any
audience. Simba goes from plucky kid to would-be king and his journey shows how
we all must accept our place in the “Circle of Life.” Simba’s reluctance, acceptance,
and power make The Lion King what it is.
The villain of the film, Scar, is one of Disney’s strongest.
Cruel, contained, and crazy, Scar is willing to kill his own brother and nephew
to get power. Watching Scar fail at being king and starving his people is a
smart, subtle story point that I just love. Jeremy Irons provided Scar’s voice
and it is amazing. Every line of Scar’s is sardonic or evil and it shows what a
great actor Irons is. Andreas Deja, who animated Scar, also deserves special
mention here for doing more masterful work with a Disney villain after his
turns as Gaston and Jafar.
But once again my favorite characters in the film are those
in the supporting cast. Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu, and Rafiki make for Disney’s
funniest, wittiest, and most delightful cast of characters yet. Of course Timon
and Pumbaa steal the show completely (most of the credit there goes to the
fabulous Nathan Lane), even though they smartly don’t appear until 30 minutes
into the film. Timon and Pumbaa are so funny and so enjoyable that it’s no
wonder Disney chose them to star in a TV show and a sequel as well as countless
promotional things.
Zazu is my favorite character in the film. The put-upon
British hornbill provides all of the comedy for the film’s first act and he does
so brilliantly. Rowan Atkinson provided Zazu’s voice so it shouldn’t be a
surprise that the bird is so funny. Rafiki the baboon is also a true delight.
He only has one real scene of significance, but Rafiki turns it into one of the
most memorable scenes in the film. Again, he is hilarious, but he is also
powerfully wise and provides great guidance.
And for the third film in a row, a Disney filmed is packed
full with amazing music. Elton John and Tim Rice created some of the most
memorable Disney moments ever with “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.” I
cannot think of a more powerful, electric opening to a film than the “Circle of
Life” sequence. Talk about breathtaking. “Hakuna Matata” created a phenomenon
and made a Swahili phrase an international hit. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”
is incredibly fun, “Be Prepared” is the best Disney villain song, and “Can You
Feel the Love Tonight” joins the long ranks of Disney love songs and stands
high on that list.
The film’s score is the greatest of any Disney film, in my
opinion. Musical mastermind Hans Zimmer orchestrated the film with unbelievable
grace and power. The ever-present chorus of African voices throughout the film
gives The Lion King a truly authentic and magnificent feel. Kudos to African
singer Lebo M. and his choir for their impressive and under appreciated work.
The Lion King boasts some of the most gorgeous and seamless
animation in a Disney film as well. All of the characters are so fluid and
lifelike and amazing to watch. Rafiki is especially amazing as he hops and runs
and goofs around. Same with Zazu—a bird has never been animated as well as he
is. And sequences like the wildebeest stampede, Mufasa in the clouds, and “Be
Prepared” all stun with outstanding colors and animation.
The Lion King is a story of coming to terms with your past
and fighting for your future. It is a story of family, friendship, love,
acceptance, honor, power, greed, and a score of other themes. Rafiki
illustrates the plight of Disney animation so well with one line: ”The past can
hurt, but the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it.” Disney
animation learned so much from their past misfires (The Rescuers, The Black
Cauldron, etc.) and it took them to The Lion King, their crowning achievement.
The film is royally fun, heartwarming, exciting, and just plain perfect. The
Lion King is deserving of the endless praise and love it receives.
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