Home Entertainment Mixed early reactions for The Lion King call it a visual game-changer

Mixed early reactions for The Lion King call it a visual game-changer

Posted on July 10, 2019

6 min read

The Lion King is one of my favourite Disney animated movies of all time. It resonated with audiences thanks to its memorable characters, great humour and live performances. So, expectations for the remake are obviously going to be high for what was a trendsetting movie for Disney at the time.

Though at the same time, as great as the move looks with its impressive photorealistic visuals, there is a big concern that much of the magic of the original characters just couldn’t quite translate beyond the animated world and so it was always going to be interesting to see how the whole experience turns out.

Well, some fortunate critics in the US have already seen the movie and have started dropping some first impressions that provide some mixed responses. It may be the most visually remarkable film ever made and has a lot of magical moments but might not quite be as powerful as the original either:

I just got out of #TheLionKing and really dug it. My fear was realistic animals wouldn’t have the charisma of the cartoon, but they’re very good. Timon and Pumba steal the show. Some of the song/choreo arrangements don’t work as well as the original but still a really fun flick. pic.twitter.com/mOrODQ0vHI
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing is visually immaculate & a game-changer for visual effects. It’s absolutely stunning in every way. The music shines (Glover & Beyoncé take it to another level), the performances are great (Timon, Pumbaa & Scar steal many scenes) & the emotions run HIGH. Truly great pic.twitter.com/lPH9Oo4ybb
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing is a landmark *visual* experience. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I think it’s going to change how we look at movies forever.

As an *emotional* experience, though…I’ll put it this way: It turns out lions can’t really emote.
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing is visually and audibly astounding! I’ve never seen anything like that on an animation level. It’s so beautiful.

Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner really steal the show. Chiwetel Ejiofor is brilliant as Scar! It is so much fun. Great movie. pic.twitter.com/v62LHFIM7W
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) July 10, 2019

Been lucky to have attended a number of world premieres but not sure I've ever heard as much clapping during a movie as I did tonight at #TheLionKing . Was like being at a rock concert. Movie is going to make so much money. pic.twitter.com/rnU4qf92mt
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 10, 2019

SO impressed with #TheLionKing! It’s visually stunning, keeps an authentic feel of the original movie whilst bringing a new flavor to it. @Sethrogen and @billyeichner are such a formidable duo! pic.twitter.com/0RbuytRHda
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing is a breathtaking visual cinematic achievement. I can’t believe this is a CG animated movie. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. It’s a good Disney remake but was it necessary? Maybe not, but it’s enjoyable and families are gonna love it.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) July 10, 2019

That being said, #TheLionKing does illustrate the limitations of projecting human emotions onto photorealistic animals that can't convey human expression. More in my review when the embargo lifts!
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) July 10, 2019

Holy smokes, I really loved THE LION KING. I think (I think) it’s the most beautiful effects movie I’ve seen. Like next level, the game has changed kind of thing. (For the record I’m agnostic on the original movie and have zero nostalgia for it. Anyway, this movie hooked me.)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) July 10, 2019

Oh man #TheLionKing delivers. It’s a visual masterpiece that will leave you smiling and crying the whole time. It’s a true testament to the lasting effect Disney movies have on all generations. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. And BEYONCE!!! #LionKing
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) July 10, 2019

The Lion King is a wonderful adaptation of an iconic classic. It has a few small changes which enhance what was already great and everything else is right on point. The CG can be slightly distracting at times but the emotion quickly covers that. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/9QmsP3PmNh
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing is absolutely breathtaking! Every frame of that movie is something to behold. One of the best films of the year. pic.twitter.com/eWm0xDgcGg
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) July 10, 2019

Just walked out of #TheLionKing. Overriding reaction: SIMBA IS SO CUTE. But really, if you’re hoping this will be a near-exact adaptation of the animated movie with some absolutely jaw-dropping visual effects, you’ll get what you’re looking for. pic.twitter.com/14BydbdhCx
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) July 10, 2019

Absolutely blown away by #TheLionKing. Incredible visuals and voice work. Cried all my makeup off. Timon and Pumba brought me back from the edge. Would die for baby Simba. pic.twitter.com/YBpncCVowz
— Rachel Heine (@RachelHeine) July 10, 2019

Ultimately #TheLionKing will be a touching introduction to a timeless story for a new generation, but I’d never rewatch it over the original
— Laura Prudom (@LauInLA) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing is exactly as advertised: a beat-for-beat remake of the original. Impressive animation and some ace casting choices (Beyoncé is a spirited Nala, John Oliver is an ideal Zazu) plus that music is still ?? – but it’s more nostalgic rehash than fresh reimagining
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) July 10, 2019

#TheLionKing has always been my favorite Disney animated movie and this new rendition is a beautiful reminder why. Happy to welcome back familiar chills, emotions and tears. In awe of the visual wizards behind this one. Timon & Pumbaa are everything. pic.twitter.com/IcWHgjHCuF
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) July 10, 2019

So, it appears that much like real-life Lions, these characters lack a little in the realms of emotion and that not every moment of the original movie translates well into this new take on the story. Despite that though the visuals and voice performances appear to be universally praised and the general consensus is that the move is going to be a roaring success regardless and take al your money.

The problem is that Disney has already taken all of our money with Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin, Toy Story 4 and Spider-Man: Far From Home. I might as well just cancel my mortgage and take one out with Disney at the rate they’re going.

Last Updated: July 10, 2019

12 Comments

Original Heretic

July 10, 2019 at 11:30

Is it possible to buy shares in this “Disney” thing?

Reply

HvR

July 10, 2019 at 11:52

https://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/dis

Reply

Original Heretic

July 10, 2019 at 12:07

Wow… That May, June, July jump is insane!

Reply

Admiral Chief Umbra

July 10, 2019 at 11:38

Realistic animals you say? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c4075fc25736d6b64a01fb973d3a17f186cd8ea418a30eb2de0763047bea5d32.jpg

Reply
Dutch Matrix

July 10, 2019 at 11:59

“Can you feel the love tonight?” Disney execs are singing as they roll around in their money.

Reply
Chris

July 10, 2019 at 12:14

If you read the reviews they might as well change the title to the Timon and Pumba show. Hakuna Matata bitches.

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Magoo

July 10, 2019 at 12:34

Inb4 @monstercheddar:disqus makes the “Disney te bad nie” joke

Reply
For the Emperor!

July 10, 2019 at 13:05

Still have not seen the original…

Reply