The Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition)

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.


Among Disney's best!   June 28, 2000
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


One of the greatest animated movies ever made   June 26, 2000
This movie is a very wonderful masterpiece. It is Disney's best story. It's alot like Watership Down, only way better, because it's at the top of the food chain :) (plus it doesn't constantly talk about rabbit sex, blech, those fans of WD are weird) about a family of intelligent lions that rule the pride lands, and one screwy family member that is EVIL and has different opinions on government, so he becomes homocidal on his own brother. (sorry if i spelt anything wrong LOL) I found WD offensive, but you'll find this movie wonderful.


The Best!   June 23, 2000
This is the Best and probably will stay the best animated video. It is completly enjoyable. It's about Simba (Young Simba's voice: J.T.T) accused by his uncle,Scar,for killing his father,Mufasa. Simba had nothing to do with the murder but he thought it was his fault,because of Scar telling him lies. Simba ran away and met up with Timon and Pumbaa and lived with them,growing very fond of their friendship. Simba grew up with them (Grown up Simba: Matthew Broderick) and later Nala,Simba's childhood friend,found him and told him what Scar was doing and that he had to come back and become the King,which Simba finally decided to return to Pride Rock and fight his uncle. This is a lovely movie and i recommend this to people young and old.