Ugh.

I want to give this film a 0/10 for one main reason.

It made me realize that the entire story of the Lion King is weak... without all the extra pizazz, gloss and emotional range of the OG film. It's like a fluffy toy, made of wire.

This film reveals that the entire plot is almost without merit... Simba is a very weak protagonist with very little actual agency. His choices are all told to him. Nearly all his emotional growth comes from the form of monologues from his father and or other characters. I hate to say it. But the Lion King is a sloppy bad script. I could say even more about all the other issues which there are tons but that's the biggest one.

Fuck.

And this is coming from someone who believed the original is a masterpiece and was one of the very few and most important films from their youth.

So why did I rate it two stars??

Because Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner deliver an amazing performance filled with energy and charisma. They single handedly imbue this film with life. (When they are present) They are the only reason why I would recommend watching this film.

Also, everyone is saying this remake sucks because there is a lack of expression on the animal’s, but I disagree. The lack of emotion comes from the vocal performances. It's literally like Jon Favreu told everyone to be blander and emotionless. Beyonce was specifically horrendous. I don't think I have ever heard a worse vocal performance on a film of this size. Also, her song spirited is a waste of time and showcases that her only purpose in this film is to sell an original song and star power. Also, all the musical numbers were just walking and singing.... Cause oh my god don't break reality. (The Lion sleeps tonight number is the absolute best moment of this film btw)

We all know this film’s entire purpose and existence is to make (more) money. And it will. And yeah, that's fucking disgusting and worthless and yada yada. But in all honesty, could they have at least made it interesting?

I mean why should anyone enjoy a film that is basically self-plagiarizing itself? (Kimba the white lion?)

And the praise for the CGI is mute, because a tool only has purpose when it fixes or improves something. The CGI improved and fixed nothing. Mostly because Jon Favreu decides to tone everything down and resist the more creative and radical imagery of the original.

OR

To create his own visual palette that reinforces the story or emotions of the characters in his own way. And no, realism, does not reinforce the story or the state of the characters in any shape or form.

So, in ending

4/10 – Bad

The draining of the soul of all animated work continues on in this blisteringly boring and predictable recreation of an animated classic.

P.s. Hans Zimmer still claps.