Hakuna Matata.
There’s always pressure associated with any film, but when it comes to the new live-action/CGI version of The Lion King, you can double the levels.
To many film fans, the 1994 classic is one of – if not THE – finest Disney film that has ever been made because aside from the breathtaking animation and outstanding score, it’s also a bloody good story that can still pull at your heartstrings.
Shakespearean in scope and heartbreaking in its honesty, the movie won two Oscars and is rightfully hailed as a masterpiece.
Ok, no pressure then on Jon Favreau and his wonderfully talented cast that includes the likes of Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen, Beyonce, Keegan-Michael Key, John Oliver, Billy Eichner, James Earl Jones, and more.
After impressing with his adaptation of The Jungle Book, we were confident that Favreau was a safe pair of hands to retell Simba’s story. The first batch of journalists have finally seen the film and they’re glowing in their praise of the new version.
As for the reaction?
Well, it appears that fans of the original have nothing to fear because the early buzz is extremely positive with special praise going to the visuals, music, and voice performances.
The wait is nearly over because The Lion King is released in Irish cinemas on July 19.
Here’s what the early word in the kingdom is.
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
The Lion King is a dazzler. Gorgeous score, spot-on voice acting, but mostly, yeah, those visuals. 😍 #TheLionKing
— @alishagrauso.bsky.social (@AlishaGrauso) July 10, 2019
Just saw #TheLionKing and it was absolutely breathtaking! The music, the visuals, the voice acting…whatever your feelings on Disney remakes, this one will blow you away. pic.twitter.com/Dk9MdZnKBe
— Jenna Busch-Henderson (@JennaBusch) 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
The Lion King… was more than anything i ever could’ve wanted. It was BEAUTIFULLY animated, paid the highest of honors to the original, and was packed with modern humor.
Seriously. See #TheLionKing. Please. It’s a piece of art.
— Mica Burton (@MicaBurton) July 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/ChrisHayner/status/1148804198869245952
#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
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) July 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/adambvary/status/1148806735559217152
There’s enough new content to make it feel fresh (plus some genuinely hilarious new jokes from Rogen/Eichner — no one made me laugh harder) and they really nailed recreating the most iconic sequences. I found myself walking out immediately wanting to watch the original.
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) 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
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
In case you need a reminder, here’s what’s in store.
Clip via Walt Disney Studios
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
