{"id":4437,"date":"2019-07-20T15:48:39","date_gmt":"2019-07-20T22:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=4437"},"modified":"2019-07-26T17:28:09","modified_gmt":"2019-07-27T00:28:09","slug":"the-lion-king","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2019\/the-lion-king\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lion King \u2013 A Work Of Art That Lives Up To The Original In A New Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing.poster-Copy.jpg?resize=152%2C225&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4455\" width=\"152\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing.poster-Copy.jpg?resize=202%2C300&amp;ssl=1 202w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing.poster-Copy.jpg?w=674&amp;ssl=1 674w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 152px) 100vw, 152px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-very-dark-gray-color\">Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub&#8217;s arrival. Scar, Mufasa&#8217;s brother &#8212; and former heir to the throne &#8212; has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with\u00a0betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba&#8217;s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brad M. comments, \u201cThere are a multitude of dazzling aspects in <em>The Lion King<\/em>, but the most stunning is the heavy and effective use of CGI. From the beginning to the end of the film, the computer-generated imagery creates animals that are incredibly realistic and authentic.\u201d Elle C. adds, \u201cThis CGI masterpiece brings a new twist to the story visually, as well as musically. The opening scene sets the tone for the whole movie, bridging the original animation with this new live action take, into one beautiful panoramic view of the film\u2019s setting.\u201d Zoe C. adds, \u201cThere are stunning visuals, a powerful story of betrayal, coming of age, re-birth and the circle of life. The idea of what it really means to be a king and all the original sentiment is intact. I love all the animals and think it is really impressive how they filmed this movie.\u201d Calista B. wraps it up with, \u201cThere\u2019s no denying that the original Lion King from 1994 is a classic. Gorgeous animation, amazing story and absolutely timeless music&#8230; How can you remake something that\u2019s already so timeless? Well to me, the end result is okay at best.&#8221; See their full reviews below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lion King<br>By Brad M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xk2gPl5RSvA?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Lion King<\/em>\nis a hilarious and entertaining new Disney movie! This work of art lives up to\nthe original animated version of <em>The Lion\nKing<\/em> in a new and engrossing way. If you are a fan of Disney or just love\nmovies in general, you will be infatuated by this new incredible film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d26011963321-Copy.jpg?resize=225%2C161&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4452\" width=\"225\" height=\"161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d26011963321-Copy.jpg?resize=300%2C214&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d26011963321-Copy.jpg?resize=768%2C548&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d26011963321-Copy.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of Beyonc\u00e9 Knowles-Carter as Nala and Donald Glover as Simba, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019. \u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nmovie follows heir to the throne, Simba, as he learns about ruling his Kingdom\nin the heart of the African savanna. The king of the lions, Mufasa, wants\nnothing more than peace in the savanna and to protect his son. Unfortunately,\nnot everyone feels the same way. Mufasa\u2019s diabolical brother, Scar, is hungry\nfor power and blood. This hairy beast will stop for nothing in order to obtain\nthe throne. Simba and his new-found friends must act fast to put an end to his\nmalicious uncle\u2019s plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\nare a multitude of dazzling aspects in <em>The\nLion King<\/em>, but the most stunning is the heavy and effective use of CGI.\nFrom the beginning to the end of the film, the computer-generated imagery\ncreates animals that are incredibly realistic and authentic. This new lively\ntake on a classic story is incredibly refreshing and engaging. Another factor I\nimmensely enjoyed was the voice acting. Billy Eicher, who plays Timon and Seth\nRogen, who plays Pumbaa, are absolutely hilarious. Every other line spoken from\ntheir mouths had me dying of laughter. Chiwetel Ejiofor, the actor who plays\nScar, is perfect for his role. He left the audience completely despising his\ncharacter, which is perfect for a villain the caliber of Scar. The only moment\nin the film that is slightly disappointing is the song Hakuna Matata. I think\nit is too different from the original version and not as intriguing. On a\nseparate note, the writers wrote a touching and adorable script. I was\ndelighted by the father-son relationship between Simba and Mufasa. The\ninteractions and playful nature seen through their characters is heart-warming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Lion King <\/em>reveals\nthat bravery is an important attribute, but is only effective when executed in\na selfless manner. This underlying message is valuable for our everyday lives.\nParents should be aware that this film has a fair amount of violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\ngive <em>The Lion King<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars\nand highly recommend to kids ages 8 through 18. Make sure to check out this\nfilm when it pounces into theaters July 17, 2019. Trust me, you won\u2019t want to\nmiss it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-very-dark-gray-color\">The Lion King<br> By Elle Cohen, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10<br> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RKZ5RkSbWNA?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nlive-action adaption of <em>The Lion King<\/em> is bound to be a Disney classic.\nThis CGI masterpiece brings a new twist to the story visually, as well as\nmusically. The opening scene sets the tone for the whole movie, bridging the\noriginal animation with this new live action take, into one beautiful panoramic\nview of the film\u2019s setting. The entire film looks so realistic that it\u2019s almost\nlike a nature documentary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bc2c1bb-Copy.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4445\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bc2c1bb-Copy.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bc2c1bb-Copy.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bc2c1bb-Copy.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of Florence Kasumba, Eric Andr\u00e9 and Keegan-Michael Key as the hyenas, and Chiwetal Ejiofor as Scar, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019.  \u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nwell-known storyline hasn\u2019t changed much:&nbsp;\nMufasa (James Earl Jones) is the head of his pride and the King of \u201call\nthat the light touches\u201d in the African Serengeti. His son, Simba, (the younger,\nJD McCrary and mature, Donald Glover) is brave, but mischievous. Simba\u2019s Uncle\nScar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is\nbitter and angry that Simba is the heir to his brother\u2019s throne. In order to\nget Mufasa and Simba out of the way, Scar manipulates the hyenas into joining\nforces. He then arranges an \u201caccident\u201d to kill Mufasa and take over the\nkingdom. Scar blames Simba for Mufasa\u2019s death, and Simba runs away\u2014but it\u2019s\nMufasa\u2019s love and wisdom that brings Simba back to assume the throne.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf226d5164.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4442\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf226d5164.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf226d5164.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf226d5164.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of John Oliver as Zazu, and JD McCrary as Young Simba, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 29, 2019&#8230;\u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br>\nThe intense and serious aspects, and the comedic scenes, come together to\ncreate a beautiful balance. James Earl Jones reprises his role as Mufasa,\nbringing the comforting and strong tone we expect from the leader of the pride.\nHis touching relationship with his son is the centerpiece of this film.\nMeanwhile, Ejiofor\u2019s, Scar, performs \u201cBe Prepared\u201d as a powerful villainous\nanthem, interpreting the character as&nbsp;\nvery complicated and intense. Florence Kasumba\u2019s turn as Shenzi is also\na fierce and threatening leader of her pack of hyenas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\ncomedic acting is brilliantly funny.&nbsp; The\ncomedy duo of Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumba, are the\nhighlights of the movie. Their playful banter brings&nbsp; a sharp wit to some of the most intense\nscenes in the film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While\nhyenas Keegan Micheal Key and Eric Andre\u2019s dysfunctional comedy shone a\nspotlight on the hyena crew, John Oliver\u2019s Zazu was a funny take on Mufasa\u2019s\nright hand bird. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nreal star of the show is the incredible&nbsp;CGI animation that brings these\nanimals to life. Their expressions and movements are so realistic and\nanimal-like, but the personification of these seemingly wild animals seems so\nnatural. Cinematographer, Caleb Deschanel of <em>The Right Stuff<\/em>, and Jon\nFavreau, director of <em>The Jungle Book,<\/em> make sure the entire movie was\nvisually stunning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf2271007b.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4443\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf2271007b.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf2271007b.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cadf2271007b.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of James Earl Jones as Mufasa, and JD McCrary as Young Simba, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 29, 2019&#8230;\u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nsongs from the original movie feature heavily, and while they are performed and\nproduced in a more pop-oriented way, the score is more sweeping and orchestral.\nClassics like \u201c&nbsp;Can You Feel the Love Tonight?,\u201d and \u201cI Just Can\u2019t Wait to\nBe King,\u201d are&nbsp; performed by pop stars\nBeyonce and Donald Glover, and produced by Pharrel Williams. Hans Zimmer\nprovides a dramatic score, that works with the feeling of the new film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nmessage in this film is that we may doubt ourselves, but it\u2019s important to\nremember who we are, and that our friends and family can help remind us.&nbsp; There are some violent and intense scenes, so\nI wouldn\u2019t recommend it for very young viewers.&nbsp;\nBut kids from ages 6-18 would enjoy it, as well as adults. I give this\nfilm 5 out of 5 stars, because Disney has created a brand new, can\u2019t-miss\nclassic. <em>The\nLion King<\/em> will be released on July 19 in theaters nationwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nLion King<br>\nBy Calista Bess, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zhChYsHloX0?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s\nno denying that the original Lion King from 1994 is a classic. Gorgeous\nanimation, amazing story and absolutely timeless music. So making a remake was\nunderstandably going to be tricky. &nbsp;How\ncan you remake something that\u2019s already so timeless? Well to me, the end result\nis okay at best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d260118bb9cd-Copy.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4451\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d260118bb9cd-Copy.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d260118bb9cd-Copy.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d260118bb9cd-Copy.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voice of John Kani as Rafiki, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. \u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I\nalmost feel like I don\u2019t need to explain the plot as it\u2019s the same story as the\noriginal. There are barely any changes and, even then, the changes are very\nminor. So if you\u2019ve seen <em>The Lion KIng\n(1994)<\/em> &nbsp;then you\u2019ve seen <em>The Lion King (2019). <\/em>However there\u2019s\none major change that in my eyes makes the remake suffer significantly and\nthat\u2019s the graphics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\nshould preface this by saying I do prefer animation to CGI \u201crealistic graphics\u201d\nbecause I feel animation just looks better. But my main concern is that realistic\ngraphics ruin the storytelling greatly. <em>The Lion King<\/em> is a very\nemotional story. And when you have such an emotional story you need to connect\nand feel for the characters. The original was able to pull this off perfectly\nwith fantastically detailed facial expressions. Unfortunately, because of the\nrealistic graphics, the characters in <em>The Lion King<\/em> (2019) show little\nto no emotion. This kills basically every important scene, as I didn\u2019t feel\ninvested in it. I kept thinking to myself &#8211;<em>These\nlions do not look interested in what\u2019s happening.<\/em> The realism also has\nanother consequence: I could not tell the difference between the lions at\ntimes. At times I thought <em>is that Nala or\nSimba\u2019s Mom?<\/em> Because the original is animated, they can differentiate the\nlions through things like their fur color, eyes and facial structure. The CGI\nremake does not have this ability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bb28a25-Copy.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4444\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bb28a25-Copy.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bb28a25-Copy.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5cdf45bb28a25-Copy.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of JD McCrary as Young Simba, and James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. \u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\nalso felt like the creators tried cutting down on the more \u201canimated\u201d scenes. The\nMufasa ghost scene doesn\u2019t have Mufasa\u2019s spirit appear; instead they just have\nhis voice come from the clouds and sometimes lightning will strike to form his\nface. I feel seeing his full appearance is more powerful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nsongs suffer as well. \u201cBe Prepared\u201d is severely cut down which is disappointing,\nbecause it\u2019s a favorite song from the movie. The \u201cI Just Can\u2019t Wait To Be King\u201d\nsegment in the original has all this crazy choreography that integrated the\nvarious animals in unique ways that can only be done in animation. In the\nremake they just run around. I was actually somewhat bored, if it wasn\u2019t for\nJohn Oliver as Zazu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give\nthis movie 2 out of 5 stars and &nbsp;recommend\nit for ages 5 to 18. <em>The Lion King<\/em> (2019) comes out July 19, 2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lion King<br>By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TncsWnp9aU8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I love this film! There are stunning\nvisuals, a powerful story of betrayal, coming of age, re-birth and the circle\nof life. The idea of what it really means to be a king and all the original\nsentiment is intact. I love all the animals and think it is really impressive\nhow they filmed this movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a8720aa371-Copy.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4447\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a8720aa371-Copy.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a8720aa371-Copy.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a8720aa371-Copy.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of JD McCrary as Young Simba, Billy Eichner as Timon and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019. \u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The story of<em> The Lion King <\/em>is about\na little cub named Simba who is going to become king. One day, a wild stampede\nputs Simba\u2019s life in danger and his father, Mudasa, dies after he rescues him.\nMudasa\u2019s evil brother Scar makes Simba believe it is his fault and forces him\nto abandon the kingdom. Simba carries guilt and feelings of not being brave\nwhen he runs away, leaving everyone, including his best friend Nala behind. He\ngoes to a new land where he meets Timon and Pumba and they become the best of\nfriends. His life is good, but lacks purpose. From there, Simba\u2019s friend Nala\ncomes to find help and meets Simba after so many years. Scar\u2019s reign is\ndespicable and all the animals are trying to stop Scar\u2019s evil plans. Simba\nneeds to become the king he was meant to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I love the comedy in this film. I also\nlove how, in one scene, they play a little piece of \u201cBe Our Guest\u201d &#8211; that&#8217;s\nactually my favorite scene in the film and it is not in the original. I\ndefinitively think this is a perfect visual recreation of the original. I love\nthat they chose&nbsp;<em>The Lion King<\/em>&nbsp;to be the next Disney Classic to\nturn into live action. Lately, Disney been only doing Princess stories, so I\nlike that they chose animals this time. I absolutely adore the animals and I\nfeel like they fascinate you during the entire film. This is not a reinvention\nof the story; it is pretty much just taking the original to the real world. The\nway the live action blends with digital imagery is fantastic. This photo\nrealistic Africa on the big screen is splendorous.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a871f01624-Copy.jpg?resize=225%2C131&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4446\" width=\"225\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a871f01624-Copy.jpg?resize=300%2C175&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a871f01624-Copy.jpg?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/TheLionKing5d1a871f01624-Copy.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption>THE LION KING &#8211; Featuring the voices of JD McCrary as Young Simba, Shahadi Wright Joseph as Young Nala and James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Lion King\u201d is directed by Jon Favreau. In theaters July 19, 2019. \u00a9 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are so many messages in the film:\nstay true to yourself, being compassionate is more important that being\npowerful, and we can\u2019t change our past. It is very inspiring to hear again\n\u201cHakuna Matata.\u201d This words have been an important motto for people since the\noriginal <em>Lion King <\/em>was released in 1994. The song was composed by Elton\nJohn and was nominated for an Oscar. There\u2019s a new Elton John song &#8211; \u201cNever Too\nLate,\u201d and other surprises in this new one. All the beloved classic songs play in\nthis 2019 version, which makes the audience very happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give this film 5 of 5 stars and\nrecommend it for ages 6 to 13, and adults as well. Never forget: Hakuna Matata.\n<em>The Lion King<\/em> 2019 opens July 19, 2019, so look for it. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub&#8217;s arrival. Scar, Mufasa&#8217;s brother &#8212; and former heir to the throne &#8212; has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba&#8217;s exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Brad M. comments, \u201cThere are a multitude of dazzling aspects in The Lion King, but the most stunning is the heavy and effective use of CGI. From the beginning to the end of the film, the computer-generated imagery creates animals that are incredibly realistic and authentic.\u201d Elle C. adds, \u201cThis CGI masterpiece brings a new twist to the story visually, as well as musically. The opening scene sets the tone for the whole movie, bridging the original animation with this new live action take, into one beautiful panoramic view of the film\u2019s setting.\u201d Zoe C. adds, \u201cThere are stunning visuals, a powerful story of betrayal, coming of age, re-birth and the circle of life. The idea of what it really means to be a king and all the original sentiment is intact. I love all the animals and think it is really impressive how they filmed this movie.\u201d Calista B. wraps it up with, \u201cThere\u2019s no denying that the original Lion King from 1994 is a classic. Gorgeous animation, amazing story and absolutely timeless music&#8230; How can you remake something that\u2019s already so timeless? Well to me, the end result is okay at best.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[408,397,407,399,198,35,402,405,409,400,401,406,403,404,333,398],"class_list":["post-4437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-beyonce","tag-billy-eicher","tag-caleb-deschanel","tag-chiwetel-ejiofor","tag-classic","tag-disney","tag-donald-glover","tag-eric-andre","tag-hans-zimmer","tag-james-earl-jones","tag-jd-mccrary","tag-john-oliver","tag-jon-favreau","tag-michael-key","tag-pharrell-williams","tag-seth-rogen"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-19z","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4437"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4437\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4461,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4437\/revisions\/4461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}