July 22nd
So, we saw the Lion King live action, and like other people are saying, the lack of expressions on the animals are disappointing. And this being the most beloved Disney film of all time, only adds to the disappointment. Even the Enchanted Objects from the 2017's remake of Beauty and The Beast had better expressions. The original, like all remakes, is much better then this. However, all is not lost.
The voices were good. They make up for the lack of expressions. You can tell if they're angry or sad. For example, young Simba, you can tell he's really sad and hurting from the tone of his voice. And I don't need to tell you when he does this, if you don't live under a rock, you should know exactly what I'm talking about. He also has a good singing voice.
Scar also has a sinister sounding voice, like he should be because, you know, he's the villain, he should sound sinister.
His song 'Be Prepared' was in there, despite rumors that's it's not. However, the way it's in there, is also disappointing. But the new voice for Scar still makes him a good villain.
'Can you Feel the Love Tonight' (miner spoiler alert) doesn't take place at night. That's the whole point of the song, that it takes place at night. The word 'tonight' doesn't make sense if it takes place in the broad daylight. It just doesn't work like that!
Shenzi was great. She was still the lead hyena, like female hyenas are in real life. And she really sounded African with is a nice touch. And she really sounds threatening and scary when she needs to be. Her minions are also somewhat funny. They aren't dumb witted like in the animated movie, but still managed to get some chuckles with their constant bickering.
And just like the animated film, Timon and Pumbaa, steals the show. Thank goodness! They were the best parts of the film. They're still hilarious as they should be. Disney really casted them with good, funny voice actors. The film got somewhat better after they appeared.
There is even is an unexpected reference to another Disney property. I won't ay what, but it is unexpected, and awesome.
During 'Hakuna Matrata', Pumbaa finally says the F word (and don't worry parents, it's not that F word. Disney knows better then that. It's still PG.)
So, yeah, despite good singing, little new changes, and good acting, the film really suffers with the facial expressions. I mean, I guess real life animals don't show expressions like people and cartoons do, but it's what made the animated one so great and charming! But this film is what it is I guess. Hakuna Matata!