THE LION KING
A film review by Mike Huang
Copyright 1994 Mike Huang
Disney Films Featuring: James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Moira Kelly, Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Cheech Marin, and a host of others Music and Lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice
Just when you thought that Disney could do no better; just when you thought that the pinnacle of an art form had been reached, Disney dared to push the envelope, and make another animated feature. To the pleasant satisfaction of many, and in classic Disney style, this film has outshined the sunrise over the African savanna.
Disney has had a grand tradition of animated film, which has spanned the greater course of this century. Starting with such films as SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO, and CINDERELLA, Walt Disney set the standard by which all other animated features have ever been measured.
This tradition wavered during the 1970's and early 80's, but made a sensational return with its trio of films, THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and ALADDIN. Each of these films went back to the tradition of a good story before excellent animation. The magic and charm of the art was brought back from a cellulose, near-death experience.
Throughout each of these films, not only did the Disney animation house draw deeper upon their artful imagery, they also drew upon stronger characters, and better vocal talents. To this end, they have drawn many a celebrity into the recording studio, including Robin Williams, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons, the latter two both appearing in the Lion King.
As the grandeur and spectacular sights and sounds of ALADDIN thrilled audiences, and its timely, cutting-edge humor brought roarious laughter, and an occasional tear.
This film does one up from that, with spectacular vocal performances, brilliant sights and more than a plethora of the traditional Disney charm.
The artful expression of the characters was wonderful, ranging through the adorable Simba as a cub, to the evil Scar. Not to be outdone in expressing characters, Disney also went out of their way to create beautiful scenic backdrops, with a sense of depth panning across the wild African brush, often with hundreds of waterfowl flying across the land.
True to Disney style, the story is a tear-jerker, which is apparently geared more towards adults than children, but which most children will surely enjoy.
This grand drama of a lion cub finding himself and his true place in the call of the wild is a must-see, with some hilarious characterizations, and charm which brings back great drama and art true to the Disney tradition.
A definite must-see.
On a scale of 0 to 10 roars, this one gets 10.
-- Mike Huang mhuang@sgi.com
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