Next week Disney unveils their latest remake of one of their animated classics, and it has potential to be their biggest one yet – THE LION KING. The movie had its Hollywood premiere last night, with stars Beyonce Knowles, Donald Glover, Billy Eichner, Beyonce Knowles, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogen, Beyonce Knowles, John Oliver, Alfre Woodard, Keegan-Michael Key and Beyonce Knowles walking the red carpet. A batch of critics were able to see the movie as well, and now the first reactions have hit social media. Is this another so-so remake like this year’s DUMBO, or is it on par with the critically acclaimed work of Jon Favreau’s last Disney movie, THE JUNGLE BOOK?
According to the first reactions, this new version of Disney’s biggest animated movie is certainly more the latter, with critics praising the movie not only for its jaw-dropping visual effects but its terrific voice cast, music and changes to the story that expands on the material in meaningful ways. As for those visual effects, though, all the posts make note of just how impressive they are, with many saying it will change the way we look at movies forever, with the photorealistic animals and environments brought to life with mind-blowing effect.
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Other elements getting praise are the performances from Eichner and Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa, as well as Ejiofor’s take on Scar, Glover as Simba and Beyonce’s turn as Nala. She also debuted a new song from the soundtrack last night, “Spirit”, which is giving people all the feels.
Along with all the praise there are a few reactions that say the movie doesn’t always work on all fronts, namely how the CGI doesn’t allow for the best emoting from the animal cast, and that it may be too similar in story and tone to the original for older audiences. But still, it seems there’s something here for everyone to enjoy and, as some critics said, it could indeed make all the money.
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
#LionKing I've only ever openly cried in 4 movies in my life. It's now 5! Movie is absolutely fantastic. Worthy of the 1994 original. Opening scene had me bawling like a slobbering baby. Hilarious, nostalgic, filled with heart. Loved it.
— John Campea (@johncampea) July 10, 2019
Been lucky to have attended a number of world premieres but not sure I've ever heard as much clapping during a movie as I did tonight at #TheLionKing . Was like being at a rock concert. Movie is going to make so much money. pic.twitter.com/rnU4qf92mt
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 10, 2019
A few other things on #TheLionKing
The visual effects/animation in the film is INCREDIBLE.
For the first time in maybe my entire life as the movie started I got really emotional. Just hearing the music wrecked me.
While it's a story you know, it's soooooo well done. pic.twitter.com/1Vr9pe8vf4— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 10, 2019
Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen stole the show as Timon and Pumbaa! You’ll laugh every time they are on screen! #TheLionKing pic.twitter.com/FdSGwnsz2Y
— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is exactly as advertised: a beat-for-beat remake of the original. Impressive animation and some ace casting choices (Beyoncé is a spirited Nala, John Oliver is an ideal Zazu) plus that music is still ???????? – but it’s more nostalgic rehash than fresh reimagining
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing has always been my favorite Disney animated movie and this new rendition is a beautiful reminder why. Happy to welcome back familiar chills, emotions and tears. In awe of the visual wizards behind this one. Timon & Pumbaa are everything. pic.twitter.com/IcWHgjHCuF
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) July 10, 2019
That being said, #TheLionKing does illustrate the limitations of projecting human emotions onto photorealistic animals that can't convey human expression. More in my review when the embargo lifts!
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) July 10, 2019
Nostalgia hits HARD with #TheLionKing. It’s wonderful to see the story again on the big screen presented in a different way. The cast is amazing and to hear James Earl Jones as Mufasa again put a huge smile on my face. Oh yea, that stampede scene still gets me ???? pic.twitter.com/99pZaHNdGY
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) July 10, 2019
I just got out of #TheLionKing and really dug it. My fear was realistic animals wouldn’t have the charisma of the cartoon, but they’re very good. Timon and Pumba steal the show. Some of the song/choreo arrangements don’t work as well as the original but still a really fun flick. pic.twitter.com/mOrODQ0vHI
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) July 10, 2019
Loved loved loved #TheLionKing. Strikes the perfect balance between devotion and innovation, a technical and emotional achievement that feels downright unparalleled. (Truly you’ve never seen anything like this before.) And @billyeichner steals the movie. pic.twitter.com/6S5h2s3AvN
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) July 10, 2019
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The Lion King is a wonderful adaptation of an iconic classic. It has a few small changes which enhance what was already great and everything else is right on point. The CG can be slightly distracting at times but the emotion quickly covers that. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/9QmsP3PmNh
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is truly breathtaking!@donaldglover continues his streak of being awesome in everything.@beyonce is a queen. As she always was.
Real talk tho, @Sethrogen & @billyeichner stole every scene.
I’m not exaggerating y’all
EVERY????????DAMN????????SCENE????????!!
They killed it!
— Jacqueline – ROTTEN TOMATOES WROTE A BOOK! (@THATJacqueline) July 10, 2019
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
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
#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
#TheLionKing might be the first animated movie to win the same Oscar twice. Favreau nailed it. Great voice cast. Eichner, Rogen & Oliver steal their scenes. Beautiful visuals. Two paws up. pic.twitter.com/TTpDHinIdu
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing has a lot of heart, breathtaking visuals & perfect pairing with the actors. But for me, @billyeichner and @Sethrogen as Timon and Pumbaa stole the show and made me laugh so hard I almost cried pic.twitter.com/0v1j29lZNs
— HorrorDesignChick ???????? (@shannon_mcgrew) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is a breathtaking visual cinematic achievement. I can’t believe this is a CG animated movie. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. It’s a good Disney remake but was it necessary? Maybe not, but it’s enjoyable and families are gonna love it.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) 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 (@JennaBusch) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing: Better than I thought it’d be! I still really miss the exaggerated emotions of the characters from the original, but you get occasional flashes in this, and the vocal performances are largely good enough to make up for the rest. Eichner & Rogen steal the movie.
— Ben Pearson (@benpears) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing’s story and music are great because they’re the same, and the few minor updates are all smart and well-placed. And unlike Beauty and the Beast, they cast people who can sing without auto tune ????
— Laura Prudom (@LauInLA) July 10, 2019
Yours truly will be seeing the movie today, so be sure to stick around for when the review embargo lifts for my full reaction!
THE LION KING is in theaters July 19.
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