Officially in cinemas last week, Ster-Kinekor were kind enough to indulge and enable us to see what many have described as a visual masterpiece with an ‘okay’ storyline. So much said about it already but what do we think?

Cast – Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter & James Earl Jones

Director – Jon Favreau

Genre – Drama/Adventure

Running Time – 1h 58m

From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother-and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

For those that aren’t too clued up on the inner workings of the movieverse, the director of this one, Jon Favreau, is responsible for some of the best flicks to have come out, most notably the first ever Ironman movie which of course set the tone for what would be quite the enthralling Avengers trilogy from Marvel. So yes, it’s safe to say this movie was in very good company and very capable hands. Add to that the original nostalgic classic feel of the original movie as well as the blockbuster cast it includes then you would find it really hard to argue that it had something really special even before it was released.

We can confirm that visually it is great…being treated and seeing it in 3D DBox also takes it to another level, something that reminded us of why we are such avid movie fans. The storyline isn’t that different from the original as you might expect however, you do get the sense that this version was further elaborated on with a few inclusions and slight change ups that the original didn’t have. It is quite a beautiful and cute movie that will find favor with many, it’s hard not to like it. You will also feel the nostalgia kick in as you watch and in the end this was a valiant effort.

The Lion King is a movie that will lend itself to many in a great way. It doesn’t delve away from the original which is something we quite liked (why would you change a winning formula after all?). Perfect for the whole family and will have you experiencing moments of highs, lows and laughter. That said, it didn’t blow us away but that’s not to say it didn’t charm us either which it did. Definitely worth your time, more so on the big screen and in 3D if you get the chance. Take the whole family on an outing to see it, no doubt you will all enjoy it. The classic story told in a modern setting gets a 7 out of 10 rating from us. 

Our appreciation goes out to the Ster-Kinekor team for hosting us, classy.

The Premise

Set to hit our screens next year July 19, the movie includes the likes of Beyonce, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Seth Rogan. It’s overseen and directed by Jon Favreau, who was behind the successful live-action remake of The Jungle Book. Donald Glover will play Simba with Beyonce playing his mother Nala and Chiwetel Ejiofor playing his uncle Scar. A remake of this classic especially in CGI was a matter of when not if and we’re especially excited that it’s finally upon us.

Only a few movies manage to get me all giddy and excited way before the chatter properly begins, Doctor Strange is one of those –  without a doubt. Combine an intriguing plot with breathtaking scenery and special effects then you have all the ingredients to produce something special. That’s exactly what Doctor Strange is…something special, not perfect but still…special. I usually don’t start my reviews with the conclusion but in this instance, I had to because that’s how impressive Marvel’s new offering is. They (Marvel) clearly have the edge and are miles ahead of their DC counterparts, they’re just untouchable.

As usual, I was first introduced to this flick through the official trailer which immediately captured my imagination. The special effects I saw reminded me of another brilliant classic movie, Inception with all the mind bending scenery and folding of buildings (yip, you read that correctly). Unlike the other Superhero movies in the Marvel universe, Doctor Strange brings a refreshing, different and another dimension to the overall make up…it’s also exciting to note that the character has been confirmed to appear in the upcoming Avengers Infinity War blockbuster. It’s going to be interesting to see how Strange is introduced and fits in with the whole Avengers make-up. Speaking of which, stick around for the end credits of the movie, like with all Marvel movies. The short snippet at the end shows Strange have an interesting chat with one of the Avengers which perfectly sets up the next (much anticipated) offering from Marvel. I don’t want to spoil it is so better go see and you’ll find out which one it is.

So, what’s this movie all about anyway?  

The plot is set around a disgraced former surgeon named Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) whose life changes after a car accident which ultimately robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he looks for healing, and hope, in a mysterious enclave. He quickly learns that the enclave is at the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying reality. Strange eventually becomes a powerful sorcerer under the tutelage of a mystic known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). Before long, he is forced to choose between his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

Several sequences can be found in this movie, though I would have liked to have seen more fight scenes and action – I think they could have added more especially since the movie isn’t that long of a watch. We don’t get to see enough of Strange’s bag of tricks which are quite impressive, maybe we will next time we see him, who knows.

At the start of this write up I mentioned that the movie is special but not perfect. For individuals who are not huge fans of having too much fiction (which this movie has bags and bags of) then this may not be for them, is it still worth seeing though? You bet your top dollar it is. I reckon you will be hard pressed to find another great superhero/comic book based movie than this one, both it and Captain America: Civil War (I reckon) are the best to have come out this year in that genre specifically.

Cast – Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt and Scott Adkins

Director – Scott Derrickson

Genre – Fantasy/Science fiction

Running Time – 1h 55m

Dr. Strange is a refreshing and welcome addition to Marvel’s universe and no doubt he’ll make a killer addition to The Avengers. The movie allows you to escape reality and be absorbed in its masterful scenery. Being a fan of such concepts personally I couldn’t help but be very impressed. It lived up to the hype and gets a magical 4 out of 5 rating from me.