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.