Despite my fondness for the songs “Circle of Life” and “Be Prepared,” I have to admit that The LION KING is one of my least favorite Disney animated musicals.

The LION KING, a glorious photorealistic recreation of the 1994 animated classic, tells the exact same story, albeit with several scenes altered or cut due to unrealistic portrayals in a supposedly real world. However, talking and singing animals are somehow still considered realistic?

The visuals of The Lion King are breathtakingly lifelike, transporting viewers to the heart of the African savanna as if they were watching Animal Planet on Discovery Channel.

The most memorable aspects of The Lion King are undoubtedly its comedic duo, Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner). Their hilarious rendition of “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast is a standout moment in the film, both unexpected and clever.

The film’s decision to have the characters sing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” in broad daylight remains a perplexing one, especially given the film’s otherwise realistic aesthetic. This scene highlights the limitations of attempting to adapt a cartoon musical to a live-action setting, as certain elements simply do not translate as well.

The LION KING premiered in Hollywood on 9 July 2019. The film was theatrically released in the United States on July 19.