After viewing 2019's "Lion King," a live-action remake oxymoronically created from CGI, I reflected how, despite the disappointing lack of Rafiki wisdom and the overdub-appearing awkwardness of real-looking lions speaking an English vernacular, there was still a sole saving grace—or rather, two saving graces—for this soulless spectacle: Timon and Pumbaa. The original lines offered up by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen were good enough justifications for my ticket purchase, and as I left the theater that night, I wished that the whole movie could have concentrated on that indubitably excellent duo.

Then I remembered that in 2004, a second sequel to the original film was sent down from the heavens as a god-given gift, and though its straight-to-DVD status has left it hidden from the majority of mankind, "Lion King 1 1/2" is a cinematic masterpiece for children and adults alike. Seventy-seven minutes of pure meerkat and warthog action, this flick follows Timon and Pumbaa as they unknowingly orchestrate and accidentally appear in many of the moments from the 1994 classic, and watching them awkwardly river dance away during Scar's singing of "Be Prepared" or scream in hysterical panic as the wildebeests stampede through the Pride Lands is humorously delightful.

Flippancy for the wise life lessons of the first "Lion King" pervades each scene, with Timon's mother lovingly informing her son that "everything the light touches belongs to someone else" and Chef Pumbaa cooking up a myriad of diverse dishes ranging from hot tuna frittata to a blue enchilada as Timon desperately tries to remember his worry-free mantra. Irreverent handling of important plot beats provides a fresh look at Simba's story, and this complete lack of respect is showcased right from the beginning; the Zulu singing which accompanies the iconic sunrise opening is immediately interrupted by an obnoxious imitation from Timon, who loudly asks if ceviche is on the menu.

Animals of the African savanna have never been as wild as these two pals, for throughout their tale of woes and triumphs, the heroes use their remotes to pause the current scenes they're watching of themselves for comedic shenanigans. Timon wonders out loud how a rock could be proud, Pumbaa accidentally switches the channel to HSN by sitting on what he thought was a brownie, and both join in for a karaoke sing-a-long of "Hakuna Matata" as a ladybug bounces upon the lyrics displayed at the bottom of the screen. This meta movie magic is wacky and ridiculous, and these fourth-wall-breaking reprieves are what make this movie so memorable.

Admittedly, "Lion King 1 1/2" lacks the Academy-Award-winning music score which the original possesses, but it more than makes up for this possible fault with its freestyle dance segment, a meerkat's marriage proposal to Shenzi Marie Predatora Veldetta Jacquelina Hyena (yes, that's her full name), and the end credits remix of "Diggah Tunnel Dance," a song that's way catchier than it has any right to be. It's an undeniably fun adventure, and in the same way that Timon, Pumbaa, and Peter Pan (did I mention the closing-scene cameos?) rewind the film to see it one more time by the actual movie's finale, there's something special in this sequel that'll draw you back for another viewing again and again.

This piece of cinema is not high art, but it sure is a taste of heaven, so if you're in the mood for a "Lion King" followup that doesn't disappoint, give this hidden gem a go. But make sure you buy it, because there's no way you'll watch a toque-wearing warthog perform the Brazilian Lambada just once.