For many of us, "The Lion King" was an integral part of our past. We grew up watching the animated lions over and over again, wearing out the film in our worn copies on VHS. When those copies gave out, we then quickly switched over to DVD. I know that I must have seen this movie over a dozen times when I was just a small lass in elementary school; little Rebecca could most definitely sing all the songs by heart. For a lot of children, this was the Disney film that really got us into the Disney Animation industry. "The Lion King" was our gateway film and from it, we were introduced to an entire world of animated beauty and creativity. This movie holds a special spot in the hearts of fans and in the heart of the entertainment industry in general as it expands from its original film to TV shows, movie sequels, and even to Broadway. For many, the story of Simba, Mufasa, and Scar is more than just a simple tale, it is part of a creative legacy.

So when the "live-action" remake for 2019 was announced, fans had mixed reactions. After all, it would be wonderful to see our favorite characters on the big screen once again. From this, the grand story with unforgettable characters would get to touch an entire new generation of people which is absolutely wonderful in terms of "The Lion King's" story-based legacy. Plus, in theory, the idea of seeing photorealistic animation on the big screen with our favorite characters sounds interesting. Animation and computer technology has come such a far way and to see how close computers and software can get to reality is absolutely astounding. Of course, there were, and still are, those who do not believe that a "live-action" remake is needed or necessary given the highly successful first animated film in all its beauty and charm.

The latter point that disagrees with the idea of the remake has some merit, but not for the reasons given in this article. In fact, both sides are technically correct when it comes to this film. It WOULD be interesting to see realistic animation in combination with the characters, but there seems to be something off fundamentally with the way the film animates and goes about telling its story. Yes, we have beautiful landscapes and amazing 3D models and animation and it is amazing to watch, but there is something seems still wrong with its fundamental purpose. We watch the film, admire the animation, but note that while it shows the characters from the original "Lion King" story onscreen, it feels like a little part of the characters are missing. It's almost like a little piece of the old movie's soul has been separated from the finished new product.

In essence, there is something odd about framing "The Lion King" in the light of "live-action." After all, with making the characters act, move, and look like their real-life animal counterparts, you cut a lot of aspects from the original film. Gone are the cartoon expressions and zany action sequences. The new film has removed the choreography from the original and even cut down on some of the high-musical aspects. While this, of course, makes sense for the overall idea of making these characters and their plot as real to life as possible. It's a retelling that tries to keep in mind the limitations of real-life creatures while also having a hint of the original cartoon flair.

However, one must keep something in mind when it comes to making "The Lion King" less cartoon-based than the original: this is a story about talking lions. From its very foundation and premise, this story is cartoony and unrealistic. We have a story with the cartoon-premise of lions that can talk and sing, but none of the real cartoon-base that makes the premise so extravagant and fun to watch in the first place. We watch things with fun aspects like talking lions in order to step away from reality, but the realistic and non-expressive nature of the lions and other animals make them seem flat and only shadows of their former selves.

In a film that is based in such a cartoon-based reality, painting its visuals in such a realistic light will always seem uncanny. I love "The Lion King" with all of my creative heart and honestly, the newest film isn't even an AWFUL piece of cinema. However, it IS an uncanny version of a fun out-of-reality-based story.