**These are my own thoughts and opinions**
**Spoilers ahead!**
As an avid Disney lover, I'm always excited to see Disney releasing a new film or live-action remake. When they announced their live-action remake of "The Lion King," I was wary. How would they make a live-action movie with CGI animals? Isn't that basically animation in itself? The original is one of my all-time favorites, and I thought it was nice a whole new generation would be able to experience it.
I saw it in theaters this past Monday. I had high exceptions going into it, and coming out...I was disappointed.
The beginning with "Circle of Life," was great but as the movie went on, it just didn't stick with me. "Just Can't Wait to Be King" was as catchy as the animated original, but my favorite song "Be Prepared" was almost entirely cut out. Only a thirty-second snippet of the song made it in. Even then, Scar wasn't singing, just talking. He and the hyenas didn't know each other until AFTER he sends Simba and Nala to the elephant grave yard.
I had no quarrels with who was casted, I'm not a huge fan of Beyoncé but she did well as Nala. Donald Glover was fantastic as Simba, and I loved Seth Rogan as Pumba. James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa it was a dream. But why was Rafiki not as much of a character as he is in the animation? When he talked you could barely understand what he was saying.
This version of "Hakuna Matata" wasn't my favorite rendition of the song either, but I sung along with it. I did enjoy Nala finding Simba having more of a backstory with her escaping the pride to find help. But, again, I was not feeling love for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," I thought it was turned way too pop-y for my taste.
The last thirty minutes of the movie were as expected. There isn't much changed by Simba showing up and defeating Scar, besides taking out my favorite line from Timon: "What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?". After leaving the theater, I came home and watched the original. I have a feeling Disney is going to keep making live-action remakes. I know they can't all stay true to the oringinal animations but keep all the songs Disney! "Be Prepared" is my favorite song from The Lion King. I'm still not over it being taken out.
Go see the Lion King and make your own conclusions, but this is one live-action remake I will not be seeing again or buying on DVD.