There has been equal parts excitement and trepidation over Disney’s live-action version of The Lion King, which comes to theaters on July 19. Can the film possibly live up the oversized expectations set by the beloved 1994 original? Will a movie almost entirely made with CGI animals made to look less human than their cartoon counterparts still carry the same emotional weight? Based on the first reactions to the world premiere, which universally praise the visuals and the cast, the answer appears to be a rousing roar of approval.
#TheLionKing is visually immaculate & a game-changer for visual effects. It’s absolutely stunning in every way. The music shines (Glover & Beyoncé take it to another level), the performances are great (Timon, Pumbaa & Scar steal many scenes) & the emotions run HIGH. Truly great pic.twitter.com/lPH9Oo4ybb
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 10, 2019
Nerdist‘s own Editor-in-Chief Rachel Heine was fully on board with what sounds like an emotional ride.
Absolutely blown away by #TheLionKing. Incredible visuals and voice work. Cried all my makeup off. Timon and Pumba brought me back from the edge. Would die for baby Simba. pic.twitter.com/YBpncCVowz
— Rachel Heine (@RachelHeine) July 10, 2019
She was far from the only one, though.
The Lion King is a dazzler. Gorgeous score, spot-on voice acting, but mostly, yeah, those visuals. ? #TheLionKing
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is visually and audibly astounding! I’ve never seen anything like that on an animation level. It’s so beautiful.
Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner really steal the show. Chiwetel Ejiofor is brilliant as Scar! It is so much fun. Great movie. pic.twitter.com/v62LHFIM7W
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) July 10, 2019
Oh man #TheLionKing delivers. It’s a visual masterpiece that will leave you smiling and crying the whole time. It’s a true testament to the lasting effect Disney movies have on all generations. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. And BEYONCE!!! #LionKing
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) July 10, 2019
The attention to detail by Jon Favreau and the VFX team on #TheLionKing is just incredible. Beyond incredible. It looks so real so often. pic.twitter.com/b8DOkH6tAr
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing might be the first animated movie to win the same Oscar twice. Favreau nailed it. Great voice cast. Eichner, Rogen & Oliver steal their scenes. Beautiful visuals. Two paws up. pic.twitter.com/TTpDHinIdu
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is a breathtaking visual cinematic achievement. I can’t believe this is a CG animated movie. Timon and Pumbaa steal the show. It’s a good Disney remake but was it necessary? Maybe not, but it’s enjoyable and families are gonna love it.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is so dang beautiful y’all! They raised the stakes on Lion King. Made it feel so real you could ruffle its fur & they have one of the most fitting & amazing VO casts to date. Plus Zazu, Timon & Pumbaa are still killing it as our bff ride or dies. You want these feels pic.twitter.com/WKy65goK1S
— Markeia McCarty ?SDCC (@markeiamccarty) July 10, 2019
Just walked out of #TheLionKing. Overriding reaction: SIMBA IS SO CUTE. But really, if you’re hoping this will be a near-exact adaptation of the animated movie with some absolutely jaw-dropping visual effects, you’ll get what you’re looking for. pic.twitter.com/14BydbdhCx
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) July 10, 2019
Even those who didn’t love everything about the movie still found lots to praise.
#TheLionKing is a landmark *visual* experience. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I think it’s going to change how we look at movies forever.
As an *emotional* experience, though…I’ll put it this way: It turns out lions can’t really emote.
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) July 10, 2019
#TheLionKing is exactly as advertised: a beat-for-beat remake of the original. Impressive animation and some ace casting choices (Beyoncé is a spirited Nala, John Oliver is an ideal Zazu) plus that music is still ?? – but it’s more nostalgic rehash than fresh reimagining
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) July 10, 2019
I just got out of #TheLionKing and really dug it. My fear was realistic animals wouldn’t have the charisma of the cartoon, but they’re very good. Timon and Pumba steal the show. Some of the song/choreo arrangements don’t work as well as the original but still a really fun flick. pic.twitter.com/mOrODQ0vHI
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) July 10, 2019
If that’s the worst thing anyone can say about the movie, fans of the original The Lion King will have another movie to be protective and passionate about.
Featured Image: Disney
