The Lion King
Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.
Critics Sentiment
Simba's presentation to the animals at Pride Rock
Simba and Nala fall in love during the romantic song
The film drops sharply from the well-received Hakuna Matata sequence to the widely criticized romantic duet, falling 2.4 points as Beyoncé's oversinging ruined a beloved classic song.
The Lion King 2019 opens strongly with its visually spectacular presentation sequence but gradually loses emotional impact as reviewers consistently noted the photorealistic animals' inability to express emotions. The film hits its lowest point during the romantic sequence where Beyoncé's performance was widely criticized, before recovering somewhat for the technically impressive but emotionally hollow climax.
Full cast
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Scar (voice)
John Oliver
Zazu (voice)
Donald Glover
Simba (voice)
James Earl Jones
Mufasa (voice)
John Kani
Rafiki (voice)
Alfre Woodard
Sarabi (voice)
Beyoncé
Nala (voice)
JD McCrary
Young Simba (voice)
Shahadi Wright Joseph
Young Nala (voice)
Penny Johnson Jerald
Sarafina (voice)
Keegan-Michael Key
Kamari (voice)
Eric André
Azizi (voice)
Florence Kasumba
Shenzi (voice)
Seth Rogen
Pumbaa (voice)
Billy Eichner
Timon (voice)
Amy Sedaris
Guinea Fowl (voice)
Chance the Rapper
Bush Baby (voice)
Josh McCrary
Elephant Shrew (voice)
Phil LaMarr
Impala (voice)
J. Lee
Hyena (voice)
Crew
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