The Lion King
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane
So, a limited big screen 3D release of Disney's award winning tale is unleashed.
And I'm not entirely sure why it's getting either a bit of 3D treatment or a limited release ahead of its Blu ray debut - but best to put that marketing cynicism to one side I think.
It's the African based tale of Lion cub Simba (played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) who will become the Lion King of Pride Rock after the natural death of his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones).
However, jealousy rears its ugly head when Mufasa's duplicitous brother Scar (Jeremy Irons) moves against him, bitter at Simba succeeding him as king.
So when Simba's framed for his father's death, he's forced to flee Pride Rock for good.
But when hyenas ravage Simba's homeland and a former friend Nala inadvertently finds him, he decides to return home and claim what's rightfully his.
It's hard to knock the majesty of the Lion King up on the big screen (particularly for those who've not seen it before - and there will be young kids who've not, as well as a few adults) and it's hard to stay cynical at the reasoning for the release when Tim Rice's brilliant songs rear their musical heads.
Nearly 20 years on, this still has charm, even if the animation is showing its age a little; it's primarily to do with the story though - covered as it is with shades of Biblical overtones, Shakespeare and the humour within.
There's certainly plenty on this emotional ride - as well as scares for the younger end of the audience - to keep the whole family engaged but I'd question the use of the 3D as it adds nothing to the original experience and seems useless.
At the end of the day, The Lion King 3D needs only to shout about its story to get bums on seats - it doesn't need bells or whistles because thanks to a fantastic ensemble, a variety of toe tapping medleys and a great story, it remains a roaringly good piece of entertainment.
Hakuna Matata indeed.
