The Lion King ★★★★ 1994 (G) Highest grossing film in Disney history (likely a temporary title) is a winner for kids and their folks. Like his dad Mufasa (Jones), lion cub Simba (Taylor) is destined to be king of the beasts, until evil uncle Scar (Irons) plots against him and makes him an outcast. Growing up in the jungles of Africa, Simba (now Broderick) learns about life and responsibility, before facing his uncle once again. Supporting characters frequently steal the show, with Sabella's Pumba the warthog and Lane's Timon the meerkat heading the procession (though Chong and Goldberg as hyenas give them a run). Disney epic features heartwarming combo of crowd-pleasing songs, a story with depth, emotion, and politically correct multiculturalism, and stunning animation. The sound quality is equally spectacular; during the two and a half-minute wildebeest stampede scene, you'll swear the animals are running amuck in the house. Thirty-second Disney animated feature is the first without human characters, the first based on an original story, and the first to use the voices of a well known, ethnically diverse cast. Scenes of violence in the animal kingdom may be too much for younger viewers. ♫Can You Feel the Love Tonight; The Circle of Life; I Just Can't Wait to Be King; Be Prepared; Hakuna Matata. 88m/C VHS.
Director:
Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers;
Writer:
Jonathan Roberts, Irene Mecchi;
Cameo:
Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Tim Rice; V: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, Robert Guillaume, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Richard "Cheech" Marin, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Niketa Calame, Moira Kelly, Jim (Jonah) Cummings. Oscars '94: Song ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight"), Orig. Score; Golden Globes '95: Film—Mus./Comedy, Song ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"), Score; Blockbuster '95: Family Movie, T., Soundtrack.
