Critics felt the love last night at the world premiere of Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King, praising it as being worthy of the 1994 original.
This has left us breathing sighs of relief here at Zavvi HQ as admittedly we were slightly nervous about the upcoming adaptation of the magnificent animated film.
Fans appear to have no need to worry though as the visual effects, music and performances were all praised by critics who overall loved the movie.
Steve Weintraub from Collider described watching the film as ‘like being at rock concert’ due to the audience applauding throughout.
Been lucky to have attended a number of world premieres but not sure I’ve ever heard as much clapping during a movie as I did tonight at #TheLionKing . Was like being at a rock concert. Movie is going to make so much money. pic.twitter.com/rnU4qf92mt
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 10, 2019
Beatrice Verhoeven from The Wrap said Seth Rogen’s Pumbaa and Billy Eichner’s Timon ‘steal the show’, adding the film is a ‘visual masterpiece’.
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
Mike Ryan from Uproxx went as far to say The Lion King has changed the game when it comes to visual effects.
Holy smokes, I really loved THE LION KING. I think (I think) it’s the most beautiful effects movie I’ve seen. Like next level, the game has changed kind of thing. (For the record I’m agnostic on the original movie and have zero nostalgia for it. Anyway, this movie hooked me.)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) July 10, 2019
And according to Fandango’s Erik Davis, we should all bow down to Donald Glover (Simba) and Beyonce (Nala).
#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
Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book) and starring an A-list cast, The Lion King is the next in Disney’s series of live-action remakes of their classic animated films.
We have already had Dumbo, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, with Mulan, The Little Mermaid and Lady and the Tramp coming soon.
For now though, The Lion King will roar into UK cinemas on 19th July.
