Lion King 3D (2011)

I remember going to see The Lion King for the first time way back in 1994. I ended up going with my Mother as my friends decided it was a film for kids and that I should grow up (even though we were only 11). These were the same friends that came along to watch Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast but soon thought Disney was kiddy crap and that I should move on to more adult material. That's not to say I didn't see my fair share of 'adult' movies - I can't even remember the amount of times I watched Terminator 2 as a kid. But what I saw on that cinema screen that day wasn't kids stuff, it was the imagination given shape and form. I love animation, I love the great animation of Disney films and The Lion King is simply one of the best films Disney have ever made.

Lion King is the first of several planned 3D conversions of  Disney classics, and again reminds us why this was such a monster hit in the first place. The animation is among the studios best ever, mixing gorgeous, painterly African scenery with characters that are easily recognisably Disney and recognisably realistic. The Lion King is a perfect mixture of Adult and childlike tones. The movie's willingness to be more then one thing is a running theme throughout the film. The Lion King mixes physical and witty comedy, traditional and exotic animation and flash and substance. The lion King isn't concerned with being one type of movie, it has all the elements that make certain Disney films great.

There isn't any need to break down the main characters as most of us should know them well enough. However, there is a couple of characters that I feel need to be highlighted. Scar may be the best villain Disney have thought up. His evilness feels very natural, there's an ease about everything he does. It may also be because he is voiced by the smooth, yet cold voice of Jeremy Irons. The other two characters I need to mention are Timon and Pumbaa. They're both wonderful characters who bounce off each well and are easily the funniest in the film.

As for the 3D, well is doesn't add much to be perfectly honest with you. The hairs on the back of your neck still stand up during the opening scene and the wildebeest stampede, the music penned by Elton John already added to the atmosphere and is still as strong as ever. The Lion King was already a breathtaking spectacle without the need for an extra dimension. I really do believe the amount of people who have gone to see The Lion King would've gone whether is was 3D or not.

The Lion King is a film that is easy to love and really didn't need the 3D. But it's still a glorious and fun family film that a new generation of kids and parents need to see as soon as they can.