The Lion King 1 1/2
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Movie Reviews of The Lion King 1 1/2
Movie Review: A cleverly done alternate take on the Lion King saga!
Summary: 5 Stars
Be mindful that this review might contain spoilers for this movie.
I've always treasured the 1994 original "Lion King" movie ever since I first saw it on the big screen when it came out and today it is still a much beloved Disney movie and one of the companies last great movies (Not including the Pixar CGI animated movies) to date. This ingenious addition to the legacy of this wonderful classic is one of the most unique animated films to have come out in many years. I find it hard to say if "The Lion King 1 1/2 "is either a sequel or a prequel. I would almost consider this as more of like a parallel storyline because it takes place at the exact same timeline as Simba's does.
This is the story of Simba's life but where as the original was through Simba's perspective, "1 1/2" on the other hand is told through the eyes of lifelong buddies Timon the meerkat, and Pumbaa the warthog and delves back into Timon's past as an outcast amongst his meerkat community that dug tunnels and was disillusioned with the concept of meerkats being on the bottom of the food chain. As disaster happens due to his bumbling, he leaves his old life behind and goes out on his own into the world. While on his adventures Timon meets up with a loner warthog named Pumbaa. From there it's the start of a lifelong friendship between the two.
From there it's a long adventure for the twosome buddies and then came along the young lion cub Simba who escaped from his evil uncle Scar after his father Mufasa is killed. From there it's a really light-hearted adventure where Timon and Pumbaa tell their side of the story of when Simba came along and how they aid him in reclaiming his rightful place as the king of Pride Rock. Also Timon and Pumbaa venture out on their quest for "Akuna Matata", the place of their dreams.
The shenanigans in this movie are so funny. Do you remember when Simba was singing "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" and when the song ended, the whole formation of performing animals falls apart and they all fall on top of each other when the song ends? Well 1 ½ shows you what caused it to happen. There are a lot of other scenes that answer other questions as to how or why things happened in the original that may have had some baffled.
It's also really funny how the major events that were important in the original were just mere background noise to Timon and Pumbaa especially with Simba being held in the air at the beginning just being a background event.
The best part is where Timon and Pumbaa like `pause' the movie and comment on several events they went through and how they comment on the various events they went through.
We meet some new characters on here. One is Timon's doting mother who to my surprise sounds like the voice of Marge Simpson. The other is none other than Uncle Max who is a riot with his hot-tempered personality similar to a drill sergeant on a bad day and having too much coffee. There are lots of new songs that are really great to listen to and for kids to sing along with but are also very enjoyable for older audiences too.
The animation, while not the most stunning by any means, is really good and blends hand drawn cell art and computer animation and the result creates a lot of really colorful scenes throughout the animated feature.
The cast involved in the original return for this ingenious alternate version and have lost none of their edge and are just as great on this as they were on the original classic from 1994.
The second disc is unfortunately lacking. While kids might enjoy it to some degree, adults will find a lot of the features on this second DVD to be rather lacking and nowhere near as enjoyable as the features were on disc two of the "Special Platinum Edition" of the original "Lion King" movie. There is a poorly done commentary along with a quiz game involving a talk show host whose named eludes me at the moment and it feels more like some kind of video game advertisement than an actual DVD featurette. There is also a Virtual Safari on this but it's nowhere near as great as the one on the original Lion King Special Edition DVD released late in 2003.
The movie itself is also very short even for Disney animated movies being only 72 minutes long. It just leaves you wanting more. For these things I can't help but feel slightly disappointed yet also feel immensely impressed at the same time.
This isn't one to watch if you haven't seen the original. If you do so, then this will leave you totally confused. For those who are familiar with the original Lion King movie, then this will be a highly entertaining movie that casts a totally different light on the Lion King saga.
I was a bit skeptical about this when it came out considering that it was a straight-to-DVD movie but to my total surprise, this turned out not only to be much better than I though, but it also turns out to be a wonderfully entertaining animated film for the whole family. It is really an utter delight to actually watching the Lion King sage through a totally different light altogether and also bringing much further insight into Timon and Pumbaa's past and putting them in the front seat. "The Lion King 1 ½" is Highly recommended and succeeds in maintaining the magic and spark of the original. Buy it today but buy it cheap or used.
Movie Review: Disney has done it again!
Summary: 5 Stars
Many of us are aware of the fact that, the more they make of a movie series, the movies just seem to lack that special magic of the originals. Not this time!This movie, "The Lion King 1 1/2" is a perfect addition to what is now the Lion King Trilogy.
Quite Frankly, this is the absolute funniest movie of all of the Lion King movies.
The scene where Timon leaves home is one to remember.
In this brand new movie, Disney meticulously shows us how Timon and his pal Pumbaa have actually have been involved in just about every aspect of the original Lion King movie, even if we didnt see them there........They were there....just beyond our vision.
We also learn how Timon and Pumbaa first met.
And, we learn that Timon and Pumbaa lent their "Parental talents" to the life of Simba, in ways that we never knew!
Ever wonder what happened between the time we see Simba, Timon and Pumbaa walking across that log, when Simba switches from a young cub to a mature Lion? You dont have to wonder anymore, because this movie tells you what happened.
This movie has some great surprises, and many, many laughs.
Timon is a riot and Pumbaa is "Oops, sowwy".
Well my comedic talents may be lacking, but Timon, Pumbaa and the rest of the Lion King gang will have you cracking up!
Make no mistake...this isnt just another "Kid's movie". No, adults will get a kick out of this movie as well.
This movie is a worthy addition to the other two Lion King movies and it is funnier than the first two.
The story is great as well, and one of the bonus features includes the legendary Peter Graves saluting the unforgettable Timon!
This is a two disc set packed with fun stuff.
It even features a "Spot Mickey Mouse" game that will have you watching the movie again and again just to try and figure out where all the Mickey Mouse symbols are in the movie.
You will watch this movie over and over again, and I am confident that it will always bring a smile to your face, for years to come.
Enjoy the movie!
Movie Review: Laugh out loud funny!
Summary: 5 Stars
I laughed so much during this movie! I loved it! I am a huge Lion King fan so I already had high expectations from the beginning but I can happily say that I was not disappointed. I loved practically every miniute of the movie. I really enjoyed how the original movie was intertwined with this movie. It was neat to see how some of the situations in the first movie were as of a result of some of the things that occurred in this movie. For example, the reason the pyramid of animals fell during the "I Just Can't Wait to be King" song, Timon's fault. I really feel that this movie could have made some good money if it had been released into theaters. Although Finding Nemo recentely broke The Lion King's record doesn't mean that The Lion King is down for the count. The only negative thing I could say about this movie is that the song's aren't the absolute best but they are catchy enough to pass the grade.
Another thing I enjoyed about this movie were the hidden Mickey icons. I had begun to notice them while watching the movie for the first time (it's become a habit to check out the details in the recent movies since Disney tends to incorporate guest shots from previous movies into the newer ones). In the special features the watcher is informed that there is, in fact, 20 hidden Mickey's throughout the movie are challenged to find each and everyone of them. I have yet to be able to do this. Also the "Who Wants to be King of the Jungle" game is fun but in order to win you have to be an avid Lion King fan (like myself) becuase you are asked questions from all three Lion King movies. Each time you play there are different questions so it is always a challenge.
I think this is a must have movie! The Lion King Lives on just like the great Circle of Life!
Movie Review: Laugh Out Loud!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a semi-serious 7th. But even I had to laugh when I watched this movie!Basically, the story is about our meerkat friend-Timon! He tells about his story, and also about what he was doing during Simba's adventures. It also explains how Timon and pumbaa met. Brilliant.
Very funny. Timon's reference to, "I see dead people!" was genius, along with the antics of Timon's Ma and Uncle, Max, who nare voiced by Julie Kavner, voice of Marge, I believe, from the Simpsons, and Jerry Stiller, King O' Queens. They both play their parts perfectly, (well, ALMOST) which is refreshing.
Now, about the songs. They are almost as good as the ones from The Lion King I, and better than Lion King II. Hey! 1 1/2!(almost..) Errr... ANYWAY, two songs, Digga Tunnah, and That's All I Need, (written by Sir Elton John) are incredibly catchy. I love 'em all. And ,old timers, you may recognize a couple of songs...
This bathroom humor I've been hearing about, is ... TAME!!! What I mean is, it's a little gross, but not majorly, but is STILL funny!
My only complaints are about the timing of some parts. How could the Hyenas hear Scar betray them if they were busy with Timon and Pumbaa? How could the "Just Can't Wait To Be King" scene happen one day after Simba was born??? Growth spurt? I think not.
Bottom line, watch #1 before 1 1/2. Also, we get to see "teenage" Simba, and an ironic playing of "Sunrise, Sunset..." LOL. I love the Lion King, and I hope you do to. Thanks for reading my review! Peace Out.
Movie Review: The Wonderfully Comedic Side-Story To The Original!
Summary: 5 Stars
Disney does it again! This time, they've created a first in modern cinema: neither a sequel or prequel to the THE LION KING, this film tells the side-story to the events of the original film; namely, it is the same story, but told entirely from the perspective of Timon and Pumbaa (the wonderful Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, respectively). This ingenious idea works great, and is told in an ingenious manner, with Timon & Pumbaa narrating from a darkened movie theater, literally showing us their side to the story. It is smart, and also hilarious. We got the DVD from Netflix, and will eventually buy it later this year when we can!THE LION KING 1 1/2 (2004) gives us a whole new picture of the most popular Disney story of all time. Even though this is Timon & Pumbaa's story, Rafiki (Robert Guillaume, unaffected vocally by the stroke he suffered after doing THE LION KING II: SIMBA'S PRIDE in 1998) also returns, as does Simba (Matthew Broderick) and Nala (Moira Kelly). Even Whoopie Goldberg and Cheech Marin return as the vicious hyena leaders! But it's basically Timon and Pumbaa's show, showing once again how popular these characters are (they did have their own animated TV show for a few years back in the 90's), reminding us how much they make us laugh and how good they make us feel. I gotta hand it to Disney: THE LION KING 1 1/2 is an excellent concept, and is done extremely well. It may start a new trend in cinema, for however bad or good that may be. Just get it & enjoy!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, FOR AGES 8 & UP