Did The Lion King Live Up to Expectations?: The Ultimate Debate

Mane event Mark Ellis hosts a pride of movie experts — Geek Bomb’s Maude Garrett, and Rotten Tomatoes’ own Jacqueline Coley and Joel Meares — on the third Disney live-action remake in four months: The Lion King! Despite its pedigree and hype, The Lion King has a surprisingly low Tomatometer, so we’re all here to talk why. Were the songs not good enough? Was it too similar to the original? Was photo-realistic the way to go? Or does every one just need to relax and enjoy the ride? Join us in this circle of life, spoilers, and remake mania!

The Lion King is in theaters now.

Like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and get more features, news, and guides in your inbox every week.

#1

The Lion King (2019)
51%

#1

Adjusted Score: 74358%

Critics Consensus: While it can take pride in its visual achievements,The Lion King is a by-the-numbers retelling that lacks the energy and heart that made the original so beloved--though for some fans that may just be enough.

Synopsis: Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But... [More]

Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard

Directed By: Jon Favreau