I wasn't a huge fan of the film the first time around (it still has problems), but the animation is drop-dead gorgeous. It looks staggeringly crisp on the big screen, where it really should be seen.

The story is a mix classic plot elements (most of it comes from Hamlet and Richard III), in which young lion cub Simba (voice of Thomas) is groomed to succeed his heroic father (Jones) as the king of the beasts. But his sinister, murderous uncle Scar (Irons) twists events, sending Simba into exile, where he's befriended by a meerkat and a warthog (Lane and Sabella). All grown up (now voiced by Broderick), he's finally urged to return home and rescue the kingdom from Scar and a bunch of lowlife hyenas (led by Goldberg, Marin and Cummings). Oh, and he falls in love with his childhood buddy Nala (Kelly). Can you feel the love tonight?

This is indeed a timeless classic, full of excitement, humour, witty asides and memorable characters. Yet there is a strangely awkward relationship between the exceptionally inventive animation and the compelling, involving story. The problem is that the animals are just far too humanised, transposing Western values and society onto the African animal kingdom while pretending to respect nature. It's oddly hypocritical, and makes the entire film seem slightly off-kilter.

That said, it's still splendidly entertaining from start to finish, especially in Imax and/or 3D, which will make you never want to watch it on video again. While not as edgy and lively as Aladdin, nor as romantic as Beauty and the Beast, this is Disney animation at the peak of its powers. Basically, it's worth seeing again on the big screen any time you get the chance.

themes, violence

1.Dec.02 imax / 14.Aug.11 3D