Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 25, 1994 TAG: 9406290103
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The story is simple enough for younger (say, age 5 or thereabouts) moviegoers to understand. There's also enough substance and snappy humor to keep their parents entertained. The only noticeable weak point is the music, which doesn't measure up to the standard set by ``The Little Mermaid'' and ``Beauty and the Beast.''
The opening sequence - one of the most ambitious pieces of computer assisted animation ever made - introduces an idealized African landscape. It's a strictly ordered animal kingdom where all creatures great and small gather to witness the presentation of Simba, heir to the throne of the ruling lions. His father Mufasa (voice of James Earl Jones) is proud. His evil uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) is already plotting a coup.
The young Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is curious and intelligent; easily led into dangerous situations where the hyenas (Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings) await. But Mufasa's loyal hornbill Zazu (Rowan Atkinson) is there to guide him.
It's not really giving too much away to reveal that the plot hinges on the murder of Mufasa and the adult Simba's (Matthew Broderick) coming of age with the assistance of the warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella) and the fast-talking meercat Timon (Nathan Lane).
Though the film is being promoted as Disney's first from an original concept, this material has been used countless times before. The similarities to ``Bambi'' are clear. ``Hamlet'' and ``Henry IV'' show up, too, in the script credited to Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton. Directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff also contributed. (Disney films have always been collaborative efforts.)
But questions of who contributed what are beside the point to the film's real audience. Kids aren't going to care about that stuff. They're going to go to see a terrific cartoon, and they won't be disappointed. Yes, there are slow moments that will cause some restlessness among the youngest. And even though this is a G-rated film, there are some scary scenes. The wildebeest stampede could have come straight from the great westerns. One musical number, ``Be Prepared'' combines the more frightening elements of Disney's own ``Night on Bald Mountain'' from ``Fantasia'' with images of Nazis. It will send haunted chills down every back.
So, when the kids beg to see ``The Lion King,'' say yes. If you don't have kids, borrow some or go by yourself. This one's a real winner.
The Lion King
*** 1/2
A Walt Disney release playing at the Tanglewood Mall and Salem Valley 8. 93 min. Rated G.
by CNB