THE LION KING (2019)

Release Date: Malaysia, 17 June 2019

Genre: Animation / Adventure

Running Length: 1:58

Cast (Voices): Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyoncé, James Earl Jones, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Oliver, Alfre Woodard

Director:  Jon Favreau

Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson, based on a story by Brenda Chapman

Disclaimer: This review is based on these facts: (i) I've watched the original 1994 classic and (ii) I am not in favour of Disney re-doing its classics into live-action. If you've not seen the original, perhaps you would have a different experience altogether.

So, I decided to catch it anyway hoping that it would bring a new freshness. And here's the verdict:

I totally disliked it. 

Before I tear this movie apart, let's start off with the positive aspects of the movie. The one thing that really stood out for me is the triumphant "animation". The movie's photorealistic jungles and animals of Africa can be easily mistaken with an episode of National Geographic or Planet Earth. In the opening act where we are introduced to little Simba, I literally exclaimed out loud "Eeee..SO CUTE!!!" Yes, it's that believable. The technical achievement here is ground breaking.

And that's about it of what I like about the movie. Now let's get to the dislikes.

Eventhough it's visually realistic and stunning, there are drawbacks. You see, I can accept it when the animals are singing and acting all human-like in the hand-drawn original but in a state of "reality" like this 2019 version, there is a disconnect when perfectly rendered animals start speaking and singing. I just find this very difficult to accept. As a result, it was distracting to me. 

And speaking of speaking, there is something off with the voice talents here and I can't put my finger on what's wrong. James Earl Jones is back as the booming voice of Simba's I'm your father; Mufasa. But somehow, the majesty and glory of Mufasa is missing when he speaks in this version. The only voice talent that matches to the 'T' is Seth Rogen as the warthog Pumbaa. He was born to play Pumbaa. 

As for the scenes, it's a shot-for-shot recreation of the original. WHY?!! Yes, I get it that some scenes are sacred and shouldn't be altered such as the signature opening "Circle of Life" sequence and one of the most disturbing and saddest scene ever committed to the history of Disney animation (it still is in this version), but they could have at least changed up some scenes to inject some freshness to it.

As for the classic score and songs, they did update it but this 2019 version is simply terrible. The only memorable ones are when Pumbaa and Timon sing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and a laugh-inducing song referencing another Disney classic

All in all, I was bored throughout this 2019 Lion King. This is an obvious cash-grab from Disney. Unfortunately, audiences will still flock to the cinemas (it debuted and ruled at the North America Box Office at USD 185 million!) and will fill Disney's coffers to overflowing. This only means one thing: more classics being converted to live-action. You know what they say - new generation, new money. 

RATING: 5/10

LONG SHOT

Release Date: Malaysia, 02 May 2019

Genre: Romance / Comedy

Running Length: 2:05

Cast: Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen, June Diane Raphael, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ravi Patel, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Serkis, Alexander Skarsgård

Director: Jonathan Levine

Screenplay: Liza Hannah, Dan Sterling

I hardly watch a romantic comedy but if I do, I hope to walk out of the cinema hall feeling entertained; the fuzzy-feel-good kinda feeling.  It's like reading a fantasy book. You are fully aware the stuff in there will not happen but yet you just want to pause reality for a second and root that our couple will overcome all odds and will eventually walk away into the sunset hand-in-hand.

LONG SHOT tells the tale of Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen), an angry left-wing journalist and Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), the Secretary of State preparing to run for President of the United States. Of course, they crossed path and things become complicated. 

"Give me a LIKE if you think Charlize Theron is a goddess"

Structurally, Long Shot follows the rom-com formula closely. Perhaps that is where I found it predictable. I know I'm contradicting myself.

What I was looking for was the formulaic romantic pairings but with just a good amount of risk thrown in. I was not expecting a grounded drama but just a little update to that formula. But alas, this is not that movie. 

What I do like in this film is the pop culture references. Some of these are clever. Actors, actresses, singers and even politicians are being referenced directly and indirectly resulting to some genuine giggles; Woody Harrelson, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Jeremy Piven, Chris Brown and even the Prime Minister of Canada is not spared. And the choice of retro pop music used sparingly throughout the movie was a nice touch.

"Hey guys, did you know I starred in this 2008 film 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno'?"

If the filmmakers were to stick to such sharp dialogue instead of relying on visual gags which involves bodily fluids and getting high, I would have enjoyed this movie more. Some of the choices that Theron's Secretary of State does just to land some laughs from the audience, are out-of-character.

Thankfully, the chemistry between Rogen + Theron is believable here; just like what the movie poster says, "unlikely but not impossible".  However, it would have worked better for me if the filmmakers were to explore deeper the theme of being authentic (but yet open to change) as part of the resolution instead of trying too hard to be politically correct. 

RATING: 6.5/10

KUNG FU PANDA 3

Genre: Animated
Running Length: 1:35
Cast (voices): Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, J.K. Simmons, Bryan Cranston, Kate Hudson, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong
Director: Alessandro Carloni, Jennifer Yuh
Screenplay: Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger

"I'm not trying to turn you into me; I'm trying to turn you into you." - Master Shifu

KUNG FU PANDA 3 is that rare third instalment that not only it is entertaining but it has more heart compared to No. 2. I was expecting more of the same aka Shrek or Ice Age (read: milk every drop out of the franchise), but I was genuinely surprised at the quality of the production and storytelling. This is not to say that this sequel is on par with the best work of Pixar where their narrative strives to appeal to both adults and kids. To be fair, Kung Fu Panda didn't start off that way anyway; it was designed to appeal to primarily kids.

So, audiences going into this screening shouldn't be expecting the emotional subtlety of say, WALL-E but instead will be blasted with some of the richest, brightest and liveliest animation in recent years. It features lots of action and slapstick comedy.

In terms of the plot, our lovable Po (Black) is once again frustrated and confused by his place in a world of martial arts masters. The message of "be yourself" is more defined this round as Po goes on a journey of self discovery while he faces his most challenging battle yet - a very strong and supernatural villain, Kai (Simmons) who has the ability to steal the power of those he fights. Po is also joined by his dads (yes, not one but two) as his wonderful support.

All in all, I enjoyed this film because it boast a strong villain, a visual fest and a strong (but not manipulative) message on learning to accept yourself and not try too hard to be someone else because your real strength comes from being your best "you".

Rating: 8/10