This review is brought to you by Kathy Kaiser 

THE LION KING – Rated PG – 1 hr. 59 mins.

DIRECTOR:  Jon Favreau 

WRITERS:  Jeff Nathanson and Brenda Chapman 

STARRING:  James Earl Jones, Donald Glover, Beyoncé’, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogan, Billy Eichner, John Oliver, John Kani, Alfre Woodard, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Keegan Michael Key, Eric Andre and Chance the Rapper

As we venture back into the Circle of Life, and the storyline that has moved us for generations, we once again meet Mufasa (James Earl Jones), as he teaches his son Simba (Donald Glover) the ways of their kingdom.   Enter Mufasa’s nasty brother Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is bound and determined to make sure that Simba never becomes the ruler he is destined to be.  And as Scar seeks his revenge on his own family, it seems that it’s going to be up to Simba’s friends Nala (Beyoncé’), Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner) to help Simba find his way back to his homeland, and Kingdom that are rightfully his…

I give THE LION KING a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN:  From its masterful CGI, to its timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and finding your destiny, The Lion King is nothing but sheer enjoyment yet again!   I was super excited that 25 years later James Earl Jones was given the opportunity to return as the mighty Mufasa, as replacing his voice, would have been a travesty to say the least.  But, with that said, the other voices that were chosen to take on this classic tale were next to sheer perfection – including the nasty Scar himself, this time portrayed by the very talented Chiwetel Ejiorfor, and a new Simba too, played by the Childish Gambino himself, Donald Glover, and then when you add in Beyoncé’ showing off not only her voiceover chops, but sharing her shining singing voice too as Nala, you have one incredibly entertaining film, that stands atop the pinnacle of awesomeness.  Plus, I must share too, that Jon Favreau’s decision to cast Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen together as our favorite pals Timon and Pumbaa, was a total “slam dunk” as they not only brought the joy and excitement of these two characters to life, but added enough of their own “stuff” to the mix, that it will make you love these two pals now, even more!  The fact is Favreau, and his all-star cast have managed to make the stars align, as they stay true to the magic of the Original Disney Animated classic, while adding enough of each of their “own magic” to the storyline along the way too, that it makes this film one of the best Disney remakes to date.  Mark my words when I tell you, you will be fighting an array of emotions through every minute of this film, as it manages to draw you in more and more with each passing frame.   Bottom line, If you and your loved ones have enjoyed viewing the 1994 original animated film as much as my family has over the years, then you have to make plans to get your entire pride together, and go get your Hakuna Matata on at a theater near you too!!!