Is it loyal to the book? NOOOOOOOO. After The Lion King Disney actually wrote a follow-up series. Which they proceeded to ignore for this movie.
Best character: I actually really dig newcomers Kiara and Kovu.
But is it art? Not bad for a sequel. Gives us marvelous songs (one of those came for the story but stayed for the soundtrack sort of films); in fact it includes the incredible 'He Lives in You' aka The Clean-Up Song, aka My Ringtone, aka The Best Song in the Broadway Musical...
Major Flaws: Good Lord Simba, man up. You are not the king I know you would admire.
Is it loyal to the book? Not based on a book per se... Influenced quite a bit by Kimba (regardless of what Disney says), Disney's own movie Bambi, and Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Best character: HFIHRBNG
But is it art? YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES. So it turns out that this is my favorite movie. You may borrow it but if it is damaged you will be buying me a brand-new copy. Capishe? I was too young for this movie's original theatrical run, but I was first in line for the 3D re-release.
Major Flaws: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Is it loyal to the book? I don't know if there is a book.
Best character: The librarian himself. He seems like the sort of nerd that I would get along with just fine.
But is it art? Well.... I think that the concept is better than the execution. It looks like it was made for TV, but with a positive viewing attitude one can handle it.
Major Flaws: It can be... corny. Really, really corny.
What do you mean that song is from a different movie? I thought it was from ALL movies?
Length: 95 Minutes
I've seen this one.
Is it loyal to the book? No book.
Best character: Shifu, Shifu, Shifu, Shifu
But is it art? I was not expecting big things from this movie. I ignored it. Then I rolled my eyes at the previews. I scoffed at the DVDs in the stores. Then I watched it. Holy. Dreamworks, I apologize, but if you hadn't advertised the darned thing as being Panda Shrek back in the day I might have bee more eager. After all pandas are my favorite.
Major Flaws: Besides the aforementioned advertising fail? There are a few instances of crude humor that I could have easily lived without.
Is it loyal to the book? I have not read the books. It is worth noting that even though it appears to be loyal to the books... well the books probably definitely aren't loyal to history.
Best character: Hmmm... I love the King, flawed as he is. He has a very different sort of redemption story than one often finds in a movie, etc., etc., etc.
But is it art? It's a musical! I love big Broadway style musicals and this one comes from the masters Rodgers and Hammerstein! I'm sure you've heard some of them in your life, if you haven't it is never too late! However, only one song truely stands out in a can't-get-it-out-of-my-head sort of way:
Major Flaws: Let me tell you a story history. It is about a wonderful white woman who bravely moved to another country (one where people are not white). She saw that they had horrible not-white ways and set forth to change that... That may be an over simplification, but the sentiment is certainly there, and it was the '50s so they didn't really bother trying to hide it, unlike the remakes that have occurred. But, in a way, it's the honesty that makes it watchable. It is a gorgeous film and, while watching, it can be hard to not get swept up in the story.
Is it loyal to the book? Haven't read the book. Christmas present anyone? lol
Best character: Awasis, I loved him in the first film and I still love him. If he isn't a well-rounded character than I don't know who is.
But is it art? So not only does this one have the made-for-TV vibe but it also has the sequel vibe, and as both o those things go, it isn't bad. I prefer the first, but this is still a good option for movie night at my place.
Major Flaws: Seriously, do archeologists often become obsessed to the point of craziness? It seems to be a theme.
