Critics, reporters and editors tweeted out their first reactions to Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King. The reaction to the film, which stars Beyonce and Donald Glover and was directed by Jon Favreau, was fairly positive across the board, with high marks for visuals and mixed marks for emotional resonance.
IGN deputy managing editor of entertainment Laura Prudom said: “Visually, it’s stunning — an unparalleled technical achievement that’s like watching a nature documentary.” She added: “Ultimately #TheLionKing will be a touching introduction to a timeless story for a new generation, but I’d never rewatch it over the original.”
Buzzfeed senior film reporter Adam B. Vary also offered a measured note, writing: “#TheLiongKing is a landmark *visual* experience. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I think it’s going to change how we look at movies forever.” He added: “As an *emotional* experience, though … I’ll put it this way: It turns out lions can’t really emote.”
The film opens July 18th.
