I saw this with the family this weekend (an extremely Disneyfied family), and didn't think it was great ... probably not even good. I second the critique of the rushed pacing. I just don't see where they improved upon anything in the animated version. The songs felt like cheap knock-offs of the original Orbach/Lansbury versions. The payoff scene of Spoiler everyone returning to human form works a lot better in an animated format. Here, it just seemed awkward and a bit creepy Spoiler in the case of Ian McKellen . I think, for the most part, WD has done a pretty good job with its live-action reboots - Maleficent and Cinderella were pretty good, and I really liked The Jungle Book, but Beauty was a clunker for me. Given how well-done the Jungle Book was, I think Lion King should work, though I see fewer reasons for it to exist than any of the others that Disney has rolled out or queued up.
It was okay. Frame by frame (+2) remakes make me question if the original really needed one. Then again Disney will likely make a billion off of this
Just saw it. Pretty cool. Honestly don't think the term "live action" applies though. Not when 80% of the cast is CGI for all but 5 minutes. Maybe I'm just old school like that but I believe Disney has the money, time and wherewithal to do it real life live action. Also I read that the "gay" thing was a big deal to some people...like, typical whiny outrage. I was expecting some pretty hardcore gay scenes and got barely an raised eyebrow worth of innuendo....about a dude in France, Gasp!
