Movie Review # 418: The Lion King 1 1/2 (2004)

Good evening everyone! Welcome to yet another session of movie reviewing! Tonight, we are diving back into the Wonderful World Of Disney. Not only that, but it’s a movie that I got to watch on Disney+, as I temporarily had access to that streaming service as of recently. Oh, and I will also mention that it’s one of Disney’s direct-to-video properties. No, not a direct-to-video sequel. This time, we are talking about a midquel to one of Disney’s most beloved animated films. Presenting a review for The Lion King 1 1/2!

Plot: Set slightly before the events of The Lion King, and during the events of that film, Timon lives with his mom, uncle Max, and his colony of meerkats. But when Timon screws up a situation so badly, he decides to leave his colony, and live somewhere else. Along the way, he befriends a warthog named Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella). Together, this unlikely friend duo decide to go find a place, where they can live, and have a more satisfying life.

Now, I had seen bits, and pieces of this film when it first came out on video either at grocery stores, or places like that. However, now that I’ve seen all of it as of recently, I can finally share my thoughts on it. Well, unlike with The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride (which, last I checked, felt more like a sequel that could have gotten away with being in theaters, and I plan to rewatch, and review fairly soon), it was probably for the best that this film went straight to video. Oh, don’t get me wrong! There are plenty of hilarious moments in this midquel that is basically supposed to be The Lion King from the perspective of Timon & Pumbaa. However, this film can also be a little too corny at times. Also, there are several plot holes that are scattered. One of the most notable of these plot holes is the whole deal with Timon, and Rafiki. Now, for the many of you who saw the original Lion King back in 1994, or shortly after, you may recall the scene, where Rafiki appears to Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa, and tells them that Simba has returned to Pride Rock, followed by Timon asking who the monkey is shortly after that. Here, however, Timon meets Rafiki shortly after leaving his meerkat colony, and this is shortly before even meeting Pumbaa, or Simba being born. How is that possible? Did the writers decide to change things how they originally were in the original Lion King? Yeah, that’s kind of weird, wouldn’t you say? On top of that, there were certain aspects during the climax that seemed to be slightly altered here from the 1994 Lion King movie. If you ask me, that’s also a little strange, yes? What’s more is that most of the characters in Timon’s meerkat colony can be a little mean, and cruel towards Timon. Sure, Timon did act a little clumsy at times, and may have given most of them to be upset with him because if that. Still, should that be a reason for most of them, minus maybe his mom, and uncle Max to basically turn their backs on him for the most part? In addition to all of this, there were some moments that seemed to act more like filler, and hardly seemed to contribute to this story because of that. In all honestly, a film like this could have possibly acted more like a short film that could have been attached to a full length feature film. That is even if this would have been a short film that might have had to be around 20-25 minutes, something like that. Oh, and another thing! There were one, or two songs that were okay, but not ones that would exactly stand out all that much.

But is this film horrible? Not exactly! There are some redeeming qualities to this film. First of all, there’s the whole deal about “looking beyond what you see.” Sure, this may have come from Rafiki, and been used more as a meditation technique. However, that whole deal about looking beyond what you see could easily apply to one’s faith, specifically Christian faith as well. I mean let’s face it! It’s easy to lean more on our own understanding, instead of trusting God, and His ways, you know? All the more reason that it’s important to trust God during times like that. That is something to think about, that’s for sure. Also, there’s the animation in this film. Sure, the animation may not be quite top notch like with the 1994 Lion King film. Still, you have to give the DisneyToon company credit for trying their hardest to come as close as possible to the animation of that film. Honestly, if this movie had been released earlier, say in the late 1990s, or sometime like that, it wouldn’t be surprising if the animation hadn’t been all that great here in this film, you know? It’s also great to have a great majority of the original voice cast. That is at least other than someone getting another actor to replace Jonathan Taylor Thomas for the voice of young Simba (as Jonathan Taylor Thomas’ voice probably matured at this point anyway). There are also some interesting bids as well, such as incorporating real life songs, or even bits, and pieces of songs from other films into this film as well. Also, for some of the funny moments that may not feel too corny, how could one not enjoy those as well? Oh, and finally, it’s cool to see some cameos if other Disney characters in this film too.

And that’s my review for 2004’s The Lion King 1 1/2. If you’re willing to overlook the fact that they changed some things up from the 1994 Lion King film, then you’ll probably like this movie. If you’re looking for the basic beat for beat material from the original film in this film, then too bad! Regardless, even if the film is at least decent, you’ll probably have a fun time with this movie. I would say give it a watch if you have Disney+, or your local library is opened, and see what you think!

Final Grade: B-