Everyone has their favourite Disney film, but we all know that The Lion King tops them all. Since the original was released in 1994 it has become wrapped up in a thick, warm, fuzzy blanket of heartfelt nostalgia.

The story of The Lion King is one which we can all take something away from, old and young alike. It has a depth to it that can teach us the basics of love and friendship, loss and hope, and the importance of remembering who we are. The film looks at our contribution to society and the need to take positive action. It also gives us a certain problem-free philosophy, albeit perhaps the first philosophy ever espoused via the medium of song and performed by a meerkat-warthog duet.

This is perhaps a telling fact, for life lessons aren’t the only aspects that make The Lion King memorable. The songs composed and delivered by, among others, Hans Zimmer and Elton John, have entered into our cultural psyche over the past two decades. Whether it’s "Be Prepared", "Hanukah Matata" or "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", they are known and loved by all.

The voice acting is likewise universally strong. The snarling vocals of Jeremy Irons as the villainous Scar, Rowan Atkinson’s squawking hornbill Zazu, and James Earl Jones’ (aka Darth Vader’s) bass timbre cast in the role of Mufasa. The audio as a whole has been cleaned up since the 1994 release, and the directors have shown admirable restraint by not giving into the urge to rework or add unnecessary scenes. 

Of course, the whole reason for the fresh cinematic release is the 3D element, and  one has to ask if it is worth going to see for that aspect alone. Plenty of 3D remakes have fallen flat, with the third dimensional facet going almost unnoticed throughout. The Lion King is not one of those films. Every scene noticeably benefits from the 3D enhancement.
It is undoubtable that The Lion King deserves fives stars and its official status as Disney’s highest-grossing film. One thing its continued popularity has proven beyond doubt is it "sure ain’t no passing craze".