Le Roi lion 3 : Hakuna Matata

This is a straight-to-video movie, so it should go without saying that it's not going to rival the first Lion King, but that said, this was downright good.

My kids loved this, but that's a given, they love anything that's a cartoon. The big shock was that *I* liked it too, it was laugh out loud funny at some parts (even the fart jokes*), had lots of rather creative tie-ins with the first movie, and even some jokes that you had to be older to understand (but without being risqué like in Shrek ["do you think he's compensating for something?"]).

A special note on the fart jokes, I was surprised to find that none of the jokes were just toilet noises (in fact there were almost no noises/imagery at all, the references were actually rather subtle), they actually had a setup/punchline/etc, and were almost in good taste. I'd like my kids to think that there's more to humor than going to the bathroom, and this movie is fine in those regards.

Hmm what else? The music was so-so, not nearly as creative as in the first or second movie, but plenty of fun for the kids. No painfully corny moments, which was a blessing for me. A little action but nothing too scary (the Secret of NIMH gave my kids nightmares, not sure a G rating was appropriate for that one...)

All in all I'd say this is a great movie for kids of any age, one that's 100% safe to let them watch (I try not to be overly sensitive but I've had to jump up and turn off the TV during a few movies that were less kid-appropriate than expected) - but you're safe to leave the room during this one. I'd say stick around anyway though, you might find that you enjoy it too :)

My Take: A funny take on THE LION KING, posing as a sequel. Surprisingly amusing.

Surprisingly, "Lion King 1 1/2" is actually another funny straight-to-video, that's worth a theatrical treatment. I don't see why Disney released this straight to video, and release crappy movies like "Chicken Little" and "Return to Neverland" theatrically. Those movies are better off seen in the video stores (in the "new releases" area), rather than seeing their theatrical posters outside the theaters.

This one is merely a spoof of the first film (although the events in "Simba's Pride" hasn't taken place yet), on Timon (voiced by Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa's (voiced by Ernie Sabella) point of view. We get to see them make fun of the events in the first film. Original voices from the first film, like Matthew Broderick, Woopie Goldberg, Cheeche Martin and Robert Guillaume, return to their voicing roles from the first film, while Julie Kavner and Jerry Stiller give some hilarious comedy relief as Timon's mom and grumpy uncle.

So doesn't this sound fun. Maybe not now, but go watch it for yourself. The fact that it's not that serious in its plot makes it the more enjoyable. It's kinda like MST3000 with Timon and Pumbaa.

Video movie rating: ***1/2 out of 5.

this Disney animated feature isn't really a Lion King movie.it's basically the story of Timon(the Meerkat)and Pumba(the Warthog)and how they first met.it eventually shows the some of the events from the original Lion King from their point of view.it obviously condenses the events a lot,and their are actually only a few moments from The Lion King here.i thought it was an OK movie,but i found it a bit slow and i thought some scenes went on too long.the song are not as memorable.at least i didn't think so.at least the same voice actors were used as in the original.this movie is fairly short,about 70 minutes,not including end credits.as an aside,this movie was produced after Lion King II: Simba's Pride.all in all this is an entertaining movie,but it doesn't have the same impact of the original Lion King.for me,The Lion King 1.5 is a 6/10

I am 18, and I absolutely adore the first Lion King film. It is gorgeously animated, has terrific music, likable characters and makes me laugh and cry, in short, like Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The Lion King is an animated masterpiece. Judging by the fact that I liked Simbas's Pride, not loved, just liked, I watched The Lion King 1.5. It is not a bad sequel at all, like Simbas's Pride it is not as good as the original, but I think like the second it is one of the better sequels. It does have its problems, it is too short(then again this is a problem most of the sequels have), some of the story, the Lion King but in Timon and Pumbaa's perspective is predictable but it is a great concept and there are a few parts such as the ending that felt a tad rushed. However, it is vibrantly animated, the music is very good, there are some surprisingly funny jokes(like Timon and Pumbaa's stalling during the climax), the dialogue is well written and hilarious and the voice acting is very well done. Overall, a fun, cute and entertaining, if inferior, sequel. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Although the movie is less than 1994's The Lion King, it is very interesting. The film, which has been featured in most Disney comedies, tells a good story about Timon and Pumbaa, and the movie breaks the fourth wall. When watching The Lion King, you will wonder what was going on with Timon and Pumbaa. This is a movie that answers your inquiries