When I first saw the original 'The Lion King' in cinemas at the age of four, I'd been hooked. Ever since then, my favorite movie has always been this Disney classic. The sequel came out when I was seven, and for a cheaply made direct-to-video movie, was quite enjoyable to watch. Basically, the story follows on from the original film. To beat the original Lion King would be a near-impossible feat, so when put in perspective, the movie really isn't all that bad. The story is neatly tied in with the original film, with the concept of Scar, the antagonist of the first film, having a family bent on revenge over Simba, the protagonist of the 1st Lion King. The film can be very moving at times, and some songs I even preferred over the original's. However, this movie could have been so much more! Had Disney spent more time on it and released it to cinemas instead of having a direct to video release, this could have easily been just as good as the original. What brought this movie's rating down was the fact the storyline had a lot of unanswered questions - where was this pride int he rpevious movie? Many other gaps fill this film, and are far too vague for the viewer to assume what might have happened.
213 Reviews
Better than most sequels on Disney Classics
anna-trujillo1328 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I feel like this movie could of been so much better if it was introduced properly, and more effort was put in to match the beauty of the original. Having the outsider lions added in was a very interesting twist, but the way they introduced them just made it seem like they needed a new antagonist. If the creators took the time to have a flashback of Simba banishing these lions, and what exactly these lions did that lead to their banishment, would of really helped the story.
Timon and Pumbaa (who were some of my favorite characters from the original) just seemed to have forced comedy, and not really a place in this movie. The whole idea behind the story however, was fascinating, which made for a better sequel than most of the sequels released by Disney. Most of the original Disney movies are wrapped up so nicely, leaving no room for sequels, this is not so much the case with "Simba's Pride". The creators found an interesting way to bring back the wonderful world of The Lion King.
I really liked this movie when it came out, and I still like it now as a young adult. I just feel like it was a lazy sequel, and could of been so much better. It is NO where near as good as the original Lion King, but that is expected. The Lion King was probably the best movie Disney ever released, and in my opinion, one of the best movies ever! Having a sequel to match that success would be challenging.
Overall, I did like this movie and the storyline. It just didn't have the same WOW factor as the original Lion King. In the original, the music was booming, the scenery was spectacular, the animation was brilliant, and this is all toned down in "Simba's Pride". Would I watch it over again, however? Absolutely!
Timon and Pumbaa (who were some of my favorite characters from the original) just seemed to have forced comedy, and not really a place in this movie. The whole idea behind the story however, was fascinating, which made for a better sequel than most of the sequels released by Disney. Most of the original Disney movies are wrapped up so nicely, leaving no room for sequels, this is not so much the case with "Simba's Pride". The creators found an interesting way to bring back the wonderful world of The Lion King.
I really liked this movie when it came out, and I still like it now as a young adult. I just feel like it was a lazy sequel, and could of been so much better. It is NO where near as good as the original Lion King, but that is expected. The Lion King was probably the best movie Disney ever released, and in my opinion, one of the best movies ever! Having a sequel to match that success would be challenging.
Overall, I did like this movie and the storyline. It just didn't have the same WOW factor as the original Lion King. In the original, the music was booming, the scenery was spectacular, the animation was brilliant, and this is all toned down in "Simba's Pride". Would I watch it over again, however? Absolutely!
One of the better DTV sequels!
TheLittleSongbird5 March 2009
Of course, it isn't as good as the stunning original, but it's definitely better than the Little Mermaid, Jungle Book and Cinderella sequels which ranged from disappointing to lame. It's also in my opinion in the top 3 of the better DTV sequels, which are The King of Thieves(Aladdin)and Enchanted Christmas(Beauty and the Beast).
What makes it good is the welcome return of Timon and Pumbaa, who brought great comic relief, although they weren't as funny. The songs, while not as outstanding as the original, were actually not that bad at all. He lives in You is wonderfully uplifting. Zira was also very convincing, much better than Morgana. I don't think though that she was as convincing a villain as Scar, who to me is on of the best Disney villains along with Jafar, Ursula, Frollo, Maleficent, The Wicked Queen and Ratigan oddly enough. The animation actually wasn't that bad either, though sometimes fell flat in the darker scenes, but it was colourful, crisp and lively on the whole.
The negatives are very few actually. In the Little Mermaid sequel, I put more cons than pros, but not here. Kiara and Kuvu are a little unconvincing, likewise with Simba, they just lacked depth. And the story isn't quite as gripping and is sometimes a little on the predictable side. But of course, the sequel is hardly ever better than the original, with the exception of perhaps Toy Story.
In conclusion, a flawed but enjoyable sequel to a cinematic masterpiece, though the original isn't as good as Beauty and the Beast. 7/10 Bethany Cox
What makes it good is the welcome return of Timon and Pumbaa, who brought great comic relief, although they weren't as funny. The songs, while not as outstanding as the original, were actually not that bad at all. He lives in You is wonderfully uplifting. Zira was also very convincing, much better than Morgana. I don't think though that she was as convincing a villain as Scar, who to me is on of the best Disney villains along with Jafar, Ursula, Frollo, Maleficent, The Wicked Queen and Ratigan oddly enough. The animation actually wasn't that bad either, though sometimes fell flat in the darker scenes, but it was colourful, crisp and lively on the whole.
The negatives are very few actually. In the Little Mermaid sequel, I put more cons than pros, but not here. Kiara and Kuvu are a little unconvincing, likewise with Simba, they just lacked depth. And the story isn't quite as gripping and is sometimes a little on the predictable side. But of course, the sequel is hardly ever better than the original, with the exception of perhaps Toy Story.
In conclusion, a flawed but enjoyable sequel to a cinematic masterpiece, though the original isn't as good as Beauty and the Beast. 7/10 Bethany Cox
A worthy successor...
MrLister16 August 2000
I wanted to see this for ages but was put off by the fact that it went straight to video. Then I noticed that all Disney sequels (bar Rescuers Down Under) went straight to video, so I bought it. From the opening song this film captures the spirit of the original. The first time I saw it I thought only two of the songs were good (Upendi and One of Us) but after seeing it a few times I realised that the songs are extremely well written and catchy. I feel there are a few points not accounted for in the film notably the origin of the Outland lions (I can only conclude that only a few followed Scar and others joined them in the time period between Kiara as a cub and as an adult) but I prefer these things left to the imagination. Overall I am very impressed by this film. It has very high quality animation for a straight to video sequel and introduces some interesting new characters. I would really like the Lion King to be a trilogy (I am a great fan of trilogies) so come on, Disney, Make a third film, preferably detailing the young Scar and Mufasa. A definite 5-stars.
Flawed but certainly better than any other Disney-direct-to-video sequels.
Theraxorterminate12 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
While it is true that the Lion King 2: Simba's Pride isn't near as powerful as the first beloved movie. But I don't mind of looking at the continuation of the story of Simba and his life of being the king of the Pride Lands of Africa. His daughter Kiara is a good character, at the beginning she was just like Simba when he was young and then she learns more about the responsibility of the royalty from her family.
While being a promising feature the main problem for me and maybe others as well is that there isn't any time for character development. I mean the lion group of Zira didn't give any information's of how they were created exactly. All we know is that Zira was possibly the wife of Scar before he died. The same thing for Kovu, I wished they could have told more about him as well. If only they told more about these lions it would've been much more interesting.
But apart from those the story is solid. I didn't find the story unnecessary or pathetic written, but it's a shame that there weren't any space for more character development. I know that many people will call this sequel only made for money, but If you look closer there are some good parts especially on the half to the end of the movie.
The animation is neither the same great level as the first, but nothing awful to look at it's better than decent. Of course the part with the flames that were criticized for looking so ugly and not so well made.
Yes I know that we miss the almighty Hans Zimmer and Elton John on this one, but the music isn't that bad. My favorite songs would be: He Lives In You, We Are One while the catchiest would be the Upendi song.
Is it recommended? If you loved the original The Lion King there's nothing to feel it's unnecessary to look at the sequel. It's not perfect but I think it deserves to be seen for it's sophisticated characters and story.
While being a promising feature the main problem for me and maybe others as well is that there isn't any time for character development. I mean the lion group of Zira didn't give any information's of how they were created exactly. All we know is that Zira was possibly the wife of Scar before he died. The same thing for Kovu, I wished they could have told more about him as well. If only they told more about these lions it would've been much more interesting.
But apart from those the story is solid. I didn't find the story unnecessary or pathetic written, but it's a shame that there weren't any space for more character development. I know that many people will call this sequel only made for money, but If you look closer there are some good parts especially on the half to the end of the movie.
The animation is neither the same great level as the first, but nothing awful to look at it's better than decent. Of course the part with the flames that were criticized for looking so ugly and not so well made.
Yes I know that we miss the almighty Hans Zimmer and Elton John on this one, but the music isn't that bad. My favorite songs would be: He Lives In You, We Are One while the catchiest would be the Upendi song.
Is it recommended? If you loved the original The Lion King there's nothing to feel it's unnecessary to look at the sequel. It's not perfect but I think it deserves to be seen for it's sophisticated characters and story.
A movie that i have a very complicated relationship with.
Martinito_0818327 June 2019
The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride is the movie that i had hard time rating it. It tries to respect the original and in some extend - it succeeds, but there are still some parts that are not very good and unfortunately because of them, it makes the movie very weak and not unique at all. It suffers from a story that we've seen many times and also at the same time serves as a perfect narrative for the sequel, but the way it's told is too weak and bit cliché; some of the old characters are here and act the same, while others have new roles, especially Simba, who is given the role of a father to the main protagonist and being overprotective and also being the best character in the movie. Aside from Simba, Kiara, Kovu and Rafiki, the villain and the other characters are weak or don't have enough screen time and they drag the movie down for me; the way the story is told, you'll expect the same with the dialogue; the music is forgettable with the exception of three songs (He Lives In You is the best song without a doubt and makes the opening of the movie amazing) and one track that they played two times and has become memorable; the animation is bit rough in some places, but still looks nice and you can tell it doesn't look like low-budget; the cinematography is very mixed in my opinion; the sound is great; the acting is great, but that may depends on the country you live in, since i watched a dubbed version and the english version is mixed for me after trying it. After watching it again, i can understand what they where trying to do, but i feel like they didn't give 100% of themselves to make a perfect sequel to one of the greatest movies of all time. With those problems aside, i still respect everyone, who was involved with the making of it and it's one of those movies that i'll be happy watching it again.
One of the best Disney sequels (although thats still not saying much)
classicx_attraction2 April 2008
The lion king 2 is probably my favorite Disney sequel. Its one of the movies where the first time around its okay, and then if you see it again, you're like..wow, this is great! Same goes for the songs. I actually love this movie. Compared to the first movie, it isn't all that bad. They didn't ruin anything from the first movie, like the characters personalities, as they do in so many other sequels (like little mermaid 2. puke.) I'd say more of the problem is they kind of down play a lot of characters that had bigger roles. Zazu and Nala are barely in this. Timoon and Puumba are still cute and funny. Kiara, their daughter, is a little flat, But the evil villains are very, very good. Zira is excellent, and Kovu is very complex and interesting. The ending is a little flat as well, but its still a touching movie. Its on par with Aladdin and the king of thieves, which is the only other excellent Disney sequel. (for the record, toy story 2 is Disney and pixar-but is not Disney made. pixar makes it, Disney distributes. thanks.) This sequel actually has depth and every (major) character in this movie has their own personal struggle. Its not simple and happy go lucky like most Disney sequels. I would highly recommend it.
better than i expected
treehuggingnut4 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was quite a bit better than I expected it to be. Though definitely not as good as the first one, compared to most Disney sequels (the worst being Atlantis:Milo's Return) it was fairly enjoyable. Simba, because of his own childhood experiences, is really, really overprotective of his daughter Kiara, and has Timon and Pumba on her tail 24/7. One day, after slipping away from them, she meets another cub, Kovu. The two hit it off instantly but their friendship is cut short when both their families arrive on the scene. It turns out that Kovu is part of Scar's pride(where were they in the first movie?) which Simba banished after Scar's death.The incident inspires Scar's mate Zira to hatch a plan to take over the Pridelands. When Kovu grows up she arranges for him to save Kiara's life and thus gain admittance into Simba's pride. Kovu and Kiara fall in love but when Zira ambushes Simba he becomes convinced that Kovu is destined to follow in Scar's paw prints( Kovu is Scar's heir but not actually his son) and re-exiles him. Kovu, who has detached himself from Zira's pride, sets of by himself and is soon joined by Kiara, who's run away from home to be with him. At the climax, the two young lions stop their prides from going into battle and the two groups resolve their differences and merge, except for Zira who refusing to accept Kiara's help, falls into a ravine and dies. The characters are interesting and the music, though not as good as LK1 is pretty good for the most part. All in all, it's definitely worth a watch.
Why is this Movie Given So Much Crap?
apeclaw20117 October 2005
I don't understand why this movie is regarded to as trash. Of course it is not as good as the first movie but it comes pretty stinkin close! The animation is actually equal too the quality of the original movie. I think that it is the most perfect Disney sequel ever! It is a very interesting story that shows Simba as a father. It is cool because you get to see Simba has now become basically, like his father. Every time I see this movie, I can feel that Simba has the same sense of power that Mufasa had. It has a fun and sweet story line and a great ending. When this movie was being made, the goal was to create a sequel to a movie that everyone loves so that they could spend more time with the characters. I think (despite what everyone say's) they created an awesome, spectacular Disney film!
Cool.
reginald-anselm24 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This is a fantastic sequel, just fantastic, but I'll start with the flaws. 1. Simba has become completely paranoid and that pisses me off. He's no longer cool until near the end of the movie. 2. Why isn't Nala helping? Her daughter is going through an IMMENSE emotional crisis in her first falling in love and her mother just isn't there? Not once in the movie(except the beginning and when Kovu shows up for the first time) does Nala comfort her daughter, especially when Kovu gets banished. Come on! She KNOWS that the two have fallen in love, but doesn't help for most of the movie. 3. Almost everyone are so ignorant of Kiara, including Nala. Can you please LISTEN to her for a second and stop being a jerk, Simba? 4. Shortly before the movie ends, Mufasa's ghost shows up to say "Well done, my son". ARE YOU SERIOUS? You say that to SIMBA who's been a jerk for most of the movie. Give your thanks to, I don't know, maybe KIARA.
Now let's get to the good parts.
1. Rafiki. One of the very few characters(no, actually the only character) who helps and understands Kiara. Friend of the family, indeed. Now if you could just hit Simba with your stick... 2. Timon and Pumbaa. Though they don't appear much, they're still the old comedy trio. Timon's fur appears darker. I guess they're getting older. 3. Vitani. I have a crush on her(when she's a cub). And that is not creepy, because she's an animated character and that doesn't count. 4. Zira. She gets a great villain song and is the best character here.
And the big question: WHERE DID THE OUTLANDERS COME FROM???
Now let's get to the good parts.
1. Rafiki. One of the very few characters(no, actually the only character) who helps and understands Kiara. Friend of the family, indeed. Now if you could just hit Simba with your stick... 2. Timon and Pumbaa. Though they don't appear much, they're still the old comedy trio. Timon's fur appears darker. I guess they're getting older. 3. Vitani. I have a crush on her(when she's a cub). And that is not creepy, because she's an animated character and that doesn't count. 4. Zira. She gets a great villain song and is the best character here.
And the big question: WHERE DID THE OUTLANDERS COME FROM???
Most impressive sequel yet.
Norway129 November 1998
Simba's Pride may be the first of Disney's sequels with a soundtrack worth purchasing. The music was very good and the art was also most impressive. The only voice I wasn't completely satisfied with was Edward Hibbert as Zazu. Even I could have made a better clone for Rowan Atkinson. The script was somewhat rough, and some of the scenes had some unnecessarily dark undertones, but I still believe this to be the best made sequel yet - thanks largely to some very good songs. Keep it up, Disney!
Excellence at its best...why so many haters?
amcmartinez14 July 2014
So I finally decided to break down and write a review for Lion King 2. I might seem like I'm ranting but I'm just so tired of people bashing this work of creation. Lion King 2 is not bad! ITS NOT! And I guess a lot of people are saying it is because they are expecting to see Lion King all over again. Well my advice to those is to hit the replay button on LK because its not happening. Sequels are not meant to be exact replicas of their predecessors. So, those who are looking for that with this movie are going to be rudely disappointed. Having that said, I think it can be agreed that LK2 brought something a little new to the table.
So first for those people complaining about the animation, it didn't suck. Either I'm blind or you are because I see the same quality animation as the first. Now I will admit LK2 wasn't as "flashy" as the original but it's not supposed to be. Its animation is more toned and a bit darker to fit the mood of the script. We can see this by just looking at Priderock , which had been shown from the other side to convey the shadowy feelings of Simba.Well since I brought that up I guess I'll start off with him first. Simba ,of course, is a big part of the movie. He is seen struggling to deal with his lingering hatred of his uncle Scar. He holds this resentment against Kovu and the Outlanders. Kiara is the daughter of King Simba making her a princess. She is strong minded and very independent. We can see this from her desire to do things herself and staying true to her heart. Bad-boy Kovu on the other hand is a lion trained by his evil mother, Zira, to befriend Kiara so that he may overthrow Simba thus, avenging Scar.
In the end Kiara and Kovu fall in love and show others that love is the most important thing above all, no matter what you look like or come from. So the two groups put an end to their bitter feud and decide to join together . They now see that there is no difference between them because they're all lions; They are one.And so the light finally shines on the other side of Priderock. The story actually gives an eye opening lesson to people. We shouldn't judge others by their race or their background. This is still an ever so prevalent issue in our society that I wish would just disappear. Well that's the lesson I got from watching this movie. It seems though that some people forgot their "Upendi" and "Hakuna Matata" back in Neverland because they're so oblivious to the fact LK2 is a stunning movie that conveys a strong message.
This movie was fantastic! Whats not to love? The animation was on key, the plot had good substance, and the characters are lovable and totally unforgettable. What more do you people want?! Not to mention the amazing song "We Are One" which makes my eyes turn into Niagara falls every time I hear it. *Sniff Sniff* (Now I miss Mufasa)...anyway. Asides from Lion King I don't think this movie could have did any better. Kudos to you Disney! Anyone who disagrees,oh well, I guess thats just you and your narrow minded opinion. #LEH
So first for those people complaining about the animation, it didn't suck. Either I'm blind or you are because I see the same quality animation as the first. Now I will admit LK2 wasn't as "flashy" as the original but it's not supposed to be. Its animation is more toned and a bit darker to fit the mood of the script. We can see this by just looking at Priderock , which had been shown from the other side to convey the shadowy feelings of Simba.Well since I brought that up I guess I'll start off with him first. Simba ,of course, is a big part of the movie. He is seen struggling to deal with his lingering hatred of his uncle Scar. He holds this resentment against Kovu and the Outlanders. Kiara is the daughter of King Simba making her a princess. She is strong minded and very independent. We can see this from her desire to do things herself and staying true to her heart. Bad-boy Kovu on the other hand is a lion trained by his evil mother, Zira, to befriend Kiara so that he may overthrow Simba thus, avenging Scar.
In the end Kiara and Kovu fall in love and show others that love is the most important thing above all, no matter what you look like or come from. So the two groups put an end to their bitter feud and decide to join together . They now see that there is no difference between them because they're all lions; They are one.And so the light finally shines on the other side of Priderock. The story actually gives an eye opening lesson to people. We shouldn't judge others by their race or their background. This is still an ever so prevalent issue in our society that I wish would just disappear. Well that's the lesson I got from watching this movie. It seems though that some people forgot their "Upendi" and "Hakuna Matata" back in Neverland because they're so oblivious to the fact LK2 is a stunning movie that conveys a strong message.
This movie was fantastic! Whats not to love? The animation was on key, the plot had good substance, and the characters are lovable and totally unforgettable. What more do you people want?! Not to mention the amazing song "We Are One" which makes my eyes turn into Niagara falls every time I hear it. *Sniff Sniff* (Now I miss Mufasa)...anyway. Asides from Lion King I don't think this movie could have did any better. Kudos to you Disney! Anyone who disagrees,oh well, I guess thats just you and your narrow minded opinion. #LEH
The Circle of Life Continues...
Lady_Targaryen22 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
''The Lion King II'' is one of the fewest sequences from Disney that I actually liked. Of course I cannot compare the sequence with the first movie:'' Lion King I'' is a masterpiece and I almost could say that is my favorite movie from Disney. In this sequence we can see Simba as a worried dad, and together with Nala he had Kiara, his daughter who remembers himself very much in looks and in personality: she is always thinking about something dangerous or forbidden to do! Worried, he asks to Timon,Pumbaa and Zazu to always watch her and take good care. One day, Kiara easily escapes from one of the forbidden lands, where Scar's followers lives. Without being aware of this Kiara makes Friendship with Kovu,a little lion that Zira, his mother, pretend to raise to overthrow Simba. When Simba knows that, he forbids Kovu and Kiara to be friends, but when the time passes and they grow up, they are going to meet again, but now their feelings are going to be stronger. kiara is the key to make the lions to be close again. But Zira and Simba really hate each other. What is going to happen is almost a cliché, but nice to watch anyway.
Not the Mightiest Lion
travisimo17 January 2004
Being a big fan of the first Lion King, it would take a heck of a sequel to match my appreciation for the first flick. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride doesn't even come close in my eyes, but I don't think Disney was really shooting for that. The story is likeable enough with Simba's daughter, Kiara, growing up and trying to step out of Simba's shadow. She meets an outsider, Kovu who is some sort of descendant or handpicked successor of Simba's nemesis, Scar. Kiara and Kovu hit it off as young cubs but are told by Simba they can't see each other when Simba learns of Kovu's background. In a way it's kind of refreshing to see a flaw in our hero, Simba, as he holds a grudge against Kovu for something Kovu had absolutely no control over. Then again, I wondered where exactly these outside lions came from, as I don't recall seeing a glimpse of them at all in the first LK.
Anyway, Kovu and Kiara grow up and fall in love and that stuff, but Kovu has been taught to hate Simba and the other Prideland lions. I'll stop there, but you get the sense of what the story is like. It's not groundbreaking material, but it's nice enough to keep you and/or the little ones interested. There are some flaws in LK2 that I just couldn't get over. The animation is obviously nowhere near that of the original as it was made from a much smaller budget. That's okay and all, as the story usually trumps visuals, but some effects like the fire scene were pretty bad. The fire just stood out like a sore thumb. I've seen better effects on David Letterman skits!
My next problem with the movie is the voice work. Most of it is done well by the original cast (Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella), but Rowan Atkinson is missed as the neurotic bird, Zazu. I also didn't like the actor who voiced Kovu, Jason Marsden. I don't dislike Jason Marsden personally, but he has done characters in the past that have just annoyed the crap out of me. I actually remember him as Eddie Munster in The Munsters Today. In the new version, Eddie becomes some sort of punk who rebels against his family. That's not the Eddie Munster I knew as a child. Furthermore, he also voiced Goofy's grownup son, Max, in The Goofy Movie. I liked Max when he was a kid in the TV series, Goof Troop, but as an adolescent, Max was just a whiny, selfish brat. So whenever I hear Jason Marsden's voice, I just get annoyed. It's my own issues, I know.
Now for my last complaint, which is usually the same for any Disney sequel, the music is just not up to par with the original. Elton John and Tim Rice were desperately missed in this movie. Although I will say there was one song that was fairly good, Love Will Find a Way. It's a nice ballad that really can fit in with any Disney feature. It also sounded familiar to me, like maybe I've heard it on the radio. That is just something uncommon with Disney sequels.
I know I've complained a lot, which is sort of hard for me to do, because I love The Lion King and Disney, but LK2 just isn't my type of flick. I'm very glad to see other reviewers enjoy it though. To each their own, I say!
My IMDb Rating: 5/10. My Yahoo! Grade: C+ (Flawed but Worthy)
Anyway, Kovu and Kiara grow up and fall in love and that stuff, but Kovu has been taught to hate Simba and the other Prideland lions. I'll stop there, but you get the sense of what the story is like. It's not groundbreaking material, but it's nice enough to keep you and/or the little ones interested. There are some flaws in LK2 that I just couldn't get over. The animation is obviously nowhere near that of the original as it was made from a much smaller budget. That's okay and all, as the story usually trumps visuals, but some effects like the fire scene were pretty bad. The fire just stood out like a sore thumb. I've seen better effects on David Letterman skits!
My next problem with the movie is the voice work. Most of it is done well by the original cast (Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella), but Rowan Atkinson is missed as the neurotic bird, Zazu. I also didn't like the actor who voiced Kovu, Jason Marsden. I don't dislike Jason Marsden personally, but he has done characters in the past that have just annoyed the crap out of me. I actually remember him as Eddie Munster in The Munsters Today. In the new version, Eddie becomes some sort of punk who rebels against his family. That's not the Eddie Munster I knew as a child. Furthermore, he also voiced Goofy's grownup son, Max, in The Goofy Movie. I liked Max when he was a kid in the TV series, Goof Troop, but as an adolescent, Max was just a whiny, selfish brat. So whenever I hear Jason Marsden's voice, I just get annoyed. It's my own issues, I know.
Now for my last complaint, which is usually the same for any Disney sequel, the music is just not up to par with the original. Elton John and Tim Rice were desperately missed in this movie. Although I will say there was one song that was fairly good, Love Will Find a Way. It's a nice ballad that really can fit in with any Disney feature. It also sounded familiar to me, like maybe I've heard it on the radio. That is just something uncommon with Disney sequels.
I know I've complained a lot, which is sort of hard for me to do, because I love The Lion King and Disney, but LK2 just isn't my type of flick. I'm very glad to see other reviewers enjoy it though. To each their own, I say!
My IMDb Rating: 5/10. My Yahoo! Grade: C+ (Flawed but Worthy)
Powerful sequel
nmf-214 January 2001
A very powerful sequel to a very powerful and the best Disney movie. Kovu and Kiara teach us how powerful and strong the love is. Like TLK 1, TLK 2 bring us good songs, especially Love Will Find A Way and He Lives In You. The new characters are very good, the villain Zira is cruel, the poor Nuka dies trying to prove his braveness and Vitani...well she's not a real villain like all the other outlanders. Unfortunately, they didn't give a good number of lines to Zazu and Nala, especially Zazu - he have less lines than Nala. But every good movie sometimes commit little mistakes. Well, The Lion King 3 is confirmed (2002) and I can't wait to watch this new movie, and I hope TLK 3 being so good like TLK 1 and TLK 2.
Under appreciated gem
Chloe-h199421 March 2020
This is a such a great little film about forgiveness and finding yourself! The songs are catchy and original and the characters are fresh and fun. They do justice to Simba without making him perfect or the star of the show. Kiara and Kovu are great with their own strengths and shortcomings. The villains motivation and actions make sense. I pull this one out every now and then for a heartwarming watch. Also, I really appreciate how the conflict gets resolved in this film. It's refreshing to see sympathetic villains in a Disney film. I would recommend this movie - I always have a good time watching it.
Not as good as the first, but deserves better
theninjahowl11 March 2012
I remember seeing this movie at a young age and was greatly impressed by it! After watching the first Lion King, I could't wait for this film. Now after hearing all the negativity on this movie I was confused, I mean of course it wasn't near as good as the first film but most sequels can't surpass there original because they already used all the good ideas in the first film. In my mind this film should have received better responses, the story was good, the characters were fun, they added different songs, sure there were silly moments but that's what makes the film good. And there was more of a love story then the first one but I enjoyed it. All in all I'd just like to say this film wasn't as good as the first "The Lion King" but it still deserved better.
I give it a 7.5 out of 10
I give it a 7.5 out of 10
Surprisingly good
runoson3 February 2013
Lion King II is darker and scarier but lacks the humor and music from the first film.
Everybody knows the first film but this one is a bit under the radar. I don't know why since it works well and follows the same pattern as the first one. Good versus Evil with strong sidekicks and villains. I especially like the weird offspring of the evil Scar.
The film contains all the ingredients of a likable Disney film - humor (less than in the first, though), good vs evil and a love story.
All in all, it's a good sequel and should get more attention that it has been receiving. 7/10. If your kids liked the first one they will surely enjoy this one as well.
Everybody knows the first film but this one is a bit under the radar. I don't know why since it works well and follows the same pattern as the first one. Good versus Evil with strong sidekicks and villains. I especially like the weird offspring of the evil Scar.
The film contains all the ingredients of a likable Disney film - humor (less than in the first, though), good vs evil and a love story.
All in all, it's a good sequel and should get more attention that it has been receiving. 7/10. If your kids liked the first one they will surely enjoy this one as well.
Good sequel
galaxychoco22 September 2013
I must say the sequel for me had a lot to live up to after how much I liked the first lion king but i think this sequel did a pretty good job. In this movie simba and nala have a cub kiara but she then meets kovu an an outlander who belongs to zira who was once scars mate. Kovu is brought up to believe that simba is the enemy and he must kill him but instead kovu ends up falling in love with kiara. The movie had a good plot and storyline it also had good characters. Not as good as the first but pretty close it is still a must see for kids well mostly anyone who likes Disney and animation. I would recommend this movie to most people. I give this movie a 7 out of 10.
A worthy sequel to a modern classic
catjudo14 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The Lion King has become my favorite movie. The Lion King II - Simba's Pride is in my top ten. The story picks up at the end of The Lion King, with the birth of the new heir to the Pridelands. The baby cat is introduced to the kingdom in the same manner as Simba, with Rafiki the mandrill holding up the child atop Pride Rock for all to see. As Timon and Pumbaa admire the child, Rafiki remarks that this child is in fact a girl. And from there, the story only gets more interesting. In a tale reminiscent of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, a forbidden love blossoms betwixt the young princess Kiara and the rogue Kovu, the heir to the late usurper king Scar. Banished to the Outlands by an overprotective Simba, Kovu's difficult life is overseen by his mother Zira, Scar's queen. Somehow, the young lovers must prevail against the overwhelming odds against them, and this is wherein the greatness of this movie lies. No single character is without flaw, and every aspect of the movie is rendered in shades of gray. And that is what makes it so great to me.
The movie isn't quite perfect, though. Rowan Atkinson's absence as Zazu is a minor lament, while Andy Dick's casting as Nuka, while quite effective, does leave one to wonder why Disney picked such a controversial personality for a kid friendly movie. The "Upendi" sequence is a bit long and slightly out of place, while Zira's demise seems altogether too easy.
Still, the movie stands out, especially among Disney sequels, as extremely good. Matthew Broderick's mastery of the character Simba continues unabated here, while Neve Campbell and Jason Marsden take to their characters with equal skill. The real standout among the cast is Suzanne Plechette's voicing of Zira. Her steely, cold-blooded voicing of the ruthless and calculating villain stands on equal footing with Jeremy Iron's voicing of Scar in The Lion King. One can only wonder what these two could have done if Scar and Zira had appeared together on screen. Sadly, we'll never know, as Ms. Plechette succumbed to cancer in 2008.
Visually, the film continues with the stunning animation seen in The Lion King. Both the rich Pridelands and the barren Outlands are a feast to the eyes. The contrast between the Prideland lions and the angular, almost emaciated Outland lions is striking, and well handled. The music is equally good as that of the first movie, with such standout tracks as He Lives In You (the opening song; it originally appeared on the 1995 album Rhythm Of The Pride Lands) and the chilling My Lullaby (Zira's song; much like Be Prepared, Suzanne Plechette and her fellow actors did their own singing for this song). All in all, this movie is a great deal of fun, and is a very worthy addition to one's movie library, along with the original.
The movie isn't quite perfect, though. Rowan Atkinson's absence as Zazu is a minor lament, while Andy Dick's casting as Nuka, while quite effective, does leave one to wonder why Disney picked such a controversial personality for a kid friendly movie. The "Upendi" sequence is a bit long and slightly out of place, while Zira's demise seems altogether too easy.
Still, the movie stands out, especially among Disney sequels, as extremely good. Matthew Broderick's mastery of the character Simba continues unabated here, while Neve Campbell and Jason Marsden take to their characters with equal skill. The real standout among the cast is Suzanne Plechette's voicing of Zira. Her steely, cold-blooded voicing of the ruthless and calculating villain stands on equal footing with Jeremy Iron's voicing of Scar in The Lion King. One can only wonder what these two could have done if Scar and Zira had appeared together on screen. Sadly, we'll never know, as Ms. Plechette succumbed to cancer in 2008.
Visually, the film continues with the stunning animation seen in The Lion King. Both the rich Pridelands and the barren Outlands are a feast to the eyes. The contrast between the Prideland lions and the angular, almost emaciated Outland lions is striking, and well handled. The music is equally good as that of the first movie, with such standout tracks as He Lives In You (the opening song; it originally appeared on the 1995 album Rhythm Of The Pride Lands) and the chilling My Lullaby (Zira's song; much like Be Prepared, Suzanne Plechette and her fellow actors did their own singing for this song). All in all, this movie is a great deal of fun, and is a very worthy addition to one's movie library, along with the original.
The film was quite exciting...
Ariel-2826 November 1999
I was really surprised that Simba's child was a daughter, but it was a very good choice from Disney, because if he had had a son, the battle between the Pridelands and Outlands lions would have lasted forever. Especially the relationship between Simba and Kiara is beautiful, just like a father-daughter-relationship should be.
Zira is quite a frightening character, just a classic type of a really cruel female figure.
Yes, the film is worthy watching, but of course not equally well as the original.
Zira is quite a frightening character, just a classic type of a really cruel female figure.
Yes, the film is worthy watching, but of course not equally well as the original.
Good But not great sequel
owenhayward13 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Lets face it. Direct to video sequels are never 'Wow' material. This is no exception.
I feel that marketing films like this as a 'sequel' is misleading, as they are nowhere near the mark of sequel material.
You can tell how cheaply this was made; the voices have nowhere near as much effort and feel behind them as the original, and the animation is about that of a TV cartoon- a little rough around the edges.
For me, it's just an average thing to pass the time on a quiet evening every so often.
Music wise, the score is lovely; despite not to the same standards as the predecessor, it has its own charm to it and is all round quite suiting. However, there is an issue I can see.
The original film, song felt written around the story and pieced in to suit the mood and story. The songs were spread out through the film, but this film is the opposite. Four or five songs within the first 40 minutes is too much, and each one deliberately set up rather than gently flowing in. Don't get me wrong, there are some truly fantastic songs, just too close together and too forced.
Story wise, it's very much similar in parts to the original. 'You killed your relative,' 'Its not my fault' forms a key part of the plot, and there are several direct copies from th first, such as death by falling from hanging off a cliff-face. A heartwarming story in places, like Romeo and Juliet with love between rivals, but that's about it. There's nothing that truly stands out to me and makes you want to watch it again, and nothing that really grips you as the story unfolds. The speech feels forced rather than natural in places.
There's a nice mix of characters used in the film, bit the returning ones aren't all the same personalities, which is their defining part. Timon and Pumba don't feel wacky for their characterisation, but because we expect them to be so; they just feel wrong. Even Simba appears out-of-place in his homeland. The new characters however work well, and with a better script and voice acting, really cloud have brought something to the Lion King that would have made a real difference And created a true impact on the pride of Simba AND the audience. The turning against the evil villain was pretty predictable, but felt out of character. It could have developed further I feel than simply 'I'm evil, but now I'm good.'
Overall, I did enjoy it at times, but if you want a film that is emotionally moving, gripping and enjoyable, then I'd suggest you see the first one. This is good to while away a wet afternoon perhaps on an occasion, but that is all.
I feel that marketing films like this as a 'sequel' is misleading, as they are nowhere near the mark of sequel material.
You can tell how cheaply this was made; the voices have nowhere near as much effort and feel behind them as the original, and the animation is about that of a TV cartoon- a little rough around the edges.
For me, it's just an average thing to pass the time on a quiet evening every so often.
Music wise, the score is lovely; despite not to the same standards as the predecessor, it has its own charm to it and is all round quite suiting. However, there is an issue I can see.
The original film, song felt written around the story and pieced in to suit the mood and story. The songs were spread out through the film, but this film is the opposite. Four or five songs within the first 40 minutes is too much, and each one deliberately set up rather than gently flowing in. Don't get me wrong, there are some truly fantastic songs, just too close together and too forced.
Story wise, it's very much similar in parts to the original. 'You killed your relative,' 'Its not my fault' forms a key part of the plot, and there are several direct copies from th first, such as death by falling from hanging off a cliff-face. A heartwarming story in places, like Romeo and Juliet with love between rivals, but that's about it. There's nothing that truly stands out to me and makes you want to watch it again, and nothing that really grips you as the story unfolds. The speech feels forced rather than natural in places.
There's a nice mix of characters used in the film, bit the returning ones aren't all the same personalities, which is their defining part. Timon and Pumba don't feel wacky for their characterisation, but because we expect them to be so; they just feel wrong. Even Simba appears out-of-place in his homeland. The new characters however work well, and with a better script and voice acting, really cloud have brought something to the Lion King that would have made a real difference And created a true impact on the pride of Simba AND the audience. The turning against the evil villain was pretty predictable, but felt out of character. It could have developed further I feel than simply 'I'm evil, but now I'm good.'
Overall, I did enjoy it at times, but if you want a film that is emotionally moving, gripping and enjoyable, then I'd suggest you see the first one. This is good to while away a wet afternoon perhaps on an occasion, but that is all.
The best sequel I ever watched!
LittleKiara2 August 2010
Wonderful, dramatic tale, an interpretation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" in animal kingdom. The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride - best direct-to-video sequel ever: wise, romantic storyline, beautiful characters - some of them looks like much better than characters from 1st movie. Kovu, Vitani and of course Kiara - I love them all sooo much! Great songs and music - heartwarming "Love Will Find a Way" always make me cry. Too pity it wasn't released in cinemas - I hope Disney will release it in Blu-Ray format alongside with 1st movie. Thank you, Darrel Rooney! The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride - one of the last great traditional cartoons from Walt Disney Pictures! 10/10
One of the strongest of the Disney Sequels
datautisticgamer-7485327 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
My grandfather-turned-widower had this film on VHS ever since its 1998 premiere, though given its lesser status among Disney films it was only a periodic viewing. As my grandfather no longer desired his Panasonic PV-9451 upon moving, I gladly took it into my room. To celebrate a successful hooking up, I decided to view this, as it was the only Disney VHS they had that I have not viewed since I considered becoming a reviewer. Enough backstory, though, so... My response?
Given how it was released in the finale of the Disney Renaissance and was overlooked in favor of Mulan, there are most certainly disadvantages this film is presented with. As WDTA worked on this film, the animation is most certainly of a lower quality than the original (WDAS loses no contests to its subsidiaries). It continues to look fantastic in character design, more than can be said of other DTVs, but the more clunky, less fluid movements hinder it significantly in the action scenes. The new characters also feel as though they came out of, admittedly, a more than acceptable fanfic of The Lion King. They barely have connections to the original and are way too hastily introduced as ones we should, seemingly, be familiar with. At least, though, the acting is above average for a DTV, which in an alleged adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is important. This acting is especially apparent in the music, which I will say is this movie's strongest suit. Most numbers continue the tradition of sounding tribal African, while the major one that isn't makes a pretty underrated villain theme. The story does offer at least one good twist in the minor antagonists immediately coming to terms and has a few good jokes, but it flirts way too often with clichés and predicts, annoyingly early, what could have been a likable convolution (Kiara and Kovu's relationship). Some of the humor is also rather cheap (how Pumbaa reacts to "blast", for example).
To sum this movie up, this most certainly isn't up there with its predecessor, but it does offer a few strong suits of its own that make it, what I consider, among the best (or, as Nostalgia Chick would put it, least awful) Disney Sequels. If you're a fan of The Lion King or want to relive a 1998 childhood, you will take something out of watching this. For most others, you might want to consider giving it a try if only for its killer score.
Given how it was released in the finale of the Disney Renaissance and was overlooked in favor of Mulan, there are most certainly disadvantages this film is presented with. As WDTA worked on this film, the animation is most certainly of a lower quality than the original (WDAS loses no contests to its subsidiaries). It continues to look fantastic in character design, more than can be said of other DTVs, but the more clunky, less fluid movements hinder it significantly in the action scenes. The new characters also feel as though they came out of, admittedly, a more than acceptable fanfic of The Lion King. They barely have connections to the original and are way too hastily introduced as ones we should, seemingly, be familiar with. At least, though, the acting is above average for a DTV, which in an alleged adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is important. This acting is especially apparent in the music, which I will say is this movie's strongest suit. Most numbers continue the tradition of sounding tribal African, while the major one that isn't makes a pretty underrated villain theme. The story does offer at least one good twist in the minor antagonists immediately coming to terms and has a few good jokes, but it flirts way too often with clichés and predicts, annoyingly early, what could have been a likable convolution (Kiara and Kovu's relationship). Some of the humor is also rather cheap (how Pumbaa reacts to "blast", for example).
To sum this movie up, this most certainly isn't up there with its predecessor, but it does offer a few strong suits of its own that make it, what I consider, among the best (or, as Nostalgia Chick would put it, least awful) Disney Sequels. If you're a fan of The Lion King or want to relive a 1998 childhood, you will take something out of watching this. For most others, you might want to consider giving it a try if only for its killer score.
I wish I could rate this higher
moccos14 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Although I consider myself quite a big Disney fan, I usually skip the sequels - mostly because they seem awful from the trailers. Because I felt like watching a new Disney film, I said what the heck, and saw LK2, knowing they couldn't go too wrong in a sequel to their biggest hit. I'm a afraid I was proved wrong. I admit my expectations were low to begin with, but this movie sucks on so many levels.
I have yet to see a sequel with SO many references to the original. Any character mannerism you can think of in the LK is here (including Pumbaa's flatulence jokes). It's OK if it's done subtly and in crucial points of the story, but it's there every two minutes and it's so tacky. I lost count of how many times someone hung off a cliff in this movie.
The story is a rehash of TLK, only instead of hyenas you get the outlanders - a pack of lions and lionesses exiled from Pride Rock and led by Zera, the female version of Scar. There is an abundance of cringe-worthy moments, mostly thanks to the "brilliant" script (one such moment has Simba survive an attack by the outlanders and upon returning to Pride Rock, murmurs to his minions "Kovu... Ambush..." and bang, he passes out. It was worth it, I admit, I laughed out loud.
Songs - usually they're the highlight in a Disney movie, not here. Whoever wrote the lyrics should be sued. "Upendi"? "Not One of Us"? I'm sorry, the Disney Channel's chicks offer better music than this. And that's saying a lot.
Animation - as in most Disney sequels, the animation is Saturday-morning cartoon style, leaning heavily on cheap computer graphics that give it a sterile and stagnant look. No trace of the earthy, organic visuals of the 1994 classic. The characters, as you've probably concluded, look off model most of the time and move awkwardly.
Disney should pay respect to their classics and avoid a sequel if it's not going to receive a normal treatment.
I have yet to see a sequel with SO many references to the original. Any character mannerism you can think of in the LK is here (including Pumbaa's flatulence jokes). It's OK if it's done subtly and in crucial points of the story, but it's there every two minutes and it's so tacky. I lost count of how many times someone hung off a cliff in this movie.
The story is a rehash of TLK, only instead of hyenas you get the outlanders - a pack of lions and lionesses exiled from Pride Rock and led by Zera, the female version of Scar. There is an abundance of cringe-worthy moments, mostly thanks to the "brilliant" script (one such moment has Simba survive an attack by the outlanders and upon returning to Pride Rock, murmurs to his minions "Kovu... Ambush..." and bang, he passes out. It was worth it, I admit, I laughed out loud.
Songs - usually they're the highlight in a Disney movie, not here. Whoever wrote the lyrics should be sued. "Upendi"? "Not One of Us"? I'm sorry, the Disney Channel's chicks offer better music than this. And that's saying a lot.
Animation - as in most Disney sequels, the animation is Saturday-morning cartoon style, leaning heavily on cheap computer graphics that give it a sterile and stagnant look. No trace of the earthy, organic visuals of the 1994 classic. The characters, as you've probably concluded, look off model most of the time and move awkwardly.
Disney should pay respect to their classics and avoid a sequel if it's not going to receive a normal treatment.
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