The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
We were invited by the Disney Social Club to watch an advance screening of the new TV series that will be released on Disney Junior.
[pic caption: "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" is a 50-minute long, made-for-TV movie that will premier Wednesday, January 27th at 6:30pm on an exceptional day, after the film "The Lion King" airs. The series, which stems from it, will arrive on TV screens on the 17th of February, 2016 at 6:30pm.]
You remember The Lion King, one of the biggest masterpieces the Disney Studios released in 1994! Its songs, its characters, and the beautiful scenery were breathtaking. At the very thought of it, "Hakuna Matata" plays in your head and you want to sing.
The Lion Guard is a follow-up story. Kion is the son of Simba, a cub who is playful, daring and courageous, friends with Bunga, a mischievous honey badger who is always prepared to make others laugh!
There's also Fuli, a crafty cheetah who is very fast, Beshte, a laid-back hippo who is very strong, and Ono, an egret with sharp sight.
Together, they comprise the Lion Guard. Their mission is to protect the Pridelands and the circle of life.
For waiting patiently and being fortunate enough to be invited to the advance screening, goodie bags were given to children. Inside were masks that could be exchanged for a small ticket that would allow some of them to leave with a plush Kion.
A beautiful and dynamic presentation of the future series recalls the fabulous film.
In order to preserve the surprise for everyone, no spoilers about the TV-movie will be written in this article.
At the end of the viewing, the audience is delighted.
The series showcases family values, self-awareness, and conservation of plants and animals.
We're reintroduced to Simba, Nala, Kiara, Timon, Pumbaa, and Rafiki along with their new friends in the TV-movie. Songs are present, with rhythms similar to the first film. From the point of view of an adult, we realize the songs are performed by a woman even when the character is male...
Swahili words are introduced through the dialogue, a callback to the Lion King. They will be welcome to anyone who knows how to speak the language, because no translation is given.
The art style is close to hand-drawn animation, done in a pencil style that is decorative and a touch charming. It works well and the colors are dynamic!
You'll also find the same style of humor that made us laugh as kids discovering The Lion King.
The series is a beautiful homage and engraves itself completely within the continuity of the first film with the substance of its great art style. The new characters are original and give each child someone to identify with. The one who really won my heart was Beshte, the peaceful hippo whose ears wiggle. Without fail, the series will be enjoyed by young and slightly bigger kids.
For adults, I don't think they'll stick to this series (it's doesn't have much for them). Despite the unique premise, the episodes risk being repetitive and boring.
After the screening, there were numerous surprises awaiting attendees, from face painters, tables full of coloring pages, and even balloons shaped into the forms of the main characters. Before leaving, two special guests arrived, no less than Timon and Rafiki!
For an extra hug and souvenir, kids leave with a photo and a diploma with their name on it, and behold my complete collection.
Come back on January 27th, 2016 on Disney Junior to watch this new series.
Discuss it on the forum here: *link to forum*