I prefer cub Nala too. When it comes to adult Nala, I definatly prefer the TLK-version. In SP, she seems to have grown much older, she has gained a lot of wisdom and life-excperience, and she is the very image of calm and understanding. I feel like the same thing happened to Jenna from Balto. After becoming a mother and getting older, she seems to have lost some of her "spark." I do love the four little moments in SP where Nala shows that she still has her playfulness and fierceness intact.
When she pins Simba right after cub Kiara has left Pride Rock, I love the look on her face! "haha Simba, I can still pin you!"
When she goes with Simba to rescue Kiara from the Outlands, and comes face to face with Zira. I love how Nala stands there, muscles tense, ready to spring, cold blue fire from her eyes. Then Zira and Nala share a look of pure loathing and comptemt. Makes you wonder if there is a story there...
When Kovu has rescued Kiara from the fire, and her parents arrive at the scene. Nala reminds Simba that he owes Kovu the life of his daughter. I love it when she speaks up like that!
Lastly, when she confronts Vitani in the final battle. Vitani appears saying "where’s your pretty daughter, Nala?" (best line ever!) and Nala exclaims "Vitani!" with an extreme fierceness before they start fighting. Again, this makes me wonder if something happened between Zira and Vitani and Nala.
