The Lion King 1½ (2004 Video) User Reviews (108)

Cute, Harmless Fun

[travisimo · 7/10 · 21 February 2004]

Being a fan of the first Lion King, I was definitely looking forward to this movie, but I knew there was really no way it could be as good as the original. I know that many Disney fans are wary of the direct-to-video movies, as I have mixed feelings of them as well.

While watching The Lion King 1½, I tried to figure out what my own viewpoint was regarding this movie. Am I going to be so devout about The Lion King that I will nitpick at certain scenes, or am I just going to accept this movie as just another look at The Lion King story? Most of the time, I found myself embracing the latter.

The Lion King 1½ definitely has its cute and funny moments. Timon and Pumbaa stole the show in the first movie and definitely deserved a movie that centered around them. People just love these characters! My favorite parts of the movie include the montage of Timon & Pumbaa taking care of young Simba and the surprise ending featuring some great cameos.

I could have done without many of the bathroom jokes though, like the real reason everyone bowed to baby Simba at the beginning of Lion King 1. I guess those types of jokes are for the younger set (which after all is the target audience. I don't think many kids are really concerned about Disney's profit margin on direct-to-video movies.)

However, I will say that I was somewhat annoyed when they directly tied in scenes from the original movie to this movie. I'm just too familiar with the original that those scenes just stuck out like sore thumbs to me. Something would be different with the music or the voices that it would just distract me.

As for the music, it wasn't too bad, but don't expect any classics to come from this movie. At least LK2 had the nice ballad, "Love Will Find a Way." As for the voicework, it was well done in this movie. Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella did a great job as always, and even new cast members, the classic comedic actor Jerry Stiller and Julie Kavner (best known as Marge Simpson), did a great job also. You can even enjoy these great voice talents even more by checking out the Virtual Safari on Disc 2 of the DVD. That feature is definitely a lot of fun!!

So all in all, The Lion King 1½ isn't a perfect movie, but it's cute and entertaining. I think many Lion King fans will enjoy it and appreciate it for what it is - a fun, lighthearted look at the Lion King masterpiece from our funny friends' perspectives.

My IMDb Rating: 7/10. My Yahoo! Grade: B (Good)

Downright not awful!

[Relaets · 7/10 · 8 August 2007]

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 :)

Another great straight-to-video sequel/spoof, that's worth a theatrical treatment.

[vip_ebriega · 7/10 · 8 June 2007]

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.

One Evening's Entertainment (Max)

[bnl771 · 4 March 2004]

As far as Disney sequels go, The Lion King 1 ½ is definitely above average. It works as often as it does (which is still only about equal to as much as it doesn't work) mainly due to its simple premise. In true Mystery Science Theater 3000 fashion, we see Timon (voice by Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa rewind the tale of The Lion King to a point before the familiar story. What begins is the tale of Timon, a troubled meerkat. Timon is somewhat of an outcast, the member of the colony who can never seem to do anything right. The only two allies he has in the troupe are his mother (Julie Kavner, The Simpsons) and his Uncle Max (Jerry Stiller, Seinfeld). Concerned with safety and a need to hide from the vicious hyenas, the meerkats must constantly dig and hide in order to survive. Timon, however, dreams of a world beyond the fear. After a cataclysmic mistake during lookout duty, Timon decides to leave his past behind and journey to find a new home.

As Timon sets out, he meets up with the existential primate Rafiki. In one of the truly funny scenes, Rafiki tells Timon to `Look beyond what you can see'. Unfortunately, Timon (not too bright) takes things a bit too literally and begins actually looking for things that are farther away than what he can see. This scene also provides the origins of Hakuna Matata; it is what Timon is searching for and must find to finally be satisfied. It is on this quest he meets the gaseous Pumbaa and a friendship is born.

Timon and Pumbaa search for their Hakuna Matata and it is on this journey that the movie works best. Their story is intertwined with the original The Lion King tale and some of the results are hilarious. Familiar sequences from the original classic are used from a different perspective and it is learned that Timon and Pumbaa were actually there all the time, doing more than we had ever given them credit for. In fact, Timon and Pumbaa seem to be the heroes of the story, a fact never touched upon in the original.

When The Lion King 1 ½ works, it is quite funny. Interjected with the MST3K type commentary and full of familiar scenes with new elements, there are parts of the story that are very clever. However, in a film that runs less than an hour and twenty minutes, you would expect little downtime. Unfortunately, the story is thin and when the quick comedy sketches pass, too much time is spent waiting for the humor to shine again.

The animation, for the most part, is slightly better than most Disney sequels. It is a mixture of traditional animation and computer generated elements. There is not the attention to detail and much fewer awe-inspiring sequences than in some of Disney's greater efforts of the past. The original cast is all here and they slip back into their characters with ease. The new characters are played well, though without much range (Timon's mom is a slightly less raspy Marge Simpson). The new musical numbers benefited greatly from the return of Elton John and Tim Rice and were actually quite fun.

I hold little hope that Disney will be able to recreate the magic of some of its most brilliant classics. The Lion King is not only a outstanding animated kid's film, but one of the best movies ever made. Sequels seem to be inevitable these days with the studio and most of them are abysmal. The Lion King 1 ½ is not a horrible movie. In fact, it is quite fun to watch once. Kids will enjoy the constant low-brow humor and there is enough `wink wink' jokes for the adults that this is a fine family rental.

Dig-a tunnel, dig-dig-a tunnel...

[Frequency270 · 7/10 · 13 February 2004]

Lion King 1 1/2 is a very fun and addictive sequel. Don't expect the production values of a theatrical release, but do expect the highest quality of direct to video release.

It is set up as Timon & Pumba begin watching the original Lion King in a darkened theater and abruptly switch tracks and begin narrating their own story. This is done with frequent comedic interruptions. For example, during one particular tense moment a home shopping commercial pops on and a chagrined Pumba realizes he has sat on the remote. These little moments pepper the movie, and whether you find them entertaining or not will greatly depend on your sense of humor. If you are particularly bothered by movies that deliberately remind the viewer is watching a movie, than this may not be your cup of tea.

Animation is the best they've invested in the Disney DTV line, and is integrated almost seamlessly with the original material. The newer, independent material uses a lot of the artistic style of the original. The voice talents are all well performed, though I couldn't help thinking of Marge Simpson every time I heard Julie Kavner.

Many of the jokes in the movie will be well recognized by viewers as recycled over the generations, but are presented more with the familiarity of comfortable quirks of old friends than annoyingly repetitive.

The music has made me realize how much I enjoyed and miss a good musical integrated with a Disney feature. The toe-tapping opening feature of 'Dig A Tunnel' is well choreographed and hilarious. Timon and Pumba's take on the Lion King's opening sequence and their introduction to paradise are also amusing. The only problem was the reprise of the 'Dig A Tunnel' at the end of the movie, switching its lyrics and tune from defeatist to uplifting.

Story line is pretty well done, and the integration of new plot elements is done almost perfectly, though the final bit during the hyena chased stretched the storyline credibility a little. The new story doesn't seem to handle saccharine or emotionally charged moments to well, and does better when it is resorting to full comedy.

Overall, worth purchasing. If you like all the bonus features that come with a typical 2-disc set, then go for it. For the penny pincher who still is willing to invest on a good flick, wait until it drops four or more dollars and go rent it right away.

Damion Crowley.

The Lion king 3

[auuwws · 7/10 · 2 December 2020]

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

It shouldn't be enjoyable but it actually is

[r96sk · 7/10 · 20 June 2020]

Kinda dumb and kinda silly, yet 'The Lion King 1½' somehow manages to create a good film despite the disjointed nature of it.

Timon and Pumbaa are the leads here, with Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella assuring things stay amusing. If those two didn't reprise their roles then it would've been a boring mess. Most of the main characters from 'The Lion King' return at some point too, with Matthew Broderick (Simba) and Robert Guillaume (Rafiki) notably reappearing.

The plot is exceptionally fairly funny, as we get an alternate look of how the 1994 film went down. It shouldn't be enjoyable but it actually is, helped by Lane & Sabella alongside the strong animation.

Not one to be taken seriously, just one to have a laid-back time with.

"And I thought beans were the only musical food!"

[ryan_kuhn · 7/10 · 13 February 2005]

If The Lion King is a serious story about a young lion growing up to avenge his father's death, The Lion King 1 and a half is the total opposite, full of whimsy and cheer. The Lion King told the story from the side of Simba the young lion, 1 and a half is from the view of Timone and Pumbaa, a less than perfect duo made up of a meercat who left home because he could not dig tunnels without burying his friends and neighbors and a warthog who has an odor issue. The movie is a little short on substance, but Disney does a good job of filling time with various sketches starring Timone and Pumbaa as they "watch" the movie with us. My favorite is the sing-along that happens halfway through the movie, make sure you watch the bouncing bug! Disney has advertised 1 and a half as "the rest of the story," though it really isn't. It is just a different perspective of The Lion King, without all of the serious stuff that pervaded most of the second half of the original Disney classic. Credit Nathan Lane as Timone and Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa for their voice work, without their efforts, the movie may not have worked. The sing, they entertain, and they make us laugh. They also give us a reason to avoid a hot tub with a warthog.

A great family evening!!

[Movie Hound Video · 10/10 · 21 February 2004]

One of the best movies for all ages. You will never be able to look at LION KING again without thinking of the extra history this movie adds. Nearly 40 years old, I watched this with my wife and two sons after work tonight & I have not laughed & enjoyed a movie so much in a long time.

Take time out and watch this with the kids. It will remind you of how Disney used to be when you were a young one.

Fun, cute and entertaining, not perfect, but not absolutely awful either

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 5 May 2010]

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

Intended for pre-schoolers and not for mature adults

[jordondave-28085 · 4/10 · 3 June 2023]

(2004) The Lion King 1 1/2 ANIMATION/ FAMILY

A prequel and straight to rental to the Disney's monster hit "The Lion King", centering only on two of it's characters of Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog, about how they first meet before meeting Simba, and seeking for a place to reside.

All I can say is that I thought Timon was unfunny and downright annoying, showcasing a simplistic message that could be seen way before the cartoon is even over, which Timon's annoyance somehow stretches into the film overshadowing whatever interesting it showed later. There's a reason why this movie did not receive a proper theatrical release and went straight to DVD or tape instead.

Another gem in the Lion King crown

[moviefan69 · 9/10 · 15 February 2004]

The Lion King series is easily the crowning achievement in Disney animation. The original Lion King is the greatest masterpiece in cel animation. Lion King II:Simba's Pride is the BY FAR the best direct-to-video sequel that Disney, or any other studio, has made for an animated feature. It deserved a theatrical release. The same can be said for this movie. It has the original cast, songs by Elton John, a hilarious story, exciting action, and touching character moments. Everything you've come to expect from this series. Not so much a new story, but filler and extended background on Timon and Pumbaa, and their place in this story. What impressed me the most, was the care taken in the animation. All to often, Disney shorts on the animation quality of their video and television efforts. But here, they seamlessly blend new animation with footage from the original film. The scenes never seem out of place. Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella are in full swing as Timon and Pumbaa. Matthew Broderick, Robert Guillame, and Moira Kelly reprise their roles as Simba, Rafiki, and Nala, respectively. We even get a return visit by Whoopi Goldberg and Cheech Marin as the hyenas.There are MANY big laughs in this movie. So if you love Lion King, you need this movie. The story is just not complete without it.

Quick Reviews!!

[malkane316 · 7/10 · 21 March 2005]

7 if you're a kid- 6 if you claim to be an adult. This semi-sequel to the Lion King sees to spin off side characters Timone and Pumba, retelling the original story through their eyes, including the story of how they met. In the grand tradition of Disney, inferior sequels are made, and occasionally TV series featuring the adventures of minor characters from their biggest hits. You can be as sceptical as you want about this, but kids and fans of the series will likely not care; their are enough jokes and songs and interesting things to ensure that this is one of the few above average sequels. This works because of the charm of the much-loved central characters, the quick pace, the in-jokes involving the first film, and for older viewers there are some funny gags. The animation is as good as ever, if a little less flamboyant than the original, but the plot here is all about taking it easy, Hakuna Matata.

Timone and Pumba decide to watch the events of the first film, frequently stopping mid-film to joke about parts of it, like a real audience. We see how Timone is a near outcast, he feels he does not fit in and decides to go looking beyond what he sees to find his ideal home. On the way he meets Pumba, another outcast and they become friends. Soon they meet Simba, a Lion cub, natural predator of T and P, but they form a trio. However, when Simba realises he must follow his own destiny and leave the group, it is up to the others to decide whether to help or not, and how. Of course the usual Disney elements and themes are here, friendship, good versus evil etc. The plot is simple but works on many levels, making it smarter than your average animated movie. As the CG movies appear, Disney's traditional form must become smarter, but not forget the roots which made them popular. Toy Story and all that have come since have been clever, with jokes to suit all ages, and it seems this is the way the market is shifting. However, there will always be a place for films like this, and you cannot go wrong buying this for the youngsters.

7 out of 10

"I love the smell of Pumbaa in the morning"

[Bored_Dragon · 6/10 · 2 June 2019]

"The Lion King 1½" tells the story from the original film from the perspective of Timon and Pumbaa. It is not even close to "The Lion King" from 1994, but the idea is interesting, humor at a decent level and there are a couple of really infectious songs. Worth a look.

6/10

Not bad, not great either

[masonrnewberry · 6/10 · 22 July 2019]

I just rewatched this movie for the first time since I was 12, and I remember it being better! The voice acting is spot on, which I expected with the original cast back. The story is what made this film just mediocre. It was done well, Just wishing it was a lot better.

entertaining enough

[disdressed12 · 6/10 · 10 May 2009]

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

good, but the first one is the best of the rest.

[rossrobinson · 27 July 2004]

The Lion King 3 or 1 1/2 as it's known to some other countries i think is good, i found this movie very intresting because it told us what Simba got up to when his father died and when he ran away from pride rock as his uncle scar told him to run away and never ever return. Simba meets too other animals called Tiom and Pumbaa who i think are funny and got a sense of humour together. When Simba joined in the fun with the two little rascals, to me it feels like Simba had a new set of parents who would look after him and watch him all the time (Keeping an eye on him and watching him all the time, just to keep him safe) This movie was sort of based with the lion king as there were scenes what we didn't see, how simba grew up step by step as in the lion king we only saw him as a young cub and then an adult, in the lion king 3, there was sort of a middle with simba as he was half cub and half adult (To me it means that he was in the middle of becoming an adult and out growing his young stage) This movie was brilliant and i give it 10 out of 10.

With The Lion King 1 1/2, the series seems to be moving away from drama, and more towards a comedy

[patrick_dunne · 6/10 · 26 January 2006]

The Lion King 1 ½ is called by this name because it isn't exactly Lion King 2 or 3. It's more of the first one, just Timon and Pumba's point of view.

In this story, Timon and Pumba were both expelled from their kind. (Just like they said in the song "Hakuna Matata" in the first one.) So, they go off, trying to find a new home to live in; somewhere where they can live up to the phrase "Hakuna Mattata." Along the way, various stuff happens- stuff that I either forgot, or stuff that I'm too lazy to write about. Anyways, they meet Simba, and the audience is given a chance to watch what we didn't see in the first one. Of course, the first wasn't incomplete or anything; this one just added extra stuff.

However, there are big differences between this and the original. First of all, the story seems simpler. It's more interesting, but it seems to closely resemble a simple adventure film. Second of all, The Lion King 1 ½ tries to be more of a comedy than the surprisingly moving drama the first one was. Third of all, it just seems too cheesy! Farting jokes make up most of the premise. The last song in the film just adds to it.

The Lion King 1 ½ is good for the kids, but miles away from the original.

6/10

Good: Well, it's interesting and funny for children.

Bad: It seems way too corny and simple to even have the name "The Lion King" on it. Plus, bias may be a factor to those who have seen the original. Oh well. Hakuna Matata. No worries.

Feel free to send me a Private Message regarding this comment.

A very good movie; better than expected.

[grumpyass · 9/10 · 12 February 2004]

I wasn't sure when I heard about this coming out. I was thinking how dumb is Disney getting. I was wrong. I found it to be very good. I mean it's not The Lion King but it's cool to see another side from a certain point. It was very funny. Also it wasn't one of those corny disney sequels were the animation sucks, it was just like The Lion King animation. The only thing that eritated me was the whole movie theater thing through out the movie. Not to give anything way but you'll know what I am talking about. I also fun that it was cool to have most of the cast from the original to return. It was a very good movie over all.

The best narrative of a Meerkat who can't get me good deals on my car insurance.

[GiraffeDoor · 7/10 · 31 January 2020]

We don't often get to see a sidequel, let alone a good one. This by design is not a serious movie. But it is a good bit of fun that doesn't miss a note.

Arguably Timon and pumbaa are to the Lion King Franchise how the Minions are to despicable me, but they are fleshed out as characters with a sophisticated dynamic together that is used to give this movie a greater sense of stakes toward the end.

Timon's character arc as a Flic-the-Ant style loser/dreamer finding his place in the world was genuinely charming to me.

This is worth a look for anyone who likes the first movie even if you felt the second was lacking. A few people might feel it undermines the original but you don't have to take this as canonical.

And despite my heading, I do like Timon a bit more than Alexander.

Another good example of a sidequel is "Lo's Diary" by Pia Pera, which is Lolita from Lolita's point of view.

A disgrace to the original

[MovieAddict2016 · 4/10 · 27 September 2005]

I found this to be an utter waste of time, effort and money. I know Disney always displays lack of creativity when making "straight-to-video" films - but rehashing the plot of the original film with a "new perspective" is an all-time low...soon they'll just be re-releasing the original films with new animation and new songs and be calling it a "new version of the movie we all love." Nathan Lane surprisingly returns to his role of Timon yet again. Timon and Pumbaa the animated animals from the world of the original "Lion King" embark on a narrative journey to tell us the original story the way it REALLY happened...as they see it.

Of course Timon is now the hero of the story, yadda yadda yadda, blah blah blah...

The musical sequences are lame and the animation is crap. The vocal talents are impressive for a video feature, but then again, when was the last time you remember Matthew Broderick, Whoopi Goldberg or Nathan Lane being in anything of real commercial substance? Overall if you liked the original you'll hate this. It's insulting because it's unfair to children and adults alike. And that about sums it up.

Underrated, but the best!

[marter2006 · 10/10 · 11 August 2019]

This movie is funny from beginning to end. It's brilliant! If you haven't seen this movie, boy you don't know what you're missin'.

Though it does ruin some of the best moments of the first film, it is a very fun comedy movie.

[CartoonKing2 · 6/10 · 3 October 2011]

"The Lion King 1½" is basically Timon and Pumbaa showing us what they were doing when the parts of "The Lion King" that they weren't in were going on. It tells us a lot of Timon's back-story, and we even get to see his family.

Unlike it's predecessors which contained a lot of dramatic scenes, this movie is a 100% comedy film. And it does a good job, this movie has a good sense of humor, and Timon and Pumbaa are back to their old funny selves (they weren't all that funny in the 2nd film). The animation is nicely done too. Also we have Julie Kavner (Marge Simpson) voicing Timon's mom, which is really cool.

But there are some things that I have to criticize. And the main thing is that this movie ruins some of the best moments of the first film. For example "The Circle of Life" scene. Having it where Pumbaa farts and that's why all the animals kneel down, while it is funny, it completely kills one of the best scenes in the "The Lion King". And there are much more of those scenes than the one I just mentioned.

"The Lion King 1½" is a fun comedy film, and it's certainly one of the better direct-to-video sequels. But it does ruin some of the classic moments, and it's really not a masterpiece. Overall, I recommend it, but it does have flaws.

Rating: 6/10 "Decent"

You remembered wrong. Sorry.

[evermanofgod · 5/10 · 6 June 2023]

You guys remember how these guys were the best characters of the original movie and how even with all of the other Disney sequels this one seemed stand head and shoulders above the rest? Yeah we were a bunch of dumb kids.

Sadly it's not nearly as funny or clever as we thought when we were younger, which is true of most movies we see when we are kids. Still though, the legend of this movie seems to outlive the actual film itself.

To give some context, my wife wanted to rewatch piglet's big movie to relive some childhood memories. She turned it off and said she wanted to watch something better, and both of our minds went to this movie. Then we turned it off. Definitely very shallow characters which is sad because the source material is so rich.