The cute, brave and cuddly animals of Disney’s Lion King take over your DVD player in Lion Guard: Return of the Roar. Fun filled for the youngsters this new adventure tells a coming of age for Simba’s growing up cub Kion. It has strong values like making the right decision, leadership, friendship, bravery and identifying the strengths of others. It plays best to boys, but the girls will have fun too because the music’s lively and Simba’s daughter Kiara has a role in the film as well.
Kion is having a great day playing with his best friend Bunga who’s a brave honey badger. The two are throwing around a baobab fruit and it has been rolling all over the pride lands. As they get near the edge of a ravine leading to the forbidden outlands the baobab fruit falls way below them. Brave Bunga wants to go after the ball like fruit, but Kion reminds him that it is forbidden by Simba his father.
Bunga’s quick and spry so he leaps down to get the baobab, but deep inside the ravine are the hyenas lead by Janja a territorial predator. When Kion sees Bunga in trouble he gives out an unexpected huge roar scaring away the hyenas so Bunga can escape. When Kion arrives back home his father must tell him about his new found vocal talent and the important Lion Guard.
The film lasts only 44 minutes, but I’m quite sure your youngster will play it a lot. It also has several high energy songs and one that stands out the most called “Here Comes the Lion Guard” performed by Beau Black. As a bonus feature the music video for Here Comes the Lion Guard can be played often by clicking on the extra on the main menu.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A fun and adventurous film for the young members of the household. (B)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: James Earl Jones, Ernie Sabella, Rob Lowe, Gabrielle Union, Max Charles, Joshua Rush, Atticus Shaffer, Diamond White, Dusan Brown
Directed by: Howy Parkins
TV Rating: TV-Y
Genre: Kids, Adventure
Running Time: 44 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Video Release Date: February 23, 2016
Language: English (changeable to French)
Reviewed Format: DVD + Digital Copy and Free Talking Backpack Clip
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0
Video: 1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions)
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
