The 1990’s produced a vast array of entertainment, especially for younger audiences. The Lion King (1994) and Space Jam (1996) are two of these movies.
The Lion King
Simba (voiced as a cub by Jonathan Taylor Thomas and by Matthew Broderick as an adult) is a young lion prince in the jungle. When his uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), accuses Simba of murdering his father by starting a wildebeest stampede, Simba runs. Years later, when he comes face to face with his past, Simba must decide to run or face his demons.
I like this movie. Taking a break from their traditional fairy tale/prince and princess/happily ever after storyline, the good people at Disney took a risk with this movie. The risk paid off. The movie won multiple awards and it’s Broadway incarnation has been playing for nearly 20 years. What I find interesting is that this movie could be construed as, Hamlet in the jungle. But that’s fine, because it is an enjoyable film.
Space Jam
Michael Jordan (playing himself) must help the Looney Tunes gang win a game of basketball against aliens who have stolen the abilities of well known NBA players.
Michael Jordan was the king of basketball in the 1990’s. So it made perfect sense to cast him rather than cast an actor and teach them how to play. This movie is not for everyone, but it is entertaining and it has a message about self esteem at it’s core, a message I think we all need to hear every once in a while.
I recommend it.
Writergurlny 