The Lion King 1 1/2 is a retelling of the original Lion King story from the perspective of supporting character Timon. This is a rare straight to DVD project of high quality that is more of a feature length supplemental to the first movie than it is an actual half sequel like the title implies. The idea that a cartoon--a two dimensional illusion told through a stack of drawings--can have an actual behind the scenes angle to go to is interesting. Add to that its own story arch pushing a sidekick to the forefront. But "1 1/2," with its forced drama, fell flat and should be considered more of an obnoxious/cute behind the scenes commentary. It's ironic that they tries to add substance to a story with a story with no substance.

I Abuse Substance
Ultimately, the film itself did not make sense because animals don't really talk. For example, the film shows that Timon comes from an underground Jewish community of African meerkats in hiding, and he speaks with a lot of references to today's American pop culture. There is also a scene where he was trying to distract hyenas by pulling a bundle of plates and sticks from behind his back using the sticks to spin the plates. There was no indication that he was capable of this skill, nor does he have the capacity for storing these objects on his back. There was no foreshadowing as to where he acquired these plates and poles (a traveling circus performing in the wilderness perhaps?). These are just lazy continuity errors in storytelling and neglection in historical accuracy. The film also cuts to scenes where warthog Pumbaa operates a remote control for a VCR in a movie theater. He also went off screen to prepare himself some bugs to snack on. The implemented sound effects suggested that Pumbaa was using a microwave. Warthogs can't afford these leisures. Nor can they talk.

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It is obvious that this film was produced for children, with children being the easiest demographic to lie to. But can this film be enjoyed by adults as well? Yes. I do believe this film can reach the gullible child in all of us.

Usually Disney projects that are straight to video and spin off series look like they were animated by the children of unwed interns, but for a change the animation was good, the colors were rich, and the music was still terrible.

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All in all, this movie might as well have been the third disc to a Lion King Criterion Special Edition. Even though it was hard to suspend my belief for such a nonsensical premise of animals that can talk, sing, and use electrical devices, I still admired its boldness. That alone is worth the time I killed a small child. One and a quarter stars.