White Lion

WHITE LION 4.8/10 rated PG runtime 90 minutes A labor of love shot over the course of several years, this is, unfortunately, a noble failure. The movie is built around the incredible rapport that Kevin Richardson (the producer) has with animals, particularly lions. This makes for scenes and camera shots that would have been difficult if not impossible for others to do. The problem with the movie is that it is dreadfully slow and somewhat clichéd as well. Gorgeous scenery is offset by continuity problems with the featured lions, who change in appearance markedly between shots, and a stodgy, uninspired film score adds to the woes. John Kani, who is a revered actor in South Africa, narrates the story in a soporific style that underlines the dragging pace of the movie as a whole.

When one thinks of Jean-Jacques Annaud's film The Bear, which is also a story of a young animal fighting for survival, one realizes just how far White Lion was from being the movie that this investment of time and effort deserved. If you do happen to watch this movie on DVD, though, make sure to check the special features: the sight of Kevin playing with his lion friends is just awe-inspiring, and the obvious affection that the lions have for him touching.