I recently saw this movie and was very surprised to see what I saw.
In it, there are political themes which I can't imagine any child to find interesting, such as the King calling a democratic government balderdash. There are also some characters and scenes which didn't really fit in. The main antagonist is Fita, however we see that she is working for a human (more on that later) called the ringmaster, who wants to use the animals for his circus. This ringmaster character only laughs and only appears for about 90 seconds. He is never defeated which leaves a not totally complete resolution. In the movie, they also talk about "the humans" and how they are an inferior race (the king was hesitant about democracy because the humans used it). To be honest the humans serve no part in this film. There is little worldbuilding but lots of lore.
Yes, you heard me right, there is lore. Like I said before they view the humans as an inferior race, which shows that at one point these animals evolved and overthrew the humans, took their civilization, and the humans are now somewhere else. After they overthrew them, the lions took over and started a Monarchist right-wing government where they rule. But in the movie, it is revealed that the government became corrupt, and I theorize that the reason they protested at the beginning was because of this government not giving them proper wages.
Donkeys in the movie are looked down on and considered the lowest class, not to mention that all they do is wash clothes; it can be assumed that they are not payed by anyone thus making them slaves. We also see that all the rhinos are the king's guards, which means that their species decides their job. So they all have to do they part, which suggests a socialist society, when I don't think that is the case.
Overall it was an interesting concept. But with strong political themes and unnecessary scenes and characters and a sudden change in plot, it wasn't that good. The animation and voice acting weren't too bad, but I found the behind the scenes at the end to be funnier than anything in the movie.
A little rough around the edges, but go ahead and watch it if you want.
-Honest Earl.
