The circle of life revisited

I was going down memory lane this morning when all of a sudden I felt my lungs constrict, my lip quiver and my eyes water. I wasn't looking through old family photos or watching family home videos of when I was learning how to walk.

I was watching "The Lion King." Yes, good old Walt Disney's 1994 classic.

Remember when Mufasa explains the circle of life to Simba or when (Warning: SPOILER Alert!) Mufasa sacrifices himself to save Simba from the wild stampede? Yes, my eyes were feeling a little misty. Luckily a tear drop didn't actually fall because that would have been really embarrassing.

Today was probably the first time I've watched this Disney movie in more than 10 years. Not only are the family messages moving (sacrifice, love, something else...) but it did take me back to when this movie first came out. I actually remember watching this when I was 6 years old and being so distraught when Mufasa dies.

I was reminded how the world was so much simpler then when your biggest dilemma was a cartoon lion dying for his cub.

It also reminded me how much better Disney used to be. Don't get me wrong — I love some of the newer movies ("Up" anyone??) — but they do seem to lack the magic. I mean, if forced to watch about some guy living in the land of raining meatballs or a little lion king, well there's really no choice.

So am I alone here (it wouldn't be the first time) or do you prefer the classics as well?