The King And I (1999) *

Directed by Richard Rich. Fans of Rogers and Hammerstein will have a hard time recognizing their favorite musical: there are fearsome dragons, playful monkeys, last-minute rescues in balloons, and fat clowns getting their teeth knocked out. The songs are still there, but even such standards as "Shall We Dance" and "Getting To Know You" are performed very poorly. Kids might like it, but adults would be better off renting the 1956 live-action classic starring Yul Brynner.