‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Movie Review: An Unexpectedly Beautiful, Exhilarating Prequel With Those Barry Jenkins Touches
Photo from Disney
From Joe Peltzer
When it was announced that a prequel to 2019’s “live action” The Lion King was in development, the collective groans from the Disney fandom and cinema goers alike were heard loud and far. The beloved 1994 animated hit was, to say the least, roughly translated to the big screen by Jon Favreau, from the scene-for-scene retelling to the CGI creatures being non-emotive and, well, not live. Still, 2019’s adventure made over a billion dollars for The Mouse House and they courted Academy Award-nominated director Barry Jenkins (helmer of 2016’s Best Picture Moonlight) in an odd, but intriguing get. Finally hitting big screens this holiday season, Mufasa: The Lion King is an unexpected bright spot in the 2024 cinema landscape, elevated by beautiful (and drastically improved) visuals/animation, a superb voice cast, and an origin story packed with relentless heart and Disney charm.
The film centers around Rafiki (voiced by John Kani) telling young Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter), daughter of Simba (voiced by Donald Glover) and Nala (voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), all about how her grandfather Mufasa came to be the king of the Pride Lands and his relationship with his adoptive brother Taka. Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogan) are back to provide color commentary throughout, often with laugh-out-loud references and well-timed jokes. Voicing the young Mufasa is here is Aaron Pierre while Taka (aka Scar) is voiced by Kevin Harrison, Jr. They’re joined by the talented Thandiwe Newton (Eshe, Taka’s mother) and Lennie James (Obasi, Taka’s father), as well as retuning Disney princess Anika Noni Rose (Afia, Mufasa’s biological mother), best know as Princess Tiana.
From the moment the film started, it had me ensnared in nostalgia and charm, dedicating the project to the late James Earl Jones (the original voice of Mufasa). There is an opening composition that doesn’t necessarily rival the classic music of the first film, but certainly brings you right back into the world. As Simba marches to the top of Pride Rock to make an announcement, it’s difficult not to commit to the return right there. The story that follows is fast-paced and fills in history that we never really known. This isn’t an adaptation of The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, but there are elements that fans may recognize. At the core, we find out how an orphaned Mufasa comes to be meet Taka/Scar, how they form a brotherly bond, and how their story leads to the events of The Lion King. Mads Mikkelsen voices Kiros, the terrifying (and huge) leader of the violent pack of lions, The Outsiders, seeking to take down any pride (and king) in an effort to reign supreme. Standing in his way is Taka/Scar, who is suspected to be the last of the noble bloodline standing in Kiros’ way.
Mufasa: The Lion King is both a story that didn’t need to be told and one that I am glad exists; the exhilarating action and quick storytelling completely engulfs you from the very beginning. The voice cast is unrivaled this year in dynamic performances behind the mic, especially Pierre who booms a commanding voice as Mufasa finds who he is. If you close your eyes at some parts, you may think you’re listening to a younger James Earl Jones. Blue Ivy Carter, here in her film debut, is excellent in her limited time as the young Kiara, playing off of Eichner and Rogensen with ease. Mikkelsen and Newton are notable standouts, as well.
Most impressive in this film is the advancement of the animation that allows for this world to come to life. Whereas 2019’s film was devoid of emotive expression in any of the characters, Jenkins’ film has found a way for the lions and others to wear their feelings on their faces as they speak and/or sing. This simple improvement allows for an investment that was missing in The Lion King, especially as new characters, dynamics, and songs are introduced (more below). There is an underlying message of self realization that builds upon Mufasa’s lasting message to Simba, “remember who you are,” and fuels the titular characters development. This and many other connections to the established stories of the characters will be easily recognizable to fans. Though the story moves rather quickly and the introduction of so many characters may be difficult for some, it mostly works, keeping things fresh and engaging.
Speaking of songs, Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers a number of original works for the film. Catchy as they are, it may take some time on rewatch for them to really land. They have all of the hallmarks of a Miranda project, from the interplay between the characters to the repetition of the most contagious lyrics. While alone they will likely never rise to the admiration of “Circle of Life,” “Be Prepared”, or “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” they complement the story being told.
All in all, Mufasa: The Lion King is an unexpected hit, a beautifully told story displayed in a visually captivating manner that showcases Jenkins at his most marketable, but with his personal storytelling touches noticeable throughout. You got me again, Disney, and yes, your charm has me looking at booking a trip to Disney World ASAP. This is family filmmaking at its finest; parents will enjoy it, kids will adore it. Another win for Disney.
Rating: 4/5
Mufasa: The Lion King hits theaters on Friday.
