‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Review – Your Childhood Is Safe As Jenkins Materializes Myth

Synopsis: Exploring the unlikely rise of the beloved king of the Pride Lands, “Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

Just because you want something doesn’t mean it’s meant for you nor does it mean you deserve it. And even when something is meant for you, it may not be your time. Be patient, be mindful, be active, and be decent. Everything will work out as it should.

“I always wanted a brother.”

Every time it’s announced that a remake or a sequel of some sort is being made of a beloved film from our adolescence, we all collectively gasp. The sudden inhale is usually a mixed reaction of excitement and fear. It is exciting to see what new or improved storylines and characters can grow our fondness for what we consider a classic. Yet, there’s a looming fear that the finished product will be a disappointment thus perverting a core memory and staple of your youth. This sentiment was exactly what reverberated throughout the internet once it was officially announced in 2022 at D23 that a story about Mufasa was in the works. Now that it’s here, how dejected will you be? Directed by Barry Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually captivating ode to a character that helped shape a generation. Rest assured, your childhood is safe as Jenkins materializes myth. Like Thor: Love and Thunder, this legend of Milele’s first king is told second-hand. Fortunately for us, Rafiki is a far more reliable storyteller than Korg. This recalling of a once great lion is told to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s cub, with the profound love and deep reverence her grandfather deserves. He taught us about life and death, compassion, and what it means to be a good father, and now he’s getting the flowers he deserves.

Filled with thrilling moments, sweeping views of an impressive landscape, some memorable songs, and animals you can’t take your eye off of, Mufasa: The Lion King is sure to dazzle many. However, recapturing the magic of the original animated film is a daunting task that can’t be accomplished. I’ll be the first to say, I was not a fan of the remake. The live-action animation was jarring and lifeless and lacked the care that went into making the 90s classic. Nostalgia can’t save everything. Thankfully, this new installment looks amazing and requires creativity and passion as it’s paying homage to Mufasa as well as the man behind the voice, James Earl Jones. Starting from Mufasa’s youth as a curious cub who suffers loss and discovers his greatest fear, he is then tasked with reaching a land that is merely lore to most lions is thrust upon him as tragedy strikes. After pain comes resilience as the future king meets Taka, a lion of royal blood who quickly accepts him as a brother. The duo eventually set a course to discover their destiny.

“Deceit is a tool of a great King.”

This film is a story of outcasts. The franchise has never been about fitting in. It champions individuality, self-acceptance, and self-actualization while reminding us that we are stronger together. As this family-friendly journey poses questions and teaches lessons on morality and community, it also entertains. There are fights, stampedes, answers to questions you’ve pondered and some you haven’t, and then there’s Timon and Pumbaa constantly interjecting in an unamusing fashion. Subsequently, that’s where the film falls flat. It is incredibly humorless.

Nevertheless, this prequel succeeds in doing what’s most important. It presents the who, what, where, how, and why Mufasa is the King of Kings. Also, it answers the questions we’ve always wondered, how Scar received his scar and why the rift between the brothers emerged. Furthermore, some shots and scenes render familiar actions more significant than ever, voice acting that brings the story to life, and more new characters that could potentially be explored. While the songs may not be as timeless and iconic, three are clearly bangers. At the top of the list is Bye Bye performed by Mads Mikkelsen, it’s lively yet diabolical and extremely catchy. Unfortunately, all of its positives are bogged down by its inconsistent pacing, lack of focus, and lack of humor. In the end, it succeeds in spectacle but ultimately lacks soul resulting in a drawn-out and occasionally exhausting experience. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pace & Pop

The film’s pacing is inconsistent. From beginning to end, the story is uprooted by the attention-seeking Timon and Pumbaa and it is more annoying than funny. Also, the direction gets lost in exposition as the CGI team flexes a little. What popped for me was the introduction of the outsider lions. They add an exciting layer to the tale. They are meticulous and ruthless.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Taka), Tiffany Boone (Sarabi), Kagiso Lediga (Young Rafiki), Preston Nyman (Zazu), Mads Mikkelsen (Kiros), Thandiwe Newton (Eshe), Lennie James (Obasi), Anika Noni Rose (Afia), Keith David (Masego), John Kani (Rafiki), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), Donald Glover (Simba), Blue Ivy Carter (Kiara), Braelyn Rankins (Young Mufasa), Theo Somolu (Young Taka), Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Nala)

The voice performances are mostly impressive. Aaron Pierre does an excellent job embodying the spirit of Mufasa. He is noble, honest, humble, and selfless. The pairing of Pierre’s Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka works incredibly well. The lion prince, Taka is entitled, cowardly, sneaky, and a snitch, but also weirdly loyal. Tiffany Boone as Sarabi adds an interesting and pivotal layer to the story as she finds herself in a love conundrum. Mads Mikkelsen as the dangerous Kiros makes the film worth watching as he instills Scar-level fear in every animal he beholds. Blue Ivy Carter excels in her first outing. She captures the innocence and curiosity of Kiara. Lastly, Kagiso Lediga, as young Rafiki, is perhaps the most enjoyable as he brings a mixture of wisdom and silliness.

Mufasa: The Lion King releases in theaters December 20, 2024. Stay safe and stay true.

Rated: PG Runtime: 2h Director: Barry Jenkins Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson Producers: Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak Executive Producer: Peter Tobyansen Original Songs: Lin-Manuel Miranda Composer: Dave Metzger Director of Photography: James Laxton, asc Editor: Joi McMillon, ace Visual Effects Supervisors: Adam Valdez, Audrey Ferrara Visual Effects Producer: Barry St. John Animation Supervisor: Daniel Fotherinham