MUFASA: THE LION KING (2024)

Genre: Adventure/Action
Director: Barry Jenkins
Cast: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings, Beyoncé Knowles 
Runtime: 1 hr 58 mins
Rating: TBA
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 19 December 2024

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 s tory 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.

Movie Review:

If you did not think much of the 2019 remake of Disney’s beloved 1994 movie The Lion King, it is unlikely that you will show much love to this movie that is both a prequel and a sequel. Many people had qualms about how the photorealistically animated animals lacked the heart of the original movie directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, and didn’t bring anything refreshing to the table.

Damn the naysayers, because the movie still went on to make $1.6 billion internationally during its theatrical run, and even garnered nominations at several film awards. With this success, why wouldn’t Disney give the greenlight for this latest instalment in the franchise?

Adding credibility to the project is Oscar Best Director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk), who took over the role of the director from Jon Favreau. The screenplay written by Jeff Nathanson tells the story of how a young Mufasa lost his family in a flood and meets Taka, a fun and compassionate cub. Taka also happens to be the heir to a royal bloodline. The two bond and eventually find themselves on a journey with Sarabi (fans would know she and Mufasa would give birth to Simba), Rafiki the wise mandrill who keeps emphasising that he is not a baboon and Zazu the chatty hornbill who loves giving update reports.

The story is mostly told in flashbacks by an older Rafiki to Simba’s daughter Kiara while Simba and Nala are away expecting their second cub. Throughout the storytelling, Timon and Pumbaa provide comic relief. This is probably the filmmakers’ approach to increasing fan appeal by bringing back the original voice cast members Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles- Carter, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and John Kani. To add even more star power, Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter voices Kiara.

For most of the 118 minute movie, you will be hearing Aaron Pierre as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrion Jr as Taka – and no prizes for knowing that he will become Scar. Elsewhere, Anika Noni Rose and Keith David voice Mufasa’s parents, while Thandiwe Newton and Lennie James take on the roles of Taka’s parents. Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen does a great job voicing a menacing white lion, and even gets to sing a silly song titled “Bye Bye”.

The soundtrack features new tunes by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and while they are not as iconic as Academy Award Best Original Song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”, the music does remind us of the songwriter’s Broadway sensation Hamilton. This is especially so for Mufasa and Sarabi’s duet “Tell Me It’s You”. We are also playing Mufasa and Taka’s infectious “I Always Wanted A Brother” on loop. Nicholas Britell’s compositions incorporate themes from Hans Zimmer’s Academy Award Best Original Score, which alleviate the viewing experience. South African musician Lebo M also returns to providing soaring vocals and performances.

One thing about the 2019 movie was that viewers knew exactly how the story was going to progress. What we liked about this sequel and prequel is that while we are aware of what the story is leading towards, it is a fresh viewing experience.

The plot may develop in a predictable manner (you can expect how Scar got the scar over his eye and how Pride Rock was formed), but we are mesmerised by the breathtaking visuals – especially how they are magnificently presented on an IMAX screen. There are also notably more close up expressions of the talking animals in this movie. It’s true that the photorealism will not capture the same magic as the original animated film, but it still serves as an effective storytelling tool to make this movie an engaging experience.

Movie Rating:

(You may know how Mufasa and Taka's story is going to turn out, but you will still be entertained by Lin-Manuel Miranda's songs and awed by the movie's breathtaking and stunning landscapes)

Review by John Li