Our JP gives his thoughts on the latest chapter of “The Lion King” franchise. An all-star cast voices their roles in “Review: Mufasa: The Lion King.”
Mufasa: The Lion King
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
- Directed by Barry Jenkins
- Screenplay by Jeff Nathanson
- Based on Disney’s The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
- Produced by Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak
- Starring Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Tiffany Boone, Donald Glover, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Studio 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. The film features an all-star roster of talent, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., John Kani, Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, 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 and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen. Featuring songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Mufasa: The Lion King” opens only in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.
J.P.’s Take:
Disney’s freshening of stale stalwart stories continues with “Mufasa: The Lion King,” for a prequel that also serves as a sequel.
“The Lion King” (2019) received the photo-realistic treatment as a way of utilizing advanced tech to tell a much more immersive tale. And they seem to be riding on a high note, once again, as it was a success at the box office. “Mufasa” carries that same weight in tale weaving, with the added effect of realistic imagery. Disney also has a penchant for hand-selecting the right directors, writers, and music composers to uplift their latest creations to their full potential.
Personifying creatures of the Serengeti can certainly be a daunting feat. However, Disney turns to award-winning director Barry Jenkins to do just that. Jenkins’ ability to flesh out characters, not to mention the collaboration with the effects wizards there at Disney, is what “Mufasa” thrives on. The painstaking work it took to scan and animate these creatures is remarkable craftsmanship. This quality allows viewers to hone in on the subject and the players involved equally.
It is also a plus that the actors chosen to lend their voices to the characters are quite capable of exuding their personalities onto the screen in just the right manner. Throughout this nearly 2-hour excursion, you start to believe these creatures can speak and sing. As for the story, there are moments of poignancy, hope, doubt, and deceit. Nothing you won’t find in a typical Disney outing, nor was it truly outstanding.
Within this tale, Pumbaa (voiced by Seth Rogan) and Timon (Billy Eichner) are cub-sitting Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), while her parents set off for an oasis where Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) are expecting their second cub. It’s all told from the wise mandrill Rafiki’s (older Rafiki voiced by John Kani, younger Rafiki voiced by Kagiso Lediga) point of view. You can practically superimpose Simba’s story over Mufasa’s, as the two share similar backstories thus continuing the legacy thereof. It has the same effect as in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” narrative-wise.
This doesn’t mean it’s no less fascinating to watch as this backstory carries just as much weight as “The Lion King’s” parable. Thankfully the cast was full of life with their performances: Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, Thandie Newton as Eshe, Tiffany Boone as Sarabi, Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, Lennie James as Obasi, Anika Noni Rose as Afia, Keith David as Masego, Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu as Junia, Folake Olowofoyeku as Amara, Sheila Atim as Ajarry, Abdul Salis as Chigaru, Maestro Harrell as Inaki and Dominique Jennings as Sarafina.
I was surprised by the turnout of such a tale. I didn’t think I’d get into it as much as I would with many Pixar’s outings, yet this one had a lasting impression on me. Although it’s nothing truly special, “Mufasa: The Lion King” has its charm and, is sure to bring families together for the holidays, much like many of Disney’s entities.
Official Site: Mufasa: The Lion King
