Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
In 1994, Disney brought us "The Lion King," and it was an instant favorite of my 11-year-old self, as well as millions of others. Its stunning visuals, unforgettable songs and deeply emotional story on loan from Shakespeare resonated with audiences of all ages.
Fast forward to 2019, Disney reimagined the classic with a live-action-esque remake. While visually impressive, it left many viewers feeling like the heart of the original was lost, me included. Now, in 2024, Disney invites us back to the Pride Lands with the prequel "Mufasa: The Lion King."
I went into this new installment cautiously optimistic. The idea of exploring Mufasa's backstory intrigued me, but I was also skeptical, given Disney's track record with sequels and prequels. So, how did it fare? While "Mufasa" has its moments and is visually stunning, it struggles to rise to the level of the original.
Here's what worked and what didn't.
A visual feast
One thing Disney has consistently excelled at in recent years is creating visually breathtaking films, and "Mufasa" is no exception. The Pride Lands look incredible, from the golden savannahs to the intricate details of the watering holes and rocky outcrops. The animation is so lifelike that, at times, you'd think you were watching a nature documentary.
The movie's most visually striking moments are tied to Mufasa's journey. Scenes of him navigating harsh storms or standing against the backdrop of a fiery sunset are undeniably powerful. The filmmakers clearly spared no expense ensuring every frame would captivate the audience.
That said, stunning visuals can only carry a movie so far. While the landscapes and animations were mesmerizing, the lack of a compelling story kept them from fully resonating.
The songs fell flat
One of the cornerstones of "The Lion King" has always been its music. From "Circle of Life" to "Hakuna Matata," the original's songs are etched into the hearts of millions. Unfortunately, "Mufasa" struggles to live up to that legacy, despite help from the wildly talented Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The new songs, while not outright bad, lack the magic and memorability of the original soundtrack. None of the numbers feel like they'll stand the test of time, and I found myself longing for something that could match the energy of "Be Prepared" or the emotional weight of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." While the score complements the visuals nicely, the actual songs are forgettable, which is a letdown for a movie tied to such a musically iconic franchise.
Moments of humor
One of the saving graces of "Mufasa" is its humor. Timon and Pumbaa make their return and, as expected, bring plenty of laughs. Their comedic timing and banter add much-needed levity to the film, especially during slower moments. How they come in the movie and when, however, is a bit odd and kills the momentum. But they'll make you laugh nonetheless.
Additionally, some emotional beats hit the mark. Mufasa's determination to rise above his circumstances and find his place in the Circle of Life is heartwarming, even if the execution doesn't always do the story justice.
How it stacks up to "The Lion King" (2019)
If you were underwhelmed by the 2019 "Lion King," there's a good chance you'll find "Mufasa" to be an improvement. The movie has more heart than its predecessor, and the inclusion of new characters helps it feel somewhat fresh. However, it still doesn't come close to recapturing the magic of the 1994 classic.
Where "Mufasa" edges out the 2019 remake is in its emotional moments and humor. The film feels a bit more alive and vibrant, even if it falls short in other areas. For parents, it's worth noting that the movie is more engaging for younger audiences, as evidenced by my kids' reactions. My 14-, 11- and 8-year-olds had a great time and said it was better than the 2019 film.
Conclusion
"Mufasa: The Lion King" is a visually stunning film with a few genuinely funny and heartfelt moments, but it ultimately lacks the inspiration and magic that made the original "Lion King" a masterpiece. The songs are forgettable, the story feels predictable and the pacing can't always sustain interest. That said, it's still a decent family movie and younger audiences will likely have a great time with it.
If you're a fan of the "Lion King" franchise or simply looking for a visually impressive animated film, "Mufasa" is worth a watch. Just keep your expectations in check, as this prequel, while entertaining, doesn't roar as loudly as its predecessors.
"Mufasa: The Lion King" is rated PG for mild peril and thematic elements.
