THE LION KING is a grand visual entertainer

Mufasa: The Lion King (English) Review {3.5/5} & Review Rating

Director: Barry Jenkins 

Mufasa: The Lion King Movie Review Synopsis:
MUFASA: THE LION KING is the story of five misfits on an adventurous journey. After the events of the first part, Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) proudly rule the Pride Lands. They go to a distant part of the kingdom to mate, leaving their daughter Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) alone. Simba asks Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) to give them company, which they do. But the trio are joined by an unexpected guest – Rafiki (John Kani). He tells Kiara the story of her grandfather, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and where he came from. Rafiki reveals that Mufasa lived happily with his parents though their region experienced drought. The parents tell them of a land they call ‘Milele’ where there’s peace and greenery all around. One day, it starts raining heavily. The dam bursts and Mufasa is separated from his parents. He reaches a distant land where he befriends a cub, Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr). Taka is the son of Obasi (Lennie James) and also the successor to the throne. Obasi hates Mufasa, as he feels that he’s a stray who’ll betray Taka. But Taka and Obasi’s partner Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) develop a liking for Mufasa. Mufasa and Taka grow up and are inseparable. Sadly, the pride faces a challenge when The Outsiders, that is, a pack of white lions, headed by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), threaten to eliminate them all. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Mufasa: The Lion King Movie Story Review:
The story is damn good and nicely adds to this series. Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay is gripping and is peppered with entertaining and dramatic scenes. The dialogues are lovely, especially the philosophical ones.

Barry Jenkins’ direction is supreme. Making MUFASA: THE LION RISK is a risk as THE LION KING has a huge fan base across audiences of all groups and that too across the world. Trying to add to its storyline and making a prequel is a gamble that could have backfired, as it happened with JOKER recently. Thankfully, the risk pays off here. The first thing that appeals to the viewers is its grandeur. The film is mounted on a huge scale and the manner in which these animals are depicted is sure to amaze viewers, especially the children. Moreover, it has a great story to tell. There’s also consistency in characterization – Mufasa has been depicted in a certain way in the earlier part and in this flick, those traits are very much seen. In fact, viewers get to see how he learned these skills. There’s also a nice parallel drawn with certain happenings in THE LION KING. A few scenes that are memorable are Mufasa’s separation, Mufasa and Taka’s race, Mufasa advising Taka how to woo Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), the elephant stampede, etc.

On the flipside, Timon and Pumbaa this time fail to raise laughs. In fact, it seems like they are trying too hard. The final flight is a bit underwhelming. Thirdly, the viewers will get slightly confused in places because Taka and Mufasa look a bit similar, especially in wide shots. Lastly, the timing of the release in India can prove to be a slight problem.

Mufasa: The Lion King | Final Hindi Trailer | In Cinemas December 20

Mufasa: The Lion King Movie Review Performances:
Speaking of voiceovers, Aaron Pierre’s work is praiseworthy as he tries to get into the shoes of James Earl Jones, the original voice of Mufasa in THE LION KING and the 1994 animation film. But he manages to do very well and viewers won’t have complaints. Kelvin Harrison Jr is the next best followed by Tiffany Boone and Thandiwe Newton. Mads Mikkelsen is apt for the voice of the antagonist. John Kani is entertaining while Blue Ivy Carter is adorable. Lennie James, Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter do well. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen try their best to raise laughs but are let down by the script. Preston Nyman (Zasu) is funnier.

Mufasa: The Lion King movie music and other technical aspects:
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music enhances the entertainment quotient. Some of the songs that work are ‘Milele’, ‘I Always Wanted A Brother’, ‘Tell Me It’s You’, ‘We Go Together’, and ‘Brother Betrayed’. ‘Bye Bye’ looks slightly out of place. Dave Metzger and Nicholas Britell’s background score has a cinematic appeal.

James Laxton’s cinematography is out of this world. Mark Friedberg’s production design is appealing. The VFX deserves a special mention as the animals look true to life. Joi McMillon’s editing is smooth.

Mufasa: The Lion King Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, MUFASA: THE LION KING is a grand visual entertainer, which deserves a watch in cinemas thanks to its big-screen appeal, stunning VFX and compelling storytelling. At the box office, it has the potential to be a super-hit like its predecessor but it will face some heat from PUSHPA 2 – THE RULE.