‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Faces Lion-Sized Expectations [Movie Review]
By: Russ Matthews
The Lion King was a revelation for audiences in 1994, between the musical score, visual effects and the family-friendly storyline.
It wasn’t a surprise for Disney to retell the story as a photorealistically animated version in 2019 after director Jon Favreau’s success with his work with The Jungle Book. Both films garnered box-office magic and inspired the studio to go back to the creative team in animation to see how they could tap into this rich vein in the African Pride Lands.
Told through the eyes of Rafiki the mandrill (John Kani), Walt Disney Pictures decided to look into the backstory of one of the most powerful figures in cinematic history, Mufasa (Aaron Pierre). This retrospective journey begins during the youthful years of the lion, how he was separated from his family and how he became related to Scar, a cub named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). As they grow up with one another, there is eventually a threat to their pride by a powerful and vengeful group of white lions called The Outsiders led by Kiros voiced by the consummate villain, Mads Mikkelsen. After they escape this pursuing pack, the pair eventually meet Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga), the hornbill, Zazu (Preston Nyman), and the lioness, Sarabi (Tiffany Boone). As the entourage searches for Pride Lands, they must traverse vast terrains, battle the ensuing The Outsiders and overcome internal rifts between the unlikely band of friends.
Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) has been given the keys to the kingdom to make Mufasa’s origin story. Partnering with Dave Metzger (Frozen) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Moana, Encanto) for musical inspiration and capturing a new generation of songs to complement this African adventure. This team looks to be a winning combination of talent as they tap into young voice actors who could take this beloved story into the annals of Disney classics. What stands out from the opening sequence is the stunning effects of the animation team. The photorealistic work draws the viewer into this world as it is so realistic it can be hard to imagine that Musafa and crew aren’t real. Also, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs are catchy and performed well, especially the title song of Tell Me It’s You. Suppose there is a weakness in the soundtrack. In that case, there is never a Hakuna Matata or We Don’t Talk About Bruno moment in the film for people to sing throughout the holidays.
Beyond the visual effects and musical score, there is something about this production that seems to succumb to the lion-sized expectation of this franchise. Berry Jenkins and company are given a tight set of parameters to work since most characters are familiar to multiple generations. These familiar cast members get added to each quest step with an accompanying monologue that must tie their role into the original storyline. An action that can slow down this journey and unexpectedly cause this journey to skew much older than its two predecessors. Some of this could be credited to the director’s independent film storytelling or the laborious task of including these characters in the story.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually stunning film that allows fans to learn more about their favourite lion’s past and is a safe option for families with older children to enjoy time at the cinema over Christmas. Yet, after leaving the cinema, time will tell if those same families will listen to the soundtrack or merely yearn to go back and watch the original to reminisce when Disney was groundbreaking with their film projects.
What do parents need to know about Mufasa: The Lion King?
For those who have been on the journey through Pride Lands over the past two decades, there is no surprise that Rafiki the Mandrill delivers a spirituality that may need some explanation from young viewers. His animistic ramblings seem inspirational, but if you dig into his teaching, there is little to celebrate or even understand. A good time for parents to share where you can find the true answers to the universe and creation.
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” Hebrews 11:3
There are more compelling discussion points for families to consider from this storyline. Topics like adoption, family, leadership, male and female roles and forgiveness are ripe for the taking. These are opportunities for parents and caregivers to chat with their children about God’s answers to these discussion points and how they can find answers in the Bible.
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.
