Mufasa: The Lion King – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Mufasa: The Lion King – In the Heart of a Humble Roar: Destiny Awaits …

When you think about the past, it is a thought wrapped around vivid imagery and intrigue.  From what could be to what is to be believed, it is in this sense that leads to a story.  Through film, prequels are a pathway where background and circumstance become one in the same.  No matter how predictable a journey may be, if it garners a thoughtful punch, it is worth it.  In this review, I look at the latest prequel from a popular Disney franchise.  In a tale of one’s worth, we dive into a journey that becomes more than just an extension.  Mufasa: The Lion King provides an indelible path for what it means to be … king.

In a tale of brotherhood, two cubs will go through many trials and tribulations to discover what true destiny means.  To look at any film, what becomes important is the spark of the journey.  No matter how original a premise, finding that spark leads to a purpose of all.  With this latest Disney film, it is a mixture of familiarity within thematic layers of family, brotherhood and destiny.  To begin, I will not name the voice actors (and just focus on the film’s details), but you can find the list on its IMdb page (link).  In the beginning, we start with a prologue that focuses on the present Lion King: Simba and his child, Kiara.  After some comic relief (from Timon and Pumba) and expositional layering, we head into the main tale (through Rafiki’s narration) that goes back into the past to show how everything came to be through Mufasa as the original Lion King at Pride Rock.  As the story goes back, the focus shifts to a young Mufasa and his humble beginnings.  After a series of singalongs and convenient plot elements, he is left to his own vices until he is rescued by Taka (and his Pride).  Among a new group of lions, the genuine appeal starts to build above the prequel foundation, providing a window into the emotional layers of familial and personal themes.  As things are slowly built through this CGI created landscape, the characterization provides a grounded aspect for the audience, presenting a wholesome dichotomy through Mufasa and Taka’s relationship.  Outside of these personal moments, a major conflict comes when a group of outsider lions (led by Kiros) disrupts certain peace in the pride.  As things become inevitable, Mufasa and Taka must leave and find another place to begin a ‘new home’.  This setup provides a throughline of ominous foreshadowing into how each will end up in their inevitable positions (in the original film).  As the two lion’s journey along this new path, what continues to push the escape beyond its prequel motif is the deepening of character moments.  Within the linear directive, it is the focus of ideals and destiny that heightens each passing moment of conflict (personal and with the antagonist Kiros).  The ‘brotherhood’ becomes the moniker of significance within flaws of personal worth, a showcase of an aspiring tale of hope against the grip of cowardly vices.  No matter how predictable (by nature) of its prequel foundation, it is the character moments between Mufasa and Taka that provide the meaningful gravitas to this and the original Lion King. 

As they continue in the journey to find a new home, the film begins to play along the lines of Easter Eggs and obvious connection (to the original film).  This becomes a chain of genuine meeting the obvious, a convenience for fan service and to just ‘move the story’ along.  As things start to waver in the story, the emotional layers never budge and begin to grow deeper because of the influence of Kiros.  As things turn for the worst, we head into a third act that bridges the thematical elements with the Easter Eggs, providing a crossroads for the lions.  With all at stake, everything builds towards a full circle climax and an epic (but all to predictable) epilogue.  Mufasa: The Lion King blends a unique backstory within the familiar.  If you are a fan of this property, Disney or prequels, there will be a lot of fun here.  For everyone else, I think there is enough here for a good time. 

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)