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I’m probably one of the biggest fans of the original 1994 The Lion King, as I knew it was going to be one of the best films Disney ever made after seeing the trailer. Like most fans, I wasn’t too thrilled or impressed with the 2019 live-action version, nor was I looking forward to the unnecessary prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King. After giving it a chance though, it does have parts that are good and interesting, even if most of it comes off like a Disney fanfic.
via YouTubeThe films starts off as a sequel to the 2019 movie, as Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter) go off to a sacred place so Nala can give birth to another cub. Leaving their daughter Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) behind with Rafiki (John Kani), who begins to tell Kiara the story of how her grandfather, Mufasa became the lion king.
Of course this story wouldn’t be complete without Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) throwing in their comedic two cents here and there as the tale is told. This is where we enter the life of a young Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) who becomes separated from his parents after a terrible event takes place. After barely surviving, he’s found by a young lion named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) who turns out to be a prince to his king father Obasi (Lennie James) and the queen Eshe (Thandiwe Newton).
Mufasa and Taka become friends quickly, to the point they consider themselves brothers. King Obasi isn’t thrilled about this as he only wants Taka, his own blood to be the heir to the throne. Obasi decides to let Mufasa stay with them and be part of the family, but only if he stays hidden and with queen Eshe and the females of the pride.
Over the years Mufasa becomes strong and wise thanks to learning everything he can from Eshe, which comes in handy when some mysterious white lions decide to attack their land and take over as the new rulers. These lions are led by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), who becomes even more unhinged when Mufasa kills his son during the attack, leading Mufasa and Taka to go on the run together to find a mythical place called Milele where hopefully they’ll find a way to save their home, as well as their place in the circle of life.
It doesn’t take long for them to come across other characters on their quest, such as the lioness Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), and a much younger Rafiki that lend their aid to Mufasa and Taka, while also setting the stage for the things to come that fans already know will unfold. Director Barry Jenkins (2016’s Moonlight) does a good job making this film come together, despite things taking away from the movie such as the so-so CG and the pacing being thrown off by either Timon and Pumbaa’s wacky commentary moments, or the musical bits that seem to come out of nowhere.
Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda will be happy to know he’s heading the songs, and the cast does nicely as their characters, especially Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre that seem to have the most fun with theirs. The main character that held my interest the most is Mads Mikkelsen voicing Kiros, who turns in an awesome performance that comes close to Jeremy Irons’ Scar in the 1994 original, and is probably the main reason I’m giving this film a “Yay”.
If you didn’t care for the 2019 version of The Lion King, or any other Disney live action projects, Mufasa: The Lion King will do little to change how you feel. I’ll admit I’m shocked I liked this film just enough to give it a “Yay” rating, but just barely as I had to look past a lot of faults to get to the small roar this king lets out.