[Rating: Minor Rock Fist Up]
In 2019, Disney made yet another cash-roll out of remaking The Lion King into a “live-action” remake. Although many believed the live action wasn’t necessary, and technology didn’t treat the reaction of the animals kindly, the remake was nevertheless popular enough to warrant a follow up movie.
In the strangest plot twist, the new sequel/prequel Mufasa: The Lion King triumphs over its predecessor in every conceivable way.
Helmed by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, Mufasa tells the story of the titular lion as a cub, who is separated from his (Braelyn Rankins and Brielle Rankins) family. Mufasa is rescued by the cub Taka (Theo Somolu) and taken in by his family as an outsider. The pride, lead by Obasi (Lennie James) and Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) are both hesitant and accepting of letting Mufasa into the pride. Soon, an adult Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and adult Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) grow up as brothers. Taka’s place in the circle of life is to one day be king, while Mufasa would be his right-hand man. However, their world is shaken with the arrival of some white lions.
These white lions, led by Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen) want to seek revenge on any pride that stands in their way of power. Kiros also seeks revenge for the death of his son at the hands of Mufasa. Soon, the duo escape and join the company of Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), Zazu (Preston Nyman) and Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga), with the goal of reaching Milele, an oasis for animals to live in peace. Along the way, Mufasa and Taka’s relationship is challenged and they learn what the real importance of being a brother is, even if you’re not related by blood.
I am surprised how much I enjoyed this. Having the bad taste of the 2019 remake still in my thoughts, I was super hesitant on how this would turn out. The story itself reminded me of The Prince of Egypt (especially with the two non-related brothers) and the journey itself saw so much growth in the two lions. The “animation” of this is also completely different. The animals have more expression to them and are less “life-like” than what The Lion King was setting out to do.
On the downside, some, if not most of the songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda were less than memorable, save the song Mufasa and Taka sing to one another early on. The framing device of the story where an older Rafiki (John Kani) tells the story to Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala’s (Beyoncé) daughter, Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) and Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumba (Seth Rogen) felt very unnecessary. I liked how Timon and Pumba were very aware this was a movie, but cutting back and forth to this plot line was very mundane.
Barry Jenkins is a director never to doubt. Now, how much say he had in a majority of this with the looming Mouse always at bay is questionable, but the story of family and the bond between brothers is rich throughout. I am happy that I left with the satisfaction that this was a successful movie!
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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