Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)
6/10
Starring
the voices of
Aaron
Pierre
Kelvin
Harrison Jr.
Seth
Rogen
Billy Eichner
Directed by Barry Jenkins
The Lion King has been one of Disney’s most profitable
properties. They’ve made movies, stage plays, and this is the second CGI
adaptation of the story. This movie serves as a prequel to Simba's story in
both The
Lion King animation and the 2019
remake. At the same time, it’s also a sequel to the 2019
remake, as it unfolds as a story told by Rafiki to Simba’s daughter
about how Mufasa became king.
The music from the 1994
animation is iconic, and for us kids of the '90s, it’s timeless. Some
of the original score (not the songs) is reused here, which adds a nostalgic
touch when you hear it.
The movie isn’t grand. While it’s not a bad watch, I
personally feel Disney didn’t need to make it. That said, it doesn’t harm the
franchise in any way. The
original animation had direct-to-VHS sequels that also didn’t damage
its legacy. The truth is, no matter how hard Disney tries, the 1994
animation stands head and shoulders above the rest as the best entry in
this franchise.
Here is the
plot: Simba and Nala have to travel to an oasis so Nala can give birth. They
leave their daughter in the care of Timon and Pumbaa, who are tasked with
watching over her until they return.
The duo decides
to tell her a story, but when Rafiki joins them, he takes over and begins
narrating the tale of how Mufasa became king.
The story starts
with a young Mufasa getting separated from his family during a flood. Unable to
escape the rushing water, he is carried far away from home and eventually saved
by another young lion named Taka. Taka is destined to become the leader of his
pride when he grows up. However, bringing another male lion into the pride
angers Taka’s father. Mufasa avoids being killed thanks to Taka and Taka’s
mother, Eshe, who intervenes.
Mufasa grows up
in Taka’s pride, learning how to hunt and track under Eshe’s guidance. One day,
Eshe and Mufasa are attacked by two white lions. Mufasa kills one of them,
while the other escapes. It’s revealed that these white lions are led by a
ruthless lion named Kiros, who aims to become the overall king by destroying
all other prides. The lion Mufasa killed turns out to be Kiros’ son and heir,
prompting Kiros to hunt Mufasa for revenge.
To protect the
pride, Eshe sends Taka away and tells Mufasa to stay with him and protect him,
knowing the white lions will soon attack.
Mufasa and Taka
go on the run, pursued by Kiros and his white lions. During their journey, they
meet Sarabi (Simba’s future mother and Mufasa’s future wife) and her hornbill
scout, Zazu. They are later joined by a young Rafiki, and together they head
toward an oasis called Milele.
It’s a nice film to watch, but as I said, it doesn’t add anything spectacular or bring out any fun that was missing from The Lion King story.
