REVIEW: MUFASA - THE LION KING

3.5/5

Kingdom Come

118 Mins. Starring: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Tiffany Boone, Donald Glover, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Blue Ivy Carter & Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson. Director: Barry Jenkins. On: Disney +. 

First thing's first, young Simbas, before we roar into this review and hold this live-action prequel high like a young cub above Pride Rock, we must pay tribute. And just like his words from the original 1994 animation, "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. Whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I," we will always look to the stars in remembrance of the late, great James Earl Jones. A fitting tribute to the beautiful, booming baritone of a heaven sent actor (even if he did play the villain in another movie you might have heard of) to begin 'Mufasa: The Lion King', from 'Moonlight' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk' director Barry Jenkins, with a script from Jeff Nathanson (famous for penning Spielberg's 'Catch Me If You Can', 'The Terminal' and 'Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull'). The prequel to the 2019 live adaptation of 'The Lion King' that came out last year and plays a lot like the origin story of fellow 2024 movie, 'Transformers One'.

Head in the clouds, you know the Chilli Pepper tissue of who one of these characters becomes (and we ain't talking about Mufasa), just like with 'Transformers One'. Yet, in keeping with that fellow animated prequel, we're saying nothing. Let's take it back to the time moviegoers were thrilled with a twist without the internet (or a 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' trailer), or even knowing there was one to watch for anyway (too late, my bad). Disney has enough to deal with in the flack they are receiving for churning out live-action versions of their animated classics (I refuse to whistle with a 'Steamboat Willie' adaptation, but now Mickey is public property), like their Marvel and Star Wars properties do spin-off T.V. shows. 'Snow White', of course, biting into that very poisoned apple of late. The mane problem with 'Mufasa', on the other paw, is that is it really necessary? No matter, now it's on Disney Plus, like 'Moana 2', a couple of weeks ago (we best wait for 'Snow White' to wake up here), it will play perfectly to the kids, like its CGI does alongside the real-life Disney Nature documentaries.

Now that we say goodbye to James Earl Jones, Aaron Pierre takes over the mantle of the Mufasa who would (will) be king. And whilst nobody walking this earth, even on all fours, could claw grab at the growling gravitas of Jones, Pierre more than holds his own, with some of the light beginning to touch the kingdom of last year's 'Rebel Ridge' breakout star on Netflix. The 'Krypton' and 'Old' actor (he's actually only 30) who also played Malcolm X in a 'Genius' miniseries has a commanding performance. And he's always wanted a best friend, too (or is that the other way around). And Kelvin Harrison Jr. ('Waves', '12 Years A Slave' and 'The Trial Of The Chicago 7') more than fits the bill as Sc...ahem, Taka, the lion prince. Alongside these dual, duelling lead newcomers are fellow pride rookies, Tiffany Boone, Lennie James and Anika Noni Rose. Alongside legends like Mads Mikkelsen and Thandiwe Newton lending their unmistakable voices. Just like the returning cameos of Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner (perfect as Timon and Pumbaa), John Kani, Donald Glover and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (ditto as our leading lion and lioness), who introduces her daughter Blue Ivy Carter to the movie world like she did the biggest stage of the 'Beyoncé Bowl'.

With all these stars, this photorealistic production looks perfect...especially at night. When you can really feel the love tonight. James Laxton's cinematography is just that compelling. It scores, just like the sensational soundtrack from 'Hamilton's' own Lin-Manuel Miranda, complete with a collection of foot-tapping, sing-a-long instant earworms. Although, in this circle of life, nothing is touching Elton John's wonderful work with songwriter Bernie Taupin from the outstanding, original animation. That 1994 classic (yeah, we already feel old as it is) was amazingly done by first-time animators. And in its 30th anniversary celebration, highlighted by this prequel, even all the digital effects 'Mufasa' can muster, can't come close to the pride of the 90s. One of the decade's best pictures for the whole family, like 'Jurassic Park', 'Forrest Gump', or Disney and Pixar's own game-changing 'Toy Story'. Yet, you can still play with these lions as they paw each other, making box office bank (the sixth highest of 2024) that could never tank. It really puts its behind in its past. 'Mufasa' is moving, amusing and a majesty. And the last growl to roar, a perfect tribute to the spirit in the sky. For James. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Lion King (2019)', 'The Lion King (1994)', 'Transformers One'.