Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Rating: 7 of 10 Stars

So Happy it Wasn't Just Another "1.5" Remake

In a time when Disney has been struggling to recapture its golden era magic, Mufasa: The Lion King stands out as a welcome surprise. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this prequel to the 2019 photorealistic remake offers a refreshing take, not just rehashing the familiar story, but expanding the mythology in a way that feels both purposeful and entertaining.

Narrated by Rafiki to Simba and Nala's daughter, Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter in her feature film debut), the film journeys back to explore Mufasa's origin story. We follow him from his beginnings as an orphaned cub to his rise as king, with Aaron Pierre voicing a younger, more vulnerable Mufasa. Kelvin Harrison Jr. Brings emotional depth to Taka, Mufasa's brother, who is destined to become Scar.

The casting is solid, with returning voices like Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, and Beyoncé giving the film a sense of continuity, while new voices breathe life into the backstory. Lin Manuel Miranda contributes original songs, which, alongside Dave Metzger's score and Hans Zimmer's familiar themes, create a soundtrack that is rich but never overbearing.

Visually, the film continues the photorealistic style of its predecessor, sometimes to its emotional detriment, but it's undeniably stunning to watch. More importantly, the story offers something new. Unlike recent Disney efforts that feel more like copy-paste nostalgia grabs (looking at you, remake fatigue), Mufasa justifies its existence. It's not a "1.5" spinoff or a cash-in; it's a true prequel that fills in meaningful gaps.

Is it perfect? No. The story can feel a bit predictable, and it may not have the same emotional punch for adult audiences as the original. But in a landscape of recent Disney flops, Mufasa earns its stripes simply by being a coherent, heartfelt, and engaging addition to the Lion King legacy.

All in all, I'd give it a solid 7 out of 10. It's a movie that didn't need to be made, but I'm glad it was.

Im Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all Movies Large and Small!