USA 2024
Opening December 19, 2024
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Writing credits: Jeff Nathanson, Linda Woolverton, Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts
Principal actors: Animation: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, John Kani, Mads Mikkelsen
On a stormy night in Tanzania’s Pride Lands little Kiara’s (Blue Ivy Carter) story—second story that night, not the first—universality is worth hearing and sharing, because the Circle of Life is at its heart. The Princess cub and her three protectors are safely ensconced in a cave, while Papa Simba (Donald Glover) and Mama Nala (Beyoncé) take care of business. Besides, Rafiki (John Kani) is a visual storyteller, as happy-go-lucky Pumbaa (Seth Rogan) or his sharp-witted meercat buddy Timon (Billy Eichner) will tell you. Rafiki’s enthralling story sprang into life in 1994, and its protagonist was about Kiara’s age now causes the thunder to sound less loud, and the sun-kissed morning to come sooner. Along with a grand, glorious surprise.
Kiara’s granddaddy, the benevolently kind Mufasa (Aaron Pierre [Braelyn Rankins voices cub Mufasa]) finds himself an orphan, through a quirk of nature’s fate, growing up far far away in Obasi’s (Lennie James) pride. Thanks to his “brother” Taka’s (Kelvin Harrison Jr. [Theo Somolu voices cub Taka]) quick thinking and Eshe’s (Thandie Newton) quick actions pulling him out of the river. The two are inseparable, becoming well-known for their devilment. Eshe teaches her adoptive son well. Hunting together one hot afternoon, they have their first encounter/skirmish with the Others, which the tigresses quickly report back to their adversarial pride boss, Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen). Raging in grief, he leads the white lions for revenge. Simultaneously, Obasi’s comment, “Deceit is a tool of great Kings,” is countered by Eshe, more pragmatic, sending the young lions away, “You and Taka are home wherever you are.”
Naturally the story is only beginning, but it would be unfair not to let you hear/see it for yourselves. American director Barry Jenkins (Oscar® for Moonlight, 2016), with Jeff Nathanson’s tight screenplay, and star-studded cast breathe character depth into beloved Disney figures for this prequel/sequel to its 2019 remake of the 1994 film, The Lion King, starring Mufasa’s inspiration in both, James Earl Jones (✝︎September 2024). James Laxton filmed in Africa for the CGI photorealistically animated Mufasa: The Lion King. Joi McMillon’s edits with Dave Metzger’s original score and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs written for the film, plus additional vocals by Lebo M. Visual effects artists from Moving Picture Company returned to enhance this follow-up film.
The escapades are as high as the highest waterfall, the dangers deeper than the deepest canyons, the drama spellbinding, and the humorous remarks portend guffawing when least expected. Its story about the Circle of Life is a tribute to father-son relationships, parental nurturing, extended families, and the community rearing of children. Also, it illustrates irregularities in life’s lessons, e.g., pinpointing acceptance and tolerance with the unfamiliar or unknown. Mufasa: The Lion King is a wonderful choice of enchanting entertainment for the whole family. 120 minutes (Marinell H.)