Mufasa Review: We Show Our Hands for the Lion King Prequel ?

©Disney

It’s the story of life. In 1994, Disney made young and old cry with The Lion King, an unbeatable classic in its animated film collection. Then, the big-eared studio decided to dust off its best films and make live-action remakes of them. After Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King logically went to the pan in 2019.

Despite its flaws, the film The Lion King in live action by Jon Favreau (The Mandalorian) has captivated viewers around the world. It generated more than $1.6 billion at the global box office. In France, it was the biggest success of 2019. It is therefore not surprising to see Disney wanting to continue on this good momentum with the release of a prequel: Mufasa. While it’s not really necessary, does this new film have what it takes to reign in our hearts and at the box office?? Here’s what we thought of Mufasa.

Majestically Beautiful

Let’s not beat around the bush: Mufasa is a sumptuous film. Visually, the prequel to The Lion King is impressive. It’s a feast for the eyes with exceptionally realistic digital images. It almost feels like you’re there. Compared to the 2019 live-action, it's much better. It feels less like watching a documentary since the characters, who are exclusively animals, are able to express their emotions a little better. The sets are remarkable while the animation is of unparalleled fluidity.

There's no quibble: visually, Mufasa is flawless. Enough to take more than one viewer's breath away. Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) didn't let us down and we're delighted. So much the better!

A soundtrack that doesn't break 3 legs of an antelope

If we like The Lion King, it's also (and above all) for its songs that we love to sing with (far too much) passion. Disney understood this well and, in this sense, hired Lin-Manuel Miranda. But Disney's sure bet (Encanto ; Vaiana) didn't manage to make us agree. Unfortunately, the songs that punctuate Mufasa pale in comparison to those of Lion King. Particularly in the French version. Ouch. We particularly deplore the weakness of their writing and the feeling of listening to a lesser version of the songs of Lion King. Like a mirror that distorts…

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A jagged writing style

Concerning the screenplay of Mufasa, there is reason to have some reservations. While it is difficult to make a prequel when there is already such a mythology and so much source material, Jeff Nathanson has not done too badly with a story that holds up rather well… Up to a certain point.

With Mufasa, we happily immerse ourselves in the world of The Lion King. The film begins some time after the events of the first film, when Simba joins Nala, who is about to give birth to their second lion cub. In their absence, the adorable Kiara is entrusted to the good care of Simon and Pumbaa. Fortunately, Rafiki is not far away. While a storm awaits them, the old monkey tells the story of the princess's grandfather, who was never destined to become king. And… Back to Mufasa's past.

Everyone knows Mufasa, it's true. But the spectators have never had the opportunity to really learn more about him, it's Scar's fault. Thus, Mufasais not a bad idea. We validate its touching family drama and the bond that is created with the young Taka, a substitute brother. But the story of the young lion struggles to convince us and make us dream after half the film. Alas, Mufasa cruelly lacks subtlety and has a real problem of rhythm.

© Disney

Our biggest disappointment , it's definitely the character of Taka/Scar. Mufasa's brother is the victim of a totally incomprehensible personality change, just to move the story forward, and it leaves us speechless. Definitely, the ;story of Mufasa has a hard time really convincing us.

Verdict: a “yes ” shy

Finally, we cling to a somewhat cute story, a few touches of emotion (all the same!) and a breathtaking visual experience. We can only advise you to bet on the original version because the French version leaves a little to be desired. If Mufasa is not the marvel that we would have liked to discover in dark rooms, the live-action feature film can nevertheless be watched with a certain pleasure. We imagine that the film should convince young and old during this festive period.

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