User reviews

As a huge fan of The Lion King, I can honestly say this movie is excellent. The cinematography and music, especially in 3D IMAX are absolutely stunning. There wasn't a single boring moment and the visuals are breathtaking, you can read the animals' emotions much more clearly compared to the first live action film, the pacing is smooth and the plot holds up well. While I occasionally struggled to distinguish some lion characters, the voices made it easy to follow. A bit more humor would've been nice though but overall, it's a well crafted prequel that delves into Scar's origin beautifully. People seem too critical these days instead of just enjoying things.

With the imminent disaster that is Snow White, waiting in the wings, the company needed a big hit.

I have no doubts that fans of The Lion King's many forms will flock to see it, and for kids and families, there is a definite appeal, I watched this movie about a week ago, and almost forgot to review it, that's the problem, it simply isn't memorable.

You get the impression that they played it super safe, it's just a little bland at times, it's hardly a film that'll be remembered as a classic. Sure it's a good story, but sometimes it just feels a little shoved together.

Amazing visuals, lovely music, you can't fault the production values of it at all.

It's a shame that James Earl Jones couldn't have been persuaded to at least feature, but it was nice that the film was dedicated to him.

A nice movie, just hardly memorable.

6/10.

Mufasa: The Lion King is so much better than the soulless remake it has to act as a prequel to. All of the biggest issues have been rectified instantly and it has a greater purpose by telling a new story, even with some classic prequel issues. Everything set after the events of the first film could've been easily cut out to let the main story breathe however they are thankfully brief whenever they do interrupt and it comes to a nice conclusion.

Aaron Pierre makes the role of Mufasa his own with a strong performance that has him feeling reluctant to accept his destiny and becoming more stoic as it goes along. Similarly, Kelvin Harrison Jr. Gets more deceitful throughout and chooses to make his voice work sound closer to Jeremy Irons than Chiwetel Ejiofor. The only occasionally distracting element is some of the line readings sounding rushed.

Director Barry Jenkins is massively over qualified for this and held back by the photo real animation that comes with this but his direction is still more ambitious and exciting than Jon Favreau's was. He isn't afraid to sacrifice a pointless commitment to realism to create a beautiful looking film where the locations are more varied, the visuals are more creative and the cinematography is infinitely more dynamic.

The CGI is always faultless and thankfully all the lions now show a much wider range of emotions, enhanced by the massive increase in close ups. The songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda are definitely some of his weakest, they're very repetitive without his usual level of catchiness and it's a testament to how strong everything else is that this isn't a major issue. Dave Metzger's score only stands out when referencing Hans Zimmer's work, which it does constantly.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. As a prequel that tells the rise of Mufasa, Simba's father, it is very formulaic and predictable. But it is also beautifully animated, quite funny, and emotionally well-balanced between adventure, drama, humour, and tragedy. For a prequel, it plays it sometimes too safe, but that is fine to me since the audience knows the conclusion of the story. The upside of playing it safe is that the movie thankfully avoids any major distractions or side characters that could have taken away from the meat of the film. My only major gripes are that the soundtrack is forgettable compared to the Elton John classics, and some of the plot development proceeds too quickly at numerous points in the story, which takes away from its intended emotional impact.

Nonetheless, let me repeat that I am surprised by how much I liked this film. I could not be bothered by the previous CGI adaptation at all. But as far as big studio prequels are concerned, this is one of the better ones. Sure, they clearly made the film for easy money, but miraculously it respects the Lion King fanbase and oozes love for the source material. Graphically, it is well-composed and it manages to find good use for CGI that gets close to the beauty of the original animation. And although it adds little to the story, it provides enough new context and meat to make the original story shine even brighter. Nothing can beat the 1995 original masterpiece, and this one obviously pales in comparison, but I am glad that they are treating the franchise with respect.

Visuals are great, but it can't hold up an overall subpar movie. Fine for kids and families but leaves originality at the door.

It does fit together some fine lore to bring us up to speed with what we know from the original movie. How it does it is rehash story elements, themes and plenty of conveniences to forcibly make the pieces fit into the original. It has similar flaire to Solo where it's just fine and uninterestingly shows or tells us where things come from in this fanfiction. Sometimes it's best to leave things a mystery if the progenitor is unceremoniously bland.

The music is fine but doesn't have the same force of fun or majesty as the original score. They're kind of just there like Moana 2's music. Not bad, but certainly not memorable.

The 3D glasses also did nothing. It felt like just a regular movie instead of them trying to do anything with with 3D.

The worst part IMO was no James Earl Jones in the actual movie. I know he's sadly passed, but they've brought back voices from other people before. If they didn't want to synthesize, they could've used unused clips or even just reused a voice clip from previous Lion King works. I can't get behind a movie called Mufasa without Mufasa's actual iconic voice somewhere in the movie.

Feels like a made for TV movie, and probably worth a watch on Disney+. But not really one I'd recommend for theatres or purchase.

Man these 2 were unnecessary and NOT funny. Annoyed every time they cut to them. Havent seen the first live action and now i definitely wont if I have to see more of these two. Could've used less cutting back and forth maybe a voiceover would have been more effective. Villains didnt really have a lot of depth. Nothing interesting about them. They just wanted to wipe out all other prides? I dont know. WhyOtherwise enjoyable movie. Casting of Rafiki was a good choice. Truly brought the essence of Rafiki from the original movie. Won't repeat what already has been said. Songs were catchy visuals were stunning.

The score always delivers emotionally. What I noticed is that Disney is losing, with the latest products, that double layer, the message under the surface that only adults can decipher. Maybe it's because of the story and the circumstances, but I found it too exclusive for children, especially from a director like Jenkins.

Everything else is okay. Nothing big, nothing great. You get what you go in for, emotion, fun, something that could make you feel again the feelings that you felt the first time you watched the original thing. I don't know if they're going to expand the cinematic universe.

Italian dubbing sucked. Singers can't dub. Period.

Storyline uninspired.

Only good thing was the theme song from the first lion king movie but the rest of the music/songs were terrible. Disney music used to be amazing from lion king, little mermaid, beauty and the beast etc etc. What went wrong!? The Animation was also lacking in the usual Disney quality. Movie jumped from one character to the other with no character development. So much so that it would be difficult to say who was the main character.

The Setting also jumped from Africa to Everest.

Really so unrealistic. I Could not wait for it to end.

Please do not waste your time or money on this movie. And do not expect any oscars.

This movie is BEAUTIFUL, but man do i hate musicals. There is a moment where tention grows as enemy approaches and the enemy starts some drag queen show that completely shakes the balance of the movie. Don't do that when makig movies!!! Why do you need this singing crap that makes movie seem like some sleezy bs, taking action into some weird, silly cabaret. This could be full action movie without the unnecessary musical parts. However, the movie is so beautifully made, with such a great voice acring, storytelling, it is still amazing. What I would do is give Elton John original song in ending credits.

Pleasantly surprised. It wasn't the soulless cash grab people claimed-the movie has heart and plenty of story.

People love to hate on things and they will make this movie a target. This is why I feel obliged to tell you it's not that bad. If you like this type of movies, blockbusters, you will probably enjoy it; I know I did.

I feel like the CGI was on par with the first but they've definitely improved the expression of the animals (one of the biggest complaints from the first one).

One of the most obvious mistakes is that the movie should have been longer; the story feels cramped, and you can feel it on the pacing.

"less childhood trauma, more meerkat" is what I want for the threequel.

The highest praise for the visual spectacle that it is! I'm beyond impressed. As for the script.. I'm somewhat disappointed, considering my low expectations.

Two issues : First, this version of Timon and Pumba continue to be more of an annoyance than anything else (I could do without ever hearing seth rogen again) and their continued appearance could have been completely trimmed to make this shorter than the 2 hours it is (though it doesn't feel as long)! Unnecessarily segmenting the story for no reason. Second, it feels like a snow-ball rolling down the mountain.. picking up "things I know" from the original Lion King as it goes. There's too much foreshadowing and predictability for any fan of the original, and absolutely nothing is left to the imagination. Not to mention the disgusting amount of references.. I joked that the mountain would even split and form on screen, and my jaw dropped when it did! It's almost like watching the original mixed in a blender.

But the movie is entertaining for children and there's not that much "violence" on screen (kept away from the cameras).

The songs are acceptable and I won't remember any tomorrow..

It's watchable but the music and songs are annoying. Similar to the joker filled with songs that are unnecessary.

Somehow i wasn't afraid of the villain. His white color was noticeable but he did nothing to make you afraid of. The producers avoided scenes when he killed other lions probably because of age restrictions.

The hilarious characters aren't like in original version.

The only positive thing about it is the development in the storyline between scar & mufass

You can enjoy the movie if you didn't compare it with the original Simba. It's watchable, but don't have high expectations, even if the trailer gave you some.

I really like this movie a lot annd the music is great as well! It's beautiful and stunning and I really love the journey that this movie takes! It's Funny and Touching.

There are some parts of this movie where there are some scary moments especially with the white lions. Those this were brutal!

The cast was really good as well! This was a great role for Blue Ivy Carter! Her voice was so natural she is destined to be a star!

The music is great too I was dancing and bopping my head a lot to this new and original movie! The storyline is good and I really love seeing this origin story of Mufasa and Scar!

Honest Review:

The Good Stuff: 1. The CGI is absolutely next level! After the first 10 minutes, you completely forget that none of it is real. Every character is detailed to perfection.

2. I watched the Hindi version because of SRK, his sons, and other Indian artists who lent their voices. Honestly, the Hindi dubbing and dialogues are super well-written. The conversations between Timon and Pumbaa are hilarious! Special shoutout to Makrand Deshpande as Rafiki-his voice made the character feel so alive. Perfect casting for Rafiki!

3. Rafiki-what a mysterious and powerful character! This movie delves into his backstory-where he came from, how he became part of the Lion family, and why everyone respects him so much.

4. The new villain, Kiros. OMG, this character is terrifying, powerful, and adds a whole new level of intensity to the story.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: 1. The story itself is a letdown. The first 30 minutes are solid-you're hooked as you meet Mufasa, his parents, Taka, and Kiros. But once the chase sequences begin, it starts getting dull. The story feels stuck, and you eventually lose interest. Even though the climax has some great action scenes, it feels weak, and you can't help but wonder, "When will this end?" 2. Too many songs! Yes, it's Disney, and yes, it's for kids, but the songs keep interrupting the flow. Just as you get invested in the story, another song pops up. While the songs are meaningful and reflect the characters' emotions, it's too much. The worst moment? Kiros-the scariest, most dangerous character-starts singing in a very serious situation. It completely ruined his vibe. Right before the song, he's intimidating, but by the end of it, he loses all his menace.

Final Words: If you're a Lion King fan, it's worth watching, especially for kids. The visuals and characters are impressive, but don't expect a strong story.

Pro Tip: Bring snacks! The middle part might drag, and snacks will help you survive it. 😄

This film definitely exceeded my expectations despite them being high enough to begin with. The animation in this film looked amazing, the score and soundtrack were both incredible and the action was superb.

The entire cast of this film was great, but Aaron Pierre and Mads Mikkelsen both stole the show for me as Mufasa and Kiros. Seeing Aaron Pierre in more films is so great as he is such an amazing actor, he played Mufasa so well. Also seeing Mads Mikkelsen back playing a villain was amazing. He really does have the perfect voice for a villain, which is why he gave us one of the best Bond villains ever in Casino Royale.

The ending of this film definitely made me tear up because of everything that Mufasa goes through, everything that Taka/Scar goes through and the fact I know what happens in their future after them being such great friends and brothers.

Overall, this was a great film and a very enjoyable watch. I would definitely recommend going to see this film and seeing it on the biggest screen possible.

"The circle is broken. There will be one lion king."

• Kiros.

As a huge fan of the original animated Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King left me disappointed. It was a fine film, enjoyable for families, and had some stellar visuals, but I never felt any of it. One of the things I love the most about the original film, and even the 2019 remake to some extent, was the powerful emotion and resonant songs. There was none of that here, and frankly considering the talent involved I expected way better.

The film is technically impressive, as there is no denying how well-animated each animal is as well as the scenery, and the attention to detail shines through. This outing has more life than the 2019 remake, even if it struggles to keep you invested in its original story. Barry Jenkins attempts to deliver captivating character moments, but you feel at arm's length throughout most of its run-time, and the pacing is all over the place. Mufasa is a step up from 2019's The Lion King but a step down for Barry Jenkins. Mufasa is a bizarre, disassociating experience; what happens when one of the most visually expressive directors alive works with anti-emotive film tech, with Jenkins' cinematic portraiture aimed at feline faces that still can't show a real feeling.

I can understand why Barry Jenkins was drawn to this story on paper (Mufasa and Scar origin story amidst faction in-fighting). Unfortunately, the same passion he's displayed in his previous works just doesn't come through here. Mufasa: The Lion King feels torn between Jenkins' desire to slow down and let impactful moments breathe versus the constant interruptions from Timon and Pumbaa, rushed pacing, or the need to push forward to the next song, unfunny gag, or scene designed to keep the kids engaged and the merchandise selling. Even the songs don't quite hit as hard as you hope despite being written by the great Lin-Manuel Miranda, although a few of them are catchy enough.

At this point, the only good that can come out of this is whatever project Jenkins decides to do next with the paycheck he collected and hopefully (likely) this will just be considered an unfortunate but fascinating blip on an otherwise rewarding career. This film is far less frustrating than its predecessor, but it never fully lands.

It is an entertaining watch but lacks the substance and emotion of what made the original animated film so special. I hoped Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda could recapture the spark, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. But hey, it's better than the 2019 film (and I liked that one to some extent)! It's enjoyable, just not memorable.

The only good thing about this 2 hour CGI exhibition is that it will inspire you to re-watch the original Lion King to rinse off the brain rot you incur while watching it.

No heart or humanity radiates from these creepy, anthropomorphized, neutered CGI lions. The kids we went with were bored within 5 minutes. Parents, you will be checking how much time is left on your phones.

The only funny part was how awful the songs were. It felt like they were improvised first drafts of a musically inclined high schooler. A few of them mostly repeated the same line over and over again. Our whole row was laughing.

The writing and acting felt just as lacking in truth and beauty as the animation. The script felt like a first draft written with some AI assistance in a rush. The voices were badly cast and prioritized celebrity over character.

It's sad that the value placed on deep and honest storytelling continues to decline in modern cinema and that Hollywood continues to empower mediocre talent, endlessly subjecting us to this onslaught of dumbed down and recycled ideas. Movies like this, and like so many these days, are clearly made with more love and respect for the mighty dollar than their audiences.

Visually, "Mufasa: The Lion King" is stunning. The animation is impressive, with detailed landscapes and realistic animal movements that make every scene visually engaging. The attention to detail is clear, and in terms of visual storytelling, the film delivers.

However, where the movie falls short for me is in its script. The story, while serviceable, felt a little weak and lacking the emotional depth that made "The Lion King" (both the original and the 2019 version) so impactful. It seemed to follow a predictable path without adding much new or compelling to Mufasa's backstory. While the film does provide some insight into his origins, it didn't feel as strong or necessary as I had hoped. The emotional beats were there, but they didn't hit as hard as they should have. Some moments that were clearly intended to be powerful ended up feeling a bit forced, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the story could have been more engaging if it had taken a few more creative risks.

As for the music, and this might just be me, the songs didn't really resonate. They weren't necessarily bad, but none of them stood out or left a lasting impression. Given how important music has been in "The Lion King" franchise, this aspect felt underwhelming. I kept waiting for a track that would truly elevate a scene, but it never quite happened. The compositions were well-crafted, yet they lacked the memorable quality that made the songs in previous films so iconic.

Overall, "Mufasa: The Lion King" is visually impressive but narratively lacking. It's an enjoyable experience, especially for fans of the franchise, but it doesn't quite reach the emotional heights or musical impact of its predecessors. It feels more like an addition to the lore rather than a story that truly needed to be told. While it's nonetheless a good watch, it left me wishing for something more compelling.

I had originally planned to watch Mufasa in theaters, knowing it would be a visual spectacle-but I missed the window and ended up watching it on Disney+ instead. I expected a slightly-above-mediocre prequel with forgettable songs... and that's exactly what I got.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's signature flair feels oddly out of place in the savanna, resulting in songs that simply don't click. The emotional and cultural depth of the original soundtrack is missing, replaced with tunes that feel more Broadway-lite than Circle of Life.

Taka's character arc-arguably the heart of the story-had the potential to be genuinely compelling. But instead of crafting a slow, tragic descent into betrayal, the film opts for the path of least resistance. The result is a shallow, undercooked narrative that never fully honors the original's dramatic weight.

The back-and-forth framing structure, with its frequent time jumps, distracts more than it enriches. Had the filmmakers committed to telling a focused prequel without the present-day cutaways, they might have had the space to properly explore the Taka-Mufasa dynamic without stretching the runtime.

In the end, Mufasa is visually stunning but narratively flat. It's not a bad film, but it's not a good one either-it's just meh. And The Lion King deserves better than meh.

I quite liked the story in this movie, the forced connection to the lion king and every forced location dragged it down. The music was very forgetable. The sad parts didnt hit home as it should but oh well.

Byebye.

And now i need to write 360 more characters so that i can submit this review. So here it goes. Have you ever heard the story of darth plageuis the wise? Its not a story common for the jedi. He was a baddie yes bananakin. Obi one and two dont know about it and qui and thri gon jin doesnt either. Its not a pleasant story but a story nonetheless. I wish you had heard it so that we could discussed it.