What’s it about?

The story of an orphaned lion cub who, through selfless actions, changed the world and rose to become the legendary king of the beasts Mufasa. Yes, it’s a prequel to the beloved LION KING.

What did we think?

The largest problem with the live-action Lion King adaptation was the lack of expression in the CGI animals. Given the original animation relied so heavily on said expression, it came as no surprise that watchers struggled to identify with the deadpan life-like versions of their favourite characters. 

Well, Disney have adapted and exagerated the facial movements for the new MUFASA: THE LION KING prequel, but it’s really a case of too little, too late. Also of ‘why bother?’

The story of Mufasa’s childhood and rise to power through selfless actions is a good-enough story without being great, but it’s undercut by Disney’s insistence on telling it via flashbacks. This is seemingly to find a way to shoehorn Timon and Pemba in for the kids but does nothing to add to the story. In fact it only detracts and constantly pulls you out of any tension the main story manages to build.

The Lin Manual Miranda music is good, but considering there’s really only two memorable and toe-tapping pieces, one can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the house of mouse had made him do Moana 2 instead.

It’s glossy and visually impressive but at the end of the day it’s a middle-of-the-road film that could and should have been better.  An unnecessary addition to the Disney storyline stable.