Directed by Barry Jenkins, the new live-action movie “Mufasa” covers the story of young Mufasa and Taka, who later goes by Scar. The movie answers questions about the drama between the two lions and includes classic characters from the original story.
Mufasa, voiced by Aaron Pierre, was separated from his parents at a young age and he distantly joins Taka’s, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., pride after being rescued. Years later, the two leave to protect Taka’s family bloodline while the pride is under attack. They journey through mountains and deserts, meeting new friends and reconnecting with lost relatives to find a place called Milele.
The story would also cut back to Rafiki, voiced by John Kani, telling the story to Simba’s, Donald Glover, young daughter Kira, played by Blue Ivy Carter, Timon, Billy Eichner, and Pumbaa, Seth Rogen. It added depth to the movie and gave a small glimpse into the life of Simba and how his pride lives.
Other reviews said it had “basic writing” and a “boring plot.” However, the plot answered questions other than why Mufasa and Taka hate each other, such as how Rafki and Zazu, voiced by Preston Nyman, became so close to the herd. It was more interesting than it first appeared.
The makers used real inspiration from Kaokoland Namibia for the scenery. They also used real animal actions, so it is accurate to how animals such as lions interact with each other.
On the downside, the music was a letdown. Disney music is normally fun to sing along to, with catchy tunes that become hard to forget, but the lyrics seemed random and unoriginal. The song Bye Bye sung by Obashi, Mads Mikkelsen, was sung before Taka’s pride was killed and just seemed out of place. This soundtrack most likely isn’t something we will be singing in the years to come.
It was also strange how Taka’s father, king of the pride, made Mufasa race Taka to be able to live and stay in the pride. It felt like the writers ran out of ideas and the scene was overall basic.
Surpassing the budget of 200 million dollars, the movie has grossed around 653 million dollars worldwide, with the U.S. and Canada already at 270 million. Mufasa still has lots of catching up to do when compared to the live-action Lion King which came out July 19, 2019, and grossed 1.662 billion dollars. Yes, there are some downsides but this movie is still worth the watch with fun elements and added information.
