Barry Jenkins’ ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ the latest addition to Disney’s growing collection of modern films, has sparked mixed reviews from critics. A prequel and sequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake of the 1994 animated movie “The Lion King,” the film has a 60% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed by Jenkins (“Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk”), the story follows the origin of Mufasa, Simba’s dad, and Taka, who becomes Scar. The film features impressive visual effects, with the characters looking plausible but more expressive than in previous Disney movies.
However, critics have panned the storytelling, citing a tonal shift to Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) as comedic relief, which disrupts the momentum of Mufasa’s origin story. The framing device also feels like a mistake, serving mostly to delay and interrupt the main attraction.
Additionally, critics have criticized the original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, calling them forgettable and forced into the film. The tonal shift between Rafiki’s earnest storytelling in the present day and the lighthearted jokes from Timon and Pumbaa has also been a point of contention.
Despite these criticisms, Jenkins’ visual style is evident throughout the film, but it seems at odds with the demands of a big studio. Critics argue that the studio’s obligation for brand reassurance and nostalgia bait constantly conflicts with Jenkins’ vision.
In conclusion, while ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ boasts impressive visuals, its storytelling and tone have been marred by criticisms of forced humor and forgettable original songs. Fans will likely be left feeling disappointed, but it remains to be seen how this film will fare in the box office.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/mufasa-the-lion-king-movie-reviews-critics-2024-12