As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experiencing the silver screen’s highs and lows, I must say that the latest addition to Disney’s “The Lion King” franchise, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” is an unexpected triumph. After witnessing countless cinematic flops that left audiences scratching their heads in bewilderment, it’s refreshing to see a film that resonates with the masses despite the critics’ naysaying.
On Christmas Day, to everyone’s surprise, Mufasa: The Lion King claimed victory at the domestic box office after initially settling for second place during its opening weekend. This prequel of The Lion King was released in theaters on Dec. 20, alongside Sonic the Hedgehog 3. However, the video game adaptation performed better than the new Disney film during their head-to-head battle. But Mufasa staged a remarkable comeback on Dec. 25, outperforming not only Sonic 3, but also other highly anticipated films such as A Complete Unknown and Nosferatu.
On Christmas Day, The Lion King remake claimed the top position with an estimated earnings of $14.7 million (as reported by The Numbers). Meanwhile, director Robert Eggers’ contemporary take on Nosferatu bit into the No. 2 spot with $11.6 million. Sonic the Hedgehog managed to keep the Timothée Chalamet-starring Bob Dylan film at bay, earning $10.4 million for the third position. A Complete Unknown settled for fourth place with $7.2 million, and Wicked wrapped up the Top 5 with $5.4 million.
As I pen these words, it seems that “Mufasa: The Lion King” is on the cusp of recovering its impressive $200 million production costs, a feat I believe it will achieve during the extended, five-day Christmas holiday weekend. While the domestic box office for the sequel currently stands at $64.4 million, the film has truly shone overseas, raking in an astounding $133.4 million. This global success brings the total worldwide earnings to a stunning $197.8 million.
Is ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Worth Seeing in Theaters?
With a “B-minus” CinemaScore, it’s evident that spectators are enthusiastically supporting the latest Disney production, disregarding The Lion King’s unfavorable Tomatometer score of 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. While most critics have been critical of the animated reboot/sequel, audiences can’t seem to tire of the growing-up story featuring Aaron Pierre as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Scar. Consequently, the RT Popcornmeter (formerly the Audience Score) currently boasts a commendable 88% against over 2,500 verified ratings.
It’s common for critics to criticize certain films heavily, but it’s usually the audience who decides a film’s success when it hits theaters. For instance, the movie “Mufasa: The Lion King” is yet to recover its $200 million production cost fully, as this figure does not include advertising and marketing expenses or the revenue shared with cinemas. Nevertheless, on Christmas Day, many fans and their families flocked to the theaters to watch it.
Due to its success, Disney’s Christmas release was a triumph for the film compared to how Mufasa: The Lion King fared poorly when contrasted with a specific Sega sequel during their first week in cinemas. Notably, The Lion King‘s follow-up consistently ranked No. 2 behind Sonic the Hedgehog 3 at the box office since previews started on Dec. 19, including Christmas Eve. However, on Christmas day, the clever Mufasa managed to surpass all expectations and claim the top spot.
As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that the new addition to the Lion King franchise has sparked quite a conversation among fans. They seem to think it’s a must-see in cinemas, particularly for those seeking a family-friendly viewing experience. However, critics might advise patience, suggesting it’s wiser to wait for the movie to become available digitally or through streaming services rather than spending on theater tickets. It’s worth noting that MovieWeb’s review of Mufasa: The Lion King (2/5 stars) points out that while the stunning CGI is impressive, the film itself is reportedly dull and predictable, making it a prequel that might not live up to expectations.
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2024-12-27 02:03