As an old-school movie enthusiast who grew up with Disney’s classics and has a soft spot for remakes that do justice to their original counterparts, I must say that Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King piqued my curiosity from the moment it was announced. However, after reading various reviews, I’m left with a mix of excitement and apprehension about this upcoming cinematic adventure.
The upcoming Disney live-action film set for release in 2024 deviates from the traditional remakes of animated classics. Barry Jenkins’ “Mufasa: The Lion King” serves as both a sequel and prequel to the 2019 remake, delving into the origin story of Mufasa and his brother Taka (later known as Scar). Critics have had an early look at this family-friendly movie, which is scheduled for release on December 20. Here’s a sneak peek at their expectations.
Initial responses to “Mufasa: The Lion King” were favorable, with critics praising the enhanced animation and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s soundtrack. As more in-depth reviews emerge, let’s delve into the current thoughts on Disney’s upcoming film, starting with TopMob’s review of “Mufasa: The Lion King”. Eric Eisenberg awards the movie 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as “adequate”, with more positives than negatives. However, there are indeed numerous negatives, as the narrative is often overshadowed by an excess of prequel content. In his review, he states:
Have you ever pondered about how Rafiki acquired his staff or how Pride Rock came into existence? I myself have never given it a thought, and I’m guessing neither have you. However, Jeff Nathanson’s script seems to address these points as if they are essential facts for fans who crave trivia. Furthermore, the similarities in style from the initial act suggest that Mufasa: The Lion King doesn’t feel like a unique creation due to its excessive adherence to its predecessors.
As a fervent enthusiast, I echo Matt Singer’s sentiments from ScreenCrush regarding the extensive exposition in ‘Mufasa’ that mirrors the first movie. It seems logical to transform Mufasa’s ascension into a captivating cinematic journey; however, I find myself puzzled as to why Barry Jenkins was selected to spearhead this project. Critically, the film earned a 4 out of 10 rating from Singer, who expressed his disapproval by stating: “The film feels more like a 4 instead of a masterpiece.
Instead of focusing on trivial matters, more significant questions are left unanswered. Primarily: Why did esteemed director Barry Jenkins choose to create a prequel to Jon Favreau’s ‘live-action’ Lion King, which showcased animals with strikingly realistic yet expressionless faces? It remains unclear what motivated him, as his intentions are not evident in the completed film. I find it challenging to accept that anyone could recognize ‘The Lion King’ as a Barry Jenkins production without prior knowledge or credits. Essentially, it appears to be just another component of Disney’s live-action (or ‘live-action’) remake factory and lacks the captivating appeal one would expect from such a talented filmmaker.
Matt Zoller Seitz from RogerEbert.com awards 3.5 stars, remarking that though Barry Jenkins follows the standard formula for a big-studio film production, the movie manages to be effective. The director skillfully transitions between emotionally poignant scenes and entertaining elements appealing to fans, while also showcasing fresh aspects of himself in musical segments and action sequences. The reviewer further adds:
This film stands out by infusing its unique character, even when it could have appeared as a routine task in preserving intellectual property. Despite certain limitations, it manages to maintain momentum and evoke emotion. It carries a distinct mark, skillfully executed.
According to Pete Hammond from Deadline, this “stirring yet not ostentatious” journey receives praise, with Hammond pointing out that the reappearance of Timon and Pumbaa is delightful and includes some impressive musical numbers by Lin-Manuel Miranda. As the story progresses, it leads to a grand finale that honors the original, as Hammond puts it.
In the same Live Action, photo-real CGI style as the 2019 remake and the earlier Jungle Book remake, this new version is visually breathtaking, with character development enhanced by advancements in technology. Unlike attempts to replicate classic versions of this world that continue to captivate audiences on Broadway and global stages, Jenkins is guiding it towards a fast-paced action-adventure that rarely pauses for respite. It’s one thrilling sequence after another, and while it carries a PG rating, parents should be cautious as some scenes dealing with family separation might be too intense for the very young.
Aidan Kelly, from Collider, assigns a score of 5 out of 10 to the movie “Mufasa: The Lion King.” He expresses that while the sequel surpasses the 2019 remake in terms of improved visuals and music that’s somewhat appealing, it falls short due to a storyline that’s overly predictable and fails to capture interest. In essence, he sees it as another redundant remake. Here’s a summary of his critique:
The Lion King, but it’s unlikely to have the lasting impact of the original animated movie that began the series.
Critics generally find much to appreciate in the backstory of the two sibling lions that eventually leads to one of Disney’s saddest moments, but no one could claim the film is completely perfect. If you’re planning to catch Mufasa: The Lion King (or its IMAX version), screenings begin on Friday, December 20th.
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2024-12-17 22:07