In 1994, Disney brought us The Lion King and it was instantly my 11-year-old favorite, along with millions of others. His breathtaking images, unforgettable songs and the deeply emotional story he adapted from Shakespeare were well received by audiences of all ages.

In 2019, Disney reimagined the classic with a live-action remake. Although visually impressive, it left many viewers feeling like the heart of the original was lost, including me. Now, in 2024, Disney invites us back to the Pride Lands with the prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King”.

I went into this new episode cautiously optimistic. The idea of ​​exploring Mufasa’s backstory intrigued me, but I was also skeptical considering Disney’s track record with sequels and prequels. So how did it go? While “Mufasa” has its moments and is visually stunning, it struggles to reach the level of the original.

Here’s what worked and what didn’t.

A visual feast

Disney has excelled at creating visually stunning films in recent years, and Mufasa is no exception. The Pride Lands looks incredible, from the golden savannahs to the intricate details of the watering holes and rocky outcrops. The animation is so lifelike that at times you might think you are watching a nature documentary.

The film’s most visually striking moments are related to Mufasa’s journey. Scenes of him battling through violent storms or standing against the backdrop of a fiery sunset are undeniably powerful. The filmmakers have clearly spared no expense in ensuring that each image captivates audiences.

This means that breathtaking images can only support a film so far. While the landscapes and animations were fascinating, the lack of a compelling story prevented them from having their full impact.

The songs fell flat

One of the cornerstones of The Lion King has always been its music. From “Circle of Life” to “Hakuna Matata,” the songs of the original have burned themselves into the hearts of millions. Unfortunately, “Mufasa” struggles to live up to that legacy, despite the help of the extremely talented Lin-Manuel Miranda.

While the new songs aren’t exactly bad, they lack the magic and memorableness of the original soundtrack. None of the numbers seem to stand the test of time, and I found myself longing for something that could match the energy of “Be Prepared” or the emotional weight of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” While the film’s music complements the visuals well, the actual songs are forgettable, which is a disappointment for a film associated with such a musically iconic franchise.

Moments full of humor

One of “Mufasa’s” saving graces is its humor. Timon and Pumbaa return and, as expected, provide a lot of laughs. Her comedic timing and banter give the film some much-needed levity, especially in slower moments. However, how and when they come into the film is a bit strange and ruins the momentum. But they’ll still make you laugh.

Additionally, some emotional beats hit the mark. Mufasa’s determination to rise above his circumstances and find his place in the circle of life is heartwarming, even if the execution doesn’t always do the story justice.

How it compares to The Lion King (2019).

If you weren’t convinced by 2019’s The Lion King, there’s a good chance Mufasa is an improvement. The film has more heart than its predecessor and the inclusion of new characters makes it feel a little fresher. However, it still can’t come close to the magic of the 1994 classic.

Where “Mufasa” surpasses the 2019 remake is in its emotional moments and humor. The film feels a bit more lively and lively, even if it leaves something to be desired in other areas. For parents, it’s worth noting that the film is more appealing to younger viewers, as evidenced by my children’s reactions. My 14, 11 and 8 year olds had a great time and said it was better than the 2019 film.

Diploma

Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually stunning film with some genuinely funny and heartfelt moments, but ultimately it lacks the inspiration and magic that made the original Lion King a masterpiece. The songs are forgettable, the story feels predictable, and the pacing doesn’t always maintain interest. That said, it’s still a decent family film, and younger viewers will probably have a lot of fun with it.

If you’re a fan of the Lion King series or simply looking for a visually stunning animated film, Mufasa is worth a look. Just keep your expectations in check, because while this prequel is entertaining, it doesn’t roar as loudly as its predecessors.

“Mufasa: The Lion King” is rated PG for mild danger and thematic elements.