<p>Thirty years ago, <em>The Lion King</em> became an animated classic. The live-action remake felt more cub than king, but does <em>Mufasa: The Lion King</em> as a prequel rise above? Just barely.</p>.<p>In the absence of Simba and Nala who are expecting their second cub, Rafiki steps in as storyteller to Kiara, Simba’s curious firstborn. She listens eagerly to the tale of her grandfather Mufasa. The story follows young Mufasa’s quest to reunite with his pride after the great floods, how he meets Taka (young Scar), how he faces rejection from Taka’s father and how he finds acceptance in Eshe, a kind lioness. But after a brutal attack by Kiros and his savage pride, Mufasa and Taka journey to the mythical land of Milele. Along the way, they meet Sarabi, Mufasa’s destined queen, and other memorable characters. The film dazzles with stunning landscapes — sweeping savannahs, deserted plains, and unexpected snowy peaks — but while the early acts build intrigue, the third act falters with an overly tidy resolution, leaving its grand ambitions unmet.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Visually, the film is stunning, with vibrant, detailed landscapes. Barry Jenkins (‘Moonlight’) delivers a visually immersive experience, complemented by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s energetic songs. The voice cast impresses. Aaron Pierre lends strength to Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr conveys Taka’s depth, Tiffany Boone adds warmth as Sarabi, John Kani embodies a wise Rafiki, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen return as the comedic Timon and Pumbaa. Yet, the film struggles to escape the towering shadow of the original. In the end, this lion doesn’t quite claim the crown. It purrs along nicely, but it sleeps tonight.</p>
<p>Thirty years ago, <em>The Lion King</em> became an animated classic. The live-action remake felt more cub than king, but does <em>Mufasa: The Lion King</em> as a prequel rise above? Just barely.</p>.<p>In the absence of Simba and Nala who are expecting their second cub, Rafiki steps in as storyteller to Kiara, Simba’s curious firstborn. She listens eagerly to the tale of her grandfather Mufasa. The story follows young Mufasa’s quest to reunite with his pride after the great floods, how he meets Taka (young Scar), how he faces rejection from Taka’s father and how he finds acceptance in Eshe, a kind lioness. But after a brutal attack by Kiros and his savage pride, Mufasa and Taka journey to the mythical land of Milele. Along the way, they meet Sarabi, Mufasa’s destined queen, and other memorable characters. The film dazzles with stunning landscapes — sweeping savannahs, deserted plains, and unexpected snowy peaks — but while the early acts build intrigue, the third act falters with an overly tidy resolution, leaving its grand ambitions unmet.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Visually, the film is stunning, with vibrant, detailed landscapes. Barry Jenkins (‘Moonlight’) delivers a visually immersive experience, complemented by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s energetic songs. The voice cast impresses. Aaron Pierre lends strength to Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr conveys Taka’s depth, Tiffany Boone adds warmth as Sarabi, John Kani embodies a wise Rafiki, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen return as the comedic Timon and Pumbaa. Yet, the film struggles to escape the towering shadow of the original. In the end, this lion doesn’t quite claim the crown. It purrs along nicely, but it sleeps tonight.</p>