“‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ First Reviews are Mixed At Best – A Visual Feast or a Missed Opportunity?”

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is a 2024 musical drama directed by Barry Jenkins, acting as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 Lion King remake. The film features returning voices like Donald Glover and Beyoncé, along with new cast members such as Aaron Pierre and Mads Mikkelsen.

After delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the movie is set to hit theaters on December 20, 2024, and is dedicated to James Earl Jones, the original voice of Mufasa.

Though the movie is still a few days away from release, the reviews are already in, and they’ve been mixed. The film currently holds a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from over 50 reviews.

As expected, critics liked the cast, animation, and the new mythology. However, the downside is that it feels like a rehash of the original story. Some critics also mentioned that the movie didn’t have the same emotional impact as the original Lion King, and the songs were forgettable. It also seemed to play it “too safe” without enough fresh ideas.

Let’s take a look at the reviews:

We tell ourselves stories in order to live. Corporate movie studios tell you stories in order to keep their board happy and make their bottom line. Find the Venn diagram center between the two, and that’s where this Hakuna Matata 2.0 lies.

David Fear, Rolling Stone

Mufasa: The Lion King is a boring and ugly prequel to an already terrible remake with nothing new to say – more corporate drivel from a film studio that desperately needs to go back to making original content.

Cole Groth, FandomWire

I would have much preferred an original work from Jenkins, but even when making something that feels anonymous next to his earlier films, it has far more personality than most of Disney’s recent live-action output.

Alistair Ryder, Looper.com

The Lion King remake ruined what was previously established as a great story. Mufasa only ruins its own derivative story, so it’s not as bad.

Fred Topel, United Press International

Barry Jenkins crafts some inspired visuals in trying to adapt to photorealism, but the animals are still a bit too uncanny. This leads to a prequel that’s just okay and won’t win over any new fans. At least some of Lin-Manuel’s new songs are catchy!

Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film

While Nicholas Britell turns in a good musical score, and there are a few moments that work, Mufasa: The Lion King can’t help but be a mixed bag, uneven at times, and filled with songs you won’t remember too well.

Jonathan Sim, ComingSoon.net

There is a glimmer of something wonderful in Mufasa… There’s just too much working against it, from the flat animation and subpar songs to the preordained fate that awaits both characters.

Petrana Radulovic, Polygon

There is little character, no visible emotion, just endless show-offy technical competence.

Donald Clarke, Irish Times

It’s no Hakuna Matata… And it’s far from Jenkins’ best work, but in any other hands, a lot of Mufasa’s intentions would have completely misfired. Thankfully there are some stellar vocal performances and VFX – but it could have been so much better.

Kelechi Ehenulo, Total Film

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