NEW YORK (OSV News) – You don’t have to be Dr. Dolittle to understand what the animals are saying in the musical adventure “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Disney). That’s because director Barry Jenkins’ prequel to the popular franchise uses the same technology employed in the 2019 remake of the 1994 animated kick-off of the series to enable them to talk.
How much viewers will enjoy the varied creatures’ dialogue, however, is another question. The movie’s strong suit is visual rather than verbal and the upshot is a sweeping spectacle that lacks substance.
As narrated by Rafiki (voice of John Kani), a wise mandrill, the story looks back to the youthful bond between two princely lions, Mufasa (voice of Aaron Pierre) and Taka (voice of Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Though the duo quickly become friends, their situations are very different.
Taka is right at home under the protection of his royal parents, Queen Eshe (voice of Thandiwe Newton) and King Obasi (voiced by Lennie James). When Taka first encounters him, by contrast, Mufasa has been forcibly carried away by a sudden flood from his home, family and inheritance and is on the point of being eaten by crocodiles when Taka steps in to rescue him.
As their relationship flourishes, the pair treat each other as adoptive brothers. But plot complications — primarily involving Sarabi (voice of Tiffany Boone), a lioness they both befriend — eventually drive them apart.
Beyond the importance of unity and the corrupting effect of jealousy, there are few thematic elements to ponder as these events unfold. So viewers will have to be content with lush landscapes and some pleasant tunes from composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.
While free of objectionable elements, Jeff Nathanson’s script does flirt with shamanism and suggests that the dead achieve immortality through their influence on the living. Along with the numerous dangers through which the central characters pass, that may give some parents pause.
The film contains potentially frightening scenes of combat and peril. The OSV News classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
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