Lost and alone, orphaned cub Mufasa meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destinies.
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| Mufasa (C) Disney |
Immediately felt here was the improved emotions conveyed by the animals. Perhaps familiarity helped too but being invested in the characters became easier now that we can see more how they feel this time around. Director Barry Jenkins also made sure we can see the characters process their thoughts. His touch can be felt here.
It’s also much more visually interesting than its predecessor largely thanks to the variety of their chosen locations. We see them running in the dessert, battling in an oasis, and singing a snowy mountain. Even the camerawork makes the case that this is a film not a nature documentary.
Lin-Manuel Miranda also injected his magical work from Broadway as he packed the film with songs full of catchy hooks even if some seem like a mandate by the studio. Not his best Disney work but he really still knows how it should be done: music that is integral to the story.
Interestingly, aside from a thing or two, the film was able to organically introduce origins behind iconic or random things from its predecessor - a common prequel trope.
Thankfully, the film was more interested in telling his epic. The journey of the reluctant leader is compelling. The adventure of lost strays coming together is substantial. The result? Mufasa is the epic adventure worthy to be seen this holiday on the big screen. 3/5 ⭐
Mufasa: The Lion King opens today, December 18 in Philippine cinemas.
