GamesRadar+ Verdict
It’s no Hakuna Matata, that’s for sure.
Thankfully there are some stellar vocal performances and VFX but it could have been so much better.
If Jon Favreau’s 2019 live-action version ofThe Lion Kingleft you with a painful scar (get it?
), then at least Barry Jenkins' directorial effortMufasa: The Lion Kingprovides the plaster.
As harsh as that sentiment is, we are talking about The Lion King here.
Its commitment to capturing African cultures is very identifiable.
The soulful tones of Lebo M meanwhile are baked within Dave Metzger’s accompanying score.
Whilst Pierre is no James Earl Jones (but then again, who is?
The learned nobility complements the eventual downfall of Taka and his infamous nickname.
But honestly, that’s not the frustrating part.
How many times can we slide in “everything the light touches?”
Ever wanted to know how Pride Rock was formed?
The result: a messy and rushed third act that doesn’t spend enough time with characters.
Mufasa: The Lion King is out in theaters worldwide on December 20.
