The reviews are in and some critics have their claws out for Mufasa: The Lion King.
The animated Disney film from Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins arrived in theaters this weekend.
A prequel to 2019 blockbuster, The Lion King, the new film is filled with original songs from Tony Award-winning Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The 2024 film introduces orphaned cub Mufasa, who is lost and alone, until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline. Their chance meeting leads to an extraordinary journey.
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Aaron Pierre (Genius MLK/X) leads the cast as Mufasa, which the late James Earl Jones voiced in the previous films. Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Chevalier) plays Taka.
Tiffany Boone, Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter, Anika Noni Rose, Braelyn Rankins, Keith David, Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen also have roles in the film.
Despite the talented cast and creative team behind the movie, critics have been split on Mufasa.
Out of 128 reviews, the film has a 55 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes as of Friday afternoon.
“With its ho-hum action scenes and lowbrow comedy, Mufasa is as tired as the lion in the movie whose sole ambition is to nap in the sun,” wrote Kyle Smith of the Wall Street Journal.
“When the tribute to James Earl Jones at the start of the film carries more weight than the film itself, there’s a problem,” quipped Tom Santilli of Movie Show Plus.
“When I ponder great animated films, I think of memorable songs, funny characters, and heartwarming stories that teach a valuable lesson. Unfortunately, Mufasa: The Lion King doesn’t possess any of these qualities,” added Joseph Robinson of YouTube show Fish Jelly Films.
Still, other critics were more positive.
“Jenkins’ knack for eliciting deep emotion and visual wonder remains sharp, especially when bolstered by Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s delightful voice work,” wrote Robert Daniels of IGN Movies.
“Mufasa: The Lion King is better than the ones that came before it,” wrote Lindsey Bahr of the Associated Press.
“Ultimately, and unfortunately, Jenkins was hamstrung by the literal title and premise of the story: no matter how socialist the efforts are, in a Disney movie, someone still has to be king. But, A for effort!” added Brooke Obie of Black Girl Watching.
Mufasa: The Lion King is currently playing in theaters nationwide.
Watch the trailer below:
