As we all remember the story of Simba and how he eventually became the Lion King, along with the friends he made and the challenges he overcame. His account became legend, and we came to love this new hero, but most of us never knew much about his father, Mufasa. This event is even more of a legend than the tale of Simba and his adventures. It becomes a journey with many dangers and obstacles he must endure to eventually earn the true understanding of his true calling. 
After a great flood young Mufasa (Braelyn and Brielle Rankins) , finds himself lost, alone, and forced to find his way to the promised land on his own. Traveling through the tough terrain, he comes across another cub, Taka (Theo Somolu) who actually saves his life. Now Mufasa is discovered by another pride, Taka and his mother Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) convince Obasi (Lennie James), the leader of the clan and Taka’s father to take him in.
Years pass as Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) become adults learning the ways of the tribe. When Mufasa’s new family encounters a danger that forces them to find safety they begin their expedition. Along the way they meet many new characters, such as Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) a young lioness, Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga) a wise young mandrill, and Zazu (Preston Nyman) a young hornbill.
An escapade greater than the first narrative brings out a challenging excursion that will be told from generations to come as older Rafiki (John Kani) tells it to Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), Simba and Nala’s daughter, Timon (Billy Eichner), a wise-cracking meerkat, and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), a good-humored warthog. This true experience has now been told, and the knowledge is there for future kings to follow in hopes of understanding the new experiences they must face.
Trying to put together a storyline that is better, different, and intriguing is very difficult for almost all presenters, but somehow director Barry Jenkins successfully develops a plot origin of Simba’s father that miraculously tops the original story and triumphantly becomes victorious. By including a voyage across dangerous lands, finding new friends and loved ones, and defending danger at every turn, Barry gives it his all. He also wonderfully portrays the many action scenes that are full of danger; like the flooding, and battle scenes. Along with the fantastic music, songs, scores, and soundtrack, Jenkins finds many ways to keep the audience interested. The excellent Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) presentation of the characters, that includes, their movement, action, fighting, and their realistic likeness tops the animated version any day.
A true exploration for all of us to appreciate and feel more involved with the quest by following our favorite characters through these new encounters. As we pursue forward through these new discoveries, all of us learn the many things that we all need to become our own heroes as our life begins to age. An exceptional film for everyone to see and learn the history of Mufasa.
Final Comment: I based my grade on a spectacular presented tale and the amazing computer-generated imagery.
Stars 4 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast (Voices): Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Kagiso Lediga, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, Blue Ivy Carter, Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, Dominique Jennings, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Directed by: Barry Jenkins
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy, and Musical.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for action/violence, peril and some thematic elements.
Running Time: 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release In: Standard, IMAX, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Atmos.
