Hakuna Matata Means No Worries

But the folks at Disney should be worried about this disaster of a movie that is a prequel to the Lion King. While it should be the story of a King, Mufasa’s story fails to deliver the superior Disney quality we expect. In Mufasa: The Lion King Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I give you the info you need before viewing this film with your children. Keep in mind that what appears on the big screen in the dark theater can be far scarier than on your smaller television set in your familiar living room. 

As always, I pay for 99% of my tickets to bring you a non-biased review!

Mufasa as a cub in Mufasa: The Lion King 2024

MUFASA: The Lion King Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he 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 destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

My Synopsis: 

The movie begins with Simba and his young cub, Kirara. Simba is taking a trip and leaves his daughter in the capable hands of Rafiki, Timon, and Pumba. Rafiki tells Kiara a story of a young Mufasa and how he was found in a river about to be eaten by crocodiles. He was saved by Taka and his mother.. Eventually, due to a pride of white lions who are terrorizing and killing other prides, Mufasa and his adoptive brother set out in search of a land Mufasa’s mother told him about called Milele. 

Mufasa with Rafiki in Mufasa: The Lion King

​MUFASA: The Lion King Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

This film has no foul language. 

Violence:

Animated lions fighting has a much different feel and look than CGI lions. When the lions are talking, they do need seem so real, but when they are fighting and in action sequences, it can be a little scarier. Additionally, the pack of mean and aggressive lions are just creepy. The King of that tribe has a weird voice, and overall, the scenes with him are dark and disturbing.

There are several scenes with fighting lions with bared teeth. Mufasa is separated from his parents in a flood. Additionally, there are animal stampedes, and lions are trampled to death. No blood is shown, however, the scenes are intense. Lions are killed throughout the film, and there is talk of death of family members. 

​Timon and Pumba retell parts of the story mostly making things up. They claimed to have pushed Scar off a cliff into a fire, and they say that they ate him afterwards. 

An earthquake shakes the ground and it appears that Mufasa will be trapped. (He is not). This explains how Pride Rock was formed. 

Spiritual Content:

There is a lot of talk about ancestors “living in you” and a land that they want to go to called Milele, which is a place beyond the sky, almost heaven-like. The term in Swahili means eternal, forever, or for all eternity. Furthermore, Rafiki talks about visions and knowing things in advance, such as an earthquake that will occur (and does). 

As in the original movie, Rafiki chants and is said to “talk to the spirits and summons the devil.” 

One character says, “I will not bend to evil, and neither should you.”

Rafiki in Mufasa

TEACHABLE Moments in Mufasa:

This is the story of Mufasa, and his name means to rule or govern in Swahili. First, discuss how your child got their name and what their name means. Also, discuss the power of the words we speak over others. The Bible states in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” The words we speak over others (including the names we call people), should be about building them up.

Likewise, Taka’s name means garbage. If he was destined to be king why did his parents name him garbage?

Pumbaa means to be silly, weak-minded or careless. Look up what Rafiki, Timon (hint: it is not Swahilian), Sarabi, Kiros, Nala, Kiara, and Zazu.

MUFASA: The Lion King Christian Movie Review – My Viewing Recommendations:

Overall, this film is much darker and scarier than the original story, The Lion King animated version.

First, the music is not Disney-worthy. The original film had classic songs that are still sung today. For instance, songs like Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”, or “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Mata,” “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” and “Be Prepared.” This film has none of the charm of the first movie. The new songs are lackluster and not memorable.

Next, Mufasa overall was a big disappointment. Disney has missed the mark with this one. In fact, if Bob Iger had to watch Mufasa on repeat, I wouldn’t be surprised if he voluntarily resigned. While my age recommendation on this film is 8 and up due to the realistic lion fighting, my overall recommendation is to skip this film.

Finally, my additional thoughts: The CGI is very good and it is very bad. While there are scenes that it felt like I was watching real lions and Rafiki overall seemed realistic, there were not enough of those scenes to overlook the bad CGI. For instance, the close ups of the lions talking where I thought it looked awful.

If you watch this film, drop me a line and let me know what you thought!

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for action/violence, peril and some thematic elements.

Release Date: December 20, 2024

Runtime: 1 hour, 58 minutes

Genre: Adventure/Musical

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Directed by: Barry Jenkins

Screenplay by: Jeff Nathanson

Produced by: Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak

Based on Disney’s The Lion King by Irene Mecchi

Edited by: Joi McMillon

Music by: Dave Metzger

Score by Nicholas Britell

Songs: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Cast of Mufasa: The Lion King

The voice of James Earl Jones is heard during the opening dedication. Jones was the original voice actor of Mufasa

Mufasa voiced by Aaron Pierre

Mufasa as a cub voiced by Braelyn Rankins and Brielle Rankins

Taka voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Rafiki voiced by John Kani

Pumbaa voiced by Seth Rogen

Timon voiced by Billy Eichner

Sarabi voiced by Tiffany Boone

Simba voiced by Donald Glover

Kiros voiced by Mads Mikkelsen

Eshe (Taka’s mother) voiced by Thandiwe Newton

Obasi (Taka’s father) voiced by Lennie James

Kiara voiced by Blue Ivy Carter

Nala voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Zazu voiced by Preston Nyman

Afia voiced by Anika Noni Rose

Masego voiced by Keith David

Akua voiced by Joanna Jones

Amara voiced by Folake Olowofoyeku

Junia voiced by Thuso Mbedu

Get FREE The Lion King (2019) CGI remake Activity Sheets

Mufasa: The Lion King released December 20, 2024

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