Well in this instance, when something makes a billion dollars worldwide, it's less a question of "Could" or "Would" it's the inevitability of "When" because you're gonna need to put more faith in the investors when the year before was so bad and extend the beast of franchising one way or another.
Who cares? I'm glad we got an original story as opposed to another remake. I'm starting to think it's the movie nerds who are creatively bankrupt in their opinions.
@@mania4270 If the movie nerds are creatively bankrupt in their opinions, your standards are too forgiving for the bare minimum. Yes, I would expect a movie of this kind of budget and marketing to put SOME decent dollars into a more striking script.
@@BrooklynBeTheBoroyou missing the point. The whole point of that line was to install a sense of grand lineage to simba and what he is to be a part of and reinforce mufasas lesson of living up to their honor and to not have your actions bring shame to their name. It was part of this lesson that ends up driving him to go back and take back the pride lands at the end. But making it just a singular generation deadens that line and makes it pointless now. You’re not part of this grand family lineage of kings and need to act accordingly but you should do the right thing for all these other kings that have no relation to you and are from different prides but their kings. Not sure if they are good or bad kings. Like it sounds so stupid lol. Why would you listen to that advice as a kid? If my actions were bringing shame to my family name, I’d be be more apt to listen. Writers nowadays just suck at thinking through lines and making dumb connections.
@@nathanjohnson3668 but that's the thing; Black people don't exclude other tribes when discussing our ancestors. Our ancestral lineage is seen as a collective, a community, or group belonging. It's all part of the diaspora. To say kings of old is to give acknowledgement to all, not just the immediate family branch. We use words like kinfolk for that very reason. I have "cousins" who don't share a single familial bond with me. I have "aunties" who met my mother in college, and are born to parents from completely different lineages. It is all simply an acknowledgement of those who came before us when we say things like that.
I just dislike that there is an entire pride of white lions. White lions are very rare and thats not how the genes work. There would never be an entire pride of white lions. I hate choices like this just for the sake of visuals.
It's like telling a hilarious "Guy-Walks-Into-A-Bar" joke, and after the laughter dies down, asking everyone if they want to learn about how the owner of the bar got his liquor license and zoning permits
This is the first time I've watched one of your videos. I like how you're calm but have an opinion and really give a balanced review. Hope to see more reviews.
I still can't believe that Barry Jenkins directed this movie. Indie directors making blockbusters with well known IP is nothing new but Jenkins directing a movie like this was never on my bingo list
The Lion King (1994 obviously, hate that I have to add the year now) is my favorite movie of all time. I love everything about it and it’s always a great watch for me no matter my mood. That being said, I had and still have no interest in watching this in theaters. The trailers did not hook me at all and I just have a nagging dread towards the movie similar to what the Fantastic Beast movies did to Harry Potter. Curious what the response is from fellow Lion King fans since I think the movie is going to struggle to hit a $60M opening as the estimates project and am almost certain it’s coming in second behind Sonic 3
I have also been a lion king fan since I was little, born in 93 so it's always been my favorite movie. I was excited for the lion king remake, and was let down. And the fantastic beasts was a TRAVESTY the last one was vomit inducingly bad. BUT I remained optimistic about mufasa and boy howdy I enjoyed the hell out of it. I cannot lie, the run time was too short, it needed breathing room. But nothing anyone reviewing it will say will take away how much I really really enjoyed watching this. I enjoyed it as much as puss in boots 2, which was also surprisingly amazing. Im sure those who criticize can find something wrong with any of our favorites, and disney has given us no shortage of things to complain about. But if you go, go expecting to enjoy it and see how you feel. I personally was burned by Moana 2 a few weeks ago and was so angry when I left, I wanted to punch someone for wasting my time. But when I left this movie, I got on the interstate going the wrong way for 20 minutes before realizing it, because I was still excited by the movie. I love the original lion king, and really liked this story and movie!
SAME! The movie is the best Disney has ever made and my top 5 favorite movies ever. Sadly, Mufasa was a huge miss. In the OG Lion King, every SINGLE scene was so impactful and important to the overall arching story. Mufasa wasn’t…that great. Uninspiring adventure of one of the greatest fathers of all time. Sigh.
As a kid that loved the 94 film, I found myself enjoying this one. Is not as perfect as the animated one but I liked the characters and the way they put easter eggs because they explained how things ended up that way or how characters met. I almost cried in one scene but that's also because now I can sadly relate to the feelings of the characters.
The backstory for how Scar became Scar would have made more since if he and Mufasa actually vied against one another for which one would be king, and Mufasa personally gave him that scar. Kinda like Scar and Simba fought at the end of The Lion King (1994). That would have been better or at least would have made more sense.
Since it was Disney I was really hoping scar would gain his name by running into some random guy behind a computer who would hear his story and just go, "Well, guess you're a *Solo Cat Attempting Regicide* .... you're a Scar," and then that guy would type that up and that would be that. Missed opportunity....
Probably because they actually have a lot of other materials to work with. Megatron having the tragic villain backstory has been a thing in comics and TV shows for more than a decade now. Transformer One basically condensed all those materials.
As a lifelong fan of The Lion King, I have zero interest in seeing this movie and basically your review is confirming what I thought this movie would be. I never thought I would say I’m super disappointed in Disney and kind of sick of them but holy cow! They have seriously been letting me down in creativity!! The original lion King is still one of my favorite movies of all time and it’s ironically why I hate the live action one so much 😂 this just looks more like the same corporate bull crap and I honestly really hate the idea of Mufasa being an adopted brother. Shakespeare never did that crap. Family members just hated each other in his shows (particularly Hamlet of which this is based) and we accepted it 🤣 I wish Hollywood wasn’t so freaking obsessed with origin stories. I seriously don’t care where Mufasa or Willy Wonka or whoever come from. Just give me a good movie!
And for the record, I have an adopted sister. I really hope no one thinks that I hate adopted people when I say this, I just think in this particular story, they are trying to use the adoption excuse as an excuse to make Scar more sinister and Mufasa more “heroic”. I just think it’s cheap and stupid.
You should try seeing it at least you will know if you will like it or not. Don't trust the reviews first just go see it for yourself to see I mean everyone has to form their own opinion after they see it.
@@BrittneySapotalo Problem is, can't do that without paying a ticket price, and you don't get that money back if you're unsatisfied. Hard to take it that route when doing so support the project one way or another.
Hopefully if the film does well, he gets to make whatever he wants afterwards. Though you do wonder from Disney's perspective why hire a guy like Jenkins when you're looking for an average studio hack?
Nobody is a "professor of movie studies" he finally got to do a blockbuster after a long career and I don't see why people had a problem with it, its African just like his other films.
It is too much to ask Disney to tell a story that does not contradict other more successful movies. In the original Lion King Scar and Mufasa were actually blood brothers not adopted brothers. Scar was the first born and that why he became king because of the birthright. Now it looks like there is no kings of the past in Pride Rock. But Pride Rock is a choice land. If your going to tell a story with changes like this Don`t make it about the characters that we already know some thing about there past. If you tell a story that is different about the past lives of the characters that we already know something about you ruin the movie for the fans. It is my number one criticism for Disney stop trying to change a classic movie that we all fell in love with.
Saw this movie a few hours ago and the theatre gave it an ovation. I thought the plot line was great and it was a good backstory on Taka’s descent into evil. Mufasa is definitely a character that is worthy of his own story and the animation is much better than the 2019 adaptation. Just seems like folks are writing it off without seeing it first
What a shock. A company taking a prestige or stylistic director and homogenizing their style into something that wouldn't be too hard on the wallet or off-putting for their product that's suppose to appeal to everyone? Never heard that before, and even more damning when Barry himself straight up said he did not enjoy working with the style, and I just feel bad for him because he was likely only there so Disney can get more points by having a Black Director work on the tale set in Africa, and he deserves better than that. I hope he at least runs off with they payday and/or this allows him to get a passion project done.
I went to a mystery moving screening at my local theatre and was slightly terrified that this film might possible be the film I would be watching. Thankfully we got the other Barry Jenkins film coming out around Christmas, the Fire Inside, where Jenkins serves as producer and writer. People should go see that one. Great movie.
Simba's Pride has got to be in the works right? First, they introduce Kiara and then now they retcon that Mufasa and Scar aren't biological brothers! They want to make extra clear, Kiara and Kovu aren’t even remotely related. 😂
Also, I know they aren't related in the original Simba's Pride either, but it's a lot less clear and a lot of lay people see the cover and think INCEST!
kovu was never even remotely related to scar in the first place though? he was hand-picked as his successor, not his son. at least in the animated film. never got into the books.
I really liked this review! It was very balanced and fair, and as both the #1 Lion King 2019 hater but also the #1 "Mufasa is gonna be so good you guys" guy, I really appreciate that it was based on the actual content and execution of the movie and not just "Who asked for this??" "I'm seeing Sonic!" "They were never real brothers??" which I don't think is constructive or helpful criticism at all
It’s 2am in Tokyo rn and yet I’m here, reading to watch the first (of many) Mufasa reviews. Always like to hear Dan’s thoughts on any movie but this one… have such low expectations for it. Wasn’t asking for it. Also wasn’t a fan of the other live action Lion King movie. But was interested to see if disney would do anything interesting with the prequel concept.
Disney not only copied and ripped off Kimba the White Lion, but seemingly want to spiritually vilify it with their antagonist here? Disney truly is shameless.
My family has tickets to Sonic. We are excited that Shadow is brought into the Sonic world. We didn't see the Lion King Remake. We are not very excited by Mufasa
l liked the remake of the Lion King because I liked the original and it's the same story. Shot for shot. I was against the idea of remaking it, but I liked it.
The original Lion King was my favorite movie growing up. It was the first movie I saw in theaters. I’m not watching the remake, and in turn I’m not watching Mufasa. I wish Mufasa was animated like the original. I would have been excited for that.
I expected to hate this like 2019 s , but I did enjoy it. I get the criticisms, but there’s the ultimate nostalgia factor kicking in too.. I m 36, went with my mother and younger brother. We also went to lion king 1994. My mom was so emotional.. she never watched 2019 lion king either, so she was excited ..! and the animals being more expressive in Mufasa really helped too. I found the story captivating and got sucked into it like a kid again.
Look forward to seeing it with my 3 sons and brother this weekend. My expectations aren’t high but it’ll be fun doing together. Nothing will ever top the original.
I was confused when in mileilei the native lions said 'we've seen these intruders before' or something like that but I thought it was the first time the white lions discovered it?
Blows my mind when I'm constantly reminded that people get paid TONS of money to come up with decisions like this. Should someone make a good salary on the notion that they are able to say "hey this movie made a lot, let's try and keep that going with another one?"
I'm gonna guess the true purpose of the framing device is to introduce Kiara for the next film; and the true purpose for the Mufasa story was to set up a pride of outsiders also for the next film. Both Kiara and the Outsiders played a big part in the original DTV Lion King 2. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I don't know if Kiros' pride of outsiders make it out all alive or not.
I was actually fascinated by the idea behind this story, sort of a tale of two brothers which could be really interesting. But I got the feeling just from the trailer that story would be let down. But I usually think slightly higher of films than Dan, so I'll give it a shot!
I was avoiding this thing as a plague. Not watching any trailers, news, updates, etc. Only thing I knew was that stupid poster. And WHEN I sat down in theatres to watch The Wild Robot, they played the trailer for this.
All these disney movies do is reinforce the contrast between modern disney and their last great era (late 80s-early 90s) - hand drawn 2D animation, great story telling, compelling characters, great pacing. now its all a soulless pure cash grab banking on nostalgia.
I'm glad they actually had a plot worth a damn - sucks that it was so freaking rushed. I couldn't stand the 2019 remake but I was also hopeful on this one
It will be interesting to see if the volume of plot that Dan says might overwhelm or confuse kids on first watch will discourage re-watching or whether kids will watch it again and again until they understand and enjoy the stimulation of the fast pace?
Suggestion on ending Mufasa and Scar arrive at the location from Mufasa's dreams, while the white lion, aided by scavenging hyenas who regularly plague the Pride land, helps the white lion to the place. A fierce battle ensues between Scar and Mufasa, alongside other animals, against the white lions and a the hyenas, resulting in the white lions fleeing and Mufasa declaring the hyenas unwelcome, ending the animals never ending problem. The animals then proclaim Mufasa as their king, pushing Scar over the edge. In a fit of rage, Scar attacks Rafiki( Hence his broken leg) prompting Mufasa to intervene. Ultimately, Mufasa injures Scar, giving him his infamous scar, leading Scar to finally come to his senses and offer a heartfelt apology. End credit scene. We got to see Scar meeting with the Hyenas.
I really hated 2019's Lion King remake, thought it was uninspired, dull and an insult to a classic. So, going into Mufasa, I was kind of rolling my eyes, expecting to get a quick nap in and call it a day. But as the movie went on, it actually got it's hooks in me, I started to care about Mufasa and Scar, where their relationship started and how it developed. There were so many points in this movie where the emotions on display were really complex and difficult to sort through, and I really appreciated that. Many of the shots felt more inspired, more artistically driven, and the more animated faces really helped carry that emotion. I just wish they didn't waste our time with the present day, and wish they stuck the landing more cleanly than what we ended up with.
In the OG lion king scar says “when it comes to his family, he got the shallow end of the gene pool”…. I wonder why he’d say that if they’re adopted brothers
But in the 2019 remake they purposefully omit the gene pool line from exchange, which makes me think they purposefully left it open ended in case they wanted to create this movie.
Too bad scar never said that at all. He said "WHEN IT COMES TO BRAINS, I HAVE THE LION SHARE, BUT BRUTE STRENTGH, IM ON THE SHALLOW END OF THE GENE POOL". That's what I'm saying, y'all fake lion king fans ain't even see the og movie. Y'all just here to hate
@@mania4270of all the unnecessary gatekeepibg in the world, I never knew OG Lion King gatekeeping would be a thing. The point or question OP was making/asking is still valid
@lacolem1 that's not gatekeeping, he literally tried to bash the new movie storyline by incorrectly mentioning something from the og film that he misquoted. It's gatekeeping by being close minded and dissing movie you both clearly haven't seen
Just got back from seeing the movie with family. Honestly great movie, amazing visuals effects, best CGI I've ever seen. Nice music with some of them being your original songs that brings back that Lion King magic. The story is compelling and facial expressions are very good. Some scenes could had been shorter and the movie could give you the feeling of being too long, but then it catch up with a nice ending. I don't get the negative fuss about it. I recommend it
I don't really have anything against this since it's not a rehash of the original, but I can't think of anything less original than a Mufasa prequel. Zero interest here.
Hahahaha the hal rudnick stab made my heart full!!!! Thanks Dan that took me back to good times watching screen junkies and seeing you and your mortal enemy Hal duke it out 🎉
How did the 2019 Lion King make over a billion dollars? I got that Captain Marvel made over a billion dollars because she was teased for Endgame. But Lion King? I really don't get it.
It's easy to forget now, but Disney was on a roll with its live action remakes being enjoyed by audiences (if not critics) at the time. The Jungle Book, Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King were all huge hits that financially repeated their success as live action remakes. Dubbo (2019) showed the formula wasn't foolproof, and The Little Mermaid (2023) showed people have largely tired of it, despite being a better film than the Lion King (2019.)
@@jimmyboydonald6578 And yet, those earlier moves were heavily criticized. Nobody liked Emma Watson's singing and Will Smith's Genie became a meme in a bad way.
I've never seen a trailer before and immediately said, "nope, not for me". Star Wars taught me that I don't need to know *everything* about things I loved as a child. "Live action" was bad enough, no thanks. Oh and fun fact: leucistic (so white/pale fur but not albino) lions would 100% die in the wild because their coloring is essential for their camouflage when hunting.
Hearing you say Hal Rudnick gave me a real sense of happy nostalgia Dan. I remember that anytime you showed up on the Screen Junkies Show or faced off in Movie Fights it always made for my favorite episodes because of your guys’ chemistry. I hope he’s doing well!
The original Lion King has always been my favorite movie, and Mufasa is not far from being my second favorite with Puss in boots 2 ahah I had low expectations but i loved it. ❤
The 1994 Lion King is my favorite movie of all time and the 2019 version seriously ticked me off. I can see and respect what this prequel is going for, but I think I'll skip it
I liked it a lot. For me as an adult it was ok, the fast pase. I did not care so much for the songs. I think visualy it was attractive. The bond between Mufasa and Taka was interesting. It was exciting and the story realy moved me. It was more than ok for me. I saw the ratings were not so high so I did not have high expectations. But it was certainly worth my time.
I agree that it was rushed, and totally should have had almost another hour of run time! The speech was flat but the songs were fire originals that I personally loved, and brought back a lot of the original films playfulness that the 2019 remake ruined. And I have to point out that it's not said that they stepped away from slavishly creating realistic animals, and gave them expressions and character way better in this film. Their body and face movements improved a hundred fold, and they even gave the characters different color pallettes this time, which they completely neglected in the first movie. They did have to make taka according to the original film, but he was more visibly grey, his father's and mufasa's father's manes and faces were notably different, and they just had a lot more individual characterization, and their personalities as well were more animated, not nearly as flat. The villain was good and evil, the song bye bye sent me reeling a bit in its playfulness more like the classic animations and less cinematic/dramatic, it almost seemed like it didn't belong in that world, but the longer it went it felt like it did and it bridged that gap of seriousness this type of animation presents with the original fun of animated Disney movies.
Gosh, do this: go to the movies and have fun! The movie is beautiful, the plot is interesting, visually it is surreal and exciting! That's it, enough! No one wants to create a timeless work, it's more about being less critical and embracing the idea that no, IT'S NOT BAD, IT'S VERY GOOD, GO!
I didn't say it was bad. It's weird to give a critic the note "be less critical." And I have fun at the movies a lot - and had more fun watching Sonic 3 and others than I did watching this movie.
My sentiments exactly. Not sure what folks were expecting but if you’re a 90s baby that saw TLK as a child, you’ll appreciate this prequel. It was well done, not meant to be some Oscar drama and there are so many lessons to take away from it.
I DESPISED the 2019 remake and everything it represented, but when I found out this was being directed by Barry Jenkins, I was willing to give it a shot. Sadly, it seems another great director has been snatched up by the Disney machine to lend an air of respectability to another one of their soulless cash-grabs. Disney is a snake, eating itself by its own tail, and we have to stop rewarding them for it!
I haven't loved any of Jenkins other movies I've seen, and he seems like a really strange choice for a Disney movie. I'll still give a chance even though I thought the first Lion King remake was not any good.
so this movie had potential but limited by corporate interests. It's success will I guess be driven by the IP more than WOM. Which may still work as we saw with Moana 2
Hollywood was so preoccupied with whether or not they could make another Lion King movie, they didn't stop to think if they SHOULD.
Well in this instance, when something makes a billion dollars worldwide, it's less a question of "Could" or "Would" it's the inevitability of "When" because you're gonna need to put more faith in the investors when the year before was so bad and extend the beast of franchising one way or another.
Just the lion king? I think we've been having this conversation for about the last decade when came to unnecessary sequels.
They were never preoccupied with whether they should. It was always about whether they could.
Who cares? I'm glad we got an original story as opposed to another remake. I'm starting to think it's the movie nerds who are creatively bankrupt in their opinions.
@@mania4270 If the movie nerds are creatively bankrupt in their opinions, your standards are too forgiving for the bare minimum. Yes, I would expect a movie of this kind of budget and marketing to put SOME decent dollars into a more striking script.
This would've been a decent direct-to-video film like 15 years ago.
@@MKLettis Just like The Lion King 1 1/2 and 2 were!
@@davedujour1Lion King 2 is actually pretty underrated. I really like that movie
Its not that ordinary but yes this is strictly for the kids. Unlike Lion King which was a complete movie with a much wider appeal.
I have zero intention to see this movie, but I wanted to hear what Dan had to say.
Same!
“The great Kings of the past-“
YOU’RE THE FIRST KING OF PRIDE ROCK. What kings of the past?! There are none.
I'm pretty sure there were kings of other prides. There isn't just 1 singular pride in the entirety of the continent of Africa.
@@BrooklynBeTheBoroyou missing the point. The whole point of that line was to install a sense of grand lineage to simba and what he is to be a part of and reinforce mufasas lesson of living up to their honor and to not have your actions bring shame to their name. It was part of this lesson that ends up driving him to go back and take back the pride lands at the end. But making it just a singular generation deadens that line and makes it pointless now. You’re not part of this grand family lineage of kings and need to act accordingly but you should do the right thing for all these other kings that have no relation to you and are from different prides but their kings. Not sure if they are good or bad kings. Like it sounds so stupid lol. Why would you listen to that advice as a kid? If my actions were bringing shame to my family name, I’d be be more apt to listen. Writers nowadays just suck at thinking through lines and making dumb connections.
@@nathanjohnson3668 but that's the thing; Black people don't exclude other tribes when discussing our ancestors. Our ancestral lineage is seen as a collective, a community, or group belonging. It's all part of the diaspora. To say kings of old is to give acknowledgement to all, not just the immediate family branch. We use words like kinfolk for that very reason. I have "cousins" who don't share a single familial bond with me. I have "aunties" who met my mother in college, and are born to parents from completely different lineages. It is all simply an acknowledgement of those who came before us when we say things like that.
I just dislike that there is an entire pride of white lions. White lions are very rare and thats not how the genes work. There would never be an entire pride of white lions. I hate choices like this just for the sake of visuals.
Ur stupid
Lion King 2 Boogeloo: "He's not bad he is just animated that way".
It's like telling a hilarious "Guy-Walks-Into-A-Bar" joke, and after the laughter dies down, asking everyone if they want to learn about how the owner of the bar got his liquor license and zoning permits
... was the hilarious joke the first remake? Well now that I say it that way...
@@SimonBuchanNz I was many referring to the original 2-d Lion King, but yeah I see your point
This is the first time I've watched one of your videos. I like how you're calm but have an opinion and really give a balanced review. Hope to see more reviews.
I still can't believe that Barry Jenkins directed this movie. Indie directors making blockbusters with well known IP is nothing new but Jenkins directing a movie like this was never on my bingo list
I'm very excited. I got my tickets ready for Sonic 3.
Yes! Sonic 3 LFG!
SONIC 3 ALL DAY ALL DAY 💯💯🔥🔥💯💯🔥🔥
Lol
yep same here, Disney sure picked the WRONG wknd to debut this one
I'm excited for Sonic 3, even though my Mom's not.
The Lion King (1994 obviously, hate that I have to add the year now) is my favorite movie of all time. I love everything about it and it’s always a great watch for me no matter my mood. That being said, I had and still have no interest in watching this in theaters. The trailers did not hook me at all and I just have a nagging dread towards the movie similar to what the Fantastic Beast movies did to Harry Potter. Curious what the response is from fellow Lion King fans since I think the movie is going to struggle to hit a $60M opening as the estimates project and am almost certain it’s coming in second behind Sonic 3
I have also been a lion king fan since I was little, born in 93 so it's always been my favorite movie. I was excited for the lion king remake, and was let down. And the fantastic beasts was a TRAVESTY the last one was vomit inducingly bad. BUT I remained optimistic about mufasa and boy howdy I enjoyed the hell out of it. I cannot lie, the run time was too short, it needed breathing room. But nothing anyone reviewing it will say will take away how much I really really enjoyed watching this. I enjoyed it as much as puss in boots 2, which was also surprisingly amazing. Im sure those who criticize can find something wrong with any of our favorites, and disney has given us no shortage of things to complain about. But if you go, go expecting to enjoy it and see how you feel. I personally was burned by Moana 2 a few weeks ago and was so angry when I left, I wanted to punch someone for wasting my time. But when I left this movie, I got on the interstate going the wrong way for 20 minutes before realizing it, because I was still excited by the movie. I love the original lion king, and really liked this story and movie!
SAME! The movie is the best Disney has ever made and my top 5 favorite movies ever. Sadly, Mufasa was a huge miss. In the OG Lion King, every SINGLE scene was so impactful and important to the overall arching story. Mufasa wasn’t…that great. Uninspiring adventure of one of the greatest fathers of all time. Sigh.
As a kid that loved the 94 film, I found myself enjoying this one. Is not as perfect as the animated one but I liked the characters and the way they put easter eggs because they explained how things ended up that way or how characters met. I almost cried in one scene but that's also because now I can sadly relate to the feelings of the characters.
A Dark Knight reference in the Mufasa review.
Nicely done 👌
So they actually grabbed Kimba, the white lion and turned him into a villain, uh?
Talk about disrespecting the source material. .
That would be an unfortunate best case scenario. It's either disrespecting the original source, or a message that much more sinister
The lion king did not rip off Leo the lion. Leo the lion isn't even actually called Kimba, that is his name from the shitty english dub.
@@yurifairy2969Agreed 100%
@@yurifairy2969Agreed 100%
The backstory for how Scar became Scar would have made more since if he and Mufasa actually vied against one another for which one would be king, and Mufasa personally gave him that scar. Kinda like Scar and Simba fought at the end of The Lion King (1994). That would have been better or at least would have made more sense.
Since it was Disney I was really hoping scar would gain his name by running into some random guy behind a computer who would hear his story and just go, "Well, guess you're a *Solo Cat Attempting Regicide* .... you're a Scar," and then that guy would type that up and that would be that. Missed opportunity....
"I need a cool villain name."
"Yeah, otherwise everyone will be talking about your ugly scar."
"Say it again?"
"An ugly scar?"
It seems to me like Transformers ONE does nearly everything this movie wants to do, but better.
Probably because they actually have a lot of other materials to work with. Megatron having the tragic villain backstory has been a thing in comics and TV shows for more than a decade now. Transformer One basically condensed all those materials.
Get that bag Mr. Jenkins, you’ve more than earned it
As a lifelong fan of The Lion King, I have zero interest in seeing this movie and basically your review is confirming what I thought this movie would be. I never thought I would say I’m super disappointed in Disney and kind of sick of them but holy cow! They have seriously been letting me down in creativity!! The original lion King is still one of my favorite movies of all time and it’s ironically why I hate the live action one so much 😂 this just looks more like the same corporate bull crap and I honestly really hate the idea of Mufasa being an adopted brother. Shakespeare never did that crap. Family members just hated each other in his shows (particularly Hamlet of which this is based) and we accepted it 🤣 I wish Hollywood wasn’t so freaking obsessed with origin stories. I seriously don’t care where Mufasa or Willy Wonka or whoever come from. Just give me a good movie!
And for the record, I have an adopted sister. I really hope no one thinks that I hate adopted people when I say this, I just think in this particular story, they are trying to use the adoption excuse as an excuse to make Scar more sinister and Mufasa more “heroic”. I just think it’s cheap and stupid.
You should try seeing it at least you will know if you will like it or not. Don't trust the reviews first just go see it for yourself to see I mean everyone has to form their own opinion after they see it.
@@BrittneySapotalo Problem is, can't do that without paying a ticket price, and you don't get that money back if you're unsatisfied. Hard to take it that route when doing so support the project one way or another.
@@motherplayer Bingo 👍 if I see it, it will be on Disney+
To be fair though, Wonka was a great movie.
Got an ad for Mufasa during this😂
Me too
Poor Barry Jenkins clearly not immune to getting swallowed up by the Disney machine.
Hopefully if the film does well, he gets to make whatever he wants afterwards.
Though you do wonder from Disney's perspective why hire a guy like Jenkins when you're looking for an average studio hack?
Nobody is a "professor of movie studies" he finally got to do a blockbuster after a long career and I don't see why people had a problem with it, its African just like his other films.
@@Ruddline None of his other films are African, what even....?
Mufasa: We were brothers once.
Taka: Once...
Oh no, is this Transformers One again? 😂 Also gonna Live and Learn for the Sonic 3 review
"We have to keep the kids' attention". If that's your main focus, you're in trouble.
It is too much to ask Disney to tell a story that does not contradict other more successful movies. In the original Lion King Scar and Mufasa were actually blood brothers not adopted brothers. Scar was the first born and that why he became king because of the birthright. Now it looks like there is no kings of the past in Pride Rock. But Pride Rock is a choice land. If your going to tell a story with changes like this Don`t make it about the characters that we already know some thing about there past. If you tell a story that is different about the past lives of the characters that we already know something about you ruin the movie for the fans. It is my number one criticism for Disney stop trying to change a classic movie that we all fell in love with.
Sonic 3 here we go!
Honestly who tf thought this would be a good movie?
Millions
Disney fans and naive people
I could see how a movie involving Mufasa might be interesting.
I don't have high expectation but it seemed interesting enough that Barry Jenkins directed this
@@39mack23 more like a couple thousand people 😂
Saw this movie a few hours ago and the theatre gave it an ovation. I thought the plot line was great and it was a good backstory on Taka’s descent into evil. Mufasa is definitely a character that is worthy of his own story and the animation is much better than the 2019 adaptation. Just seems like folks are writing it off without seeing it first
I agree it was better than the 2019 version
I love your honesty Dan.
My kids (4&8) were scared of the animation, so we’ve pre-booked for Sonic
I'm 34 and I'm scared of the animation too.
@@at9648 that’s a great choice for your kids 💯💯🔥🔥
good
What a shock. A company taking a prestige or stylistic director and homogenizing their style into something that wouldn't be too hard on the wallet or off-putting for their product that's suppose to appeal to everyone? Never heard that before, and even more damning when Barry himself straight up said he did not enjoy working with the style, and I just feel bad for him because he was likely only there so Disney can get more points by having a Black Director work on the tale set in Africa, and he deserves better than that. I hope he at least runs off with they payday and/or this allows him to get a passion project done.
They might have had to get a black writer if they didn't have a black director. No way they could risk that.
All I need to know about Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is if Live & Learn has a presence in the movie, but I think I'd rather find out Friday in theaters
Yeah I’m avoiding spoilers like the plague 🫡
The word "adapted" for 2019's screenplay is lifting quite a bit of weight.
Yeah that made me chuckle. Whoever "wrote" the 2019 Lion King used a photocopier.
I went to a mystery moving screening at my local theatre and was slightly terrified that this film might possible be the film I would be watching. Thankfully we got the other Barry Jenkins film coming out around Christmas, the Fire Inside, where Jenkins serves as producer and writer. People should go see that one. Great movie.
Simba's Pride has got to be in the works right? First, they introduce Kiara and then now they retcon that Mufasa and Scar aren't biological brothers! They want to make extra clear, Kiara and Kovu aren’t even remotely related. 😂
Also, I know they aren't related in the original Simba's Pride either, but it's a lot less clear and a lot of lay people see the cover and think INCEST!
No doubt that's what they are going for. Only Live-Action remake that has enough built in fan loyalty to actually not bomb the second time around.
kovu was never even remotely related to scar in the first place though? he was hand-picked as his successor, not his son. at least in the animated film. never got into the books.
@muffin1538 Yeah, but a lot of people who never saw the movie, looked at Scar then looked at Kovu, and thought that they were related.
I really liked this review! It was very balanced and fair, and as both the #1 Lion King 2019 hater but also the #1 "Mufasa is gonna be so good you guys" guy, I really appreciate that it was based on the actual content and execution of the movie and not just "Who asked for this??" "I'm seeing Sonic!" "They were never real brothers??" which I don't think is constructive or helpful criticism at all
ok. the opening joke was clever haha 😆 👌🏼
It’s 2am in Tokyo rn and yet I’m here, reading to watch the first (of many) Mufasa reviews. Always like to hear Dan’s thoughts on any movie but this one… have such low expectations for it. Wasn’t asking for it. Also wasn’t a fan of the other live action Lion King movie. But was interested to see if disney would do anything interesting with the prequel concept.
I’m so ready for Sonic 3
Disney not only copied and ripped off Kimba the White Lion, but seemingly want to spiritually vilify it with their antagonist here?
Disney truly is shameless.
You really are ignorant
Ngl I just felt bad for scar. So now idk if I’ll feel as sad when mufasa dies in the animated 😭
My family has tickets to Sonic. We are excited that Shadow is brought into the Sonic world. We didn't see the Lion King Remake. We are not very excited by Mufasa
I love the part where Scar bit Kraven and Kraven became Lion-Man.
l liked the remake of the Lion King because I liked the original and it's the same story. Shot for shot. I was against the idea of remaking it, but I liked it.
I'm so excited for this colorless digital sludge.
Is Disney once again claiming this to be a live action movie?
The original Lion King was my favorite movie growing up. It was the first movie I saw in theaters. I’m not watching the remake, and in turn I’m not watching Mufasa. I wish Mufasa was animated like the original. I would have been excited for that.
So its Transformers One meets National Geographic? Got it
"It's fine" is not box office worthy, yet there's a good chance it'll win anyway =(
I expected to hate this like 2019 s , but I did enjoy it. I get the criticisms, but there’s the ultimate nostalgia factor kicking in too.. I m 36, went with my mother and younger brother.
We also went to lion king 1994.
My mom was so emotional.. she never watched 2019 lion king either, so she was excited ..!
and the animals being more expressive in Mufasa really helped too. I found the story captivating and got sucked into it like a kid again.
A group of lions is called a pride not a pack
Look forward to seeing it with my 3 sons and brother this weekend. My expectations aren’t high but it’ll be fun doing together. Nothing will ever top the original.
I was confused when in mileilei the native lions said 'we've seen these intruders before' or something like that but I thought it was the first time the white lions discovered it?
Blows my mind when I'm constantly reminded that people get paid TONS of money to come up with decisions like this. Should someone make a good salary on the notion that they are able to say "hey this movie made a lot, let's try and keep that going with another one?"
Sonic 3 >>>> Mufasa
Lion King 2, Live Action Boogaloo
Turbo is playing scarr this time
Saw Mufasa today and i was pleasantly surprised. Good original story and stunning visuals.
Thanks for your review Dan! I’m looking forward to seeing your review on Sonic tomorrow! I’m hoping it’s decent. 💜
I'm gonna guess the true purpose of the framing device is to introduce Kiara for the next film; and the true purpose for the Mufasa story was to set up a pride of outsiders also for the next film.
Both Kiara and the Outsiders played a big part in the original DTV Lion King 2.
I haven't seen the movie yet, so I don't know if Kiros' pride of outsiders make it out all alive or not.
Hyped for Mufasa
I was actually fascinated by the idea behind this story, sort of a tale of two brothers which could be really interesting. But I got the feeling just from the trailer that story would be let down. But I usually think slightly higher of films than Dan, so I'll give it a shot!
Well, im still planning to watch cause i love these characters.
The ending made me tear up for sure.
I was avoiding this thing as a plague. Not watching any trailers, news, updates, etc. Only thing I knew was that stupid poster. And WHEN I sat down in theatres to watch The Wild Robot, they played the trailer for this.
5:48 Another example: Kogonada in The Acolyte. His love for storytelling and visual filmmaking was conspicuously absent in his directing on that show.
All these disney movies do is reinforce the contrast between modern disney and their last great era (late 80s-early 90s) - hand drawn 2D animation, great story telling, compelling characters, great pacing. now its all a soulless pure cash grab banking on nostalgia.
I'm glad they actually had a plot worth a damn - sucks that it was so freaking rushed. I couldn't stand the 2019 remake but I was also hopeful on this one
It will be interesting to see if the volume of plot that Dan says might overwhelm or confuse kids on first watch will discourage re-watching or whether kids will watch it again and again until they understand and enjoy the stimulation of the fast pace?
Suggestion on ending
Mufasa and Scar arrive at the location from Mufasa's dreams, while the white lion, aided by scavenging hyenas who regularly plague the Pride land, helps the white lion to the place.
A fierce battle ensues between Scar and Mufasa, alongside other animals, against the white lions and a the hyenas, resulting in the white lions fleeing and Mufasa declaring the hyenas unwelcome, ending the animals never ending problem.
The animals then proclaim Mufasa as their king, pushing Scar over the edge.
In a fit of rage, Scar attacks Rafiki( Hence his broken leg) prompting Mufasa to intervene.
Ultimately, Mufasa injures Scar, giving him his infamous scar, leading Scar to finally come to his senses and offer a heartfelt apology.
End credit scene. We got to see Scar meeting with the Hyenas.
I really hated 2019's Lion King remake, thought it was uninspired, dull and an insult to a classic. So, going into Mufasa, I was kind of rolling my eyes, expecting to get a quick nap in and call it a day. But as the movie went on, it actually got it's hooks in me, I started to care about Mufasa and Scar, where their relationship started and how it developed. There were so many points in this movie where the emotions on display were really complex and difficult to sort through, and I really appreciated that. Many of the shots felt more inspired, more artistically driven, and the more animated faces really helped carry that emotion. I just wish they didn't waste our time with the present day, and wish they stuck the landing more cleanly than what we ended up with.
In the OG lion king scar says “when it comes to his family, he got the shallow end of the gene pool”…. I wonder why he’d say that if they’re adopted brothers
But in the 2019 remake they purposefully omit the gene pool line from exchange, which makes me think they purposefully left it open ended in case they wanted to create this movie.
Too bad scar never said that at all. He said "WHEN IT COMES TO BRAINS, I HAVE THE LION SHARE, BUT BRUTE STRENTGH, IM ON THE SHALLOW END OF THE GENE POOL". That's what I'm saying, y'all fake lion king fans ain't even see the og movie. Y'all just here to hate
@@mania4270of all the unnecessary gatekeepibg in the world, I never knew OG Lion King gatekeeping would be a thing.
The point or question OP was making/asking is still valid
@lacolem1 that's not gatekeeping, he literally tried to bash the new movie storyline by incorrectly mentioning something from the og film that he misquoted. It's gatekeeping by being close minded and dissing movie you both clearly haven't seen
Really good commentary from Dan - I wish more people in Hollywood would listen to him.
Skipping this one, does not seem to be worth the money for the movie ticket, but I'll probably check it out later.
Just got back from seeing the movie with family. Honestly great movie, amazing visuals effects, best CGI I've ever seen. Nice music with some of them being your original songs that brings back that Lion King magic. The story is compelling and facial expressions are very good. Some scenes could had been shorter and the movie could give you the feeling of being too long, but then it catch up with a nice ending. I don't get the negative fuss about it. I recommend it
Im excited to watch it and for the music.
I'm not seeing this movie. I'm going to try to see Flow this weekend if it's still in theaters.
I don't really have anything against this since it's not a rehash of the original, but I can't think of anything less original than a Mufasa prequel. Zero interest here.
Movie looks like an unreal cutscene, can't get over the video game environments
Hahahaha the hal rudnick stab made my heart full!!!! Thanks Dan that took me back to good times watching screen junkies and seeing you and your mortal enemy Hal duke it out 🎉
How did the 2019 Lion King make over a billion dollars? I got that Captain Marvel made over a billion dollars because she was teased for Endgame. But Lion King? I really don't get it.
It's easy to forget now, but Disney was on a roll with its live action remakes being enjoyed by audiences (if not critics) at the time. The Jungle Book, Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King were all huge hits that financially repeated their success as live action remakes. Dubbo (2019) showed the formula wasn't foolproof, and The Little Mermaid (2023) showed people have largely tired of it, despite being a better film than the Lion King (2019.)
@@jimmyboydonald6578 And yet, those earlier moves were heavily criticized. Nobody liked Emma Watson's singing and Will Smith's Genie became a meme in a bad way.
China. Apparently the animation blew their minds.
Damn, between this, & Kraven the Hunter…
Dan, please rest.
Mufasa = Jacob
Scar = Esau
Hey Dan, could you also provide your thoughts on the visuals of this film?
I've never seen a trailer before and immediately said, "nope, not for me". Star Wars taught me that I don't need to know *everything* about things I loved as a child. "Live action" was bad enough, no thanks. Oh and fun fact: leucistic (so white/pale fur but not albino) lions would 100% die in the wild because their coloring is essential for their camouflage when hunting.
Hearing you say Hal Rudnick gave me a real sense of happy nostalgia Dan. I remember that anytime you showed up on the Screen Junkies Show or faced off in Movie Fights it always made for my favorite episodes because of your guys’ chemistry. I hope he’s doing well!
I’m right there with you! I’d love for Dan to get Hal to guest on a video sometime.
Sonic movie 3 is definitely gonna destroy mufasa in the box office.
I'm not only offended by the intro joke, but also the confidence in which it was said.
The original Lion King has always been my favorite movie, and Mufasa is not far from being my second favorite with Puss in boots 2 ahah I had low expectations but i loved it. ❤
I am there after Dec 20th R.I.P. James Earl Jones!
The 1994 Lion King is my favorite movie of all time and the 2019 version seriously ticked me off. I can see and respect what this prequel is going for, but I think I'll skip it
I am grateful for these reviews. It saves from wasting my time. I love going to the movies, but not sitting through another dud
I liked it a lot. For me as an adult it was ok, the fast pase. I did not care so much for the songs. I think visualy it was attractive. The bond between Mufasa and Taka was interesting. It was exciting and the story realy moved me. It was more than ok for me. I saw the ratings were not so high so I did not have high expectations. But it was certainly worth my time.
I agree that it was rushed, and totally should have had almost another hour of run time! The speech was flat but the songs were fire originals that I personally loved, and brought back a lot of the original films playfulness that the 2019 remake ruined. And I have to point out that it's not said that they stepped away from slavishly creating realistic animals, and gave them expressions and character way better in this film. Their body and face movements improved a hundred fold, and they even gave the characters different color pallettes this time, which they completely neglected in the first movie. They did have to make taka according to the original film, but he was more visibly grey, his father's and mufasa's father's manes and faces were notably different, and they just had a lot more individual characterization, and their personalities as well were more animated, not nearly as flat. The villain was good and evil, the song bye bye sent me reeling a bit in its playfulness more like the classic animations and less cinematic/dramatic, it almost seemed like it didn't belong in that world, but the longer it went it felt like it did and it bridged that gap of seriousness this type of animation presents with the original fun of animated Disney movies.
Gosh, do this: go to the movies and have fun! The movie is beautiful, the plot is interesting, visually it is surreal and exciting! That's it, enough! No one wants to create a timeless work, it's more about being less critical and embracing the idea that no, IT'S NOT BAD, IT'S VERY GOOD, GO!
I didn't say it was bad. It's weird to give a critic the note "be less critical." And I have fun at the movies a lot - and had more fun watching Sonic 3 and others than I did watching this movie.
My sentiments exactly. Not sure what folks were expecting but if you’re a 90s baby that saw TLK as a child, you’ll appreciate this prequel. It was well done, not meant to be some Oscar drama and there are so many lessons to take away from it.
I DESPISED the 2019 remake and everything it represented, but when I found out this was being directed by Barry Jenkins, I was willing to give it a shot. Sadly, it seems another great director has been snatched up by the Disney machine to lend an air of respectability to another one of their soulless cash-grabs. Disney is a snake, eating itself by its own tail, and we have to stop rewarding them for it!
Wait, the speed of the actors' speech is _slower_ when they do a Miranda song? That sounds like a first ...
I haven't loved any of Jenkins other movies I've seen, and he seems like a really strange choice for a Disney movie. I'll still give a chance even though I thought the first Lion King remake was not any good.
I have zero interest in this movie but I will still watch your review and like it❤
sick hoodie dan
Amazing movie to watch for those that have kids to go with his/her inner child. Go and watch it with the right mindset and you will love it.
so this movie had potential but limited by corporate interests. It's success will I guess be driven by the IP more than WOM. Which may still work as we saw with Moana 2
So... Scar is Loki? And Mufasa is Thor? And the White Lions are the Ice Giants?
So, this movie is a big ad for Sonic 3, right?