Majestic paws, clipped claws: Barry Jenkins' Mufasa roars with reservations

Majestic paws, clipped claws:

- Troy Ribeiro

Director Barry Jenkins' film sets out to answer a question no one seemed to ask: What made Mufasa, the original king of Pride Rock, so kingly? And while the film manages to fill in the blanks with jaw-dropping visuals and a sprinkle of emotional heft, it also trips over Disney's usual traps—predictable arcs, lukewarm humor, and songs that could use a little more bite.

The story begins with Rafiki (voiced with dignified mischief by John Kani) recounting Mufasa's cubhood to an anxious Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) left in Timon and Pumbaa's dubious care. Naturally, these two can't resist interrupting with quips that range from mildly amusing to groan-worthy. The tale unfolds with a young Mufasa swept away from his family by a flood and adopted by a new pride. Here, he bonds with Taka, the princely cub who will inevitably become Scar, Disney's most infamous feline villain.