Movies

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Announces Streaming Premiere Date

BBG News

The most recent addition to Disney’s beloved Lion King series, titled Mufasa, is now set for streaming.

This upcoming film serves as both a continuation and an origin story for the 2019 release “The Lion King,” which was a modern adaptation of the classic 1994 animated film. Directed by Jon Favreau, the 2019 version re-told the original narrative, but with animals that appeared lifelike instead of being hand-drawn characters.

The film titled “Mufasa,” helmed by Barry Jenkins from “Moonlight,” presents a framing narrative that unfolds subsequent to the occurrences in “The Lion King.” It revolves around Simba’s granddaughter (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter) who is introduced to the tale of her ancestor Mufasa, and his journey to become the ruler of the Pride Lands.

In the animated film “Mufasa,” Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. provide the voices for the younger versions of Mufasa and Scar. The main storyline features Donald Glover, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, and Beyoncé reprising their roles from “The Lion King” as Simba, Rafiki, Pumbaa, Timon, and Nala respectively. However, be aware that Beyoncé doesn’t have many lines in this film compared to her role in “The Lion King.

Despite receiving mediocre reviews (currently rated “rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 57%) and starting off modestly in box offices with a weekend gross of $35 million, the film managed to persist in cinemas, eventually achieving success. It ultimately amassed $712 million globally, which is an impressive figure for a prequel – albeit still less than half of the staggering $1.66 billion that 2019’s Lion King accumulated.

In my opinion, while Mufasa seemed slightly better than the initial live-action Lion King movie, a significant problem present in the original film remains evident in this one. As expressed in my review for ScreenCrush…

In this imaginary world, it was crafted to host Disney characters drawn by hand and styled in an exaggerated manner, emphasizing intense emotions and actions. When you introduce semi-realistic animals into it, they must avoid showing too much human-like behavior, as seen in many classic Disney films where characters often exhibit anthropomorphism. Instead, the characters in Mufasa are always moving about vigorously, while Jenkins’ camera follows them in a continuous whirlwind of motion.

If you regrettably missed watching Mufasa in cinemas yet remain eager to catch up with it, then streaming seems like the perfect solution – particularly if you’re already a subscriber of Disney+. The movie is all set to debut on Disney+ on March 26. (As a movie critic, I might say: “If you’ve been longing to see Mufasa, but couldn’t make it to the theater, streaming appears to be your best bet – especially if you’re already a Disney+ member. The film is due for release on Disney+ on March 26.”)

Sign up for Disney+ here.

The 10 Best Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. The Favourite (2018)

Just as indulgent and delightful as a luxurious slice of cake, “The Favourite” showcases an intense power struggle among the influential females who governed England in the early 18th century. The characters are Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), manipulative Abigail (Emma Stone), and Queen Anne, portrayed with both hilarity and pathos by Olivia Colman, who is afflicted with gout and depression. Despite its initial appearance as a typical Awards Season Costume Drama, “The Favourite” proved to be far from ordinary Oscar bait, even earning Colman the 2018 Best Actress award. This film cleverly explores themes such as sexuality, gender roles, and politics, while also being one of the most subtly quotable movies of the decade. Although one character observes that favor can be “a breeze that changes direction frequently,” I have a strong feeling that “The Favourite” will hold a special place in my heart for a long time to come.

9. The Fabelmans (2022)

The striking aspect of “The Fabelmans” lies in its portrayal that even after seven decades, Steven Spielberg still harbors the same ardor for cinema as young Sammy Fabelman, who, upon watching “The Greatest Show on Earth,” becomes captivated and determined to replicate the screen images at home. Over the years, Spielberg has honed his craft in filmmaking, mastering the use of visuals and sound to evoke emotions such as joy, empathy, fear, and understanding. Yet, he has never strayed from the core reason.
The core reason behind “The Fabelmans” is to recount his personal journey, to shed light on both the bright and dark aspects of cinema and life. Cinema serves as a means for Sammy to cope with his anxiety and loneliness, yet it also isolates him further at home and school. His burgeoning interest in directing provides a bridge to connect with his artistic mother (brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams), but it also poses the risk of revealing her deepest secrets. And now, decades later, it has equipped Spielberg with the skills to narrate this compelling tale, which is brimming with life, love, joy, and sadness – qualities that are characteristic of all great films.

8. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo have returned with their highly anticipated sequel to “Bridesmaids” in the hilarious movie they co-wrote and starred in. The story follows two friends who work at Jennifer Convertibles in Soft Rock, Nebraska, and lose their jobs. With no other options, they decide to spend their severance on a luxurious trip to Florida. There, they encounter an alluring enigma (played by Jamie Dornan, poking fun at his own persona as a muscular ladies’ man) who is part of a plan to destroy the town using genetically-modified mosquitoes (yes, the classic trope). Wiig and Mumolo are exceptional in their roles, humorously exploring themes like Tommy Bahama clothing and the charm of the name Trish. The script is quotable, and it feels like “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” has arrived as a pair of glittery culottes, shining brightly to guide us out of our current gloom.

7. Inside Out (2015)

Before assuming the role of Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was already recognized as a genius within the company. He contributed to the scripts for Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and WALL-E, and directed several of the studio’s top films, including Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out. The latter film is an exceptionally imaginative story that explores the inner life of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. When her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, her world experiences turmoil, leading to a struggle between her brain’s personified emotions. The visual design of Riley’s brainscape is consistently inventive, making each shot captivating in every scene. What truly sets Inside Out apart, however, is its profound wisdom about the significance of sadness and grief in our lives. It stands as a testament to Docter’s remarkable career up until that point.

6. Nickel Boys (2024)

As a movie critic, let me tell you, I’ve had the privilege to watch a multitude of films, some good, some great. But it’s rare to find one that feels fresh, a film that ventures into uncharted territories and pushes the boundaries of cinema itself. That’s precisely what “Nickel Boys” offers. This isn’t just an adaptation; it’s a bold exploration, a unique perspective – or rather, two perspectives in this case.

The daring choice made by co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross was to shoot the film primarily from the point of view of its protagonists, a decision that places the audience squarely within their minds and experiences. The extraordinary point-of-view camerawork of RaMell Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray immerses us in the lives of two young men battling to survive at a Florida reform school in the 1960s. I can’t fathom how Jomo Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography – it’s a mystery that will forever elude me.

In the wrong hands, this technique could become a mere gimmick, but in Ross’ capable hands, you truly feel like you’ve glimpsed the world from a new angle. And perhaps, just perhaps, caught a glimpse of the future of cinema as well.

5. Past Lives (2023)

This poignant and emotional drama explores the unseen influences in our lives, whether we label them as fate, destiny, or simply in-yun. These forces bring people together while also pushing them apart, much like magnets that attract and repel according to unchangeable physical laws. The narrative revolves around two characters: a writer named Nora (Greta Lee) and an engineer named Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). Despite their inability to remain together, they feel an intense connection that keeps them apart. Their paths cross multiple times: as children, students, and adults, and each time the environment around them transforms, yet their primary relationship persists. However, this time Nora is married to an American named Arthur (John Magaro). Will Nora choose to stay with her husband or be with Hae Sung? The resolution of this subtle love triangle is heart-wrenching, making viewers ponder the decisions and events that have molded their own lives, even if their significance only becomes apparent in retrospect.

4. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road,” released within the last decade, is not just an exceptional car chase movie but also one of the most spiritual films. It’s a modern-day exodus story, with Charlize Theron’s character Imperator Furiosa leading a group of women on a journey through the desert, guided by a mad prophet, played by Tom Hardy as Max. This film, directed by George Miller, demonstrates that action movies can be both exhilarating and intelligent. If someone tries to tell you differently, look them straight in the eye and say, “That’s ridiculous.

3. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Now more than 80 years old, Martin Scorsese is still testing himself (and his audience!), still drawing incredible performances out of actors, still exploring the themes that have illuminated most of his best films: Wealth’s seductive and corrosive power; the darkness and tragedy lurking in the heart of American history. The specific context this time is the “Reign of Terror” that took the lives of dozens of members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s, after the tribe’s control of oil-rich lands in Oklahoma make them the target of their white neighbors, including at least one (Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart) who is married to an Osage oil millionaire (Lily Gladstone’s Mollie). It feels like I write this every time Scorsese releases a new movie lately, but it’s arguably more true of Killers of the Flower Moon than ever before: If it is the last movie he makes, it is a perfect exclamation point on an incredible career.

2. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s film, “Lady Bird“, is constructed around various pairs: The protagonist goes by two names, and throughout the movie, she dates two boys, maintains friendships with two different girls. The narrative unfolds over two school terms, each featuring a unique play. There are two dances, two parties, two significant relationships with her two parents. She attends services at two churches and considers applications to two colleges. These multiple options make “Lady Bird” an emotionally impactful film about choice – choices that, for the character’s age, seem like life-altering decisions. In many ways, they are.

1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

As a movie enthusiast, let me rephrase the scenario: In the Musso & Frank Grill, actor Rick Dalton and stuntman Cliff Booth meet producer Marvin Schwarz. Marvin proposes Rick star in Italian Westerns, leaving Rick, who feels his career is dwindling, disheartened and on the verge of tears. Quentin Tarantino subtly highlights this moment by lowering the camera angle, panning up, and revealing the Musso & Frank Grill sign towering above the dejected Rick and Cliff, with the words “Oldest in Hollywood” serving as a poignant reminder of Rick’s feelings. The movie, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” is a masterpiece that skillfully incorporates such thoughtful details.

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2025-03-11 17:55

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