Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Barry Jenkins made a Lion King prequel, and the most memorable thing in it is a warthog interrupting the story. Rafiki tells Kiara how her grandfather became king, and Timon and Pumbaa keep cutting in with jokes that let the air out of every big moment. The story underneath is better than it needed to be. Mufasa is a cub with no royal blood, swept away by a flash flood and taken in by Taka, a prince who becomes his brother. Then Kiros, leader of a pack of white lions called the Outsiders, comes after them, and the brothers run for a promised land. Watching Taka’s love curdle into jealousy over Sarabi is the best part, and Jenkins takes it seriously. The photoreal animals look better than last time and still can’t really emote, and the songs vanish on contact. A reported $200 million budget, $722.6 million worldwide. A 5.6 because the drama is real and the music isn’t. $47.16 says you hum Hakuna Matata on the way out, because this one gave you nothing new.

What works: The brotherhood between Mufasa and Taka has real weight, and the animation is a clear step up from the 2019 remake.

What doesn’t: The songs are forgettable, the photoreal faces still can’t carry big emotions, and the Timon and Pumbaa interruptions undercut the drama.

Who it’s for: Lion King fans who always wanted to know how Scar got his name and don’t mind a two-hour bedtime story.