'Mufasa: The Lion King' Movie Review + The Impact On Black Culture
As an actor I have had the privilege of being a bodyguard in the movie ‘Jurassic Games’ (2018), an extra/stand in for Actor ‘Ricky Whittle’ in the TV Show ‘American God’s’, and various commercials work, and theater performances which has earned me an IMDB credit. Movies/TV Shows, and Entertainment have played a huge role in my life since childhood. The stories, the characters, and the Worlds (sci/fi, fantasy, horror, fiction, animation) have captivated my imagination, and have influenced my creativity as an artist, which is why I am so excited about starting something new on my website. I will be reviewing movies, and TV shows, and giving my critical opinion, as well as a breakdown of the message, and theme’s I took away from it. The first movie up is ‘Mufasa: The Lion King.’ A sequel to the live of ‘The Lion King’ an adaption based directly on the original animated classic from 1994.
Many of us millennials who were born between the years of 1990-1999 remember that a huge part of our childhood was the era of Disney known as ‘The Renaissance era.’ The period was marked by a return to critically successful animated films such as the classics ‘Alladin’, ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Beauty and The Beast’, Hercules, Pocahontas, and ‘The Lion King.’
The original Disney animated feature follows the adventures in Africa of the young lion Simba, the heir of his father, Mufasa (played by legendary actor James Earl Jones). Simba's wicked uncle, Scar, plots to take over Mufasa's throne by luring the father, and son, into a stampede of wildebeests. But Simba escapes, and only Mufasa is killed. Simba returns as an adult to take back his homeland from Scar with the help of his friends Timon (a Meerkat), and Pumbaa (a warthog). The original ‘Lion King’ is most notably remembered by its incredible songs, and music such as ‘I Just Cant Wait To Be King’ and ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ by Elton John. Followed by memorable merchandise, nostalgic kids bed sheets, and video games. The live action version was released in 2019 and stared music artist Beyoncé, and Childish Gambino who played Simba, and Nala (Simba’s childhood best friend, and love interest).
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ the direct live action prequel was released December 20th, 2024. I took my cousins Jasmyne (25) and Marcel (10) to see the new movie and all of the nostalgia came rushing back, reminding me how much I have loved Disney movies since childhood. Lost and alone, orphaned cub Mufasa (Simba’s Dad) meets a sympathetic lion named Taka (Scar), the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey 🐫of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destinies. This movie stars two rising black male lead actors who are taking Hollywood by storm, Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), and Kelvin Harris Jr. (Take) What I loved most about the movie is the nostalgia factor, and getting a back story of the relationship between Scar, and Mufasa as we know them from the animated classic. It was refreshing to see the characters as young innocent Lion cubs, before they became enemies. A reminder that every villain has a backstory, and a reason why they became who they are.
The music was also good, and one of my favorite songs was ‘I Always Wanted A Brother’ the new ‘I Just Cant Wait To Be King.’ Growing up in a single parent family, with no siblings, the soundtrack really spoke to my soul growing up as an only child. The movie also featuring a returning Beyoncé (Nala), and her daughter Blue Ivy as lion cub Kiara.
I took my cousins to see the movie for the ‘New Years’ Holiday at our local movie theater ‘AMC Southroads 20’ (4923 41st St, Tulsa Ok 74135) We purchased the collectible popcorn bucket, cup, and plush for the movie. I also brought with me a painting of Simba’s son ‘Kion’ that was given to me for free by a local artist in Oklahoma City at an event where I was a keynote speaker.
The ‘Lion King’ Disney franchise seems to have made a lasting impact on black culture. I believe this is due to the setting of the story taking place in Africa, and the themes of African royalty, family dynamics, and a thirst for the African American audience to get back in touch with our African roots. Ask most black people what their favorite Disney movie is, and most people will tell you it’s Lion King. Most of I’d 90’s baby’s remember our McDonalds Happy Meal toys, or be sheets, and plush merchandise for the movie which has left a lasting impression on our inner child.
If there is one thing I’ve learned as an adult at 33, it’s that the most powerful muse of all is our own inner child!
