Over winter break, my friends and I took a trip down to AMC 14 to see the new Disney movie Mufasa, an expansion of The Lion King universe. As a kid, I was a huge fan of the original movie as well as the spinoff cartoon, so I was thrilled to see a new backstory for an iconic character.
After seeing sensational clips of songs from the movie go viral on Tiktok, I was eager to hear Lin-Manuel’s Miranda’s new music. I was not disappointed! Each song was so captivating and Miranda’s unique style shined through the lyrics and beat. Additionally these songs matched the energy of the songs from the original movie so well. I especially loved the new songs “Bye-Bye” and “I Always Wanted a Brother”. The entire soundtrack was frustratingly catchy and weeks later I still find myself constantly humming the melodies around the house.
Since this movie is marketed towards a younger audience, the story is understandably simple, and a bit boring. However, what the movie lacks in plot, it makes up for in stunning visuals. The icy tundras, rolling hills, and lush forests depicted in this fully-CGI movie were incredibly detailed and intriguing to look at. This movie is no “at the edge of your seat” murder-mysterey, but it is a great pick for a relaxed movie night when you just want to turn off your brain and enjoy the show.
Overall, I loved the memorable music, vibrant CGI animation, and classic Disney magic. As the Disney universe evolves, films continue to lose their magical touch, but this new story kept true to its roots. In the theater I felt like a little kid again, watching a new Disney movie on DVD with my family. Although it may not be the most complex story, it is very heartwarming, charming, and definitely worth the watch.