I’ll admit I was shocked—Mufasa was not terrible! In fact, it turned out better than my low expectations. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional highs of the classic The Lion King (1994) or offer the freedom of artistic expression that traditional animation provides, this prequel manages to stand on its own legs, delivering a story that feels connected to the original while being engaging for most of its runtime.

The film introduces us to Mufasa’s origins through a flashback narrative as Rafiki retells the story to Kiara, Timon, and Pumbaa. While this framing device isn’t strictly necessary, it adds a nice touch of familiarity for fans of the series. The plot centers on a young, orphaned Mufasa who crosses paths with Taka—who, as you might guess early on, grows up to be Scar. Predictable? Yes. But it’s still intriguing to see the roots of Scar’s bitterness, particularly as the film explores his jealousy toward Mufasa’s leadership skills and the way he wins the affection of Siravi (a lioness Scar harbors feelings for).

Unfortunately, this "reveal" is telegraphed from a mile away, so don’t expect a jaw-dropping twist. Even though it lacks true surprise, the dynamic between Mufasa and Taka gives emotional weight to the story. It’s a bit Wicked-esque in exploring “how a villain became wicked,” and while it could have been masked better, I don’t think Disney had many other options here.

Visually, the film is stunning. The CGI-heavy style isn’t my personal favorite—especially when compared to the expressive artistry of traditional animation—but it works for The Lion King universe. The sweeping landscapes are gorgeous, and the action sequences keep the pacing energetic. The lack of expressive faces (a frequent critique of the “live-action” style) doesn’t hinder the emotional beats too much, thanks to the grand visuals and solid storytelling.

The music, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a highlight. While the soundtrack could have been trimmed down by one song, most of the numbers hit the mark and blend well with the story’s tone. Combined with a slightly overlong runtime (it could’ve been 10 minutes shorter), this keeps the film from feeling as tight as it could be.

Ultimately, Mufasa succeeds in telling an engaging story despite its predictability and minor flaws. It’s a visually beautiful, musically rich prequel that offers something new without feeling like a complete rehash. Families will likely have a great time with it this holiday season, and for fans of The Lion King, it’s worth checking out.