Mufasa: The Lion King – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mufasa: The Lion King

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2024

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Disney's photorealistic prequel asks 'what if Mufasa had a backstory?' and delivers a perfectly fine answer nobody really asked for.

56%

7.3

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Mufasa: The Lion King

movie

PG, 2024

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Disney's photorealistic prequel asks 'what if Mufasa had a backstory?' and delivers a perfectly fine answer nobody really asked for.

56%

7.3

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56%

7.3

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a perfectly competent Disney movie that your kids will probably enjoy and you'll tolerate. It's got the wholesome themes, the stunning visuals, and the safety you expect from a theatrical Disney release.

But let's be real: this is a prequel to a remake, and the critical reception shows it. Critics gave it a 'meh' 56% while audiences were more generous at 88%—which tells you everything. Kids will like it fine, you'll think it's okay, and nobody will remember it in six months.

The photorealistic CGI style (same as the 2019 Lion King) looks amazing but sacrifices the emotional expressiveness that made the original so magical. It's hard to connect with a lion that looks like a National Geographic documentary.

If your family loves the Lion King and wants more content, go for it. If you're looking for something truly special or imaginative, this isn't it. It's the definition of 'fine'—which, honestly, is sometimes exactly what you need for a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-13, especially kids already invested in the Lion King universe. Younger than 7 might find the realistic animal danger scary; older than 13 will likely see it for what it is—a corporate IP extension that's fine but forgettable.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A prequel origin story focused on friendship, found family, and overcoming adversity. The narrative centers on misfits finding their destiny together, modeling themes of loyalty and cooperation. As a Disney property, it maintains an emotionally appropriate tone for families. The 'sympathetic lion' helping a lost cub is classic wholesome Disney storytelling. No red flags in the synopsis or ratings suggest inappropriate emotional content.

Imaginative

This is a photorealistic CGI prequel to a remake of a classic story—it's essentially the third iteration of Lion King material. While the 'expansive journey' suggests world-building, this is fundamentally a backstory we didn't really need. The photorealistic style (like the 2019 version) actually limits expressiveness compared to traditional animation. It's competently made but not breaking new ground. Letterboxd's 2.9/5 suggests even film enthusiasts found it uninspired.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 8, suggesting some intense moments but nothing shocking. As a Disney theatrical release, it won't have surprise gore, nudity, or inappropriate content. The Lion King universe does include themes of death and danger (predators, survival), which likely accounts for the age 8 rating rather than younger. The 88% audience score suggests families found it appropriate. No concerning safety flags in available data.

Enriching

Origin stories can provide lessons about identity, destiny, and how our past shapes us. Themes of found family and misfits working together offer some emotional growth opportunities. However, the mixed critical reception (56% RT critics, 56 Metacritic) suggests it's not particularly profound or memorable. It's entertaining enough (88% audience score) but probably not leaving kids with deep insights. It's a serviceable family film that won't challenge or inspire much beyond its runtime.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Classic Disney themes of friendship, found family, and misfits finding their destiny—wholesome stuff that won't make you cringe
Visually stunning CGI that showcases African landscapes and wildlife in breathtaking detail (even if the lions look weirdly realistic)
Audiences liked it way more than critics (88% vs 56%), so kids will probably enjoy it even if you're checking your phone
Expands the Lion King universe for kids who are obsessed and want more Pridelands content
Safe family viewing without surprise trauma—you know what you're getting with Disney

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What to Watch For

Rated for age 8+ likely due to predator/prey dynamics, animal danger, and potentially sad moments (it's a prequel, so we know how some stories end)
The photorealistic style means less expressive faces and emotional connection compared to the animated original—some kids find it less engaging
At 2+ hours (typical for these films), younger kids might get restless, especially if they're not die-hard Lion King fans
It's a prequel to a remake—if your family isn't invested in the Lion King IP, this will feel pretty skippable

Conversation Starters

"Mufasa started out lost and alone—what would you do if you were separated from your family like that?"
"Taka helps Mufasa even though they're from different backgrounds. Have you ever made friends with someone really different from you?"
"The movie shows how Mufasa became a king. What qualities do you think make a good leader?"
"They call themselves 'misfits'—what does that mean, and why might being different actually be a strength?"

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