Mufasa: The Lion King

"Enterprising direction chafes against a confused narrative."

"A dazzling prequel with superb songs."

"Falls prey to messy visuals and shaggy storytelling."

"(Jenkins') thoughtful and mostly satisfying Lion King prequel reveals hidden depths to familiar characters."

"Heartfelt... but is scarred by a forgettable musical score."

"This cash-grab prequel undermines everything that made the original animated classic great."

"(A) dreary and anonymous bit of franchise mining."

"Cutesy and clunky."

"Thankfully there are some stellar vocal performances and VFX – but it could have been so much better."

"There is little character, no visible emotion, just endless show-offy technical competence."

""This story is killing me," moans Pumbaa at one point... Viewers will know how he feels."

"If the intention was to distract younger audience members with some inoffensive and well-meaning adventure, the movie delivers."

"More bore than roar."

"Children will love it."

"It does prove that you can extend a brand with heart, soul, and some catchy songs."

"Jenkins’ knack for eliciting deep emotion and visual wonder remains sharp."

"A captivating children’s fable."

"Does more to enhance and enrich its predecessor than most Disney remakes."