The prequel/sequel to 2019’sThe Lion Kingremake benefits from advances in technology and the opportunity to tell an original story.
The problems arise when the movie relies too much on its predecessor.
The most glaring example of this is the surprising frequency of Timon and Pumbaa.
When the plot is centered on this story, it’s great.
While the pair are initially fun to see back in action, their asides frequently derail the narrative.
What really makes their presence frustrating is the way it fails to flow with the rest of the film.
Those scenes rely on the chemistry of the cast and the rapport of the central characters.
The best moments of humor fit the story.
The best moments of humor fit the story.
Image via Disney
However, cutting back to them again and again to deliver gags deflates the action and drama.
This also extends to Kiara and Rafiki, whose flashforward scenes frequently throws off the pacing of the story.
It’s a cute concept that Kiara is hearing the story, but the film reiterates that too much.
Kirara is played by Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Jay-Z.
Beyonce plays Nala inThe Lion KingandMufasa: The Lion King.
However,Mufasaoverplays it to the point of ruining the concept.
Image via Disney
This constant back and forth diminishes the power of the film’s ending.
The framing gadget sets up how scared Kiara is of the storms outside and the world at large.
By the end of Mufasa’s story, Kiara has taken inspiration and bravery from the story.
For the most part, these inclusions do fit naturally into the story.
Characters like Zazu slot into the narrative organically, expanding their history without distracting from the story.
However,Timon and Pumbaa aren’t a part of Mufasa’s story at all.
They just don’t feel like natural elements of the story but necessary additions because of their popularity.
