By: Adann-Kennn J. Alexxandar

“Mufasa: The Lion King” (Adventure/Musical: 1 hour, 58 minutes)

Starring: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone and Mads Mikkelsen

Director: Barry Jenkins

Rated: PG (Action/violence, peril and thematic elements)

Movie Review:

The 2019 computer-animated remake of “The Lion King” (1994) was a hit. The 2019 version by director Jon Favreau starred Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner. They return to voice older versions of their characters in “Mufasa: The Lion King.” This cinematic addition is a more dramatic screenplay than previous ones in this franchise. It is gratifying even if it is not as endearing.

Director Barry Jenkins begins with a memorial to James Earl Jones, the original voice of Mufasa in the 1994 film “Lion King.” Jones was a phenomenal actor, and his voice was regal indeed.

From there, an older Rafiki (John Kani) tells this engaging adventure story. He recounts how Mufasa became the king of all that light touches.

Separated from his parents during a catastrophic flash flood, Mufasa finds himself an orphaned cub. Taka (Harrison), a young crown prince cub who will one day become Scar, saves and befriends Mufasa. Although rejected by King Obasi (Lennie James), Mufasa finds shelter with Obasi’s wife Eshe (Thandiwe Newton). When Kiros (Mikkelsen) and his pride of great white lions attack Obasi’s kingdom, Eshe and Obasi send Mufasa and Taka to safety. The young lions flee, traveling to find a new home with the help of young lioness Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), her valet Zazu (Preston Nyman) and an already wise young Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga). The group’s trek is not an easy one. Kiros and his pride pursue them relentlessly.

“Mufasa” plays like a few episodes of the Game of Thrones, so it has a more complex plot and more characters. These more complex elements should appeal to adults while children will adore the adventure, songs, and visual aspects. All should find this movie gratifyingly entertaining despite the lack of catchy tunes and humor for younger audiences.

Grade: B- (Still thriving.)

 

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (Action/Science-Fiction: 1 hour, 50 minutes)

Starring: Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey and Keanu Reeves

Director: Jeff Fowler

Rated: PG (Action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language.)

Movie Review:

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is an enjoyable movie. It includes more characters, witty humor, surprises, and a surplus of action. “Sonic” movies have been entertaining. This one continues that tradition.

This outing, Sonic (Schwartz), Knuckles (Elba) and Tails (O’Shaughnessey) battle a powerful hedgehog named Shadow (Reeves). Shadow wakes after 50 years in captivity and wants revenge. Because the evil hedgehog is too powerful, Sonic and his team seek the help of Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Carrey).

Most of this movie has too much happening. It has an overload of characters and substories. Jim Carrey comically plays two different characters that add to the plot. This superhero venture is like being a kid with ADHD and a candy store. Still, it is fun and the humor is old-style clever.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” is based on the Sega video games. The character’s popularity keeps growing. This third movie has plenty of secrets for fans and references of what is expected for the next feature, especially during the end credits. The humor is also keen for those looking for something more action. These elements should please all audiences.

Grade: B (Adventurous and funny as he is fast.)

 

“Homestead” (Drama: 1 hour, 52 minutes)

Starring: Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri, Bailey Chase

Director: Ben Smallbone

Rated: PG-13 (Violence and thematic elements)

Movie Review:

“Homestead” is an apocalyptic movie from Angel Studios. Their movies are often a hit or miss. This one is one you can miss. The scope is too small and the acting is not persuasive.

After a nuclear bomb is detonated in Los Angeles, several families take refuge at a larger estate. They are convinced that the terrorist attack and several other events will lead to mass chaos. Until the United States returns to order, they have enough supplies, with hope, to last. Supplies may last, but the varying personalities living together peacefully is the challenge.

“Homestead” is the debut teaser for a television series, a long commercial. It plays like a primetime soap opera then a solid screenplay. The acting is unconvincing as the arrangement of assorted personalities. The characters seem like a futuristic clash of personalities for a readymade reality show.

One can already tell that the greatest survival battle will be behind the walls, not what is outside of them. This chaotic jumbo is just a dressed-up drama for syndication in second-tier locations.

Grade: D+ (You may want to wander from this homestead.)