What a delightful movie! Since Disney filmed these adventures with younger viewers in mind, we are spared from some of the harsher realities of an African cat’s life in the wild. What we get here is still realistic, but the softer side. This film’s scenes are beautiful, sweet, inspiring, uplifting, and even suspenseful. There were moments that had me on the edge of my seat!
The movie is cinematically breathtaking due to both the backdrop of the savannah on the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and the footage of the animals that live there. The cast of characters includes two African cat families: Sita the cheetah and her cubs, and Fang, king of his river pride, of which seasoned lioness Layla and her cub Mara are members.
The filmmakers skillfully capture the tenderness and strength of the bond between mother and young. I loved the scenes that portrayed just how fierce, formidable, and brave a mother can be when the safety of her cubs is threatened. I did a lot of silent cheering for the cheetah & lion momma cats!
The scenes that depict the friendship and affection among members of Fang’s pride – both young and old – are especially precious. And if your dose-of-cute meter is low, this movie will fill it to overflowing! There are plenty of adorable lion cub and cheetah cub scenes to go around. I had never seen baby cheetahs before this movie - irresistible!
There are a couple of sad scenes, but in one, there’s comfort in knowing the outcome could have been much worse. And in the other, the sadness is made bittersweet by great accomplishment and a job well done. I never got a sense of hopelessness from any scene in the movie. And the ending is very satisfying. Oh, and be sure to stick around for the clever credits, especially if you have young ones with you!
The narration at times may seem a bit cheesy, but again, it’s written for younger viewers. With Samuel L. Jackson lending his talents, it’s in very good hands . . . er, vocals.
Click here to visit Disney’s African Cats website. View the trailer, read up on the wildcat characters, and view scenes from the movie! If the movie’s still playing in your area, consider including it in your springtime/summer plans!
This film may not be appropriate for very young viewers – there are scenes depicting the capture and take-down of prey, feeding off carcasses, and occasional violence among animals that may cause alarm among younger age groups.
Image courtesy of www.imdb.com.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
You must be logged in to post a comment.