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Mufasa: The Lion King Roars with Impressive Visual Effects

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A nice tribute to beloved James Earl Jones is displayed before the movie begins, setting up the nostalgic tone. The screen then lights up with a majestic panorama of the “Pride Lands”. Director Barry Jenkins delivered a majestic vivid quality of live animation, which were absolutely stimulating on an IMAX screen. His style of imagery had wonderful depth perception of the rugged mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Plenty of work went into the details of the animal characters – from their body movements, fur, mane, jaws and claws. The facial expressions on the animals were adorable, I just wanted to reach out and touch the screen.

The screenplay was well written but lacked creativity. It’s the typical story, told in flashbacks, about a pair of loners (Taka and Mufasa) that need each other in order to survive from Kiros and his clan of white lion outsiders. They make new friends along their way to the land of abundance, Milele. Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) learns what it takes to become a great leader – strong natural skills, conquering fears, and not being afraid to ask for help from others (animals). As for Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), since he was raised by an egotistical father, his basic survival skills are weak. Taka considers Mufasa a brother but treats him more like a buddy. Tensions arise when Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) comes into the picture. The fate of these characters is foreseeable, but enough to keep me engaged to watch it unfold.

I wanted to see more of Timon and Pumba, but they were more of comedic support characters to Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter). They did tease us with a snippet rendition of “Hakuna Matata”. Seth Rogen was the perfect fit for Pumba’s character. It was interesting to see how Zazu (voiced by Preston Nyman) becomes part of the clan and always irritating others with his sarcastic humor. However, the real star of the show is Rafiki (voiced by John Kani). He plays a key role in Mufasa’s life. The best part was how Rafiki ends up with a walking stick. Another notable scene was how pride rock got formed. I was overcome with nostalgia.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the majority of the songs, added a unique gospel hip-hop sound that brings out that wilderness passion. Miranda’s music always gives that special note to films. It was a relief to know that Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce (Nala) and Donald Glover (Simba) did not take away from the movie. They were more like cameo voices. Although Mufasa: The Lion King was a bit longer that what it needed to be, it was overall enjoyable.

Sabrina "Kiddo" is the newest member of Countdown City Geeks and is a contributor of movie and television show reviews. Her passion for film derived from her college days where her rhetoric-writing professor focused on the aspects of screenwriting and music lyrics. She also has a knack for memorizing and repeating movie quotes, catchphrases.

Movie Reviews

Into the Unknown: Reviewing ‘From the Beyond: High Strangeness in the Bennington Triangle’

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In this video, we take a deep dive into the mysterious and unsettling documentary ‘From the Beyond: High Strangeness in the Bennington Triangle’.

Exploring one of America’s most infamous paranormal hotspots, this film examines eerie disappearances, strange sightings, and the chilling folklore surrounding Vermont’s Bennington Triangle. We break down the documentary’s storytelling, evidence, interviews, and overall atmosphere—does it truly uncover something unexplainable, or does it leave more questions than answers?

If you’re into unsolved mysteries, paranormal phenomena, and high strangeness, this one’s for you.


Synopsis: Since the mid twentieth century, a mysterious section of land in rural Vermont has been the home of untold strangeness. Rumors of UFOs, ghosts, phantom lights and mysterious creatures can all be found there in abundance, while verified reports of odd disappearances – many still unsolved – cast a shadow over Glastenbury Mountain. From the Beyond: High Strangeness in the Bennington Triangle goes beyond the rumors and campfire stories, while daring to ask what may be the most frightening question of all – why is Glastenbury Mountain so inexplicable, and what happened to those who have gone missing?

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Movie Reviews

THE SHITHEADS aka IDIOTS – Sticky, Icky, and Out of Control

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The Shitheads, now renamed Idiots, was showcased during the 2026 SXSW festival and is scheduled for a theatrical release in August of this year. The film is directed by Macon Blair which he co-wrote with Alex Orr, starring Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Mason Thames. The plot is driven by a couple of underachievers taking on what should be an effortless task of transporting an affluent teen to a rehab center, but this intellectually predatory teen throws them off course.

It didn’t quite reach the heights it aimed for. I was anticipating this dark comedy to be an exciting adventure, bursting with laughs, but it was frustrating like your car getting a flat tire. The characters are defined by basic emotions-anger and confusion-but nothing beyond that. The movie never explores them, so it’s difficult to empathize. When faced with several misfortunes, they lack impact because the audience has no emotional connection.  The weak characters are just along for the ride, dictated by the script rather than the narrative cohesion, making that “road to nowhere” feel long and exhausting. It spends a lot of time lingering on repulsive comedy scenes that not even a jumbo roll of toilet paper could wipe up this mess. It can get sticky, icky and out of control.

Mason Thames, however, made chicken salad out of… well, you know. He impressed me with his performance, a revelation role of a charismatic irritant-sociopathic, spoiled, privileged brat. Thames could have elevated his character to higher levels and carry the film to the finish line. While critically acclaimed renowned actor Peter Dinklage had a brief cameo, it served as a tantalizing preview of the chemistry he might share with Mason Thames for a future team-up.

There is a much better movie buried somewhere inside the pile of Idiots. The underlying premise has potential, but the film eventually stalls under the coherent thematic arc and inconsistent pacing. It’s not a disaster by any means, but it is a disappointing work of inspired fragments rather than a cohesive narrative that falls short of being essential cinema.

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Movie Reviews

THE SEEING EYE DOG WHO SAW TOO MUCH – A Fun Hidden Short Mystery Gem

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A 1975 film by Enrico Januzzi The Seeing Eye Dog Who Saw Too Much has been exhumed by Eric Jackowitz who wrote, directed and stars as the Dog Scientist that brings a quirky invention to extract clues from the memory of the victim’s seeing eye dog to solve the mystery of the black-gloved killer at the Rome Symphony. The dog’s facial expression says it all… what the heck is happening here! It’s a short film that gives a fun experience to keep you guessing through the laughs and exaggerated slashing to the whodunit murder mystery.

Jackowitz used the limited time effectively giving it a similar resemblance to a grownup version of a Scooby Doo episode, but with classic cinematic style that blends sharp comedy with serious, dark themes, focusing on eccentric characters. This haunting film is all character driven with the intriguing, unusual suspects and victims compiling the pieces of the puzzle for the grand ruh-roh reveal.

The Seeing Eye Dog Who Saw Too Much had its world premiere at the 2026 SXSW Festival, and to no surprise it won the Audience Award. The small ensemble includes Ethan Edenburg (Maestro), Anna Garcia (Daria), Colton Eschief Mastro (Stelvio), Gabrielle Montes de Oca (Anne), Melissa Villaseñor (Cesar Salad Lady) and Tom Mcgovern (Angelo). Each actor was empowered to explore their roles freely, allowing them to immerse themselves in the joy of character creation making this an outrageously entertaining short film that I consider a fun hidden short mystery gem.

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