As with "Oceans", Disney Nature's release for 2010, I went to the very first screening on Earth Day, Friday April 22. There were about a dozen other people in the theater so it wasn't very crowded. There were several young children as well. I enjoyed hearing them ask questions to their parents about what they were seeing on screen as the movie ran.
The projector was misframed for about the first 3 minutes of the film. We could only see the bottom half of the frame. I went out to the concession stand and alerted the staff to the problem.
Unlike the previous pair of Disney Nature movies, which moved from a variety of locations to tell their stories, "African Cats" focuses on one place; a savanna in Kenya's stunning Masai Mara National Reserve. The savanna is divided into bisected by a crocodile infested river.
Likewise the story is divided in two. One of them is about a pride of lions ruled by an aging battle scared male named "Fang". There's also an aging lioness named, Layla, who is taking care of her female cub, Mara. The mother lioness is getting older and her demise is immanent. Her focus is to make sure Mara is accepted by the pride before she is not around to protect her.
This pride resides in the "northern kingdom" of the savanna and is threatened by the ruler of the southern kingdom, a rival named, Kali. Kali along with his 3 large and powerful sons are driven to take over the northern pride. The lion's story follows this battle between the two prides.
The 2nd plot of the film is about a mother Cheetah and her effort to raise her 5 cubs. Her struggle includes finding food, protecting them from hyenas and other predators including trio of male cheetahs. Her efforts are difficult but successful for the most part.
Although I've only described them briefly these two story lines along with the beauty of the savanna and its many animal inhabitants keep "African Cats" moving along at an exciting and enjoyable pace. I loved this movie.
The film does include some harsh glimpses of the realities of the animal kingdom. Death is a key element. There are no on screen killings or deaths but they are directly and clearly referenced as key plot points. I would not recommend it for children under 8 years old. For children under that age and those who are sensitive to such things, this film could be very confusing and possibly create some emotional reactions.
But for those who are old enough and mature enough to handle the seeing the reality of life on the savanna I highly recommend this film. "African Cats" is a return for Disney films to the quality "true life adventures" of the 1950's and 60's.
Much to my delight this movie does not have any hidden agenda or between-the-lines environmentalist messages. It just shows life on the savanna as it really is.
The trailer for next year's Earth Day release titled, "Chimpanzees" is similar in style to the one I saw last year for "African Cats." It previews a specific story about an orphan chimp who is adopted by a lone male chimp, which raises the youngster as his own. It looks very promising.
In conclusion I want to restate how much I enjoyed "African Cats." It is very well done and includes a strong mix of education, adventure, natural beauty, and humor. The closing credits are especially humorous in regard to matching savanna animals with the creative aspects of its production.
Since my wife didn't go with me to see this movie I may convince her to go with me as a means of getting to see it a 2nd time. If she agrees that will be great. If she doesn't, I'll begin to look for the announcement of a DVD release date. I'll mark it on my calendar to make sure that on the day comes out I'll be able to once again enjoy "African Cats."
