Review of African Cats (2011) by Martin D — 23 Apr 2011

In a way, the animal kingdom is an ongoing cinematic experience. It has the themes that we seek in Hollywood films. And it is filled with characters whose primal instincts translate into virtue. When we see an injured lioness defending her cubs against three adult lions, we are at the edge of our seat.

To the lioness, she is simply reacting. But to us, it's like a mothers love. The film documents the journey of two cat families, gives them names, explains their behaviors, and dramatizes the moments.

It splits a location, referring to each as north and south of an undesignated river. And it shifts back and forth giving us a clear update on each family. The battles that ensue are edited. We see the hunt, but not the kill.

After all, this is a Walt Disney film. But seeing this kind on the big screen is breathtaking. Lions remain the king of beasts because they look, act, and play the part. Watching this constantly reminded me of similar work narrated by James Earl Jones and Richard Attenborough on cable TV.

I wondered if Jones might have elevated this material even further.