One of the things I really like about nature movies is how they offer a glimpse into a world that you don’t see in the city or in a zoo. They’ll offer you a glimpse into the “real world” of another type of world, usually opening your eyes to things you would otherwise never see and teaching things you would otherwise never know. Disneynature’s latest movie, African Cats, is one of those movies that will engage, awe, and educate.
About African Cats
The Review
I had seen the previews for African Cats and was already excited. I have a soft spot for felines, so being able to see these majestic animals on the big screen was an exciting opportunity. What I wasn’t prepared for was how AMAZING the movie is. On so many levels.
The cinematography of African Cats is absolutely stunning. The scenes and moments that were captured were incredible. Several times I found myself asking, “How’d they do that?” In particular, there is a great chase scene where you watch Sita, the cheetah, on the hunt. They are able to break it down into slow motion and you can truly appreciate the cheetah’s agility and speed. Whether it’s beautiful scenery shots of the savanna plains, or up-close zoom ins of the lionesses grooming their cubs, what is captured on film is breathtaking and you truly feel as if you’re among the animals.
African Cats follows the life of the River Pride lions and Sita the cheetah during a season of growth. As with many things, it is a full circle which covers birth and death. African Cats handles these typically touchy topics very tactfully. Animal kills are kid-friendly, without any gore (or blood) making it more digestible for kids to learn about the the circle of life in the animal kingdom.
As the narrator, Samuel L. Jackson did an excellent job of telling the stories of these great cats. I appreciated the insight that takes you into the minds of the animals, providing better understanding for why the cats do what they do. Jackson conveyed much feeling and emotion in the story telling, and I found myself totally vested in the stories of the lions and cheetahs on the screen. I cried – literally with tears down my face. I laughed – out loud. I cheered and held my breath during the hunts. I was caught – hook, line, and sinker.
While the movie focuses on the River Pride lions and Sita and her cheetah cubs, many of the other animals of the savanna were featured on the big screen. Make sure you sit through the closing credits to see what a critical role they all played in the film. Overall, African Cats is a captivating movie that is perfect for families and nature-lovers. It will give you insight into the life of the lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife of the river plains in Kenya.
The movie will engage you from the start and takes you on an emotional journey of love, suspense, danger, and humor. If there is any movie to watch this weekend with your family, African Cats should be it – it will make you laugh, make you cry, make you gape in awe, and make you happy you saw the movie. In addition during opening week (4/22-4/28), Disney will donate a portion of ticket sales to the African Wildlife Foundation to help protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor. Pledge your commitment to the film and support the cause by pledging to see African Cats, joining the African Cats grassroots community, or purchase your tickets through Disney Tickets Together.
African Cats Online
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did attend a free screening of ‘African Cats’ from the manufacturer or their representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
Hi there! Stopping by from #momsparkmedia! Great review…hoping to take my younger kids this weekend.
So excited about this movie! You really gave great reasons to see it! 🙂
sounds like a great movie for the family!