strong>Title: African Cats
Director: Alastair Fothergrill, Keith Scholey
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson’s voice, Lions, Cheetahs
African Cats is an epic documentary. If only for the mechanics and storytelling. The people behind the 89 minute feature, apparently decided that the raw footage of wild cats (lions & cheetahs) did not bring in a sufficient amount of emotion for the viewer. Therefore, a soundtrack pulled from period piece epics, along with an over-the-top narration from Samuel L. Jackson, are the tools injected into what is more-or-less another African documentary.
The story follows three families. One is a pride of lions led by the dominant male Fang. Under his watch, are a handful of lioness and their cubs. The focus in this group is on an aging lioness, Layla, and her cub Mara; as well as Fang’s leadership techniques. Audience members meet Mara just after birth and the camera follows the pride until she reaches maturity (the only angle that has a worth while message attached).
With that said, the story transitions to another regime of lions led by Kali. He is the ruler of the lands south of the river in Kenya. He and his four full-grown sons, are feeling the need to expand their empire and look to dethrone Fang. Which could lead to the death of Fang’s entire pride, if they do not conform to Kali’s ways. However, in order to get to Fang’s territory, they must cross the crocodile infested river-waters. And let’s just say the crocs do not fear the mighty lions.
Also weaving in and out of this story is a cheetah named Sita. She recently gave birth to five cubs, and is guiding them around Fang’s realm while she teaches them how to survive. Most of the time though, she is having to ward off predatory threats to her offspring in the form of hyenas, other cheetahs and even the above mentioned lions.
Eventually, everyone crosses paths at some point in their lives; and whose agenda wins out is this battle of keeping ones young safe and ruling the lands, is up for grabs. (When did I become a PR rep?)
The added production touches did spice up this flick. And it breaks up the monotony, since the delivery is similar to past documentaries encompassing recycled themes. Providing the audience with an epic scope through the lens makes this feel as if one is exploring another world. That is until Jackson hams it up with near laughable dialogue. Which will actually keep them interested if the visual journey is putting them to sleep (as it did to my mother).
Funny thing is, the face-off battles between all these animals really doesn’t get the audience invested or caring about the outcome. The only thing that will go through your head is if the hunting footage – followed by the brief feast – will actually register with the younger viewers. It’s not all that graphic, but adding in the words of Jackson describing what is transpiring, could be overwhelming for some. (Keep in mind I watch a lot of horror flicks too).
Overall, African Cats tells the majority of us what we already know. And have seen. By tweaking the storytelling technique, this does provide a fresh perspective on the familiar journey. And the cinematography is superb as it follows the cast of animals through multiple years of their lives. All in all, the adventure is safe and solid even though you’ll feel a natural numbness to the situations captured.
Technical: A+
Acting: N/A
Story: C+
Overall: B
Review by Joe Belcastro
