Review of African Cats
April 22, 2011
by Our Kids

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Want to do something to make a difference this Earth Day and beyond? Head to the theater and take in Disneynature's African Cats, the third installment in their popular nature series. Set in the African Savanna, African Cats primarily follows two sets of animals -- lions and cheetahs and is aptly narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson. If you purchase a ticket for opening week (April 22 to 28, 2011), Disneynature will contribute $0.20 per ticket to the African Wildlife Foundation for the Amboseli Corridor project.

African Cats is an amazing testiment to the wild animals that we meet in the film. It follows the River Pride, consisting of six lioness and their cubs, plus leader and protector Fang. Layla, the lioness who is the hunting leader, is fiesty but aging. Her primary aim lies in raising Mara, her lion cub by pride leader Fang. Mara is, like most lion cubs curious and loyal. She loves her mother and spends her days snuggling and playing with her. But with Layla injured and the threat of lions north of the river, her future is in jeopardy.

Through the film, you'll follow this pride, learning how they hunt, feed and take care of one another. You'll watch in awe as you see the lioness' work together to hunt but to also defend Fang against attacks from Kali and his sons from the north.

North of the river lives Sita the single Cheetah. Unlike the lion pride, Sita lives alone and is busy raising her five cubs. You'll ohh and ahh at how a-dor-able these cubs are! Sita is faced with the task of feeding and caring for her cubs. At times she has to leave them to find food, oftentimes putting the cubs in danger from hyenas, lions and other animals. She will defend them to the bitter end.

Separating the lions and cheetahs is a river (which I wish they would have named)! During the wet season, this river rises and is infested by crocodiles. Kali and his four sons want to take over Fang's pride. In order to do so he must cross this river and he'll make a break for it as the river dries up. You'll have to see the film to find out what happens, but it is an incredible tale to watch.

African Cats was filmed in the Masai Mara in Kenya over a period of over two years. In addition to the lions and cheetahs, you'll be introduced to many other animals that live in the African savanna. From elephants and giraffes to hyenas and ostrich. Children will learn fun facts about the savanna and the animals and plants that live in it throughout the film. Kudos to the production team for beautiful filmography, capturing the speed and grace of the cheetahs and making the audience jump with the close-ups of the lions in battle. You will feel as though you are right there in Africa.

Bottom Line
There is no greater bond than that of mother and child, demonstrated beautifully in this film through the lions and cheetah. African Cats is an epic tale that truly hones in on this unique and wonderful bond.

African Cats is rated G and runs 89 minutes. Our Kids recommends the film for ages 5 and up. Children might be scared by the loud roars. There was never any gore in the film, only innuendo when an animal died. As always, take into consideration your child's sensitivities.

Want More?

Win a Fun Prize!
Win two African Cats posters and bookmarks. Answer one of the following three questions and email Our Kids at contest@our-kids.com with your name and mailing address. Entries are due by May 2, 2011 and winners will be randomly selected and notified by email on or around May 3, 2011.

  1. What is the name of the River Pride leader?
  2. Name two animals found in the African savanna and featured in African Cats.
  3. What is the name of the song that Jordan Sparks sings at the end of African Cats.

Have you seen African Cats? Email info@our-kids.com with your comments and we'll add them to the review.