Barry Jenkins is too good a director to disappear altogether inside the creative limitations of “Mufasa: The Lion King.” This hectic Disney musical prequel origin story will do the job for families looking to avoid a second or third viewing of “Moana 2” or “Wicked” this month.

Mufasa: The Lion King, as expected, underperformed at the box office, severely beaten by Sonic 3. The numbers are way below the projections, and they are also lower than Wonka’s debut weekend. The musical fantasy has weak legs not only in North America but overseas as well.