Fresh and Exciting

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This documentary was funny, dramatic, action-packed and suspenseful, and quite honestly one of the most fascinating and beautiful documentaries I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Stunningly shot in high definition, this is definitely best viewed on Blu Ray. Be sure to watch the end credits, as well - its hilarious!

African Cats (2011): Dir: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey / Narrator: Samuel L. Jackson: Breathtaking scenes of Africa and the survival of several species including two families of cats. One problem seems to be with the title in that there doesn't seem to be any footage of the other African cat, the leopard. It rounds off the three big cat species normally studied in Africa but it is never so much as mentioned in this documentary. Nonetheless, that doesn't prevent this film from being entertaining and adventurous in its own right. We have a pride of lions led by Fang whose tooth is hanging from a previous battle. We are given the sense that his time as leader is nearing an end. On the other side of the crocodile infested river are four male lions bent on taking over. They are led by Kali and he and his sons failed one potential takeover thanks to the lionesses but they will return in greater numbers. Layla is an aged lioness who was injured when kicked by a zebra. She hopes that her sister will adopt her cub Mara so that she may die in peace. Sita is a cheetah mother with five cubs although during one scary night hyenas make off with two of them. She must raise her three remaining cubs as well as fend off male cheetahs as well as their worst enemy, lions. Again, no sign or mention of leopards and that is an alarming case given the subject matter. Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey with Samuel L. Jackson providing the narration, the film is entertaining with plenty of suspense as two different species of female cats struggle to raise their cubs in the harsh reality of the African plains. Score: 9 / 10

This is a very underestimated masterpiece that should deserve more praise by people in general. It is not your typical nature show. Because unlike nature shows this one has a story, and characters. And what did I think of it personally? Well, I will admit that I cried in this. It is really well made, and is heartwarming as well. Everyone who likes big cats and nature in general then this is for you. And I'm a big cat lover myself, so that helped me enjoy this more then if I didn't. I advise you to check this out. You shall not be disappointed. Also, the narrator in this is really good, he isn't boring and flat-voiced. He helps make the movie even better with his ability to express his words, make them appealing, and still sound professionally. You will be surprised at how much this entertains you. I also think that this film is a great way to spread the word about the population issues with these animals, and that they are amazing, and they should be saved from extinction. Because these animal's populations are low.

Now, before I start a short review, let's get a couple things straight...1. The Serengeti is in Tanzania, not Kenya. The part the borders the Serengeti is the Masai Mara, separated by the Mara River.2. Kenya is NOT in Central Africa but in East Africa. Good grief, where do some people get their Geographical knowledge from? As far as Jacksons narration is concerned... Just because he is black doesn't mean he's qualified to talk about Africa. Chances are he's never actually been there.The American habit of turning everything into a homely Disney story is sickening. If you call it a documentary, document, don't even think about turning a wild creature into a cuddly toy story character. They are not.I can only hope this doesn't actually make it into Kenya or anywhere else on the African continent, people might become nauseous.Animal do NOT have human emotions. Stupid script writer do, lions and cheetahs do not write scripts.The wildlife shots are good, after all, even I must be able to say something nice about this but then it was made by Alastaire Fothergill, which sort of speaks for itself.Sorry, but more then 2/10 wasn't possible.If you want to watch something good, just look for any of a huge variety of BBC documentaries. You won't be disappointed there.