paulclaassen 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!

SnoopyStyle Disney is going the docudrama route. Layla is the oldest lioness raising her cub Mara with Fang the leader of the River Pride. They are protected by the crocodile infested river from the pride to the north ruled by Kali and his four sons. Also Sita the cheetah is raising her five small cubs.Samuel L. Jackson is narrating the American version. Quite frankly, he's trying too hard to dramatize what is already very dramatic. The footage and the writing is plenty good enough. I miss the British voice narration which usually gives these nature documentaries the needed gravitas. The score is another problem. It's again overly dramatic. It keeps overshadowing what are very compelling animal stories.

kosmasp A documentary about African cats narrated by Samuell L. Jackson. While you might have expected Morgan Freeman to do another voice over job, Sam does a really good job narrating this "dramatized" version of things that happen. Of course you could argue, if the filmmakers could (and should) have interfered at some points of the story. I guess this will be subject of a featurette or two on the DVD/Blu Ray of this film. You shouldn't have those thoughts watching this though.The "characters" get introduced pretty neatly and the "story" might end up in a place you didn't expect it to go. One thing is for sure: This will be a feast for the animal lovers (if you'll excuse the pun).

Chrysanthepop Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey bring a charming little documentary set in the Kenyan Savannah. The film has been edited tightly to tell a coherent story and add a more dramatic feel. What sets it apart from watching a documentary on Animal Planet or Discovery Channel is that the viewer does not get the feel that he/she is watching a documentary. It feels like watching a feature film where the lionesses and the cheetahs are the protagonists. It is beautifully shot with stunning cinematography and a brilliant soundtrack with the exception of the Jordinn Sparks track that takes place during the closing credits. But watch the closing credits as it's hilarious seeing how the animals have been credited. Samuel L. Jackson's husky voice excellently narrates the story. It centers around Sita the cheetah and her cubs and Laila the lioness and her daughter Mara. And the presentation of the 'characters' are very well done as the viewer can easily relate to them and root for them. The elements of adventure, suspense and even comedy are brilliantly balanced in this wildlife tale. Given that the title is 'African Cats', I missed seeing the leopard. But anyway, 'African Cats' is overall refreshing, entertaining and heartwarming and a nice reminder of why some of us love animals.