Plot: An orphan boy is raised in the jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Stunning Version of Classic Tale
Story: The Jungle Book starts as we meet Mowgli (Sethi) the boy raised by wolves with mother wolf Raksha (Nyong’O) always watched over by panther Bagheera (Kingsley). When the animals in the jungle make it through a draft they all come together for a water truce is created meaning all animals come to drink and are not allowed to harm one another. This is where we meet the tiger Shere Khan (Elba) who knows the danger of man and what Mowgli could become.
The wolves become worried by the threat must let Mowgli go with Bagheera deciding to try and guide him to the man village. When Shere Khan called for all the animals to hunt down Mowgli we have to watch the adventure of the man cub as he befriends a range of animals including a bear Baloo (Murray) and clashes with Kaa (Johansson) and King Louie (Walken) along the way.
The Jungle Book is a story we all should know already but this time we get a fresh look about it. The adventure Mowgli goes on is one that makes us want to sit and watch all the way through. The characters we meet are all different with their own agenda which you would imagine the animals would act like. If you did want a new story you won’t get much new though.
Actor Review
Neel Sethi: Mowgli is the man cub raised by wolves but always wondering why he doesn’t grow as fast as they do. During a water truce Mowgli finds himself a targeted by the tiger of the jungle Shere Khan who has always had a hatred toward man. Mowgli must travel through the jungle with his friend’s panther Bagheera and bear Baloo to find the man village and safety. Neel gives a brilliant performance for such a young performer.
Bill Murray (Voice): Baloo is the bear that finds Mowgli befriending him on his adventure across the jungle. He teaches him new lesson he really shouldn’t be teaching him before having to do the right thing. Bill was the perfect voice over for this character nailing all of the comedy lines as serious one Baloo offers the story.
Ben Kingsley (Voice): Bagheera is the panther that has been watching over Mowgli his whole life as he sees the wolves raise him. When Mowgli’s life is in danger he must guide him to safety and the man village which means getting past all the enemies in the jungle. Ben is a great choice for this role with his wise tone throughout.
Idris Elba (Voice): Shere Khan is the tiger that sees Mowgli as a threat because of his hatred towards man. He hunts down Mowgli while calling on all other predators to join him in the hunt. Idris has such a perfect menacing threatening voice being used for this character that makes his sound just as scary as his look.
Support Cast: The Jungle Book has a supporting cast that is cast to near perfection with Christopher Walken as King Louie, Scarlett Johansson as the seductive Kaa as well as Lupita Nyong’O and Giancarlo Esposito as the caring parent wolves.
Director Review: Jon Favreau – Jon gives us one if not the best Disney animated to live action adaptation of all time.
Adventure: The Jungle Book has one of the first adventures we saw just reimagined to look even more stunning.
Family: The Jungle Book is one for the whole family to enjoy even if a couple of moments are slightly dark.
Fantasy: The Jungle Book puts us into the world where animals interact with each other.
Settings: The Jungle Book puts the whole film in the jungle and makes everything look amazing throughout.
Special Effects: The Jungle Book has breath taking special effects to make all the animals look realistic.
Suggestion: The Jungle Book is one I think everyone should go and watch. (Watch)
Best Part: Louie escape.
Worst Part: Isn’t one.
Favourite Quote: Baloo ‘Not full hibernation, but I nap a lot.’
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: This could be an outside shot for nominations.
Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Tagline: The legend will never be the same.
Overall: Brilliant visual treat of a movie.
Rating