Disney’s live-action remake of “The Jungle Book” is a fun-filled adventure with its heart in the right place. Made with plenty of skill and care, the classic story of a young boy raised by wild animals is revitalized thanks to superb visual effects and a talented cast. I understand how some people may fear that this new movie would ruin the original cartoon from 1967, but rest assured, it only builds upon the quality.
For those unfamiliar with “The Jungle Book,” be prepared to fall in love with the various jungle animals that raise abandoned child Mowgli (Neel Sethi). From a pack of wolves to a sophisticated panther and a lovable bear, several animals guide Mowgli through life and try to protect him from the tiger Shere Khan (Voiced by Idris Elba). Believing man to be dangerous, Shere Khan forces Mowgli to run, hide and decide if he should leave the jungle for a human village.
Breathtaking special effects are used throughout to bring the film to life. Each of the animals and environments blend together seamlessly with Sethi, who is the only real person in the film. It may be a tired compliment but computer graphics will continue to revolutionize the way stories are told. From a visual and technical standpoint, “The Jungle Book” easily ranks with films like “Gravity” and “Avatar.”
I was entranced as director Jon Favreau created an incredible and unique atmosphere that encompasses that whole movie. My curiosity was balanced between what other beauty the jungle had to offer and the fear of the creatures inhabiting the environments. A hypnotic python named Kaa (Voiced by Scarlett Johansson) and a gigantic orangutan named King Louie (Voiced by Christopher Walken) are just some of the animals that torment Mowgli on his journey.
Each actor who provides an animal with a voice does an excellent job capturing the essence of his or her character. Bill Murray as the lazy bear Baloo and Ben Kingsley as the strict panther Bagheera both try to teach Mowgli opposite lifestyles. This provides “The Jungle Book” with just enough comedy to keep a smile on my face, but it never detracts from the film as a whole. The film shines whenever an animal is on screen.
That does lead to the movie’s only real but very noticeable flaw, which is its main character. Even though so many interesting things are happening wherever Mowgli goes, I never did care much for him alone. As the film progressed, I would groan to myself anytime Mowgli was all by himself or poorly delivering dialogue among far more experienced actors. I don’t want to be too tough on newcomer Sethi, but a good child actor that can serve as the base of an entire movie is hard to find, and they didn’t find one.
Yet all things considered, “The Jungle Book” is a fine achievement with plenty of moments you won’t forget. Favreau tells a familiar story with a natural style that has something for fans of the original and newcomers alike. I don’t see Hollywood putting an end to remakes anytime soon, so if filmmakers are going to do it, they should definitely watch this one to figure out how to do it right.
**MOVE Magazine gives “The Jungle Book” three and a half stars out of five.**
_Edited by Katie Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_
