April 15, 2016

The Jungle Book Review

Disclosure: Complimentary screening tickets were provided.


Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016. For more information, check out Disney.com/thejunglebook.

Hawaii Dad's review:
Director Jon Favreau does a great job telling the story of the "man-cub," Mowgli, who grows up in the jungle raised by wolves and his friend, Bagheera, a black panther. Mowgli is encouraged to act like the wolves and to stop using his "tricks"- inventions and tools that only a human brain and opposable thumbs could create.
Mowgli draws the attention of the feared Bengal tiger, Shere Khan, who was burnt by a human and now looks to take revenge on the man-cub. It is decided that Mowgli and his friends will be safer if he were to live with other humans. Bagheera escorts him on his journey until an attack by Shere Khan leaves Mowgli on his own.

Mowgli meets the hypnotic python, Kaa, and the scary King Louie along the way, but, unsurprisingly, it's Baloo, a lovable sloth bear, who steals the show.  Baloo shows Mowgli that his tricks can be beneficial - especially for a hungry, but lazy bear. A familiar song shared between the two friends is a nice touch in the movie.
The most amazing thing about The Jungle Book movie is that the setting of the movie - the lush jungle and all of its flora and fauna, was almost entirely digitized. The animators also did an impressive job in creating animals that were life-like, yet embodied the essence of the different vocal performers. For instance, when King Louie started talking, I initially couldn't put my finger on who was doing the voice, but when I saw the his eyes, I knew it was Christopher Walken.
The movie was just mesmerizing! 
I really enjoyed this new version of The Jungle Book. The "embrace what makes you different" theme was nicely conveyed. 
My nine-year old son also enjoyed the movie as well, and said he liked the scenes involving Baloo the best because he was so funny. 
The scenes with Shere Khan might be too intense for little children, but overall The Jungle Book is a great family-film. 
I'm eager to now watch the 1967 Walt Disney Animated Classic, and I really think the 2016 could one day be considered a classic as well.
The Jungle Book is in theaters now.  Click here to find showtimes.

1 comment:

  1. I want to see this!! It's like a Marvel roundup with Favreau, Idris and ScarJo!!

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