[Movie Review] The Jungle Book (2016)
Director: Jon Favreau
Writer: Justin Marks
Runtime: 105 min
Main Cast:
- Bill Murray as Baloo (voice)
- Neel Sethi as Mowgli
- Ben Kingsley as Bagheera (voice)
- Idris Elba as Shere Khan (voice)
- Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha (voice)
- Scarlett Johansson as Kaa (voice)
- Giancarlo Esposito as Akela (voice)
- Christopher Walken as King Louie (voice)
Review: by Mia
I had been anticipating the release of this movie for months. Not only was it a hit of pure nostalgia to hear that one of my favorite animated films as a kid would be brought to life, it was also exciting to hear of who the cast would be. Bill Murray as laid back Baloo, Ben Kingsley playing the predator turned worried adoptive father Bagheera, and of course Idris Elba playing the fearsome predator Shere Khan. I could see it before actually seeing it and was ready to know if it met my hopes. My greatest worry was that bringing the film to life might take away from or limit the world that was created within The Jungle Book.
If you haven’t heard of The Jungle Book, or it’s been a few years since you watched or read the story, the story follows the life of young Man Cub Mowgli as he learns the ways of the jungle with his adoptive family: a wolf pack, a panther, and a bear mainly. Mowgli is raised as a wolf cub and struggles to learn and abide by the rules of the jungle. He is taught to abandon the ways of man and embrace what he learns from his wolf pack and from the panther who found him as a baby, Bagheera.
At first, his only struggle is trying to resist the urge to use and create tools to ease his life in the jungle, what Bagheera calls “tricks” of man. But soon, his life becomes a struggle to stay away from Shere Khan, a vengeful tiger with a grudge against all men for their destructive natures and for injuring him with their red flower (fire).
Shere Khan returns to the jungle to find that the animals have embraced a man cub as one of their own. He vows to eliminate Mowgli to restore order to the jungle. Mowgli is forced to run, led by Bagheera, to survive and perhaps finally meet others of his kind. Along his way, he encounters other dangers within the jungle and makes even more friends, such as the honey-loving Baloo.
His escape from Shere Khan is perilous and pushes Mowgli to learn more of himself, his past, his friends, and his jungle. He learns more of the power of man, the Red Flower, and he embraces his “tricks” while still identifying himself as a member of the jungle and not a man meant to destroy. The story is still a perfect Disney plot, with tear jerker moments and child friendly struggles and fun.
What I Liked:
The actual effects used to create the jungle as well as The Jungle Book’s characters.
Mowgli, the only actual person shown in the movie, does a superb job of working alongside his computer generated fellow characters. Not only is his acting impressive for a young debuting actor, but he also manages to make his stunts as he runs, leaps, jumps, and climbs through the jungle convincing. The trees, animals, and other effects in the movie are impressively realistic and the 3D is well utilized to bring the jungle to life. Leaves, birds, flames, and animals all look real enough to touch. This contributes to the compelling suspense-filled plot.
Mowgli is constantly facing perils that will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering how a child manages to face the threat of predators such as tigers, anacondas, and giant orangutans with monkey armies as well as forces of nature such as storms, wildfires, and raging rivers.
Then, pairing this little actor with his fellow actors and characters only makes the film even better. In my opinion, Shere Khan is the most intimidating character Idris Elba has volunteered to play yet. He brings forth a smooth cat appeal while also keeping fear and danger at the forefront of every encounter with his character. Baloo is probably the most likable character of the movie with his laid back antics and instant love for Mowgli. All of the other characters contribute well to the themes of the jungle and to the story in ways you’ll just have to see when you watch it.
Summary
Not much criticism from me…there isn’t a moment in The Jungle Book where you aren’t anticipating what will happen next or enjoying the bonds Mowgli makes with the jungle animals around him. The film is both compelling and enjoyable. It stands up to the legacy of the book and animated versions well. Whether you choose to see it in 3D or not, you will be impressed by the composition and effects as well as the amazing feats little Mowgli accomplishes at his age surviving in a jungle with predators and perils. Hoping they’ll continue with the sequel!
Images Courtesy of IMDB
