The Jungle Book review – a Disney reboot worth shouting about

by | 15 Apr 2016 | Film Reviews

‘Young man-cub orphan Mowgli embarks on an epic adventure with his jungle friends to escape the fierce man-hating tiger Shere Khan.’

It feels like every blockbuster movie being released these days is either a remake, a reboot, or is an adaptation of some other work. Disney Studios, it seems, is also not exempt from this fad as it continues to churn out  live action versions of its animated classics. We’ve already had Alice in Wonderland (2016), Maleficent (2014) – their alternate take on Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Cinderella (2015). We now have their latest in the form of Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book.

Borrowing elements from Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel but clearly focused on adapting the 1967 animated version. The Jungle Book centres around young orphan Mowgli (Neel Sethi), who from birth has been raised by a pack of wolves. His idyllic life is thrown in turmoil though when ferocious Bengal tiger, Shere Khan (Idris Elba) begins hunting the young “man cub” down. Aided by his friends, Bageera (Ben Kingsley) and Baloo (Bill Murray), Mowgli must make the perilous journey across the jungle to the safety of his own people.

Including the 1994 version this is actually Disney’s second live action remake of the animated classic and you might think this is the studio at its laziest. When actually this take on the well-known tale deserves it’s place; it is classic storytelling at its best with plenty to recommend it. Under Favreau’s direction and Justin Marks’ screenplay they have woven an incredibly rich narrative adding deeper themes than its animated counterpart. Tackling issues like finding your place in the world and the destructive power of man on nature. The film even omits most of the original’s musical numbers so as to keep focused on the story. Favreau however, knows that this film’s for the kids as well so there’s plenty of action and adventure to be found. Including an exciting set piece involving Christopher Walken’s King Louis, that will keep both young and old engaged.

The effects team have done an amazing job in bringing this world alive and have created a lush, fully realised jungle. This, incredibly, is all artificially done yet looks so real and believable. This shows how far the technology has come in such a short time (it really makes Avatar’s Pandora forest look dated now). Where the visuals really excel is in the creature design. Favreau has clearly gone for the realistic approach and although the wildlife is all rendered using sophisticated CGI. They look so authentic you’d believe they had filmed real animals and actually taught them to talk.

It’s not all about the visuals though. Favreau does a good job of balancing spectacle and emotion that helps draw you into the story and really care about the characters. What really helps this is the excellent voice cast that all inhabit these animals so well and help bring them alive. Bill Murray is particularly suited for Baloo, the mellow, laidback bear. His tones are perfect for his rendition of ‘The Bare Necessities’, one of the two songs from the original that made it into this version. Idris Elba is also noteworthy as Shere Khan. His deep booming voice, portraying power and authority was perfect for the fearsome tiger. He actually comes of far more intimidating and dangerous than his animated predecessor, who was voiced by George Sander’s.

If there is one criticism, it would be towards newcomer Neel Sethi, who plays Mowgli. As the only physical cast member he had the hard job of reacting to and playing off non-existent animals. His performance at times is unconvincing. It’s only a small niggle and I can imagine a lot of experienced actors would struggle not having other people to play off.

‘The Jungle Book is an all-round great piece of family entertainment.’

Favreau and co. have created a rich, immersive world, and an engaging story that will suck you right in. With its more mature and adult themes some of the young ones might find it scary at times, but in general, it’s an old tale told for a new generation which all will enjoy.

Film Details

PG · 1h 46m · 2016.

Genre

Adventure · Drama · Family · Fantasy.

Cast

Ben Kingsley · Bill Murray · Brighton Rose · Christopher Walken · Garry Shandling · Giancarlo Esposito · Idris Elba · Lupita Nyong’o · Neel Sethi · Scarlett Johansson.

Director

Jon Favreau.

Writer

Justin Marks.

Book by

Rudyard Kipling.

Cinematography

Bill Pope.

Editing

Adam Gerstel.

Music

John Debney.

Contains

mild threat.

David Axcell

Film Critic

David has quite a broad taste in film which includes big budget blockbusters and small indie films; including International and Arthouse cinema. As long as it’s good in that particular genre, he’ll watch anything.

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