Review of The Jungle Book (1994) by Foxgrove — 14 Apr 2016

From its wonderful opening as the camera draws back from the Disney logo into the magical Los Angeles created Jungle, one has a positive feeling that the film is going to be something special. It doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it is actually a lot better film, story wise, than the mythically lauded 1967 animated cartoon version which is remembered more due to the strength of its musical numbers. Director Jon Favreau has done a fantastic job here in creating both a visual treat, keeping things fast paced and snappy in the set pieces, as well as honing in on all the major characters and keeping them in sharp focus. As the man cub Mowgli, Neel Sethi may not have to flex his acting muscles a great deal, but he at least keeps the character sentiment free and believable, which is in itself no mean achievement for a child actor. Voices for the animals are uncannily good especially those of Scarlett Johansson as the snake Kaa; Ben Kingsley as black panther Bagheera and Bill Murray as the celebrated Baloo. Best of all, though, is the Shere Khan of Idris Elba which is sheer magic.

As already mentioned the set pieces are fantastic, but in know way unbalance the rest of the film. Particularly impressive are the opening scenes of Mowgli training; the encounter with Kaa; Mowgli’s snatch by the monkeys; the mudslides and the climatic fire. All this is well served by CGI work that is just stunning and, if reports are to be believed, was all filmed in Hollywood’s concrete jungle far from anywhere ‘GREEN’. The cinematography is also beautiful and the 3D adds immeasurably on this occasion to the labyrinth of grass, trees and caves that make up the landscape. Be sure to stay for the end credits where the book itself is opened to add yet another inspirational touch to a very accomplished film that everyone can enjoy.