Review of The Jungle Book (2016) by Freddie K — 07 Aug 2016

"They want to send you to the man-village? I say, you can be a man right here!".

Disney's Avatar EXCUSE ME I MEAN Disney's Jungle Book is directed by John Favreau and is a live action adaptation of the classic novel and original animated film.

Ok, the good parts. The CGI in this movie is....sublime. It is some of the best technicality work I have seen, ever. The jungle is lush and rich with not only exotic, sweet and vibrant patches, but also sections of darkness and mystery. The voice cast is impressive to say the least. Bill Muarry, Ben Kingsley and Idris Elba bring their A-games to this flick for great reflections on the original characters without the cartoony conventionality of them. Bill Muarry plays Baloo who is sweet and simple representing the charm in growing up, Ben Kingsely plays Bagheera who represents respect and control in safety and Idris Elba represents fear and tyranny amongst young men globally. This is Jungle Book grown up. I mean seriously, this film can be terrifying at times. John Faverau really didn't skimp out on capturing truly brutal and tough parts of the tropical undergrowth. Some critics have argued that Scarlett Johansson's small scene with Mowgli is unnecessary, but I happen to think it was a necessary stimulant for the discovery of what it is to be independent. As well as Christopher Walken giving our lead to question great power and not let anyone tell you you are in need of anything (except yourself).

So what was poor? Neel Sethi isn't a very good actor. The Kid has determination, but he seems to scramble his words very easily and seem unexpressed at times. Additionally, Shere Khan needed to be doing more evil shit. He was a villainous ass-hole and it worked very well, but I was retching to see more of him. There is nothing significantly mind blowing apart from the CGI in this adaptation either, but I think with the balancing of all the key motives and bulletins on growing up, the movie may have gotten to chaotic jumbling. The sheer vibrancy of this film makes up for any shifting motives on leaving the jungle quite comfortably.

Overall, John Favreau's the Jungle Book is the crème de la crème of a great family film. It is in no way a emotional masterpiece, but it creates a welcoming but relentless atmosphere of sweetness, tenderness, terror and enigma. A must see this year!

B+.

78/100.