The Jungle Book (2016)

The Jungle Book (2016)

2016 PG 106 Minutes

Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

An orphan boy is raised in the Jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear and a black panther.

Overall Rating

7 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • The Jungle Book balances the intensity of its source material with the charm of the Disney animation. Immediately I want to start by saying I was never a fan of Kipling's book or the animated adaptation. It's just a story I never grew up with and it never resonated with me. Having said that, I believe Favreau actually crafted a blockbuster that shares qualities from both ends of the spectrum. You all know the story, Mowgli being raised by a pack of wolves is hunted by the fiercest tiger of the jungle. He flees with the help of a panther and a bear and soon discovers his true identity and where he belongs in the world. A charming adventure that feels like a cutesy Disney feature but beneath the visually impressive surface lies a darker and more mature film. Containing various metaphors such as politics and laws, humanity's impact on the natural world and the lust for power and control. It's a difficult balance to get right. Some will want more of a musical quality so that they can gleefully sing to the songs that these animals randomly burst into. I'm personally not a fan of this, so I'm glad this was kept to a minimum although "I Wanna Be Like You" is horrendously performed by Christopher Walken. On the other side of the spectrum, literary aficionados and connoisseurs who crave deep and meaningful symbolism will want a narrative fuelled by dark metaphors. I would happily have had a super depressing adaptation, but we don't live in a world where we are graced with such gifts, however there are some complexities included for the more mature audiences. Visually, it's absolutely stunning. The blue screen, wildlife CGI and Neel Sethi (who really did hold this film together) accompanied each other beautifully. Couldn't fault it. Voice acting was spot on, particularly Bill Murray as Baloo who's natural wit suited the role. Well paced and directed, although Favreau got a tad bit excited in the finale where the camera became too frantic intertwined with quick cuts and dim lighting. Too safe? Perhaps. In the end, it's perfectly good family entertainment.