Can the Disney empire do no wrong?
Sure seems like it.
With ZOOTOPIA still performing at the box office after six weeks in release, the Mouse House this weekend serves up yet another certified winner.
Almost 50 years after Disney’s timeless THE JUNGLE BOOK, the Burbank hit factory serves up director Jon Favreau’s new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling‘s writings which instantly becomes an adventure filled masterpiece.
Favreau has turned it into a live action classic which works beyond imagination and takes it to new heights thanks to its photo realistic visuals.
It is a stunning rendering of real live animals – or are they? – combined with incredibly advanced CGI technology that dwarfs anything we’ve ever experienced—making even the tiger in THE LIFE OF PI seem outdated by comparison.
Mouth movements of the animals here—all of whom speak—are flawless and the jungle scenery is incredibly life like.
And yes, enjoying THIS film in 3-D IS worth the up-charge at the box office!
Add perfect voice casting to the package and the elements of top notch movie making all fall into place.
Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Wyong’o, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken – just to mention a few – are the talents gracing the soundtrack.
But a special tip of the hat goes to Bill Murray who voices the lovable and laid back Baloo the bear…as only Bill Murray could. He sure teaches endearing young Mowgli the bare necessities.
Speaking of Mowgli, the kid is the only human in the entire movie and is perfectly portrayed by newcomer Neel Sethi.
One other voice performance of note is for Ikki the porcupine. It’s delivered by the late Garry Shandling whom we lost just weeks ago.
A word of caution to parents!
THE JUNGLE BOOK is rated PG—NOT G. And there’s a reason for this parental advisory!
As per the MPAA’s official description: “THE JUNGLE BOOK is rated PG for sequences of scary action and peril.”
I personally observed several frightened young children at our screening.
So while the film is great family entertainment for practically all ages, there are some intense animal fight scenes that could easily frighten the young ones.
I would think that 7 to 8 year olds would have no problem with it. But younger? YOU know your kids better than I do. ‘Nuff said……..
Otherwise make sure that THE JUNGLE BOOK is on your Must-See list this spring as it not only offers great adventure and entertainment, but some powerful life lessons as well.
My grade—A fantastical: A.
(Reviewed at B&B Theatres Overland Park 16)
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings during Kansas City’s Morning News on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
Star only gave it two-and-a-half stars. I think they’re being a little overly critical. Would tend to agree more with this review.
Maybe Loey wasn’t as ‘joyed’ by the film as I was.
Rotten Tomatoes gave it ab 95% average score. Not bad…….
I stand by my A-rating.