REVIEW: The Jungle Book is a Swinging Good Time

Disney’s latest live action flick, The Jungle Book, is a heartwarming retelling of the animated classic based on the book by Rudyard Kipling. Starring newcomer Neel Sethi, as the adorably innocent man cub, Mowgli, The Jungle Book follows as he navigates the jungle after leaving his pack in order to protect them from the ruthless Shere Khan (voiced beautifully by Idris Elba).

Leading him on his journey across the jungle is Bagheera (voiced by Sir Ben Kingsley) and Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray). Along the way Mowgli comes across some interesting characters, including slithery Kaa (Scarlett Johansson) and larger than life, King Louie (Christopher Walken).

This live action is not a re-creation of the 1967 Disney flick, instead the film relies more on the story from Kipling’s book. The new movie charms in a different way than the animated film ever did. Beautifully shot, The Jungle Book will excite newer Disney audiences and bring joy to the fans of the original film.

An excellent cast expertly brings to life the tale of a man cub trying to make his way in the world. Murray shines as the mischievous Baloo and Kingsley is wonderful as the noble Bageerah. Their scenes together were captivating and not nearly long enough. While there were times when it felt like director, Jon Favreau only included certain scenes or characters as a way to link to the animated flick, those instances were few and far between.

The Jungle Book is a wonderful addition to the Disney family that will leave fans, old and young, with smiles on their faces. From the colorful scenery to the nostalgic music, The Jungle Book proves that sometimes the bare necessities are all you need to make a classic a classic again.

Grade: A-