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It’s been almost 50 years since Disney released its animated adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s .nightsandweekends.com/articles/07/NW0700554.php>The Jungle Book. Now, director Jon Favreau offers his own take on the classic story, using a mix of live action and CGI to take audiences on a darker, scarier adventure through the jungle.
The Jungle Book follows the story of the young man-cub Mowgli (Neel Sethi), who was taken in by wolves and raised as one of their own. But as he grows, he struggles to be more like a real wolf. Mowgli’s lessons are interrupted, however, when tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba) threatens his life. Knowing that he’s putting the rest of his pack in danger, Mowgli decides to leave—and wise panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) agrees to join him on his journey. And, along the way—while facing a variety of other creatures—Mowgli discovers what makes him truly special.
Favreau’s live action Jungle Book isn’t as fun-filled and playful as the animated version. It isn’t all songs and dances and madcap adventures. It’s more realistic, focusing more of its attention on the darkness and danger of Mowgli’s journey through the jungle. He may have been raised by wolves—and he may be traveling with a huge panther—but Mowgli faces one threat after another as he reluctantly makes his way to the man village.
This time around, the threats aren’t downplayed, either. Christopher Walken’s monstrous King Louie and the python Kaa (who’s hauntingly voiced by Scarlett Johansson) aren’t as comical as they once were; here they pose real, serious threats. And Shere Khan is more than just a boilerplate bad guy; he’s absolutely deadly. While some of these characters may have given kids chills while watching the animated version, now they’ll give kids nightmares.
That’s not to say that the film doesn’t still have its playful moments. It’s filled with cute animals with unique personalities. And when Bill Murray’s Baloo shows up, the film takes a decidedly lighthearted turn. It’s so lighthearted and musical, in fact, that it almost feels out of place—but it also provides a much-needed break from the film’s darker, often heavier tone.
Meanwhile, writer Justin Marks ties it all together in a way that feels slightly more coherent than the original. He explores Mowgli’s past, giving more motive to Shere Khan’s vengefulness—and he even manages to give the story a subtle message. And that makes it more than just a kids’ movie; it’s one that will satisfy grown-up fans of the animated original, too.
The Jungle Book is a great fit for Favreau—and it’s no surprise that he’s already in talks to direct a sequel. This striking remake is action-packed and entertaining, with all kinds of amazing effects and a delightful voice cast. It definitely isn’t as little-kid-friendly as the animated version, but it’s a thrilling and realistic new jungle adventure.
Blu-ray Review:
Bringing this classic story back to theaters was no small feat—and the special features included with the film’s Blu-ray release offer a closer look at the challenges that director Jon Favreau and his team faced through every step of the way.
The Jungle Book Reimagined takes a look at the whole process—from developing the story to casting the characters to creating the score (with help from John Debney, whose late father worked as a Disney producer). I Am Mowgli introduces newcomer Neel Sethi, the adorable, energetic kid who played Mowgli. And King Louie’s Temple: Layer By Layer shows the layers of work that went into the “I Wanna Be Like You” sequence, from storyboarding to CGI to music—and even Neel’s performance on set.
These making-of features are filled with some pretty eye-opening stuff. But if you want to learn even more about the production, there’s also a commentary track, in which Favreau discusses story choices, filmmaking decisions, and even specific shots in the most interesting way possible.
Though the film’s special features menu isn’t loaded with games and bloopers and sing-along tracks, the extras here are definitely worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of the original or you’re just interested in the art of movie-making, you’ll be amazed by the thought, creativity, and innovation that went into remaking a Disney classic.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
