Expectations were mixed for seeing this film. The trailer looked great, the voice cast is filled with enormous talent and the featurette was fascinating. It was just that, relating it to the other Disney live-action adaptations, whether it was going to be one example of a re-boot that looked stunning, was well-written and performed, respected its original source material(s) and added its fresh spin, like ‘Cinderella, or a well-made film with enough other decent elements to make it watchable but also one lacking in soul and charm, like Alice in Wonderland.
Fortunately, The Jungle Book is an even stronger example of the former, and is one of Jon Favreau’s best films along with Iron Man. Fans of the animation will love recognizing the familiar characters and scenes and it was also really nice to see more of Rudyard Kipling’s writing and storytelling here, the ending being closer to that of the animated film. The Jungle Book is wonderful on its own merits too, just like the Disney animated film was, which was a poor adaptation of the book but worked so well as a film on its own that it didn’t matter.
On the other hand, the film looks amazing. The rich, expansive cinematography is some of the best of the year so far and the scenery and settings are so vividly detailed and colorful, that reading that it was shot entirely in a warehouse was a shock. The rendering of the animals is staggeringly realistic, especially Shere Khan, Bagheera, and the monkeys. Favreau directs with a keen eye for detail and spectacle, yet doesn’t forget the drama, cast or the storytelling once. John Debney’s music score is full of energy, atmosphere, warm orchestration, and vibrant emotion, its referencing of familiar themes feeling nostalgic and affectionate rather than cheap. As for the songs in the film, “Bear Necessities” fitted right in and was as good-natured and easy-going as one can hope.
A great job is done with the characters also. They’re not complex, but they are likable and interesting, are very true in personality to their animated counterparts and all serve a point in the storytelling, some like Shere Khan and the wolves expanded upon. With impressive visual effects, a strong leading actor and well-drawn characters, Disney’s return to The Jungle Book is a fantastic adventure film with strong messages that’s good for audiences young and old. There is some darkness to the movie that might be too much for some younger viewers, but for adults who loved the animated movie growing up, Favreau’s take on the story amplifies the 1967 animated film’s strengths while also adding new depth and emotional resonance to what was already a strong story.
My grade The Jungle Book: A+.
Zane's take at the Cinema's 