The Jungle Book (2016) : Movie Review

Since the first trailer came out, there were high expectations from this new millennium, the live action reiteration directed by Jon Favreau, of Rudyard Kipling's much loved story, The Jungle Book. The tale is familiar to many and a chance to build on fond childhood memories.

The voice over cast is star studded with a truly remarkable performance by debutant Neel Sethi who plays Mowgli, the man-cub raised by the wolves. The wise and watchful guardian that is Bahgeera the panther is voiced by Ben Kingsley while the easy going papa bear is channeled by Bill Murray's iconic delivery style. Mowgli's fierce nemesis Sher Khan gets the fearsome tones of Idris Elba, with Kaa the snake hypnotizing its prey with Scarlett Johannson's sultry voice and the giant ambitious yet funny tree swinger, the King Louie gets the trademark delivery of Christopher Walken.

Making the most of today's technology for advanced visual effects and motion-capture technology, Jon Favreau has created a wonderful spectacle set around relatable human emotions even among the wild beasts. This detail in the lush flora and fauna may be quite stunning but in the action packed scenes where Mowgli and Sher Khan face off it'll have the little ones quivering with their eyes closed.

The movie tries to play homage to the amazing soundtrack of the 1967 Disney classic with snatches of popular tunes like "Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You".

This version of the Jungle Book delivers on all expectations, and I rate it at 11/11 cheezy nachos. This movie is one to watch, and best on the big screen so get your tickets fast!


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