Disney’s The Jungle Book is utterly realistic and often breathtaking while bringing the terror and ferocity of fearsome jungle creatures to life in amazing 3D cinematography.
Shot completely on a Los Angeles soundstage using CGI technology, The Jungle Book is the story of a confused little boy who ends up all alone in the rainforest. Neel Sethi does a delightful job playing story protagonist Mowgli–the little Indian boy who endears himself to the movie audience as well as various animals with his vulnerability and loving nature. Director Jon Favreau who cast Sethi in his role says he, “wanted someone you could relate to and enjoy watching for one and a half hours.”
The Indian rainforest in this film is often dark and ominous, but the movie doesn’t tell the dark story Rudyard Kipling wrote a century ago, nor is it the largely comedic musical of the Disney interpretation produced in colorful animation 50 years ago. Rather, this new Jungle Book is an enchanting interpretation of the great Jungle Book story that is–in many respects–a fantasy set in a world that still reflects the reality of the jungle and its inhabitants. Nevertheless, Favreau wanted to pay homage to the classic Disney movie and included some musical moments related to the old film together with a subtle nod to other Disney characters such as Dumbo, Pinocchio and the Disney Jungle Book characters, which he says were all “kneaded into the dough of the [new version of the] film.”
There is no question about the brilliance of the choice of voices for all the animals. Scarlett Johansson’s delivery as Kaa the Snake is seductive, cajoling, menacing and well-laced with scintillating “esses.”
Idris Elba is frighteningly fierce as the embittered tiger, Shere Khan, while the wonderful Lupita Nyong’o’s soothing tones are perfect as Mowgli’s loving wolf mother, Raksha. Bill Murray’s voice is a comfortable choice for the laid back bear, Baloo, who shares some wonderfully memorable moments with Mowgli.
While a trip to see this movie is well worth the ticket price just to experience the sound and delivery of Christopher Walken’s voice for the orangutan King Louie, timely coincidences and spooky synchronicity brought the whole project together, said Favreau and many of the actors at a recent viewing and press conference in L.A.
What about the soundtrack? The emotional score enhances this film’s ever- changing mood as it envelopes the audience, especially when delivered via state-of-the-art technology inside Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre.
This Jungle Book is definitely re-imagined in a good way. It’s an artistic endeavor that “was destined to be,” says Favreau, and an entertaining movie for children and adults alike that provides an enthralling experience from beginning to end. Check out the trailer below!
