A film without many special merits, yet has very little faults.
One can always grade re-adaptations into three categories from worst to best – that which is unable to meet the standard of the original, that which is merely a worthless copy of the original, that which transcends and gives new meanings to the original.
Disney’s Cinderella was somewhere between the second and the third, leaning closer to either side depending on the perspective. The Jungle Book too is in a similar position, but perhaps leaning closer to the second – yet one cannot dismiss the fact though it may be a ‘copy’, is has been done extremely well in the 3-dimentional realm of the live action epics.
Directed by Jon Favreau and based on the cartoon that was based on Rudyard Kipling’s original book, The Jungle Book tells the story of Mowgli (Nell Sethi)’s adventure as a panther-raised man-cub in the jungle where he encounters many strange beasts – some who he befriends, and some who don’t have his best interests at heart.
The film’s setting greatly avails the wondrous depiction of the landscape – with expertly executed rendering and a masterful blend between CGI, natural and studio light the visual of the forest becomes an awesome spectacle for kids and for adults alike.
The use of CGI could often grab or lose a viewer’s attention, whether it’d be too much that it saturates the screen or in this case – just the right amount to enhance, but not dominate. The beasts of the jungle seem quite realistic with a minor tone shift between their flesh and the protagonist’s, the CGI personifies them but in a relatively subtle way that fits very well in their surroundings while also highlighting the many star voices that portray the essences of these humane animals.
Opening with a narration that is somewhat of an excess and speeds up the pace considerably, the Jungle Book builds its momentum smoothly and unnoticeably, setting in the basics while establishing classic characters with an adequate amount of dialogues and screen time.
The introducing of the villain is one of the main highlights in act 1, where Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba) generates monumental intimidation that would, with additional embellishes last through the entire course of the film. The Tiger isn’t an ever-present villain, nor is he metaphysical or spiritual, and as depicted here he is indeed flesh and blood which creates the most impact and focuses the plot and subplots onto one purpose – the antagonists’ eventual defeat, which many other films stray away from.
The shots and screens of the film are often very well composed and emotional when it needs be, cinematographically they highlight the characters’ bonds and present it very straightforwardly for the children in the audience, it often amazes yet the film never forgets to move on without lingering too long.
The thrills and actions, in conjunction with feelings of nostalgia and wonder are most of the jungle’s worthy merits. The musical score, though at times somewhat saturating compliments the visuals nicely while the sound editing/mixing could often bring you to the edge of your seats with a monstrous growl or an unexpected thud.
Characters are prominent and very well established, though they often only leave minor impressions none of them seem unimportant or interchangeable, delivering a closely-knitted cast of man and beasts alongside a very coherent story with a steady rhythm.
There aren’t many twists and turns in the plot, however it does feel very adequate for a children’s film in the fact that it’s clear, unambiguous and perhaps most importantly – very good-looking.
Baloo the bear (Bill Murray)’s many punch lines and other emotional dialogues are unexpectedly well written, as with many other lines/ongoings of the film – for a work made to entertain children it prevails as not being outrightly shallow but quite funny on its comedic side as well.
It overall keeps to a merry mood with thrills, humours and rooted-emotions. The protagonist can look somewhat odd, with a face that appears out of context and as if from a family sit-com and a very-well spoken, kind of harsh accent. The establishment of Mowgli’s character can feel slightly underwhelming, that it almost lets the surroundings overshadow him yet he grows and appears more adequate by the minute.
There’s good buildup to climax and though again, it’s quite predictable there is still fear and stakes – however underwhelming it may be but it’s there alongside the edge-of-your-seat-thrills that keep your kids or even yourself affixed.
Overall a feel good adventure with some nicely composed emotional moments. The Jungle Book does everything it needs to do and fulfils the nostalgia of many adults as well as presenting a three-dimensional story that really elevates the cartoon to be a new adventure for the new generation. Though it hits a few low notes amidst the jungle’s visual magic, its contrasting sensations and amusements bring the focus back to pure-hearted fun and excitement.
In theatres Australia wide from 14th of April
MPAA Rating: PG
ACB Rating: PG
Run Time: 105 min
An overzealous film critic wannabe, Henry Pan makes a trip down cinema lane once a week, in order to decrease his ever-increasing massive watch list. You can follow him and hear all about his rants on films, life and pet dogs on Twitter @LifeOfPan.
