The Jungle Book Review: A Family Film Worth A Watch

I recently was able to see a sneak peek for the Disney classic-turned-live-action-film, The Jungle Book, and let me tell you, this is one film you won’t want to miss in theaters.

Read on to learn more:

About The Jungle Book

Directed by Jon Favreau {Iron Man} and based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, The Jungle Book is a live-action epic adventure about Mowgli {newcomer Neel Sethi}, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan {voice of Idris Elba} promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-mentor Bagheera {voice of Ben Kingsley}, and the free-spirited bear Baloo {voice of Bill Murray}. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa the python {voice of Scarlett Johansson}, and the smooth-talking King Louie {voice of Christopher Walken}.

The film seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

This film is rated PG.

My Thoughts

When I saw the trailer, I was skeptical. Was this going to be the cheesiest film of 2016? I mean, talking CGI animals can’t be that great, right? Boy, was I wrong. This film was done beautifully. I loved how it followed the 1967 cartoon for the most part, but did take some liberties to keep you guessing. The imagery was astounding, and I found it hard to believe it was actually filmed in downtown L.A. with Jim Henson puppets as “animal actors.” Crazy, right?

However, this film had every element needed for a successful movie night: Beautiful scenery, fantastic voices {Bill Murray as Baloo was my personal favorite}, funny lines, a few catchy tunes, adorable {albeit not real} animals, and a timeless story. Together, these elements provided one heck of an adventurous, family friendly film.

The 12-year-old boy who plays Mowgli rocked the role. I even had to chuckle that his walk was identical to the cartoon version. They cast him right — and bravo to him for nailing the very first film he’s done.

Not sure we’ll purchase this one to watch over and over, but I would definitely recommend catching this one in the theater if you have a child that loves animals or adores the cartoon version of the story. I have a feeling it won’t have the same appeal if you wait to rent it {think Avatar…The visuals are similarly stunning}. Additionally, I’d recommend splurging on 3D too if that’s your thing — it’s one of very few films I’ve seen that fully use it and make it worth the extra admission cost.

Age Recommendations

I took my 9-year-old neighbor and my 5-year-old daughter to see this one and they both loved it. There were some scenes that made them jump and a few scenes that may be seen as scary to the younger set, but my 5-year-old said she only was scared once when one of the animals popped out…and I get it — that part made me jump too!

I would recommend ages 5+ for this one. First, for the occasional fighting animal imagery that may disturb younger kids, and the fact it’s a live action movie — not a cartoon. Younger kids will likely not understand it isn’t real. Even my 5-year-old kept asking “This is a computer animal?” She was astounded with how real everything appeared.

A good judge would be to have them watch the preview first and get their thoughts. My 3-year-old immediately told me it was too scary for her to see in the theaters {and now I know to second guess PG films since Zootopia scared her}. At the end of the day, you know your child.

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Overall, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel immersed into the scenery if you opt for 3D. Everything from the CGI-enhanced animals to the sweeping scenery to the voicing was on point. Definitely check this one out for a film that justifies high movie theater costs. It’s meant to be seen on the big screen.

Will you be seeing The Jungle Book theaters? If so, have fun!