The Jungle Book (2016) UMR Links

Cogerson Review of The Jungle Book

Why I watched this one? After weeks of asking….we finally took our little ones to see this movie.

What is this one about? After a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther, Bagheera, and free spirited bear, Baloo.

My thoughts on this one? Ok…I admit that I was not much of a fan of the Disney animated The Jungle Book….so my expectations were pretty low for this movie. Shockingly this movie blew me away. Probably the best movie I have seen in many a moon. The producers’ take on the story was fascinating…..the graphics were amazing….the music was entertaining. Bill Murray is a blast as the voice of Baloo. Ben Kingsley shines as Bagheera. Scarlett Johansson as the snake is good in her all to brief part. Christopher Walken makes a great King Louie.

As good as they were in the movie….the two highlights are Idris Elba as Shere Khan and Neel Sethi as Mowgli. Elba’s Khan is an excellent villain. Whenever Khan was on screen it reminded of Heath Ledger as the Joker the first time I watch The Dark Knight. Watching them was an uncomfortable experience…as you never knew when they were going to strike. Sethi gives of the best child performances of all-time. He was a complete pleasure to watch. The fact that he gives such a natural performance in front of green screens is simply amazing.

The only negative I have about the movie is the King Louie song. Seems way out of place….but as soon as it is over….the producers provide a visually stunning chase scene between Louie and Mowgli….so I can forgive them for that song. Final thought: An entertaining movie for adults and children….one of the best movies that have seen in a longtime!