My review of The Jungle Book 2016

My review of The Jungle Book 2016 

 

Intro: Come on! Do I really have to explain why I'm against this movie? First of all this is a remake to the 1967 animated film, Hollywood hasn't mastered the art of remakes for the most part. Second this movie is live action why? Does it cost more to do a movie in live action? ( If the answer is no then I stand corrected.) What made me give this movie a chance is the trailers this movie looks different from the animated version. (I know trailers are not reliable these days however I'm willing to take a leap of faith for time to time.) 

Plus the book that this movie is based on must be popular since there are so many versions of this story. 

Also I'm not crazy about the cartoon version, I'll explain why later. So is this movie just like the animated version or worse? Let's find out... 


The Jungle Book 2016: This movie is centered on a boy name Mowgli who lives in the jungle with the Wolf pack, he learns how to survive in the wilderness plus fit in with the other animals. That becomes difficult for him when a Tiger name Shere Khan shows up and wants to kill Mowgli because he's afraid that he'll pose a threat to the other animals. So Mowgli has to leave the Wolf pack and go to the man village before Shere Khan can find him.    

This movie is a good example of how to do a remake! I say that because this movie is different from the 1967 version, do to better characterization, adding details to the story and a darker tone. These alterations help improve the story and make it easy for both kids and adults to watch this movie. That’s what bugs me about the cartoon version it was hard for me to take the story seriously because of how goofy that movie was. 

Don’t get me wrong I don't think that version was bad however when you have a story about a Tiger trying to kill a boy and you put songs and comedy in it it’s distracting. Don't worry the movie has lighthearted moments and humor. The premise may sound simple but it's not, there are obstacles that get in Mowgil's way and they make him reconsider where he belongs? The visual effects are impressive the animals almost look real.       

Mowgil is mature for his age and smart. I'm impress with what he can invent with his environment. My beef with him is that he never question his heritage. 

Bagheera is Mowgil's mentor he teach him what he needs to know in order to survive in the jungle. 

Baloo is just like the animated version as far as being carefree. 

King Louie is the Godfather of the jungle however he's still silly. I like this interpretation of the character because it shows that the animals can be a danger to each other. 

Shere Khan ( the main villain.) is bloodthirsty and clever. He could have been sympathetic if he didn't carry himself as threatening. My gripe with him is that I'm not crazy that he's connected to Mowgil's backstory because it doesn't add any emotional weight for Mowgil. Also Shere Khan is not as charismatic as the animated version.    

My problems with this movie is the way it ended because the ending undermines the story. Because the animals are more realistic it’s hard to know what they think or feel due to their lack of facial expression. The climax is short and the songs in this movie feels force and out of place. This movie could have done a better job with the nature vs nurture theme. 

I can't say that this is the best adaptation of the jungle book however this is the best movie I've seen so far this year. If the rest of the Disney live action remakes did the same thing this movie did I wouldn't mind watching them again. 

Rating = Worth seeing