After watching the trailer I thought the new version may possibly have captured the essence of jungle fantastically but could they retain the cuteness from the original version is what running in my mind. Jon Favreau (Director) made sure the movie didn’t miss out any unique elements from the book.
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| The Jungle Book - Movie Review |
The Jungle Book is about experiencing and enjoying wilderness. Rudyard Kipling wisely penned down the story of a small boy and how he is raised by the jungle. Numerous movies, cartoons and television series have been produced on this book and were successful as well. Adding to the list is the recently released The Jungle Book, with super-advanced visual effects, computer generated imagery (CGI) and motion-capture technology.
Alright let’s get into detail. As you know this review is all about story, screenplay, music and performance.
What makes you stay seated?
The story is the one that simply pulls you to watch the movie and stay seated. Mowgli and his remarkable journey in forest living aside some of the striking yet menacing species is wonderfully written and produced.
Screenplay plays an active role in making the movie gripping, especially when adapted from a novel. Justin Marks took care of that part with neat and tight writing. The dialogues were witty, endearing and to-the-point. The settings and locales are the best in the movie. Be it the croaking noise of frogs, varied bird calls or wild species, gushing air stream flowing through the dense forest, the CGI has done it all. You can experience the true quintessence of forest for almost two hours watching The Jungle Book on screen sitting within the walls, kudos to Bill Pope (Cinematographer). He and his lens created wonders on screen.
Performance is another thing that makes you stay seated throughout the movie. Neel Sethi just fits in the story as Mowgli; his innocence and charm is exquisite. Apart from the story and riveting screenplay, The Jungle Book is supported by the strong voice cast, courtesy Sarah Finn (Casting Director). Bill Murray as Baloo is hilariously brilliant. His unconditional love towards honey is worth mentioning in his role as a good friend. Ben Kingsley as Bagheera is graceful, kind and a watchful protector. Idris Elba as Shere Khan is aggressive, commanding and nerve-racking. Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, in just one scene, was seducing and cunning.
Music by John Debney is fitting to the story. He gave a great company to Bill Pope in capturing the innate essence of the jungle. The tempo of the BGM sways both way to suit the plot.
What would have been better?
The rivalry between the little boy Mowgli and the Shere Khan could have established better as it wasn’t intimidating enough. The pace slows down towards the end with not much twist and turns. Writers should have focused on the predictability factor as the plotline doesn’t make the viewers come to the edge.
However, the flaws fade away with the enchanting visuals equally supported by superior voice cast.
Bottomline
My Rating
Story - 4 / 5
Screenplay - 4.5 / 5
Music - 4 / 5
Performance - 4.5 / 5
Watch the trailer here...
Watch the trailer here...
The Jungle Book - Movie Review
Reviewed by Gowthama Rajavelu
on
17:23
Rating:
Reviewed by Gowthama Rajavelu
on
17:23
Rating:
Well reviewed.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading several of them... hopefully I can get some time to see this.
Watch it soon Indrani. You will love it. Wonderful movie it is.
DeleteNicely reviewed. I loved the movie..watched it with my kid.... :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat. This is the best movie for kids, they not only enjoy but also love nature.
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