THE JUNGLE BOOK review by Rahul Vendantam – stellar CGI elevates a well known story

THE JUNGLE BOOK review by Rahul Vendantam – stellar CGI elevates a well known story
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I often look back and wonder why we all got so excited over the average movie that was AVATAR in 2009. I still regret not watching HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in 3D IMAX instead. But back in 2009, we all wanted to answer the question: Can great CGI elevate a movie beyond its plot? AVATAR ended up giving us a disappointing answer. Yes the CGI elevated it, but the recycled FERNGULLY plot and preachy environmental message stopped the film from maintaining any sort of significance. Isn’t it strange how the highest grossing movie of all time has had no real effect on the cultural zeitgeist? But in 2016, THE JUNGLE BOOK once again proposes the question, and this time things come up differently.

The CGI in this update is incredible. I have to strongly recommend seeing it in 3D and IMAX as it enhances the beauty of the experience. Every blade of grass, raindrop, and most importantly, the animals, all look unbelievably real. The important fact is that the entire movie was made in L.A., not the wild rainforests or L.A. either. Everything but Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is entirely computer generated, yet every interaction he has with the animals and landscape flows naturally. Props go to Neel Sethi for pulling in such a great performance while working entirely with a green screen.

Speaking of acting jobs, the voice actors (except for one) all fit snugly within their parts. Bill Murray, in his natural lazy comedic tone, makes an excellent Baloo. Idris Elba is terrifying, even to an adult, as Shere Khan the tiger. Ben Kingsley makes a great father figure as Bagheera the panther. Lupita Nyong’o, Giancarlo Esposito, and Scarlett Johansson’s roles aren’t as large, which is actually disappointing as Johannsson gives the best vocal performance as Kaa the snake. Nevertheless, the film is already an hour and fifty minutes, so more was not needed. The only negative critique I can give is to Christopher Walken’s King Louis, in which he tries to add a mafia like voice. For much of his role he is also singing, and Walken’s singing is not up to par, especially when compared to the iconic portrayal Louis Prima gave in the original.

In fact, the only two songs in the film are “Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be like You”, but both feel obligatory and aren’t really a part of the films flow. “Bare Necessities” is integrated fairly well, but “I Wanna Be like you” and all of King Louis’ part really brings the proceedings to a halt. The movie has a hard time deciding what it is, as the kid’s movie plot mixes with Jon Favreau’s IRON MAN-style directing and constant action. From an adult’s perspective, it seems like a kid’s movie that is doing too much to entertain adults, with the realistic characters being in direct contrast to a film’s “magic” and ability to transport a child. Yet I might just have to consider this underestimating children, as all of the kids in the theater seemed to be enjoying it just as much as the adults, which is a weird thing to have to specify for a kids’ movie. Overall the Disney reboot of THE JUNGLE BOOK succeeds because of its beautiful visuals, helping to push forward the great performances put forth by the star cast.

THE JUNGLE BOOK opens April 15, 2016

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