THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016)

Genre: Adventure
Running Length: 1:45
Cast (voices): Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken, Neel Sethi
Director: Jon Favreau
Screenplay: Justin Marks based on The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

THE JUNGLE BOOK will forever change the way how CGI is integrated into a real world setting. Actually, this isn't even practical effects but full on graphics created on computers using motion capture techniques, layered into CGI trees, river and mountains. It is mind boggling to think that this film was shot in Los Angeles as it looks like a surreal India landscape.

The Jungle Book is one of the most beautiful movies to watch as it's visually stunning. Despite the obvious that these are talking animals, I was never distracted and totally convinced they could do so. The attention to detail on every animal is so vivid and lively - they look natural. Kudos to the hundreds of animators and artists involved in this project.

From a narrative perspective, it's definitely inspired by the 1967 animation and not Rudyard Kipling’s source material. There are even homages paid to the former, as fans will get to hear three famous snippets sung (and spoken); one of it being the famous "Bare Necessities". That said, it's not quite child-friendly as some of the images and themes are unsettling and pretty dark.

Another highlight is newcomer Neel Sethi playing the “man cub” Mowgli. He is the only human in this movie. Sethi's performance is energetic and animated. He is simply a delight to watch. And to think that he filmed almost every scene by himself in front of a green screen makes him even more impressive. Of course, his scenes wouldn't have succeeded without Favreau's direction.

Overall this film is not heavy on thought-provoking materials but it's visually captivating and immersive. (Oh, the animation accompanying the closing credit is so fun to watch!)

Rating: 8.5/10