Finally! Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK is open in theatres all around the country (and near you, I’m sure!). Directed by Jon Favreau (who you know from films like Iron Man!), and starring familiar voices like Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o, and Scarlett Johansson, THE JUNGLE BOOK is an all-new live-action epic adventure following the Mowgli we know from the original animated classic. Chase and I were able to see a sneak peek earlier this week and take in the extremely lifelike animal action.
My Personal Take
Much like the plot of the classic film, Mowgli must leave the jungle or be hunted by Sher Khan, and meet all the characters you know and love along the way. But, since the film is live-action (well, at least the one human!) the script takes some unfamiliar turns to keep it interesting, and hopefully won’t step on the toes of the magical moments you know and love. For instance, I felt that Ben Kingsley’s Bagheera was spot-on, but the new take on a female Kaa was jarring, especially with ScarlettJohansson voicing her. Most unsettling for me was the gigantic pre-historic ape King Louie, (voice of Christopher Walken), whose classic song and dance was altered a bit.
The 3D and IMAX experience made the film so lifelike it was hard to believe that these animals weren’t actually walking around and acting on screen – the animation is amazing! “The JungleBook” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology to immerse audiences in an enchanting world.
Take the Kids?
I think so, yes. But it depends on their age. For instance, Red saw the trailer in the theatrea a few weeks ago and was scared stiff by the incredibly lifelike animal interactions and loud jungle sounds. I think he would enjoy it much more on the “small screen” at home. 3D would definitely be out. An older child of 7 or 8 may enjoy it much more especially if they understand the nature of animals and ecosystems.
There are A LOT of “gotcha” moments when animals seem to jump at the audience, tigers attack and monkeys reach. You may want to take the movie in on date night and screen it for your young kids to see if they will like it.
It’s Everywhere!
I even saw a HUGE sandcastle at the interior entrance of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom this week – the movie is everywhere and families are celebrating the return of a classic!
Be sure to print this jungle book family activity book with tons of facts, coloring pages and more. Red loves mazes, so this Mowgli Jungle Book Maze will be a hit for us.
“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, who embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known. For more information, check out Disney.com/thejunglebook.
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