The Jungle Book Review

This Jungle Book remake was, oddly enough, a remake I was looking forward to. The 1967 animated classic was a movie I watched all the time as a child, so I was curious how a new creative team would treat the property.

I had no idea what to expect from Disney's latest remake of an old classic. I was optimistic, as their latest remake of Cinderella was fantastic in my opinion. Jon Favreau is a favourite of mine, and I was confident in him being the director of this classic story. Just listening to him talk about the property here, made me excited for the film.

If movies were judged solely on CGI, The Jungle Book would be an unmitigated masterpiece. This entire movie was shot in a soundstage in L.A. Everything you see in the film was made in a computer, and I still can't believe the film's technical achievement. The animals look so real; the most realistic animals I've ever seen. The landscapes, water simulations, weather simulations - everything was so real. The work that hundreds of CG artists accomplished can't be overlooked.

Below are pictures of some of the voice actors sitting next to their CGI counterparts. Look at the realism they were able to accomplish with these animals.

Ben Kingsley as Bagheera

Idris Alba as Shere Khan

Christopher Walken as King Louie

The movie is much more than just amazing CG work. The Jungle Book is a fantastic remake that honours the source material, while adding its own spin on things. The character of Mowgli was played by young actor Neel Sethi. Not only did he give a great performance for a child actor, he gave it while being surrounded by nothing but green screen. As the only real thing on screen, he was able to carry the movie, while adding a sense of charm and curiosity that made the character of Mowgli so endearing.

I don't think they could have picked a better voice cast. Ben Kingsley is perfect as the old and prissy character of Bagheera the panther. His voice added a sense of gravitas that perfectly fit the characteristics of the old, wise panther.

Bill Murray is just as funny as a CGI bear, as he is in real life. While funny, his performance was very heartfelt, which made his relationship with Mowgli so special. I can't see another person as the voice of Baloo, besides Phil Harris in the original classic.

The highlight performances were Idris Alba as the villain Sheer Khan, and Christopher Walken as King Louie. Sheer Khan was frightening and menacing. Alba is so perfect for this character, as you legitimately fear his presence. They gave the character of Sheer Khan much more backstory this time around, which made his motivations much more clear. Alba knocked it out of the park and his performance, combined with the CG work, made for a great villain.

Then there's Christopher Walken. His scenes as King Louie had me smiling the whole time. You could tell that the character model was based off Walken's real face, which made it even more amusing. Walken's voice is so charismatic to begin with, that when you add him singing, as a big monkey, you can't help but smile.

For a fun featurette on the voice cast, click here.

It's hard to believe this, but this is a better film than the 1967 animated movie. Not because of special effects, but because the characters were given much more time to develop. Sheer Khan in the original came across as an old Englishmen, who was mildly annoyed by the presence of the man-cub. In this remake, you understand much more about Sheer Khan, which makes you more invested in the story.

I go to the movie theatre for an experience; an experience that will move me, and wow me. The Jungle Book gave that to me. The story is as sweet and fun as its always been. The spectacle of the incredible CGI work is jaw-dropping at times. The characters are fun, and the adventure is better then its ever been. It's rare for a remake to do this, but this new Jungle Book is the best interpretation that we've ever seen. It was everything a remake should be. A respectful interpretation of the source material, while adding a new spin on things. I have no idea how Andy Serkis' Jungle Book will be, but I can't see it being better than this.

More than just the bare necessities here.

Favourite Indy film

An impossible questions for me to answer is; “what’s your favourite Indiana Jones movie?”

I can’t do it! It’s too difficult for me to narrow down a single reason as to why one of the films is my favourite.

Obviously The Crystal Alien Skull thing is the weakest. Temple of Doom is my least favourite of the originals, as I can’t stand listening to Willie Scott scream. Although the most iconic image of Indy is found in Temple of Doom on the rope bridge, the story doesn't intrigue me. Randomly falling out of a plane on a native village, in order to rescue their religious rocks is not overly interesting to me. I do commend the filmmakers for making something vastly different than Raiders, however it falls a bit short for me. Still a good movie, just not my favourite. 

So awesome

Raiders and The Last Crusade however, are two of the most re-watchable and fun movies ever made. The idea for this blog came last week after I watched The Last Crusade on blu ray. For the first time in my life, I think I have found the answer.

The Last Crusade is my favourite. There. I finally made a choice that I will stick with...until I watch Raiders again.

So why the preference for The Last Crusade? Let's start with the obvious. Sean Connery adds a dimension to the series that was lacking in Raiders. Instantly, the character of Indiana Jones is fresh again as his father is introduced. Their chemistry is fantastic and it's one of the most entertaining relationships I've seen on film. 

James Bond is Indy's dad

I love the locations. Ahhh Venice. Great new location for the film to start in, and they only get better from there.

Some of the best scenes of The Last Crusade include Sallah and Marcus Brody. They were such great characters in Raiders that having them play larger roles in The Last Crusade is fantastic. Seeing Marcus act like a fish out of water when Indy tells the Nazis "he has a two day head start," is one of my favourite scenes. 

The holy grail is literally the holy grail of MacGuffins. Such an interesting artifact that instantly grabs my attention; even more that the Ark of the Covenant. 

The three trials that conclude the film are to me; the most riveting aspect of the saga. Seeing Indiana push his faith by taking that leap, is a level of emotion that Raiders never had. 

When it's all said and done, riding off into the sunset is a finale that you smile at. The ending of Raiders is fantastic; but you don't have that sense of excitement watching a room full of crates. Seeing our four heroes ride off into a beautiful sunset is one of the best endings a film series can have.

Don't get me wrong. Raiders of the Lost Ark is AMAZING! I want to watch it at least twice a year. The Last Crusade however, hits me emotionally where Raiders never did.