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.