The Jungle Book English Movie
Shere Khan is back in the jungle! And when you see the almost real thing pounce at you in the full glory of IMAX 3D, for a minute you forget to breathe, your heart skips a beat, and you cower in the seat just as the animals do.
The new live animation technique is an experience to be had, not explained. This is once again a bold and new avatar of Disney. Animation that is not afraid to show villains being villainous, and subjects harder and more real. Having grown up with the original Disney classic as well as the animated version via Nippon Studios shown on Doordarshan, watching this version is an eye opener.
Idris Alba's voice brings new terror into your hearts, and you know he means business when he says, 'I want the man cub dead.' Lupita Nyon'go's soothing motherly voice will make you call youw own mum after the film is over. Bill Murray and Ben Kingsley as Baloo and Bagheera bring the magic of your favorite movie come alive once again. And Christopher Walken is at once wonderful and at once menacing as King Louie. Scarlett Johansson as Kaa makes a brief but memorable appearance.
I was also impressed by the editing of the story which saves the characters going into the man village and then returning. It includes 'Bear Necessities' and the song is a welcome relief from the relentless action. And what stupendous action! The screen is always alive, not a moment of 'Blah!' Or 'Seen that!'.
The story still has the power to make you smile as well as cry and little Neel Sethi as Mowgli will charm you once again. This new Disney is all grown up and very, very welcome.