Jungle Book, The (8/30/2016)

Rated PG for some sequences of scary action and peril.

Starring Neel Sethi and the voices of Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken

Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man and Elf)

I really thought I would love this film…I just didn’t expect to love it this much!

Directed by Jon Favreau, based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, The Jungle Book is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

We took a calculated risk when we decided to take Addyson, my 3-year old, to her first movie in a theater. Would it be too scary, would she lose interest, would it be a nightmare. Well once we recovered from spilling half the popcorn on the floor (I had to tip the kid who was standing at the exit with the broom), we settled in and loved every minute of the hour and half film.

The cast including newcomer Neel Sethi and Hollywood A-listers like Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken, The Jungle Book is an absolute winner! I have to tell you that Neel looks so much like the animated Mowgli. Every one of his motions immediately took me back to the classic cartoon. Ben Kingsley and Scarlett Johansson are both strong and a little scary, Bill Murray is hilarious and Christopher Walken sings! I loved it.

I realize this may be premature, but I’m going to say that Jon Favreau is a genius. He has taken some serious risks over the years. He decided to direct a film about a human who thinks he’s and Elf and then directed Iron Man, the first Marvel Studios film that launched one of the most profitable film franchises ever. Now he takes a beloved Disney classic and turns it into one of the best animated-to-live action films of all time.

I also wanted to mention both the heart and the humor of the film. There were so many tender moments and teachable lessons that as a father I appreciated. And so many laughs that, as a family, we all loved.

Finally, I have to talk about the CGI in this film because if you go see it, you will talk about it too. The animals are incredibly realistic! I loved how the CGI added to the film instead of being a distraction.

Everything about The Jungle Book is amazing. I loved every minute of it. It’s “Worth Buying.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I took my 3-year old daughter and she loved it. There are some scenes that made her jump a little, but overall I think its fine for the whole family.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the relationship between Mowgli and Baloo when they first meet?


2. How would you describe Baloo?


3. How does Baloo grow and change?


4. What effect does it have on their relationship?


5. How selfish do you think you are?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.


6. How can you seek the good of your neighbor?