Film: The Jungle Book

GENRE: Adventure

RATING: PG for scary action and peril
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 46 minutes

STARRING: Neel Sethi (newcomer), Bill Murray (Groundhog Day),

Ben Kingsley (Schindler’s List), Idris Elba (Thor, Luther)

DIRECTOR: Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Elf, Cowboys & Aliens)

WRITER: Justin Marks (newcomer, upcoming Top Gun 2)

PLOT: After being threatened by a tiger, a boy learns about himself with help of a panther and bear. The animals talk by the way.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Was not a fan of the animated Disney flick.

STORY STUFF: Found the story to be quite engaging and action-packed. I thought it would have been nice if there was a bit more humour though. Lots of other animals could have brought more fun to this film.

ACTING STUFF: Newcomer Sethi is a treat to watch. When you consider he’s acting alongside all CG characters and running around a green screen all day, his acting is even more impressive. Great voice casting too. Loved Murray and Kingsley in their gentle roles. Also loved Elba and Johansson with their menacing voice. And Christopher Walken is classic Christopher Walken.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Glad I saw it on the big screen, the visuals are incredibly impressive. Animals and scenery are beautifully done. Why did Favreau have to ruin it with the lame book closing and cheesy Disney closing credits?

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like the story or just enjoy seeing jungle life in general

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Finding Dory