The Jungle Book

Note: Originally written in April 2016

So much passion for the art of film making went into the creation of this, it pops out from every frame and moment in the film. Jon Favreau and his team don't rest on the laurels of what is arguably a world of characters that has influenced the life of every 90s Indian kid in some way. They take these characters and the premise of this fantastic jungle world and add much admirable depth and dimension. Each animal that Mowgli comes across is rich in nuance, albeit having a single texture of good or evil. The good or the evil is represented with cinematic flourish, giving the characters just enough screen time so that the audience totally sink in and feel them. Much aplomb is delivered by the cast voicing these characters, which includes both industry veterans like Walken, Murray, Kingsley and emerging yet thriving personas like Elba, Johansson and Nyong'o. One particular episode that is quite artistically exhilarating is the one where Kaa seduces Mowgli with her affected charm. Murray's turn in as Baloo is so different from his usual body of work, yet so effortless in drawing so much enthusiasm as he suddenly breaks out into song and dance, adding a wonderful musical dimension to this flick. John Debney's music is harmonious with the proceedings and Bill Pope's camera shares all the passion Jon puts into this endeavor. It is such a pleasure to watch artists make art like this and have fun doing so!

Check out more on the flick at IMDB and Letterboxd.