The Updated Bare Necessities
by: Jason Okanlawon
edited by: Anthony Zangrillo
Jon Favreau understood the immense challenge in directing a live-action remake of a classic Disney cartoon. This project challenged Favreau to capture the look and feel of the movie, while balancing the well-known story and new screenplay. As classic and timeless as the story of “The Jungle Book” is, the Disney movie this reimagining is based on was all but forgotten; overtaken by movies with better animation and stories. Consequently, kudos needs to be given to Favreau for taking the antiquated tale and breathing new life into it.
The opening sequence of the movie begins with an almost retro-style animation of the Disney logo; playing on the nostalgia of the generation old enough to remember the Disney cartoon. We are then thrust into a world so lush, green and full of life and light that it’s hard to believe that everything on screen was created through digital wizardry. The jungle seems to breathe with a life of its own as we see newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, running through the vibrant leaves and trees.
Sethi was a pleasant surprise throughout this whole movie as he convincingly played his role in every scene with warmth, heart and gusto. Most actors would have faltered after performing in front of so much green screen, but he handled each scene like a pro; never once seeming awkward or confused. Through him, we are introduced to the first of a stellar voice cast and characters such as Bagheera, the Panther voiced to perfection by Ben Kingsley and Raksha, Mowgli’s adoptive wolf mother; voiced with depth and heart by Lupita Nyong’o.
The story begins with narration from Bagheera; laying the foundation for why Mowgli is in the jungle with a bunch of animals. Following the classic tale, Mowgli has been with the wolves for as long as he can remember but knows that he does not really fit in and consequently tries his best to do just that. Here, young Neel Sethi shines when you realize that he had to play off tennis balls and puppets on a sound stage, which he does with believable gusto. It’s a testament to how well the movie works, not just as an achievement of visual spectacle but on a script level as well. The dialogue between Mowgli and the other characters never feels forced, out of place or unnecessary.
A drought falls upon the land which forces all the animals to call a truce in order to drink water from a watering hole. Here, Mowgli finally shows himself to the other animals of the jungle who not surprisingly, react with confusion and surprise. It is in this scene that we are introduced to the fearsome Shere Khan, voiced with menacing grimness by Idris Elba. You cannot help but fear for Mowgli’s life as Shere Khan moves with feline grace, growling out threats.
Mowgli is then forced to leave the jungle, led by Bagheera in order to be taken to the realm of men. Here, the adventure begins with Mowgli embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he meets all the characters we have come to know from the cartoon and also who we saw in the trailers; such as the seductive serpent Kaa, voiced by Scarlett Johannson, Baloo, voiced with comedic perfection by Bill Murray, and King Louie, who fits the voice of Christopher Walken like a glove.
In true Disney fashion, this movie also works as a teaching mechanism for kids and adults alike and it does so without being too on the nose about it. The message comes out in poignant fashion and in that moment, you realize that Mowgli’s lesson is yours as well: embrace who you are and what you can do because that is where your strength lies.
The score of this movie was a rich blend of orchestral instruments composed by frequent Jon Favreau collaborator, John Debney. Drawing in many places from the classic song “The Bare Necessities”, the score was an amalgamation of reinventions of classic songs and also original compositions. Every scene was scored perfectly; evoking fear, joy, or sadness when needed. All in all, it was a beautifully done movie; one that I would love to see again and again. It is actually possible at this point for this movie to override the animated Disney classic as the definitive Jungle Book movie and become what people refer to for years to come. But who can say?
Score: 9/10
