Movie Review: The Jungle Book - Now Playing Everywhere

I’m so excited to finally announce that THE JUNGLE BOOK is now playing in theaters everywhere! This amazing film transports the whole family deep into the wild jungle, where brave kids can follow along as Mowgli figures out where he truly belongs in the world.

But before you make a snap judgement against the movie, let me take you along my personal experience from adamantly avoiding the movie – to falling in love with the film, cast and crew. In October 2015, I first saw the live-action trailer LEAP out at me from the screen which scared me and my 11-year old. I was upset to see a ‘scary kids movie’ being advertised. As a passionate blogger, I wrote my post to help people make the best decision for their families. Click for The Jungle Book Movie Pre-Review.

THE JUNGLE BOOK - (L-R) MOWGLI and BAGHEERA. ©2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Then as more information about the movie trickled out and I was invited to LA to help promote the movie, I decided to do more research instead of sticking with my initial reaction. Soon, I learned about the incredible cast and director who were involved!

I have been a fan of all these folks and grew more excited with each clip or photograph from the movie. How could anyone go wrong with the perfect casting of Bill Murray (“Baloo”), Sir Ben Kingsley (“Bagheera”), Lupita Nyong’o (“Raksha”), Scarlett Johansson (“Kaa”), Idris Elba (“Shere Khan”), Christopher Walken (“King Louie”), and Giancarlo Esposito (“Akela”)!!

When the time came to screen the movie for the first time, I was already geeking out, being in LA and participating in the dreamlike “Jungle Book Blogger Event“. We watched The Jungle Book in 3-D in the most technologically advanced movie theater. We interviewed several members of the cast and director: Lupita Nyong’o, Giancarlo Esposito, Sir Ben Kingsley, Neel Sethi (who plays Mowgli, the only live action character in the film!) and wonderful director, Jon Favreau. Then we walked the famous Hollywood Red Carpet and watched the World Premiere at the renown El Capitan Theatre. [click these active links to see more!]

Believe me, that ignorance is not bliss in this case. There are a few startling scenes in the movie, when something jumps out at you. And the fight scenes move very fast and somewhat blurry. Jon Favreau really made an effort to create a movie that his children ages 7+ would enjoy. Check out these educational Activity Packet and journey to the wild with your kiddos and friends.