When word of The Jungle Book remake came to light fans of the beloved Disney classic were more than apprehensive. But as time went on and as the cast, and studio producers were announced an excitement around the project grew to unimaginable heights.
A teaser trailer featuring Mowgli and Kaa set the stage – a dark jungle, impossibly green and mysterious. The young boy looks at home yet foreign in this landscape, face to face with the mesmerising snake. Film fanatics and fans alike were on the edge of their seats; watching, waiting.
Now in cinemas The Jungle Book has already had a fantastic box office reception as well as numerous positive mentions from film critics; which in this day and age is especially hard to do. An adventure worth watching on the big screen, if not for the fantastic production and cast but for the immersive experience itself – you feel as if you’re actually there.
The attention to detail that sets blockbusters such as this one apart from their peers is the expressions and mannerisms of the characters which, if you were to look close enough, cleverly hint at the Hollywood stars who voice them.
It’s small details such as this that have made The Jungle Book such an amazing experience. Fiction becomes reality and everything we think we know about animation is quickly washed away as we find ourselves getting lost in the story.
And although for many the original depiction of The Jungle Book, with its upbeat sing-along songs, will always be their favourite, there is no denying how important and enjoyable this brand new interpretation of the story has become. What more could we wish for from a Hollywood blockbuster than a diverse cast of talent, telling the powerful and relevant story of man vs nature.