The Jungle Book 2 (G)

Ok for kids, but not the most inspired sequel.

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Common Sense rates it
2
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Disney
  • Directed By: Steve Trenbirth
  • Cast: John Goodman, Haley Joel Osment, Phil Collins
  • Running Time: 72 minutes
  • Release Date: 02/14/2003
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 06/16/2008
  • Genre: Family and Kids
  • MPAA Rating: G
  • MPAA Explanation: General Audiences

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie does have some scary moments, but no one gets hurt.

Families can talk about how we can sometimes feel divided loyalties and how by being honest with the people we love, we can find a way to be true to ourselves and those we care about. They should also talk about the end of the movie -- is there a better way for Mowgli to talk to his new family about what he is doing? Families should also talk to younger children about the importance of not going off on their own and always letting their parents know where they are.

Message

Social Behavior:

Shanti goes by herself into the jungle, knowing that her village is calling for her, and when the toddler Ranjan follows her, she doesn't stop him.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Shere Khan threatens and chases two young kids and a toddler through the jungle in some intense scenes; the kids almost fall into a pit of lava. The snake Kaa almost makes a meal of Shanti.

Sex

Mild but somewhat offputting flirting between young kids.

Language

"Screwy," plus vultures taunt Shere Khan.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Nell Minow

The movie begins just after the first one ends. "Man-cub" Mowgli (voiced by Haley Joel Osment) followed the girl who sang so sweetly as she filled her pitcher with water and he now lives in the village, having been adopted by a loving family. But he misses his animal friends in the jungle. When Baloo (voiced by John Goodman) comes to see him, Mowgli follows him back into the jungle. Shanti and a feisty toddler, thinking he is in danger, follow him and get lost. Meanwhile, the tiger Shere Kahn, furious because Mowgli defeated him, has vowed revenge.

Is it any good?

2
There is no pretense of art or imagination in this movie. Like so many other sequels, JUNGLE BOOK 2 is full of watered-down production values and weak story lines, and lacks character development. The original Jungle Book was the last animated film personally supervised by Walt Disney. The few glimmers of life in this pallid sequel are reprises of some of that film's best moments, especially the wonderful songs, "Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." But other attempts to remind us of the earlier film will disappoint those who remember it well and confuse those who do not.

There are some light-weight action sequences and some second-rate song numbers. The voice talents are excellent, though not up to the original's Phil Harris and Louis Prima. And the Disney animators, even on a second-tier project like this one, still do the best work there is -- viewers should be sure to look out for the meticulous work on the rippling water and some wonderfully expressive character work.

Other choices

The Jungle Book

Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (1994)
The Jungle Book (1942)
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

1


Posted on 06/21/08 by expert_reviewer Kid contributor, age 13

Not a very good movie

Kinda of lame but little kids would like it.
5

Posted on 04/19/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5

Posted on 04/19/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Kids Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

1


Posted on 06/21/08 by expert_reviewer Kid contributor, age 13

Not a very good movie

Kinda of lame but little kids would like it.
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