Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the final battle between Baloo (a bear) and Shere Khan (a tiger) is not explicit, but ends with Khan being killed and Baloo knocked unconscious.
Families can discuss the music. What was your favorite song? What do Baloo's "Bare Necessities" song and "Hakuna Matata" from the Lion King have in common? How does Baloo's love of good music get him into trouble? Why does Bagheera worry when he finds out Baloo and Mowgli have teamed up?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Michael Scheinfeld
This classic story has been thoroughly Disney-fied, but remains a lively and engrossing fantasy. The very catchy songs and expert voice-cast deliver lots of laughs.
The 17th Disney animated feature and the last film supervised by Walt himself, THE JUNGLE BOOK is a charmer. Based on Rudyard Kipling's story about a boy who's raised by wolves, this thoroughly enjoyable movie offers jaunty animation and delightful jazz-inspired songs.
Found and raised by wolves, Mowgli the "man cub" is happy living in the jungles of India. But the jungle won't be safe for him once the tiger Shere Khan finds out here's there. So a wise old panther named Bagheera (voiced by Sebastian Cabot) begins leading Mowgli toward civilization -- whether he wants to go or not. Along the way the pair encounter Kaa (Sterling Holloway), a hypnotic snake; an army of elephants; and much to Bagheera's dismay, Baloo the bear (Phil Harris), a lovable "jungle bum" who temps Mowgli with his laid-back, "Bare Necessities" life.
But when the two ditch Bagheera, life isn't all fun and games. Crazy orangutans (including their jazzy king, Louis Prima) run off with Mowgli and Shere Khan is hot on his trail. It'll take the unlikely team of Bagheera and Baloo to keep Mowgli safe.
A perennial favorite, The Jungle Book teems with lush atmosphere, lovable jungle animals (even Shere Khan has his charm as voiced by the urbane British actor George Sanders), and toe-tapping song favorites like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You."
This 1967 production was the last Disney cartoon produced before Walt Disney's death. When the film's creative team was stumped as to how to get Mowgli to leave the jungle, Walt thought up the bittersweet ending: Mowgli sees a girl for the first time and is lured by his human instincts. Disney's personal touch of cheerfully blending humor, heart, and music in a strong story dealing with life choices, is what elevates this movie. It's justifiably considered a classic despite the modest animation, which is pleasant but relatively streamlined in comparison to earlier Disney masterpieces.
The voice-cast, many 1960s stars, adds considerably to the enjoyment. The humorous Phil Harris as the boisterous Baloo (he later provided the voice of the rascally O'Malley in The Aristocats) stands out. Memorable vocal performances are also turned in by scat-singing Louis Prima as King Louie of the Apes, Disney veteran Sterling Holloway (the original Winnie the Pooh, and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland) as the hissing Kaa, and the aforementioned Sanders, whose every syllable deliciously drips with venom. Watch this one with your kids and you'll soon "forget about your troubles and your strife" as you sing along with Baloo and Mowgli.
Many feel that Disney animated features went into a long decline after this movie and didn't regain their former glory until The Little Mermaid was released in 1989.
Families who enjoy this movie will also like watching laid-back characters like Baloo sing "Hakuna Matata" in The Lion King.
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ViolenceThe final battle between Baloo and Shere Khan is not explicit, but ends with Khan being killed and Baloo knocked unconscious. A burning branch is tied to Shere Khan's tail as he runs away. Kaa the sly snake tries to hypnotize everyone he meets, but never manages to make a meal out of anyone. |
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