 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Jungle Book 2
- Review Date: May 19, 2003
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2003
Common Sense Media says
OK for kids, but not the most inspired sequel.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Shere Khan, the villainous tiger who appeared briefly in the original Jungle Book, is a menacing presence throughout this sequel, with blazing eyes, an ominous voice, and scary music that accompanies him. Despite the upbeat musical numbers, funny jungle creatures, and endearing "man-cub" hero, there is a considerable amount of suspense and cartoon danger to Mowgli and two other young members of the Indian village that borders the jungle. No character, however, is injured or killed. There are important messages about listening to parents, behaving responsibly, and protecting those we care about.
What's the story?
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?
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 lightweight 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.
What families can talk about
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.
Families can also talk to younger children about the importance of not going off on their own and always letting their parents know where they are.
What do you think of the end of the movie? Is there a better way for Mowgli to talk to his new family about what he is doing?
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Skip it
Well, in addition to being fairly boring, this movie doesn't have much to recommend it. As far as scariness, there are some suspenseful bits with Shere Khan lurking and threatening; a somewhat scary scene when the villagers chase Shere Khan out with spears and torches, and then a more intense scene near the end when Shere Khan chases the kids across a lava pit (they dangle, fall, but are saved by Baloo, and Shere Khan ends up on a rock at the bottom of the lava pit, trapped but not hurt.) It is a bit scarier than the first Jungle Book, but not much. However, two issues in particular mean that my daughters (4 and 7) won't watch it again. 1) Shanti, a responsible, rule-following girl, is set up as the enemy for much of the film and Baloo and Mowgli are dismissive of her and frequently refer to her as "that girl", with "girl" sounding about as appealing as "cockroach." And 2) near the end, Mowgli must decide whether to stay with Baloo or go back to the village with Shanti, and he initially chooses Baloo and Shanti is clearly sad and hurt by this. My girls ended up crying because he didn't choose her and she was so sad. Mowgli does eventually choose to leave Baloo and go back to the village, and then the kids find a way to visit with Baloo and Bagheera in the jungle so that everyone gets a happy ending. Granted, my kids are fairly sensitive, but they were still crying during the credits and needed a major distraction afterwards.
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AGE
Not a very good movie
Kinda of lame but little kids would like it.
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| Topics: | friendship, music and sing-along, wild animals |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Steve Trenbirth |
| Cast: | Haley Joel Osment, John Goodman, Phil Collins |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 72 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 14, 2003 |
| DVD release date: | June 16, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | General Audiences |
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