The Jungle Book 2

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
The Jungle Book 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

OK for kids, but not the most inspired sequel.

G 2003 72 minutes
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Parents say

age 4+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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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.

Community Reviews

Msberann
Msberann Adult
November 13, 2019
age 6+

Just fine!

While I agree this movie does NOT top the original, there are still some things I like about it. The animation is very nice to look at. And I like how it has so much music from the first movie, really gives you a nice nostalgia kick. There are only two new songs that might be forgettable, but I find the song "The Jungle Rhytm" to be quite catchy. And I think it's fair that this movie takes off where the first movie ended and we get to see how Mowgli's life is in the village. His new little brother Ranjan is so cuuuute. And even if Shanti has a pretty big difference in her personality here than what she felt like in the end of the first movie, she although is a good role model for kids. And the villain returns in this movie, I mean how often does that happen? And I also likes the ending here a little bit better. Overall, while it's not the best sequel to a Disney movie, it's not the absolutely worse. It's a nice little nostalgia trip with also some new experiences for the Jungle book fans! :)
Tiffany U.
Tiffany U. Adult
April 2, 2017
age 4+

The Jungle book 2

I would say that "The Jungle Book 2" is not as good at all as the original and should make some plot improvements.

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Great role models
See all 4 parent reviews

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Movie Details

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