Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fangs and fur fly in visually dazzling but intense update.
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The Jungle Book (2016)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 32 parent reviews
Parents say that this live-action adaptation offers a visually stunning and intense experience that deviates significantly from the original animated film, which may not be suitable for younger children due to its violent and dark themes. While many viewers appreciated the action-packed storyline and visual effects, some found the lack of warmth and charm left the film feeling disappointing compared to the beloved classic.
- visual spectacle
- intense themes
- maturity required
- action-heavy
- lack of charm
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 102 kid reviews
Kids say the live-action adaptation features stunning visuals and a more intense storyline, though it may not be suitable for younger children due to its significant violence and frightening elements. While some appreciate the film as a great remake with solid messages and performances, others criticize it for its departure from the original's charm and for being overly dark and graphic.
- visually stunning
- intense violence
- mixed reviews
- not for young kids
- strong performances
- original charm lost
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on Rudyard Kipling's tales, THE JUNGLE BOOK follows young "man cub" Mowgli, the only human co-existing with animals in the jungle. Found by the panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) Mowgli (Neel Sethi) was raised by wolf alpha male Akela (Giancarlo Esposito), his mate Raksha (Lupita Nyongo), who considers him one of her own cubs, and the rest of their pack. But when Mowgli draws attention to himself while all the animals gather during a drought-provoked truce to drink water, Shere Khan (Idris Elba) proclaims his intention kill Mowgli before he has the chance to become a man and endanger the jungle like all humans do. The pack tries to protect Mowgli, but the boy decides he'll save his lupine family by allowing Bagheera to return him to the world of men. On the journey to the human village, Mowgli ends up dealing with various predators and befriends a new pal, honey-obsessed bear Baloo (Bill Murray). Meanwhile, Shere Khan violently punishes the pack for not turning over Mowgli and lies in wait for Mowgli to return so he can kill the boy who doesn't belong in the jungle.
Is It Any Good?
Visually stunning and expertly acted, this retelling of a classic pays tribute to the original adventure while erasing the insensitivity of parts of Disney's '60s version. Sethi is a compelling young lead, making viewers really care about a boy who has only known the jungle and doesn't understand why he's being hunted. Elba is pitch perfect as the villainous Shere Khan, who in a misguided way makes sense -- man does cause destruction in the jungle -- but is so blinded by vengeance that he can't be made to see that Mowgli truly loves the jungle. All of the supporting actors are strong as their animal counterparts, and (with the exception of Murray and Christopher Walken, whose voices are too iconic to forget who they are) they don't come off as mere A-list cameos. With her husky purr, Scarlett Johansson is very well cast as giant python Kaa, who hypnotizes Mowgli with the tale of the boy's own origins.
There are only a few musical numbers in The Jungle Book, all of which are rearranged from the original: Kaa's transfixing "Trust in Me" (which really doesn't show up until the credits), Baloo's "Bare Necessities," and "I Wanna Be Like You," which Walken sings as the ambitious Gigantopithecus (an extinct giant orangutan) King Louie. That character's portrayal was problematic in the original Disney film, prompting criticism for being racist, and it's wonderful that director Jon Favreau's interpretation of the story isn't culturally insensitive (just scary -- Louie is huge!). The pacing can be leisurely, but there are also plenty of heart-stopping thrills and action sequences to keep audiences riveted -- and, in a few cases, jumping out of their seats.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Jungle Book's scary fights, chases, and deaths. Which scenes made you jump? Were you expecting them? What tells us to expect something scary when we're watching a movie? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Which characters in the movie do you consider role models? Why? How do they demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
What mistakes does Mowgli make? What are the consequences for those mistakes? Why is it important for kids to see consequences in movies?
Do you agree with Bagheera that Mowgli belongs in the man village? How do his talents and skills impact the characters around him? Is changing the way the jungle animals have always done things wrong?
How does this Jungle Book compare to Disney's classic animated one? Which do you like better, and why? The original has been criticized for the culturally insensitive way it depicts the apes. How does this version address those issues?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 15, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : August 30, 2016
- Cast : Idris Elba , Neel Sethi , Bill Murray , Ben Kingsley
- Director : Jon Favreau
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sequences of scary action and peril
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : January 12, 2026
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