During the #CaptainAmericaEvent this past weekend, we were given the special surprise of getting to screen The Jungle Book in 3D at the El Capitan theater. It was very cool. We walked over to the theater from our hotel, The Hilton Garden Hotel. It was just a couple blocks and it was cool to walk down the Hollywood Stars again.
The Jungle Book Voices – Youtube Video
Since The Jungle Book opens today in theaters I wanted to share my top 4 reasons to go see it! Especially to go see it in 3D which was so awesome.
Reason #1: The Amazing Cast!
Neel Sethi is a newcomer as Mowgli but you would think he has been acting forever. He was such an articulate child and very expressive in his role.
- Bill Murray as Baloo is just as funny as he is in all of his roles. He made the role his and I laughed constantly at his antics
- Sir Ben Kingsley as Bagheera – He was very authoritarian but at the same time letting Mowgli do his own thing. He reminds me a lot of Bagheera from the original animated movie. He has such a commanding voice.
- Christopher Walken as King Louie Hilarious. Super hilarious. I will tell anyone who asks that my favorite Disney song is the ‘I want to be like you” song that King Louie sings to Mowgli in the animated movie AND Christopher Walken did it in the movie! He talked it but it was funny. I was so glad they included it.
- Scarlett Johansson as Kaa – Very cool graphics on her. I was amazed and mesmorized myself. She has a great voice for the role and I would have been caught in her grasp myself.
- Idris Alba as Shere Khan – I honestly cant think of a better Shere Khan. He was scary and so well spoken. Idris Elba made that role. He radiated danger with every word.
- Lupita Nyong’o as Raksha – She is so good as Mowgli’s mother. I wanted to cry when Mowgli choose to leave to help save the wolves and she tells him that he will always be hers, her child. So many tears.
- Giancarlo Esposito as Akela – He has another commanding presence so I can totally see him as Akela. He rules with honor and with force if neccesary. Just his voice alone made me want to sit up straight in my seat.
Reason #2: The Amazing GRAPHICS!
All I can say is wow. The colors were so beautiful. It felt like I was really there even without the 3D. So much attention to every little detail even the tiniest flower. It was beyond lovely. All of the scenes were breathtaking and Kaa was simply a work of art.
Reason #3: Super Family Friendly!
I would even take my almost 3 year old with me to see this. It was funny, it was cute, it was beautiful. I think it would keep her attention well and I know my 5 year old would simple adore it. My 13 year old has been asking me if we can go this weekend to see it for his birthday. While Shere Khan is scary and there are a few fight scenes with the animals, I do not think it was graphic at all. There is a scary fire scene that likely wouldnt bother a younger child but maybe a 8-10 year old. Its brief though.
Reason #4: Family Dynamics & Friendship Themes
The whole movie is full of great family dynamics and it shows that you dont have to be born into a family to be part of it. Bagheera adopted Mowgli and brought him to the wolves so that he would have brothers, sisters, a mother, a father but he stayed to watch over him. He was a mentor his whole life. The wolves were his family and Raksha says she will always be Mowgli’s mom no matter what, no matter how far away he goes. Mowgli makes more family by adding a best friend in Baloo. He adopted Baloo with his silly antics and Baloo, as selfish and self absorbed as he is, drops everything to save Mowgli. He even faces his fears for him.
So if you are still on the fence about going, I would love for you to at least try it out. It was very good and I am going again this weekend with my kids so I am sure I will love it just as much the second time. And if you are a big fan, you should definitely check out these Jungle Book Activity Sheets!
I can’t wait to see this!!