Disney is running of ideas for movies, simply rehashing its old classics with humans/realistic drawings. It's hit or miss; fortunately, The Jungle Book is definitely a hit.
The movie is basically the same story: and young Indian boy is raised by wolves and overlooked from afar by a black panther. Sadly, a dangerous tiger also looks from afar, knowing that this "man cub" with eventually become a man and simply destroy for pleasure. After Shere Khan words his menace, Bageera brings Mowgli on a quest to the Man village, with all the obstacles it entails.
While good, the movie is not perfect. For a company that wants to "represent", it seems that they missed quite a bit. Except for Mowgli, no Indian actors can be heard. It doesn't take away they talent (Bill Murray is perfect for Baloo), but Aladdin was much better on that respect. Is that why Mowgli speaks with a US accent?
Also, I thought that King Louie's song was out of place. Since he's definitely not a cartoon, putting a jazzy song seemed misplaced. Especially since he's depicted as a giant orangutan. And Shere Khan's animation could have been improved.
Finally, what determine which animal speaks? Why King Louie and not the other monkeys? Why not the elephants?
That being said, the movie overall is pretty good. Baloo's song is well-integrated and on point in the movie, where Mowgli finds an ally who will protect him in the jungle. Mowgli actor is also excellent. He carries childhood innocence and naïveté perfectly. That brings him (unwillingly) into a lot of trouble with his enemies like Kaa (excellent and bewitching Scarlett Johansen) but also new allies like the Elephants, who are seem as gods in the jungle.
There are also touching moments, like when Mowgli has to leave his mother wolf. The animals' animation is very realistic and Mowgli's emotions look real.
In short, The Jungle Book is worth a watch. Compared to other real/realistic adaptations, it's enjoyable and close to the original story it's adapted from. The moralizing part (man and fire) isn't too much and the spirit is overall light
Final rating: 3.8/5