First Take: The Jungle Book- bare necessities create a CGI masterpiece

SYPNOSIS: The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan. Guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don’t have his best interests at heart.

As I write this review, the film has currently banked £9.9million here in the UK. That isn’t surprising at all, as Jon Favreau has directed a film that takes what we all know and love about the original animated version from 1967, and blends it with more elements of the Rudyard Kipling books. The performances are sublime, with Neel Sethi’s incredible performance as Mowgli possibly cementing him as a name to look out for in the future. The voice talent is also very good too, with Idris Elba creating a more menacing Shere Khan, and Bill Murray plays Baloo with ease. The VFX is incredible, with most of the film utilising some of the most realistic computer generated environments ever seen on a big screen to great effect, at points it is impossible to tell that green screens were used heavily during the shooting. John Debney’s score subtly references themes from the 1967 version, and yes, Bare Necessities is performed very well. However, this is a much darker and scarier film than the innocent animated version we all love, so the PG certificate is a wise move from the BBFC. Personally, it should be a 12a, but go and see it on a big screen (preferably in Dolby Atmos for extra immersion) and endulge in first class escapism. Oh, and stay for the credits too, there are a few treats in store for eagle eyed viewers.

RATING- 4/5