I was shocked that this didn't grab me. My heart is always open to Disney animated films, but "The Jungle Book" mostly lands with a dull thud. Firstly, I never really cared much for the protagonist, the man-cub Mowgli. He is not a sympathetic child. Secondly, the animation is less than stunning, with static backgrounds and a dearth of inventiveness. Thirdly, the prominently-featured songs feel forced and don't serve the story. Fourthly, the lead villain is hardly threatening. Never once did I feel that Mowgli's life was truly in danger. Their presence is a reminder that commerce has won the day. Still, there are some worthy elements to this one: the elephants are fun, Baloo the bear is occasionally entertaining, and the chief of the monkeys is fun during his brief interludes. But most of the time it's just Mowgli whining about not wanting to leave the jungle. Not good enough.
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