Technology now can make us believe in almost everything. Not only can they create a wilderness in a man-made studio, they can even put actual wild animals to shame. If someone said we could live within a computer, I wouldn't dare argue or question.The CGI crafted virtual world seem so enticing and so engaging, that it feels very dull and tedious switching back to reality.
The Jungle book, in all its making, is yet another marvel of technology that takes up the timeless tale of Mowgli, modifies it with flair and ends up being a visually stunning display of movie making. It tells a familiar story but spectacularly and with elan.( Maybe minus the requisite humor)
For us growing up in the 90's ,reciting the Jungle book anthem 'jungle jungle baat chalo hai' and being witness to Mowgli and all his antics every sunday, the film offers plenty of nostalgia with the right dose of thrill and pleasure.
The jungle this time though, is more dark, more cynical and more dreadful. And these exact attributes make for some real edge-of-the seat thrill. No child's play when danger looms around each corner, you better hold your kids strongly. You will jump out of your seat, the first time Sher Khan latches onto Mowgli. The entire escape chase involving the buffaloes and many others will set the pulse racing.
Beneath all this splendidly CGI crafted ambience we also are a spectator to the wily wisdom of Bagheera, the goofiness of Balu, the hypnotic Kaa, the maternal love of the she-wolf and finally the innocence and exuberance of Mowgli. But to be honest, all this emotional turbulence lacks any actual depth and does not have the required layering.
Also the entire subplot involving the monstrous ape Louie is needless and unimaginative.
But these intrinsic politics do not harm the larger proceedings. The pace stays healthy throughout and the terrific VFXs seem to consume you altogether. The humanity expressed by animals is eventually infectious and by the time it all ends, you leave with a smiling face and more so happier kids.
The film is a must watch for both kids and adults. Do not miss it.
No comments:
Post a Comment