A Parental Guide To The Jungle Book

I’ve had the pleasure of watching The Jungle Book three time already, so I am 100% it is an amazing movie. In fact, as of this writing it has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (pretty cool if you put stock in those ratings). I watched it the first time last week in Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime. It was amazing to see the movie in a theater with premium visual and sound technologies.

Jon Favreau did an amazing job reimagining The Jungle Book for a new generation. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and all the animals look completely real. Like it’s completely insane how far technology has come because the movie is basically all CGI (except Mowgli and his dad).  The trees, vines, rivers, rocks and everything look like a real jungle but the entire movie was filmed in Los Angeles. Truly amazing!

The movie is also available in 3D and that’s how we watched it at The Jungle Book World Premier at the El Capitan Theater. I’m not usually a fan of 3D movies but I think it was really well done for The Jungle Book. It’s not overwhelming in your face but creates a nice sense of depth while watching the film. But remember the film is beautiful even if you don’t watch it in 3D.

My Favorite Jungle Book Characters

I really love Baloo and Bagheera and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Baloo definitely provides comic relief along with a few friends like Mr. Pangolin! Bagheera is the voice of reason, a noble caregiver for Mowgli. You can get a feel for what I mean in this clip. And you’ll get a peek at the inspiration for my Baloo Honeycomb Cupcakes!

They both care for Mowgli something fierce though and will go to any length to protect him. Unfortunately, he really does need help and guidance because of a few bad guys in the film. The Jungle Book is rated PG and each parent needs to consider their own child’s sensitivity and ability to handle a few intense action scenes. Personally, I think King Louie is the scariest, although Shere Khan and Kaa are definitely contenders too. The end of this clip gives you a sneak peek at the intensity for some of the scarier parts.

Is The Jungle Book Appropriate For Kids?

I took my 8-year-old to see it on Monday. He loved it. Absolutely loved it. I didn’t take my *just* turned 6-year-old. He is going through a scared phase right now and was scared of the animals that turned savage in the animated film, Zootopia. I didn’t think intense chase scenes featuring VERY real looking animals would be something he could handle in a dark movie theater. We will watch it together at home when it comes out on Blu-ray/DVD. I think in the less intense environment and in the comfort of home, he will have no problem watching it. At our Monday night screening, there were plenty of younger kids there and I didn’t see anyone crying or leaving the theater, so I’m sure some younger kids would be fine. It really is up to you and your child’s disposition.

The film does an excellent job paying homage to both Rudyard Kipling’s story and Walt Disney’s original animated classic. Everyone should plan on seeing The Jungle Book in theaters this week, it’s a fabulous family movie with positive messaging and role models.

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THE JUNGLE BOOK OPENS IN THEATERS TODAY!

I was invited by Disney to cover the press junket for The Jungle Book and Walk The Prank. As always, all opinions are my own. All media courtsey of Disney.