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Rating: 5 out of 5
One of my all-time favorite Disney animated films is The Jungle Book (1967). I love this movie for its story, songs, and characters. Baloo and Louie will always be at the top of my favorite Disney characters. I bring this film up because I recently read Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 version. The movie is nothing like the book. Some stories and characters from the movie are in the book. The book is structured as short stories; it is way darker, and Mowgli’s story is one of many within it. It’s still an enjoyable read, but if you want fun, happiness, and a good time, then head straight to the movie.
There have been a few versions of The Jungle Book that primarily revolve around Mowgli’s story. That is the go-to story, but the 1967 version by Walt Disney is still my personal favorite. This was Walt Disney’s final animated feature before he kicked the bucket. Disney delivered a great final film with a compelling story and a kick-ass soundtrack. It is all about the soundtrack, and some of the songs are instant classics.
The story is excellent and revolves around Mowgli. I know I have said it before: this is the only story that many of the films focus on from the entire book. The movie starts in the deep jungles of India, where that wise and intelligent black panther, Bagheera, discovers an orphaned boy/man-cub. Rather than eating him, he brings him to a pack of wolves, who name him Mowgli. After ten years of living with the wolves, Mowgli becomes one of them, but Bagheera and others report that the bad ass Bengal tiger named Shere Khan has returned to the jungle. Shere Khan loathes humans and will stop at nothing to kill Mowgli. It is decided that Mowgli must return to the man village, and Bagheera agrees to be his escort. Mowgli doesn’t want to leave and thinks he can take on Shere Khan. Bagheera gives that, “Bitch, are you out of your mind?” look.
This is where the story gets good and entertaining. The first little bit was an appetizer, but this is where the film really brings out many of its characters. First, Bagheera and Mowgli come upon Kaa, a giant ass Indian Python, who has the power to hypnotize his victims. Kaa hypnotizes Mowgli and Bagheera, but just as he is about to eat one of them, they manage to break his spell and dip out. The pair next comes upon Colonel Hathi and his elephant herd, who are knocking down trees left and right. Mowgli wants to join them, but after an argument with Bagheera, he sets out on his own. This is where he meets one of the greatest characters ever! The one and only Baloo. Baloo is a laid-back, carefree, and lazy bear who promises little britches that he can stay with him. Things seem great with Baloo until the second greatest character sends his army to kidnap Mowgli. Mowgli is kidnapped by monkeys and brought before the jazz-loving, cool-playing, orangutan, King Louie. Louie wants one thing from Mowgli: man’s fire. This is another excellent part of the film, highly enjoyable. After Baloo, Bagheera, and Mowgli destroy Louis’ home, Baloo believes it is now time to go to the Man-Village. When this argument happens, Mowgli runs off, only for Shere Khan to hear that a man-cub is in his jungle and he is on the hunt.
I must give it up to the voice actors of this film. They are the ones who really brought this story to life. Phil Harris as Baloo was one of my favorites. He voiced the lazy but awesome bear with such coolness. His voice set the tone, helping you forget your worries and focus only on the little things. Louis Prima as King Louie was AWESOME! He would be great in a jazz club, and you would be entertained by his performance. Sebastian Cabot, as Bagheera, was the most intelligent voice. He provided the voice of reason for everyone. Finally, George Sanders as Shere Khan was fantastic. This dude’s voice is terrifying as a confident, menacing tiger. Don’t want that voice interrogating me.
The biggest accomplishment of this film is the musical score, aka the soundtrack. This film’s soundtrack has banger after banger after banger. Composed by George Burns, with the Sherman Brothers writing five original songs and Terry Gilkyson, they produced a great soundtrack. I want to give it up to Terry Gilkyson for making one of the best Disney songs ever, “The Bare Necessities.” Oh, damn, how I love this song. It is an upbeat song Baloo sings, telling you not to worry about the big stuff and to look at the little things. The other song, written by the Sherman Brothers and another of my favorites, is “I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song).” This song is AWESOME! It is fun, upbeat, has that jazz feel, and will make you want to dance. The Sherman Brothers brought their A-game when creating this song and laid it all out.
The Jungle Book is one of my favorite Disney animated films. It has a great story from the book that expands on it. The music is excellent, with a jazz-like feel, and will make you want to dance. Wiggle those hips. The voice actors were spot-on and should be commended for bringing these fantastic characters to life. Before watching any of the live-action versions, take some time to watch this tremendous version.
BONUS CLIP!!!
