The Jungle Book

[~Elisa Maza~]

First, I must apologize for the lateness of this discussion. I'm afraid work kinda piled up on me, and I didn't have the chance to sit down and watch the film until now.

I love these old classic Disney films, where we begin by opening the pages of a book. It's such a wonderful touch, and the back rounds of the jungle were so beautiful and detailed as well.

As with Pinocchio, it's been a while since I've watched this movie. I remember being absolutely terrified by Shere Khan, and watching it now, I can still see why. There was so much build up to him.

I love the wolf family. It's probably the one Disney film that shows them in a good light. Most other films show them as blood thirsty monsters.

Kaa wasn't a bad villain, even if he was only in for such a short time. He had a pretty good song too, and some funny one-liners.

Colonel Hathi and his elephant herd made for some laughs as well. I love the military jokes.

Baloo was one of the best characters. I love Bear Necessities, it's such a great song. King Louie's song as well.

Finally, we see Shere Khan. (Number 8 on the Nostalgia Critic's list of Top 11 Disney Villains) Again, there was just so much build up to him, how can you not be intimidated when you see him slowly stalking his prey? I just loved his voice, George Sanders was a perfect cast.

I loved how they based the vultures off of the Beatles, it was such a clever touch. And another great song for the film, probably my favorite.

All in all, this was a great film, a wonderful end to Walt's wonderful films. It's almost surreal, watching this movie, knowing it was his last, and kinda haunting. But great film, and memorable characters.

[Macaria]

Ah, the Jungle Book. One of my favorite Disney movies.

Memories...

I have never been one for 'princesses' and 'heroes' and...well, 'good.' Since Day 1, my parents tell me, I was obsessed with the Disney Villains instead of Disney Princesses, the evil sidekicks instead of the good ones, et cetera.

So naturally, when I watched the Jungle Book, I only really payed attention to the villains.

So I'll talk about the two main villains in the Jungle Book (King Louie doesn't really count, and neither do his monkey pals).

First off, Kaa. I actually like Kaa better then Shere Khan. I love Kaa's voice, his design, the way he moves, the face that he's so incredibly animated for a creature with no arms or legs...and not to mention that wonderful song (short, yeah, but still...) he sings.

It's so dang catchy that everytime I see the movie, I end up singing THAT for the rest of the day instead of that Bear Nessecities(sp?) song. In fact, I'm singing it right now.

Trust in me....just in me...

I love it. I absolutely love it. Way to go, Kaa!

And then there's Shere Khan. Ooh, he was he a spectacular villain; but he's a tiger, how could he NOT be a spectacular villain? I loved his voice. Him too, had spectacular body movements and facial expressions. He managed to be evil while maintaining the manners of a British gentleman--er, gentletiger.

So way to go, Shere Khan, too!!

-claps-

[jessica]

I love the Jungle book. Growing up as the only daughter of a Military officer with a great sense of humor, I always went to the cinema to see Disney movies in my childhood. My father was always with me.

After seeing the Jungle book, we were in my father's office, and we were bored. So I stuffed a pillow under my sweater (I was 10), put my dad's uniform hat on my head and started imitating Colonel Hathi.

At that moment the Colonel of the army chose to enter my father's office. XDDDD The expression of his face was priceless! XXDDDDDDD

I love all the characters in the Jungle Book. Baloo and King Louie are hilarious in their dance in "I Wanna Be Like You." A lot of the other songs written to that movie are still among my favorites.

[kovu]

Oh, where to start . . . .

The Jungle Book is a wonderful film that doesn't get the credit it deserves. The character animation was so heartfelt and beautiful, particularly with Mowgli and Baloo. Bagheera was my favorite for many years, and Shere Khan is pure villiany. Plus he had one of the best introductory scenes in animation history! I agree that the voice casting could not be more perfect.

It wasn't until I purchased the 40th anniversary edition and listened to the commentaries and interviews, that I realised how much this film influenced later animators. Like Scar's movements in Lion King are so like that of Bagheera and Shere Khan.

[kuzco]

Gaaah I LOVE The Jungle Book! I remember when I was younger I didn't use to like it that much because Shere Khan and the Snake used to scare me. ;D I watched it again a couple of months back and now I LOVE it, I never fully understood how funny it was when I was younger. Shere Khan's accent just makes me laugh because he's so evil but so posh! xD

It's also one of the earlier classics and that just makes it one of the best in itself. Like Kovu said, I wish it could more credit because it influenced so many other films, even the CGI ones like The Incredibles. On the commentary for The Incredibles, Brad Bird said they were trying to get Bob to look strong by making an object feel heavy to an audience and they looked at the scene where Bagheera tries to push Mowgli up the tree for help.