Stunning Disney’s Jungle Book Will Captivate Your Heart #JungleBookEvent #CaptainAmericaEvent #JungleBook

Disney’s The Jungle Book is a movie not to be missed.  You know that I am captivated by what goes behind the creations of any art form and this movie is not the exception.  The way that Jon Favreau brings to life Rudyard Kipling’s tales is simply amazing.  During my recent #CaptainAmericaEvent I had the opportunity to enjoy the film at the El Capitan Theater, which is an over-the-top treat for any movie goer.  I also share with you an exclusive interview with Jon Favreau on his work on The Jungle Book.  So, get your tickets, and come back to read on. Stunning Disney’s Jungle Book Will Captivate Your Heart #JungleBookEvent

About Jungle Book

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray).
Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

Interviewing Jon Favreau

I have been a fan of Jon Favreau, the actor ever since the first time I saw him on Swingers . From there I try not to miss a film where he even has as cameo to play.  As a director, this Marvel fan loves his IronMan productions to no avail. Go #TeamIronMan!As you can imagine, I was more than looking forward to talk a bit with Mr. Favreau and pick a bit his creative brain. 

The movie going experience was undoubtedly an emotional experience for me and my little ones.  So I was curious as to what Mr. Favreau thought the take away from the film should be for viewers.  100 years ago Kipling wrote his story and 50 years ago Disney shared a G-rated version of it. In paying tribute to the Walt Disney film, using the tools at hand,  and taking all the talent to the extreme it really is about delivering the best experience possible for moviegoers for this director.  Ultimately, with his dream team in place for this movie, he feels the responsibility to ensure the movie helps everyone realize their full potential as  he presents a timeless story with universal appeal delivered with the perfect tone.

 

For the Mowgli character, the director knew he wanted a child that was not very clean cut because the star 50 years ago was always getting into trouble, and coming into the verge or maturity.  Neel Sethi has the right on camera presence.   Although he was not very polished, Mr. Favreau just knew he could work with him because of the authenticity and honest moments he delivers.  He is very watchable and that is key because Sethi is on the screen for most scenes of the movie.  The kid was a quick study and very engaging with the crew from the onset, shares Favreau.  

Being an actor at heart, Mr. Favreau is already a pigmy hog in the film.  The most fun part to do would, he thinks, would be  Baloo, but at the same time it is  such a difficult role.   Jon Favreau is very thankful for Bill Murray and how he brought to life Baloo in the film with his strong personality.  

We asked if there was anything there was he would like to change at this point, but for him, it is such an early stage that he is still digesting it all.  He is looking at all the minutia, little tiny things like making a louder sound effect.  But generally, he accepts his work as it.  What he would love to do is to continue playing with the technology  to create new techniques and tools enhance his work, to get new ideas and inspire new work.  He can’t wait to accept the challenge to push forward and deliver unparalleled pieces because as a filmmaker the ultimate goal is to make the technology disappear and make it all feel so real.

Innovating and pushing forward so that the next filmmaker can use the technology is exciting to Mr. Favreau.  He saw it first hand as Jim Cameron saw the work for the Jungle Book, and probably will use some tidbits for the next Avatar movie being worked on.  

On a closing remark, Mr. Favreau would love to keep working on the Marvel world.  He didn’t see the final Civil War  version but he loved what he had seen so far.  For the record,  he is #TeamIronMan and is looking forward to woking the new IronMan movie.

My Thoughts on The Jungle Book

This stunning film will captivate you and bring forth many emotions including a tear or two.   The powerful story has a lot of heart, and you should not expect a replica of the beloved Disney animated Jungle Book rendition. Visually the film is mesmerizing.  I can’t rave enough about how amazingly the scenery places you directly in the midst of a rich jungle.  Absolutely mind blowing feat when you stop to think it was mostly done on a green screen! 

The story line is a great opening for parents to talk about courage, friendship, loyalty and standing up for your beliefs as you face your fears.  Plus a chance to  talk about the many ways in which technology can be used for art and expression!

Full of emotions from beginning to end it is a great family film to enjoy over and over again.  Get you tickets! 

 

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