The Jungle Book – A Story Retold With Much Finesse

Image Courtesy: michaelbarrier.com/comingsoon.net

The number of times I have watched Disney’s Jungle Book as a child is countless. That was a time when it seemed like I had befriended Bagheera and Baloo. I felt Mowgli was the luckiest boy on earth.  Who would dare harm a kid who had a panther, a bear and elephants for friends? Shere Khan and Kaa were scary but the cartoon made me fall in love with them too. I used to try waking up Bagheera to throw Kaa down the tree and wait for Shere Khan’s screen space with Kaa. Why? I even loved the vultures!

In an effort to get my son to enjoy this magic, I got him the Diamond Edition of this legendary cartoon. Watching it with him was like reliving my golden childhood. With so much of love for the cartoon version, you can imagine the kind of excitement I felt when Disney announced their 2016 movie version of this age-old cartoon. To my relief and amazement it was a pleasure to see my son even more excited when he saw the promos during his TV time.

And so it happened this Sunday – two generations sat in front of the big screen, all set with 3D glasses; equally excited to watch something very close to their heart. For us elders, it was like watching some of their role model celebrities come back to life and for the kids it was all awe!

The makers have brushed up the characters to give them a more realistic touch. The elephants, for instance, have been altered to be majestic rather than comic. There are many characters, which are not included and yet many have been added. I don’t know if you will or will not miss the ones, which have been omitted. But, I promise you one thing. Jon Favreau has ensured you get a great expedition through this jungle.

I loved the way Justin Marks has remodeled the story for the movie. It works well even for those who do not know anything about the past versions of Jungle Book – the book or the cartoon. Most importantly, the story is remolded for us adults. Though the older version is complete in itself, you get a greater sense of completion when you watch the movie. This time they dwell into Mowgli’s flashback and do I love the way they’ve used Kaa’s character to relate that part, or what! The climax is also something I just can’t stop raving about. It captures the zeal of a little boy who decides to do something with no one to turn to for advice. Most importantly, they succeed in including the flaws he can end up making in the process, simply because he is unaware of what he is going to experiment.

I caught some comments once we were out of the movies. Some people wanted more of Shere Khan, while others thought there should have been more of Kaa. That, in itself, is the hallmark of a movie well-made.

The Jungle Book turns out to be a movie exceeding expectations - a movie strong in story line, brilliant in direction, wonderful in cast and crew, superb in dialogue delivery and precise in editing!

I am still in awe of Bagheera, Baloo and the elephants. King Louis, the orangutan, is larger than I imagined. I really didn’t expect the movie picturing the monkeys taking away Mowgli just the way it is shown in the cartoon. In fact, it is done with added zing. Shere Khan is intense, in gesture and dialogue delivery; even the threats are so feline in nature – subtle and intense. You wish you could see more of Kaa; and Rakhsa - she is so very endearing – my heart went out to her. From the porcupine to Mowgli to the mighty Shere Khan everybody gave a scintillating performance.

Get your children to taste this fantastic sense of wonder. The U/A certification is only to ensure that you need to be beside them. There are many scenes, which they may want to watch sitting on your lap or holding you close. However, their eyes are sure to be glued to the screen.

The messages are a plenty in this movie. Watch it to find out about how rules are adhered to in the jungle – you have law breakers everywhere. Watch it to remind yourself that your fears will continue to haunt you unless you decide to face it. Watch it to believe in yourself and accept yourself for what you are.

Watch it even if you do not have children of your own – relive your childhood!

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Maleficent: Evil Has Never Been This Good

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Maleficent: Evil Has Never Been This Good

Courtesy: moviefone.com

After a break of four years, a mother of six children decides to make a comeback as Maleficent - the legendary villain, who scared children all over the world. Wow!

When I first saw the promotions, I wondered why Disney chose to cast Angelina Jolie as Maleficent.  Not that I ever doubted her acting caliber – the lady can pull off any kind of role. But yes, I still did wonder. And so I watched the movie. Trust me, nobody else would have looked so perfect and at ease with those horns, heels and gown train.

The action sequences, the deep voice and definitely the looks – she fitted them all. Now, those of you who haven’t watched the movie would wonder why it would be necessary for Maleficent to look good. My answer would be to stop thinking about the image, which Grimm’s fairy tale or Disney’s 1959 cartoon, has carved into your brain and watch this movie, for it has so much more to offer.

I super liked the narrative methodology adopted for this movie – more so because it’s the villain’s point of view but not narrated by her. According to me, this aspect makes the story even more believable. Hats off to the Disney team! So what if the subject is old? They will always have something new to offer. With Maleficent, it’s like they have dived into the age old fairy tale, manicured the rough edges and filled in so many blanks that we never even bothered to notice. Linda Woolverton has done a magnificent work with the script. You get hooked on to the screen from the very first narrative script, “Let us tell an old story anew and see how well you know it.”

Maleficent is among the few villains who isn't related to the protagonist of the story. Her attire and form is very unique. In fact, she is probably the only villain who is termed as a fairy and not a witch. I love the way all these factors have been utilized to add more cream to the story.

Wiki says if Angelina refused the role, the producers probably wouldn't have made Maleficent. Oh my! I so completely agree with them. I wonder how she has deftly managed to appear calm and menacing at the same time. She looks drop dead gorgeous in this fairy tale; and not once, when the script demands it, does that virtue stop her from making your heart pound with fear. Jolie, I read, practiced telling tales to her children in different voices, before she froze on the voice she would give Maleficent. I am sure that’s among the least of the veteran’s home works for the role, because I am not exaggerating it one bit when I say that, she has nailed it!

If I haven’t read it wrong, one of the main reasons for Disney to cast Vivianne Jolie-Pitt, Angie's daughter, was because she would be the only one who wouldn't get scared of her despite her scary look for the movie. Having said that, I congratulate Angelina and Brad for training their daughter and a tight hug to the little one who made it through. Had it been my son, the darling would have strictly asked me to remove those horns and the bewitching gown; be it on the set, on screen or in the house.

It's hard to believe that this is Robert Stromberg's directorial debut. What an awesome job! I loved the amount of detailing that has gone into the movie. This is especially true when it comes to the raven, Diaval, Maleficent's sidekick. I was awed at the plumed wolf, horse and dragon. The land of the moors is a spectacular sight. We just end up wishing we had such wonderful creatures on earth.

In the entire movie, I frowned at King Stefan’s accent changing at least three times, if not more. It looked like he kept travelling around the world during the making of the movie, aiming at picking accents for his role, that he got confused which one he really liked. Also, according to me, in this version of the tale, King Stefan handing over Aurora to the fairies to bring her up until she turns 16, is not very convincing. Besides these, I enjoyed pretty much everything else.

The best part about this fantasy flick is that, though it attempts in telling a whole new version, it doesn't skip any key points - the wall of thorns, the dragon, the raven, etc. - everything’s there. All of it just has a different story to tell. Another aspect that keeps me vouching for Disney’s creations is that they re-image their own version of Grimm’s fairy tales, but they ensure they don’t kill the predecessor. The cartoon is still good and has enough of detailing that a cartoon demands. The movie has more detailing because adults need more of it. Even someone who is not very familiar with fairy tales, but enjoys animations, wouldn't need an SME while watching the movie.

All this and a whooping $700+ million collection worldwide – well, well, well; what a grand celebration!?!

Revisiting Disney: Frozen

Courtesy: justjared.com

'Frozen' - the name leaves you feeling all cold. When you watch the movie, you not only realize that the movie is christened well; you also grow in love with everything that's happening on the screen. What you see is all cold but what you feel is so much more. Walt Disney's Frozen, according to me, is one of the coolest animation feature films to have been made!

Frozen revolves around the lives of two royal sisters - Elsa and Anna. It tells the tale of the struggle princess Elsa goes through to keep a power that she has under control. The story reflects on how you end up messing up big time in your effort to hide and control something you fear. The after effect of such an effort from Elsa leaves an entire kingdom frozen. The rest of the plot deals with how Anna, a daring optimist, who has undying faith in her sister, sets out on an adventurous journey to free the kingdom from this wrath.

I have never felt or seen snow, except in pictures and movies. It's human to nourish a need to see the unseen. Whenever I have expressed this desire, I have heard from people who have seen it all, that the sight of snow is exciting only the first time. I am told that after the first sight of snow, it gets mundane unless you play with it. Whether you are like me or like my snow matter expert friends, Walt Disney's Frozen has everything that it takes to make you fall in love with the sight of snow, ice and frost. The visuals are extremely picturesque and delightful. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee definitely prove extremely gifted to have been able to conceptualize such awesome visuals.

Another aspect of the movie that I would give an A+ to is the music. It's been a long time since I have truly enjoyed songs in an animated movie. According to me, Frozen has songs that can match up with the kinds you have in The Little Mermaid or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. ‘Let it go’ and ‘do you want to build a snow man’ are my personal favorites. Having said that, I must also mention, that the rest of the songs are no way fared poorly. They are all treat to your eyes and ears.

The characters that Disney comes up with always find their way effortlessly into my heart. They are all so cute! Among all others, in any given movie, there will be one that is rather outstanding. If it was Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Grumpy in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Maximus in Tangled; it has got to be Olaf – the snow man in Frozen. He is not just cute but has been developed with so much uniqueness. Highly witty and awfully ambitious!

The climax left me spell bound! A Disney classic breaking out of its own tradition! I am extremely impressed that through Frozen, they have done away with the traditional concept of true love.

From my review so far, you would have gathered that I love Frozen for its strong story line, breathtaking graphics, beautiful music, adorable characters and brilliant climax. I have reserved the best for the last...

What I love the most about Frozen is its soul. The message that it imparts is amazing. It rings a bell that we all have some trait or the other which we hate/fear/deny. Traits that we have dismissed to be cursed ones. Frozen sets an example for us to believe in ourselves as a whole. When we accept our true self along with every bit of shortcoming and imperfection instilled in us, we can use it to our advantage and make it our greatest virtue.

To work wonders – just be yourself because you are worth it!

Revisiting Disney: Tangled

Disney's fairy tale versions have never ever failed to amuse and amaze me. The elements they add into their movie adds flavor to the original story. The most fascinating part is that their version actually makes the age-old fairy tale seem to be an outline story. All fairy tales, I am sure, is extremely dear as they have added a lot of color and dreams to our growing years. Experimenting with a conventional story line is quite a risky job. 

Unlike other fairy tale versions that Disney has created, Tangled has quite a few deviations from the original plot of Rapunzel. Tangled enhances the original Grimm brothers’ story of Rapunzel, especially since it provides a more justifiable reason for Rapunzel's extraordinary hair length and her being locked up in an isolated tower.

In short, the adaptation is amazing and enchanting. Disney cartoons have always been entertaining, intriguing and a visual splendor. Tangled is no exception!

The Plot:

Mother Gothel uses the healing powers of a magical flower to stay young and rejuvenated. Yes, kinda like the botox effect! However, before long, her secret flower is discovered and is used to heal the queen who is both ill and pregnant. The queen recovers and very soon gives birth to cute little Rapunzel with golden hair. Mother Gothel realizes that the healing power of the magical flower is now instilled within the princess’ golden hair. That’s right! It works the Newton way… energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it’s transferred from one form to another. In this case, it is from flower to hair. Old Mother Gothel kidnaps the child and rears her as her own in an isolated tower, so that she can make good use of the power Rapunzel’s hair possesses. Little Rapunzel grows into a zealous teenager and along with her grows the urge to see the outside world. She meets Flynn Ryder, a bandit who scales this tower to escape the royal guards. They strike a deal in which she gets to see the world. The journey that unfolds forms the main plot of the movie.

The Screenplay:

Dan Fogelman has done a brilliant job with the screenplay. Like I mentioned before, as you see the movie you know it’s a lot different from your fairy tale but that doesn't stop it from completely consuming you with what’s going on screen. The dialogues are hilarious. I try chalking out a personal favorite, but there are SO many. The opening dialogue of Flynn Ryder, the sequence of dialogues Rapunzel delivers while she contemplates if getting down the tower was a good or bad thing to do, Flynn’s dialogue about his ‘wanted’ poster, Mother Gothel’s ‘Skip the drama, stay with Mama’ – the list runs endless.

If there’s any shortcoming I can think of – it’s just one. What’s with absolutely no lines for the king and queen?

The Music:

The music does justice to the movie and is definitely portrayed well. However, none of them are catchy enough to stay and dance on your lips. When I say catchy, the songs on my mind are the ones like the Bear Necessities from The Jungle Book or Under Da Sea from The Little Mermaid, etc.

The Direction:

I’d give a golden star to both Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. The art is amazing. It felt like a traditional animated hand-drawn film and yet it had the 3D effect. That was simply brilliant! The expressions of the characters are hilarious. Maximus, the royal horse, Pascal, the pet chameleon and Flynn Ryder needs special mention. They are the ones that bag most of the laughs and applause. The voice direction was perfect. From Rapunzel to Mother Gothel or the thugs, all of their voices completed the look and feel of the characters that they were portraying. I liked the narrative style with which the movie moves forward.

Any flaws? Well! When I spied with my little eye, I caught Rapunzel’s inconsistent hair length. It kept varying from scene to scene. Also, the scene which portrays Rapunzel’s self-realization was vague, in my opinion. A little more detailing in that area would have been a good idea.

The Cast:

My review would not be complete without kudos to the complete cast of Tangled especially Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel) and above all Zachary Levi (Flynn Ryder/Eugene)

The Verdict:

It’s a 9 on 10 from me.