Movie Review : The Jungle Book

“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, 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, 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, and the free-spirited bear Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie, who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

I recently went to watch "The Jungle Book". Since I live in Varanasi, and I am too lazy to go to the multiplex that shows English shows, I had to compromise with the Hindi dub. To anyone who wants to watch the movie, I really urge you to watch it in Hindi. Though the casting isn't very great, Punjabi Baloo makes up for it. :P

One Word : Astounding ! The visual effects are so immersive, that it almost beggars belief that the whole thing was shot in downtown LA. This was a sincere and heartfelt retreat to Rudyard Kipling's jungle book for fresh inspiration, keeping in attention the fact that this was being made as an adventure film for children, and is a perfect rendition of the two.

90's kids felt the nostalgia when "The 'Bear' Necessities" and "I wanna be like you" both made appearances. I remember watching the animated Disney film everyday during lunchtime.

The real star of the film (meaning no offence too the film's only human actor), is Shere Khan. The fantastic persuading movement and the extraordinarily hair perfect detail makes it look realer than real(whatever that means).

Bagheera, the Black Panther, seems like a very realistic guardian and acts the same way. He admonishes Mowgli for using human tricks (Jugaad :P) and wants him to act more like an animal of the jungle than a human.

Favreau understands that the Mowgli-Baloo relationship is key to the story, and dedicates enough screen time to instill a"cool hangout" vibe in it. Whenever Baloo speaks, it is blissfully mellow and the Punjabi just adds to the fun.

The real coup is the Magesterial King Louie. Not an orangutan, but the last of the Gigantopithecus, just awaiting extinction, in a treasure trove of fruits and gold.

It is all deftly orchestrated by Favreau who manages to balance spectacle and emotion perfectly. The movie ends with a familiar picture straight out of the books with Mowgli, Bagheera and Baloo just chilling out on a tree.

Movie Review - Batman vs Superman:Dawn of Justice

It's been nearly two years since Superman's (Henry Cavill) colossal battle with Zod (Michael Shannon) devastated the city of Metropolis. The loss of life and collateral damage left many feeling angry and helpless, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). Convinced that Superman is now a threat to humanity, Batman embarks on a personal vendetta to end his reign on Earth, while the conniving Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) launches his own crusade against the Man of Steel.






Director : Zack Snyder

Cast: Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Amy Adams as Lois Lane


Lots of expectations. Didn't live up to them at all. Supposed to be first movie ever highlighting the rivalry between superheroes, but failed to capture my attention.


The difference observed between marvel and DC is that, marvel tends to make the movies a bit more fun, it increases the suspense, you find a few wisecracks. DC makes movies which are dark and really serious, and Zack Snyder crafted this movie to be exceedingly symbolic of Man vs God. I would have liked a few undercurrents of symbolism, but stating it directly in the script, that too multiple times, just ruined it for me.




The movie had a very accomplished star cast from whom a lot more was hoped especially Jesse Eisenberg and Henry Cavill.


Henry cavill does very less other than stand around looking chiseled, though we can't blame him. The movie uses Superman like a living statue.


Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman is one of the best I've ever seen, though the script doesn't do a lot of Justice to that fact. Affleck’s Batman is definitely ruthless, after years of fighting crimes we expect no less, but the script makes him look stupid and rash, leaving all the detective work to Lois Lane. Bruce Wayne just doesn’t seem to keep his cool charming persona that was expected from him and is easily swayed.

I would have also loved to see more detail to the story and more integration with the DC universe. This movie was like a sequel to the events in man of steel, and a teaser to the other elements of the DC universe, all rolled into one. The script couldn't keep up with the time limit, which was apparent in the shoddy job done.


The only character who acted like a true hero in an act of selflessness and wisdom, was wonder woman. Both Batman and Superman were driven by revenge and rivalry, and some kind of selfish end, but wonder woman grabbed the spotlight in this movie. Definitely would love to see an individual movie featuring her.


Lex Luthor seems very itchy and jumpy and completely fails to convey any kind of malice. He comes across as a mad scientist rather than a genius billionaire criminal mastermind.


In the second half, the movie suddenly turns into a continuous action sequence, with two major fight sequences taking place back to back. The action and the CGI looked good and believable, as expected from Zack Snyder.



All in all, I think they tried to fit too many good plots into one movie which makes it very cluttered and incoherent.

My rating? 2.5/5