The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo (1997)

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

EPIC FAIL. On every level, this god-awful piece of crap is just muddled, stupid, and unnecessary trash. The plot was incredibly cliché-ridden, boring and uncreative, the acting was as lame as possible, the direction and set direction were dreadful, and the movie was also extremely racist. The movie borrowed from various other films, and they were so noticeable it was pathetic. Once again, the storyline was unbearably painful and annoying, I felt like throwing up at the end. I could really go on for hours about just how stupid and atrocious this crap is. Also, what's with the chimpanzees? Not only were they unbearably unnecessary and aggravating, but chimps don't even live in Asia! The film weakly tried to be funny in parts - but in instead of even feeling at all motivated to laugh, I just rolled my eyes, gritted my teeth and tried not to vomit. This hopeless, abominable and insulting film is definitely one of the worst movies ever made, and please spare yourself having to sit through it. 0%

I bought this movie in the $5 bin at Wal-Mart & did not know what to expect. Well, I found it charming! I have read Kipling within the last few years and cite the Jungle Books as an example of children's books that are of absorbing interest to adults, as well. I do not find that true of, say, the Harry Potter series. Kipling is a surpassing genius; he did not pander to the reader or to children. He tells a heartfelt naturally symbolic tale that is pure and powerful. As to this movie: it is a hodge-podge of Kipling's plots. But, man, is it beautiful and that little kid is so good and believable as Mowgli. Without being true to any one of the books, it seems to me perfectly true to the spirit of Kipling. The cinematography and the beautiful animals are, in themselves, worth the price of admission. I loved it!

We picked this for family movie night this past Friday.Afterwards, I turned to my husband and said, "I'm sure this could have been worse, but I can't imagine how." Our sons, five and nine, didn't seem to mind, but we didn't like the idea of them being exposed to such rot. This may go down in movie history as Roddy McDowell's "Trog" ; the unlamented last film that Joan Crawford made.Bad story, badly written, poorly acted, chimpanzees _in India_, rewriting Kipling - it never stopped. I can't think of much more to say, but the system requires additional lines. Pass it up.

12yo Jamie Williams was the perfect actor choice for 9yo Mowgli, the Jungle Boy. Besides being a talented actor he is lovely appearing and looked the part of someone who may have been raised by wolves.All supporting adult actors performed their associative roles well, without stealing the scenes and without resorting to ghetto-speak or being vulgar in any way. So I say this movie is a family-safe event that will allow a 'time-out' from day-to-day rituals for all ages of children and accompanying adults.Each exotic animal had its own breathtaking scene where their individual grace and beauty could be observed. Close-ups of sweet Mowgli's face when he calls birds, monkeys, cats, wolves or bears were very clear and added some gentle depth to a little boy who was the product of animal care taking.My family enjoyed this movie.Clearly a story this simple is not meant for those persons who have left the bigger part of their childhood essence behind; however, it is highly recommended to anyone who still enjoys tender child fare: clean, wholesome, gentle and enjoyable.