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The Jungle Book, released in 1967, was the last animated feature Walt Disney personally supervised. It may not rank in the pantheon of such masterpieces as Pinocchio and Bambi, but it remains one of the studio's most beloved films, primarily because of the voice cast, which made more of an impression than the animation. This sequel has a "been-there, done-that" feel, but like man-cub Mowgli, one welcomes the opportunity to return to the jungle and sing and swing again to the Disney standard "The Bear Necessities." In this case, John Goodman steps in for the late, great Phil Harris, as jungle slacker Baloo the bear. The film begins with Mowgli (Haley Joel Osment) in the "man village," where he regales listeners with stories of his jungle upbringing. But as his adoptive father notes, "You can take the boy out of the jungle, but you can't take the jungle out of the boy." Defying orders, a homesick Mowgli crosses the river into the jungle, where he is reunited with his "Papa Bear," as well as other characters from the original film: the panther Bagheera, the vengeful tiger Shere Khan, the entrancing snake Kaa, and cockney buzzard Lucky (Phil Collins), now the jungle comedian. (Louis Prima's alpha ape "King Louis" is sadly missing, but Smash Mouth reprises his signature song -- "I Wanna Be like You" -- over the closing credits.) Mowgli is accompanied by Shanti (Mae Whitman), the girl who had lured him into the man-village at the end of the first film, and she proves herself to be a kindred brave spirit, enlightening Baloo in the process. Of the new songs, "W-I-L-D" makes the most rollicking impression. Like Return to Never Land, which was also afforded a theatrical release, this sequel seems created with home video in mind. Disney's Australian B-team of animators has replicated the lush terrain of the original successfully. The story is more family friendly and less intense, with only mild perils (Shere Khan has a comical comeuppance, and no characters are presumed dead). Maybe, like Mowgli, you can go home again. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

Mowgli the "man-cub" returns to the wilderness in this sequel to the Walt Disney Pictures animated favorite The Jungle Book. After leaving life in the jungle behind, Mowgli (voice of Haley Joel Osment) has been adopted, and now lives in the nearby village with his new parents and his younger brother, while becoming close friends with Shanti (voice of Mae Whitman), the girl who first lured him out of the wilds. However, adjusting to live among other humans hasn't been easy, and after Mowgli pays a visit to an old friend, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo (John Goodman), the boy considers staying for a while. Before long, both Shanti and Mowgli's new family notice he's missing, and Shanti goes into the jungle to look for him, despite her fear of wild animals. However, Mowgli and Baloo are soon reminded that life in the wilderness isn't always carefree when they learn Shere Khan (voice of Tony Jay) is looking for Mowgli, eager to settle an old score. The Jungle Book 2 also features voice work from Phil Collins and John Rhys-Davies; rock group Smash Mouth contribute a new version of "I Wanna Be Like You" to the soundtrack. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 786936750010
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Vistavision (1.66:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Español, Français
• Time: 1:12:00
• Sales Rank: 11,555

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