THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 30, 1994 TAG: 9412300081
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALAN CHANG, TEENOLOGY MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
THE JUNGLE FEVER is on as Disney attempts to bring the animated jungle boy Mowgli and his animal friends to life in ``Rudyard Kipling's: The Jungle Book.''
This new chapter of ``The Jungle Book'' has all the elements from the animated version, including the lovable bear, Baloo, and the wacky monkey, King Louie. It's just the story that is different.
Based on the novel by the 19th century writer Rudyard Kipling and seasoned with a dash of changes to interest the 20th century audience, Disney's film has successfully transformed this story into an exciting, yet humorous adventure complete with sword fights and a lost city.
Jason Scott Lee plays Mowgli, the boy who was cut off from civilization when the dreaded tiger, Shere Khan, attacks a British expedition. Living a life similar to that of Tarzan with the savage animals in the jungle, Mowgli befriends many wild creatures and learns to survive in the wild.
After spending years alone, Mowgli is reunited with his childhood love, played by Lena Headey, and is given the chance to experience a life among people. But the human world is more complicated than it seems. The story turns into a love triangle when Mowgli becomes the prime target of a British officer when he struggles to win Catherine's love.
``The Jungle Book'' also becomes an Indiana Jones-type adventure when the officer plans to use Mowgli to lead him to the 1,000-year-old lost treasure in the jungle.
The characters are as interesting as the movie. Lee plays the adult Mowgli with so much enthusiasm that it seems as though he has become a part of his character. Cary Elwes deserves much praise as the fiendish suitor. Although playing a typical role of a villain who later becomes the hero's punching bag, Elwes gives his character a personality of his own. What is disappointing is the role of Catherine. As Mowgli's love, she makes few contributions to the story other than creating conflict.
The main attraction is the exotic scenery. Director Stephen Sommers brings out the beauty of the untamed jungle of India, leaving the audience spellbound. Of course, the jungle would be incomplete without wild animals. Their talents steal most of the show, even though the film isn't intended to be a circus attraction.
Although the animals in this movie don't talk and sing, families will still find the new film of ``The Jungle Book'' as entertaining as Disney's animated version. MEMO: Alan Chang is a junior at Kempsville High School.
``Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book'' is rated PG.
ILLUSTRATION: FRANK CONNOR, Walt Disney Pictures
Jason Scott Lee plays Mowgli, a boy who grows up among animals in
``Rudyard Kipling's: The Jungle Book.''
by CNB