It's interesting that some reviewers comment on the lack of plot. The original JB plot is lacking, as well. Get the boy out of the jungle and to the man-village to escape Shere Khan. That lack of plot in both films, however, magnifies the difference between the two. JB1, interestingly, is the first Disney film where the actors actually played a part in the development of the characters. Phil Harris IS Baloo. Same goes for Louis Prima (King Louie), Sebastian Cabot (Bagheera), George Sanders (Shere Khan) and Sterling Holloway (Kaa).

How can John Goodman, et al, compete? In most instances, they cannot. Goodman was awesome in Monsters, Inc., but here his performance seems lackluster and uninspired. Same goes for most (but not all) of the other characters.

It is interesting to note that Jim Cummings who provides Kaa's voice in JB2 also is the "modern voice" of Pooh. And, that Sterling Holloway who provided Kaa's voice in JB1 was the "original voice" of Pooh. Cummings does a good job as Kaa in JB2.

Overall, there was no way for Disney to satisfy us adults, who grew up on the original JB (and like me who recently shelled out big bucks to get the original on DVD), but it does work on the kids' level. And, that's what matters in my book.


Pleasantly Surprised   May 12, 2004
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

The story of Jungle Book 2 is basically a do-over of the original Jungle Book. Mowgli once again finds himself in the jungle having a grand adventure with all of the old characters. The only real difference is that this time he brings along two others from the "man village". But that's okay. The story was good the first time, and because of decent writing and great casting, the story is good a second time also. Re-doing the story was a much better choice than trying to make some wierd interpretation, or just a lazily written sequel.

The casting in this movie is really good, with voices that sound authentic enough that you don't bother comparing them to the original. Doubtless that was a big help to making this a best-ever sequel.

The music in this movie was also very good. Reusing some of the old music, tinkering around with some new mixes, and adding some brand new scores brought together a totally fun soundtrack. The Smashing Pumpkins never before sounded this good.

While not of the same calaber as the original Jungle Book, JB2 comes in a close second and is far better than I really expected of a sequel considering Disney's reputation for stupid, cheap, straight-to-video sequels. There is also an option on the DVD to play just the music scores of the movie, which the children really enjoy. Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised by this sequel and hope that Disney will take this as a new standard for their sequels.


The 5 stars is to even out my 2 star prereview (I'd put 4)   March 31, 2004
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

I'll be honest. I wrote the 2 star prereview called "Why did this happen?" But I rented this movie and I liked it alot (It's in my top 3 Disney sequels even), and even ended up getting it. I might like it more than the first one because it is much more colorful. The voice actors do a good job, even though the plot is simple and has been done before (Lady and the Tramp 2). This is a definate movie to buy for kids under 8, even who haven't seen the original, but if you're over 8 and want to see it, rent or borrow it first.


A "Bare Necessity" for your Disney Library!   February 17, 2004
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

The movie starts out recapping what happened in the original Jungle Book movie, with a swingin' beat! (My girls, ages 4 & 5, were dancing all the way thru it!)

Mowgli is voiced by Haley Joel Osment, and he does a wonderful job! Mowgli is fed up with the rules of the man-village and longs for his old pal Baloo (voiced very well by John Goodman) and the jungle life. When Baloo strays into the man-village one night looking for Mowgli, Shanti (a girl from the man-village) spies him and screams "wild animal!" The villagers all come to her aid, but spy Shere Khan (voiced by Tony Jay) in the village instead of Baloo. This enables Baloo and Mowgli to slip into the jungle, unseen by anyone, except Shanti. Shanti follows them, seeking to "rescue" Mowgli. This is when the "fun" begins!

The songs are addictive! (and annoying if your 5 yr old sings them for days on end!) I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, as did my kids! We've watched it numerous times and would recommend it to all! It is a delightful story and a joy to watch!

1smileycat :-)