A new version of a beloved classic, The Jungle Book utilises the best in VFX technology and an all-star voice cast to create a thrilling, moving adventure story of a boys search for identity in a savage land.

Disney have done a great job of late in re-imagining their animation classics into live action classics in their own right. Along with Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella and David Lowery’s Pete’s Dragon, this Jon Favreau (Iron Man) directed adaptation of Rupyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book masterfully blends visual wizardry with emotional depth to make for entertaining and engrossing viewing.

Set in the jungles of India, the film star young newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, raised by wolves as a man-cub and mentored by wise panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). When ferocious man-hating tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) learns of Mowgli’s existence he issues a threat on his head. This leads to Mowgli’s self-exile, leading to encounters with a seductive yet deadly python (Scarlett Johansson), a power hungry colossal Gigantopithecus aka big freaking orangutan (Christopher Walken), and a conniving yet kind bear named Balloo (Bill Murray).

First and foremost, the visual effects are beyond impressive. As done by Moving Picture Company and Weta Digital, this display of world building is utterly convincing from every leaf on colossal tree, to every strand of fur on the creatures that reside underneath.

What makes it that much more impressive is that for a film dominated by computer generated visuals, there is an organic feel to its environment, made even more real by the excellent depictions of it varied animal cast and those who voice them (Bill Murray’s sardonic tone is on key, Idris Elba’s sinister threats are chilling, and Christopher Walken’s whacky yet infectious voice still mesmerises), along with an impressive turn from young Neel Sethi, who puts on a clinic in blue/green screen acting.

Favreau’s jack of all trades experience ranging from heartfelt indies (Chef) to blockbuster franchises (Iron Man) lends itself in the best possible way here. Yes, The Jungle Book is a lot of VFX sheen, yet there is much in the way of dramatic stakes and heart that gives than sheen life.

Considering the amount of VFX heavy duds released at a constant rate, The Jungle Book is a triumph of its kind.