The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is easily the best live-action remake by Disney following on from the relatively lacklustre (and a little dull) Cinderella.

This takes everyone's favourite singalong, which let's be fair no one thought should be touched, and turns it into a visually incredible, pumping thrill-ride.

I cannot give enough superlatives to the sumptuous visuals here; this is a photo-realistic world that is a joy to behold and, whisper it, may be on a par with Avatar as far as CGI worlds go.

The animals are equally awe-inspiring (particularly King Louie) and the cast of voices are perfect: Christopher Walken, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Ben Kingsley in the same film?! Some critics have knocked the performance of newcomer Neel Sethi but, considering his age and the fact that everything was filmed on green screen, he deserves great credit and does well here.

The changes made to the plot all fit well in this world (although the lack of The Beatles-esque vultures is a shame as is the lack of other human characters) but the subtle inclusion of the songs is perfect. This is a real treat; intense, creepy and muscular; a proper 'mature' version of a Disney classic.

4 stars ****