I bought this movie in the $5 bin at Wal-Mart & did not know what to expect. Well, I found it charming! I have read Kipling within the last few years and cite the Jungle Books as an example of children's books that are of absorbing interest to adults, as well. I do not find that true of, say, the Harry Potter series. Kipling is a surpassing genius; he did not pander to the reader or to children. He tells a heartfelt naturally symbolic tale that is pure and powerful. As to this movie: it is a hodge-podge of Kipling's plots. But, man, is it beautiful and that little kid is so good and believable as Mowgli. Without being true to any one of the books, it seems to me perfectly true to the spirit of Kipling. The cinematography and the beautiful animals are, in themselves, worth the price of admission. I loved it!
