Lifelong Favorite

Rating: 8/10 (26 February 2010)

Since I was a little kid, the Jungle Book has always been one of my favorites. I have an affection for this movie that only deepens with time, and now I am able to share it with my daughter. It is pure joy captured on film.
Maybe it's not a perfect movie, but I love so many things about it: the characters, the setting, the music, and the animation. It looks even better now with DVD restorations with eye-popping colors and beautifully done backgrounds.
For me, the heart of the film is the character of Baloo. As a big Disney fan, I would probably pick him if forced to choose my favorite character. His relationship with Mowgli is some kind of cross between a big brother, a playmate, and a surrogate father. I know that when I was a preschooler, I wanted nothing more than to hang out with Baloo.
I could never write an objective review for The Jungle Book. I've loved it all my life. The Disney team has given us a timeless gift in this film.