A classic that's over too soon

Rating: 7/10 (27 September 2009)

Disney's The Jungle Book is an endearing story. It has strong, likable characters full of personality. It has music that is at times haunting and intimate, and at times catchy and danceable. The art is beautiful, the humor is effective... it's an all-around good film.
***SPOILERS*** My only complaint is the end feels rushed. We spend the entire film building up to a confrontation with Shere Khan and when it finally comes, the ensuing battle is anti-climactic. A bit of fire and Shere Khan is gone for good. After that, Mowgli's friends just leave him as he wanders into a man village. It's all over in a flash. It just feels... incomplete. ***END SPOILERS***
But don't get me wrong, The Jungle Book is nothing short of a Disney Classic. And when its only problem is not being long enough, that's a testament in itself.