Composer George Bruns would be proud that his music for The Jungle Book was adapted for the 2016 version. However, despite this heavy dose of nostalgia for fans, I felt it detracted from the overall experience. Indeed, director Jon Favreau had the unenviable task of matching not only Rudyard Kipling’s book but several previous film adaptations. Actually, the big screen debut for Mowgli, the orphan jungle boy, can be traced back to 1942. The latter featured Sabu (The Thief of Bagdad) in the lead role.

When Shere Khan the tiger (voiced by Idris Elba) threatens young and vulnerable Mowgli (Neel Sethi), the latter decides to leave his wolf pack family. As he makes his way to the man village, there are many colourful characters seeking to use him for their own benefit. This includes fire-loving, ape leader King Louie (Christopher Walken).

Admittedly, the biggest bone of contention in The Jungle Book relates to Kaa. Despite the novel idea of using Scarlett Johansson to voice this character, her characterisation becomes a footnote, reminding us of the film’s lost potential. Therefore, script development rarely ventures beyond well dusted territory. By comparison, Sterling Holloway proved a loveable villain in the 1967 Walt Disney musical.

In fact, the most inspired touch involves the introduction to King Louie. Recalling that great moment in Apocalypse Now when Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) appears in the darkest lighting possible, this same enigmatic quality briefly informs The Jungle Book.

Another positive contribution is made by Idris Elba. His authoritative vocal performance provides a different slant compared to George Sanders’ charming original. In terms of visual effects, Shere Khan achieves nearly Life of Pi excellence. For that reason, I would consider another viewing of The Jungle Book.

Idris Elba respectfully renders Shere Khan.

If only the picture was better, oh darn!

For those that know The Jungle Book,

we need more than CGI and a new look.

Minuses include a two-dimensional Bagheera

and the terrible handling of Kaa.

She is supposed to be bold,

yet there’s hardly a chance to break the mould.

Normally resourceful, Ben Kingsley withers

While the snaky fiend barely slithers.

(Released by Walt Disney Motion Pictures and rated “PG” for some sequences of scary action and peril.)