Jungle Book 2, The MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +3

In this Disney animation, a sequel to Rudyard Kiplings classic Jungle Book, the boy Mowgli (voice of Haley Joel Osment) now lives in a village with a loving human family, but he misses his bear pal Baloo (John Goodman) and the freedom of living in the jungles of India. Mowgli sneaks away from the village one night, and his friend Shanti (Mae Whitman) and her little brother Ranjan (Conner Funk) follow him. They soon become lost, but Mowgli has a joyful reunion with Baloo and the wise old panther Bagheera (Bob Joles). Meanwhile, Shere Khan (Tony Jay), the vicious man-eating tiger, spies Mowgli cavorting with Baloo and resumes his quest to destroy the boy. The lively music includes a few new tunes, Jungle Rhythm and W-I-L-D, along with old favorites Bare Necessities and I Wanna Be Like You. Children from 4 to 10 will be enchanted by the music, comical antics of Baloo, and exciting adventures of Mowgli and his friends. Take the whole family to see The Jungle Book 2.

While the villainous tiger bears down on his prey, Mowgli uses skills learned in the jungle to outsmart Shere Khan. And a huge cobra slithers across Shantis path and hypnotizes her briefly, but scenes like these provide action and suspense, not violence. Good overcomes evil. Mowgli discovers that he must make some hard choices: Should he rejoin Baloo and live a fun life without structure, or grow up in a village with rules and responsibilities and a real family? He must decide if he can let go of the past. Children will be able to grasp the concept that life often forces us to make hard choices, especially if parents discuss Mowglis dilemma with them. In line with its G rating, The Jungle Book 2 has no sexual content or objectionable language. It lacks a strong moral message but is nice, lighthearted entertainment. Parents may take children to see this fun-filled adventure cartoon without any concerns.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Walt Disney Co.