Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: +1 1/2

The beloved character of Mowgli (Jamie Williams) from Rudyard Kipling's familiar novel continues his adventures deep in the jungles of India. This story actually precedes the one in Disney's 1994 live-action version of THE JUNGLE BOOK, as here Mowgli is 10 years old. He's being stalked by monkeys who want to kidnap this unique boy raised by wolves. Even more threatening, however, is Mowgli's arch enemy, a Bengal tiger responsible for the death of the boy's father years ago. Fortunately, Mowgli's protective friends, besides the wolves, include a fierce black panther and the giant bear Baloo. Eluding the predators, he finds himself in the path of a train traveling through the territory. Mowgli is rescued and caught by Harrison (Bill Campbell), a passenger who happens to be a scout for circus icon P.T. Barnum. But after the crafty Mowgli escapes, Harrison unknowingly enlists the aid of a wealthy Indian plantation owner who wants the boy killed. Although it has all the elements of an exciting kids' movie, the human characters become so exaggerated that most will find Kipling's original writings more credible. The wild animals and exciting death-defying feats of Mowgli, however, will enthrall the younger set.

There are more compelling reasons than exaggerated for questioning how appropriate THE SECOND JUNGLE BOOK is for your youngsters. While there are only a few bloody, graphic injuries, many nightmarish moments are much too intense for children under seven. Especially frightening is Mowgli trapped in a snake pit, threatened by a coiled cobra while other snakes slither around his feet. The villainous plantation owner hires a strange native who hisses when he speaks and always carries a huge python around his torso. A confrontation between Harrison and the villain results in a vicious knife fight, severe body blows and falls down stone stairs. Tiger attacks, life-threatening leaps off cliffs and wild animal chases through the jungle all could frighten youngsters. Only one exclamatory profanity is spoken, and as would be expected, there's no sexual content. Although the film is probably not too intense for those age eight and above, its PG rating should not be taken lightly because of the violence.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232