
Favreau and Disney clearly wanted to make something more than just a retread of the studio's 1967 cartoon -- or Disney's 1994 live-action version. Judging by the 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, they've pulled it off. Here are five things you need to know before entering the "Jungle."
1. Think 'Avatar,' Only Earthbound

Favreau and his effects team shot the whole film on stages in downtown Los Angeles, digitally added lush vegetation, and populated it with creatures based on the appearances and movements of real animals -- but given an artistic flourish by digital animators. Imagine the CGI tiger in "Life of Pi," except that he's moving his lips as Idris Elba's (above) menacing voice emerges from his mouth.
2. This Is No Cartoon

3. It's Not Just a Guy Thing

Favreau also beefed up the role of Raksha, the wolf mother who adopts Mowgli. She doesn't even speak in the cartoon, but here, she's voiced by no less a luminary than Lupita Nyong'o.
4. The Animals Are Zoologically Correct

5. Don't Worry, Your Favorite Songs Are Still Here

Baloo does get to sing "Bare Necessities" and Louie still sings "I Wan'na Be Like You." Richard M. Sherman, who wrote that song's lyrics 50 years ago, has updated the words for the new film. And Kaa still delivers the hypnotic "Trust in Me" -- though, instead of Sterling Holloway's Winnie-the-Pooh bluster, the snake now purrs the words in Johansson's seductive, unsettling rasp.
"Jungle Book" hits theaters Friday.
The Jungle Book
Raised by a family of wolves since birth, Mowgli (Neel Sethi) must leave the only home he's ever known when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) unleashes his mighty roar. Guided by a no-nonsense panther (Ben Kingsley) and a free-spirited bear (Bill Murray), the young boy meets an array of jungle animals, including a slithery python and a smooth-talking ape. Along the way, Mowgli learns valuable life lessons as his epic journey of self-discovery leads to fun and adventure. Read More