he Jungle Book 2” has lost much of the heart of the original film, but it still retains outstanding animation and the return of nearly all of the beloved characters (for a nostalgia factor for fans of the 1967 classic). Unfortunately, the voice actors have all changed (it has been 36 years), and the film has taken a much more child-oriented tone. But several new songs have been added alongside reworkings of the most famous tunes, providing this second outing a certain entertainment value for kids that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Mowgli (Haley Joel Osment) is now being raised in a human village, neighboring the jungle in which he grew up. While he has a loving adopted family and the attentions of Shanti (Mae Whitman), the young girl who first lured him away from the vulnerabilities of the wild, he misses his animal friends. As he becomes accustomed to the safety of the rural dwellings, the dangers of foes like Shere Khan (Tony Jay) are becoming mere memories – less serious and certainly more exciting. When his father snaps at him for attempting to lure the other children to play in the jungle, Mowgli runs off to rejoin his old friends Bagheera the panther (Bob Joles), and Baloo the bear (John Goodman).

At the same time, Baloo is going through similar withdrawal symptoms: he misses sharing adventures with the man cub and singing about the carefree life of a bear. As he plots to outwit Bagheera, who constantly thwarts his attempts to wander into the human territory, vicious tiger Shere Khan returns, intent on satisfying his thirst for vengeance. Now a mockery among the jungle creatures, Khan knows he must kill young Mowgli to reclaim his place as the most feared beast of the land.

Ranjan (Connor Funk), the younger brother of Mowgli, sneaks into the jungle with Shanti when Mowgli disappears. His character is regularly annoying, but likely a source of laughs for younger audiences. Shanti now has a personality and a voice, serving as an innocent love interest, despite little time apparently passing since the events of the first film – and the fact that Mowgli hasn’t aged. The major problem with “The Jungle Book 2” is its focus on keeping all of the characters and events largely unchanged, yet somewhat more juvenile than before, particularly with their interactions and adventures.

Additionally, the catchiness of the original songs can’t be matched with the jazzier and updated soundtrack, even as this follow-up recycles melodies from 1967. The well-developed story from before is also notably missing, causing “The Jungle Book 2” to feel like a shortened continuation of its predecessor – or a simpler episode based on the same characters, perhaps more suitable for television. The plot almost duplicates the prior storyline, concluding in a predictably familiar way – except that too-convenient surroundings allow for an unlikely escape from the fearsome Shere Khan, who carelessly delivers typical villain dialogue right before the pounce, allowing for easy elusion.

On a more amusing note, the hilarious yet utterly pointless new character Lucky the buzzard (Phil Collins) joins the cast. He continually taunts Khan from the safety of a high perch, until he eventually gets too close and is seemingly gobbled up. But sure enough, he makes a later appearance, proving that even certain death is no match for family-friendly, Disney invincibility.

– Mike Massie