Disney’s mostly-live-action reimagining of its 1967 classic The Jungle Book is a dazzling visual spectacle. It tinkers very little with the original’s underlying story while providing an astonishing new look and feel to the world of man-cub Mowgli (Neel Sethi), black panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley), free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray) and the other scaled and four-footed characters who all call the jungle their home. Simply put, The Jungle Book 2016 is a real swinging time in the jungle.

But be forewarned: the bright colors, kid-friendly tone, giggly humor, and foot-stomping boogie woogie numbers of the original have been replaced by a much darker jungle environment that hides danger around every corner and behind every blade of Savannah grass. In fact, despite the warmth of soul and depth of charm in Jon Favreau’s new film (from the pen of Justin Marks), the visuals and sound may be a bit too terrifying for the youngest and most susceptible children. So, if you decide to bring the entire family in tow, it’s important to know your child’s own sensibilities. Be prepared for healthy discussions after the movie ends, for it’s a loud and in-your-face affair with hyper-realistic depictions of fire, death, danger, peril, and mean-spirited characters who aim to kill or capture.

With that friendly public service announcement out of the way, let’s get down to what makes Favreau’s version a worthy accompaniment to the original, a film that has entertained generations of Disney fans.

At the forefront is the wonderful story originating from the writings of Rudyard Kipling. Initially believed by Walt Disney to be too dark and sinister for a family film, early versions of the 1967 script were changed during production. Favreau’s take more closely resembles Kipling’s vision with those dark undertones fully intact. He clearly understands that story is king, and his version of The Jungle Book is teeming with loads of humanity, emotion and depth of character.

Speaking of characters, the entire jungle gang is back in the updated plot that finds young Mowgli, who was raised by a pack of wolves, discovering he is no longer welcome in the jungle as fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of man, wants him dead. But under the tutelage of Bagheera, and Baloo, Mowgli learns not only how to survive in the jungle but also how to kick back and enjoy the simpler moments life has to offer.

Also returning are Kaa (Scarlett Johansson) the hypnotic-eyed snake who wants to seduce Mowgli into her deadly coils, and King Louie of the Apes (Christopher Walken). the giant orangutan whose reimagining here is nothing short of genius. Favreau deliberately exaggerates his size, turning the ape into a behemoth of a villain who holds Mowgli hostage until the boy turns over the secret to man’s fire which would give Louie total control over the entire jungle. Pay extra close attention to King Louie’s scene in the ancient ruins and you might notice the clever nod to Brando’s Col. Kurtz from Apocalypse Now.

Favreau has done a marvelous job with his adaptation. He hits just the right tone and injects it with equal parts heart and humor. Nearly every frightful moment (and there are plenty) is relieved by a countering scene of delight and whimsy -- especially once Mowgli meets up with Baloo whose bohemian lifestyle begins to rub off on the man-cub. The director stays refreshingly true to Disney’s original coming-of-age story without selling out or talking down to children. He plays up Kipling’s rich environment where many dangers lurk, and blends it seamlessly with things we so fondly remember from the original, including a few brief references to those wonderful songs of our childhood. Kids and parents from six to sixty will enjoy Mowgli’s story of self-discovery and may, along the way, learn to leave strife behind and better appreciate the bare necessities of life.

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

Review also posted at www.franksreelreviews.com.