The Jungle Book (franchise) The theatrical version of the film was released in France on February 5, 2003, and released in the United States on February 14, 2003. Also inspired by Rudyard Kipling's classic children's books, the film is a sequel to the 1967 animated musical film "The Jungle Book", and stars Haley Joel Osment as the voice of Mowgli and John Goodman as the voice of Baloo. Wild child Mowgli has grown fidgety with his life in the "man village", so he sneaks back to the jungle to be with his animal friends, like the beloved bear Baloo. Mowgli's disappearance, however, worries his
The Jungle Book (1994 film) for its performances, action, and visuals, but it was also chided for not staying true to Kipling's work, even though his name remains in the title. Noted critic Roger Ebert of "The Chicago Sun-Times" shared this sentiment. He said the film "has so little connection to Rudyard Kipling or his classic book that the title is beyond explanation." He goes on to say that it is a good film, awarding it three stars out of four, but it does not fit its target audience; some "scenes are unsuitable for small children, and the 'PG' rating is laughable." Brian Lowry of