Though it may not have been a “bare necessity” of a reboot, Disney’s The Jungle Book is back and looks better than ever. Adapting the plot from Rudyard Kipling’s novel of the same name, the story of the boy and his jungle is fantastically realized by expert direction from Jon Favreau (Iron Man) and excellent performances from an all-star cast that truly captures the mystery of the wild.

Speaking of the film’s solo human character, huge props must be given to the Mowgli actor Neel Sethi. It can be easy to forget while watching that the world on screen is entirely make believe, but Sethi sells it with grace despite only being 10 when production began. Though Mowgli starts in the jungle as young and fun loving, he grows to realize that there is more to the world than floating down rivers and eating bananas thanks to the hatred found in Shere Khan. Sethi accurately captures this coming of age story as he slowly evolves from innocence to grim determination.

Favreau’s directing meshed with screenwriter Justin Marks deep screenplay makes for an excellent retelling of The Jungle Book worthy of its predecessor. Though made for children at its heart, in a very Pixar style, there are plenty of messages for adults to take away as well. Loss and joy run side by side here and creates emotional depth for what could have easily devolved into a heartless remake.