Movie of the Week: Jungle Book

My friend H and I agreed to disagree over this version of Jungle Book. I thought it seemed over-long, dragging in the middle section - H didn't. That apart, we both agreed that it's a visual treat. The CGI and live action is seamless. Once again a Brit voices the bad guy, with Idris Elba's version of Shere Khan bringing a chilling menace to the part. Neel Sethi is the only live actor, playing Mowgli very well, though I wasn't too sure about the American accent at first, though I quickly ceased to notice it.

One oddity is the use of music from the animated (classic) Jungle book, though not in quite the same format. Homage? Re-tread? I'm not sure, but I don't think it was necessary to reintroduce I wanna Be Like You and Bear Neccessities - it just served to highlight the fact that this was Jungle Book with all the cartoon humour removed. There's no reason why a darker, more narrative Jungle Book  isn't equally valid, of course, in which case why the songs?

But song choices apart, the climax of this was gripping and really well done.

It's a long time since I've seen the original Jungle Book Movie with Sabu (right) as Mowgli. I'd like to see it again for comparison's sake. All live action, of course in 1942.

Book Log 22/2016 - Diana Gabaldon: Virgins - An Outlander Novella

A novella detailing some of the adventures of Jamie Fraser and Ian in France. Set before the happenings in the first Outlander novel, the action takes place just after the death of Jamie's father and the flogging that disfigured Jamie's back. It's a standalone adventure with Jamie and Ian working in a mercenary company detailed to protect a consignment for a Jewish doctor. The two protagonists are little more then boys, the virgins of the title, but big boys with swords. I thought it might detail how Ian lost his leg, but it leaves the duo still standing to fight another day.

I bought this as a separate ebook, but I believe it was originally in the Dangerous Women anthology edited by George R.R. Martin.

Book Log 23/2016 - Rachel Miles: Chasing the Heiress - The Muses Salon #2

Due for Publication 31^st May 2016
I had this as a review copy from Netgalley and I confess that I wouldn't have read it if I had known in advance that it was a second book in a series. I prefer to read series in order. However it can mostly be read as a standalone, until you realise that there are a few ongoing plot threads that are not going to be explained.

But worry not, the main plot resolves itself. An heiress - Lucy - on the run from a grasping cousin is hiding out, pretending to be a scullery maid in an inn. Her medical skills (from a life in army camps) save Colin, the younger brother of a duke and currently working for the British Government - a sort-of forerunner of the secret service. He's been sent on a mission without all the facts and it goes sour on him. And of course Lucy and Colin fall in love... There are two plots to resolve, hers and his.

Set in 1819 there are a few historical inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story. For example: pound coins. There was no such thing as a British pound coin until 1983. Also the clothing wasn't quite right for the period, but that's maybe more the fault of the cover artist as Ms. Miles mentions colours but not details of styles. Regency dresses were still high waisted and not crinoline-shaped in 1819.

Despite all that the romance bits were well written and the plot fairly rattled along. It was a light read, but engaging, and kept me turning the pages for the best part of a day. Though I have to say that much trouble could have been avoided if the main protagonists had just had an honest conversation.