Who do you call to help when a mysterious supervillain covers the jungle with pink foam that explodes upon contact with water? The Jungle Bunch! Less than a month before the rainy season, the race against time is on. From the North Pole to the Far East, crossing mountains, deserts and oceans, our heroes will have to travel the world in search of an antidote, far from their favourite jungle!
The Jungle Bunch: World Tour takes viewers on a whirlwind adventure with the beloved characters from the popular French children's animated show. Directed by Laurent Bru, Yannick Moulin, and Benoît Somville, and features the creative minds of writers David Alaux, Eric Tosti, and Jean-François Tosti.
The plot revolves around a mysterious supervillain who blankets the jungle with a toxic pink foam that reacts explosively to water. In response, the Jungle Bunch springs into action, embarking on a worldwide quest to find an antidote. The film's premise is undeniably intriguing, offering a mix of humour, action, and globe-trotting escapades. It's simple but provides an effective "ticking timer" that pushes the story forward.
One of the film's notable strengths lies in its ability to capture the attention of both children and adults. The Jungle Bunch universe introduces unique characters, such as a tiger-penguin with a tiger-goldfish son, sparking curiosity. The original series boasts a whopping 158 episodes, so diving into the extensive lore may be a daunting task for newcomers, but the previous self-titled 2017 film, The Jungle Bunch, will satisfy any curiosity remaining after the credits.
The movie manages to deliver reasonably funny moments and boasts well-crafted animation. However, it faces the challenge of sustaining interest over its 90-minute runtime; it is certainly more suitable for a shorter format. While simplicity characterizes the storyline, the film compensates with humour and action sequences, creating an entertaining experience.
The Jungle Bunch: World Tour leans towards a straightforward narrative without delving into complex emotional journeys. The plot moves swiftly, but the film's simplicity allows viewers to adapt quickly. This simplicity extends to the characters, who are brightly coloured but often one-dimensional or lack distinct personalities. While this limits room for character arcs or personal development, it caters to a younger audience (4-7 years old) by offering simplicity and easy comprehension.
Unlike some animated projects that incorporate subtle adult humour and mature elements, The Jungle Bunch maintains a straightforward approach, aiming squarely at a younger demographic. The film unfolds like a convoluted Rube Goldberg machine, propelling the Jungle Bunch from one set piece to the next through a combination of luck and plentiful MacGuffins.
Amid the main storyline, the film briefly explores smaller arcs touching on themes like jealousy and abandonment. These themes are handled delicately to prevent any shock for younger audiences, allowing the movie to maintain its family-friendly appeal.
In terms of animation, The Jungle Bunch: World Tour showcases a vibrant visual palette with well-rendered and designed characters. Action sequences are executed smoothly, contributing to the film's overall appeal. However, the animation style may be perceived as lacking emotion, particularly in the characters' eyes. Despite this, the film succeeds in delivering an engaging visual experience.
The Jungle Bunch: World Tour offers a delightful adventure for young audiences, combining humour, action, and colourful characters. While the film may be too simple for some adult viewers, it achieves its goal of providing wholesome entertainment for children. The lack of intricate character development is compensated by the film's vivid animation and straightforward storytelling, making it a suitable addition to family movie nights.
In the vast jungle of animated films, The Jungle Bunch stands out as a lighthearted romp around the globe, inviting audiences to join the lovable characters on their quest for a pink foam-free jungle.
The Jungle Bunch World Tour is in NZ cinemas from January 18, 2024