Feeling out of place in the “man village” Mowgli, the hero of “The Jungle Book” (now voiced by Haley Joel Osment), escapes back to the jungle to reunite with Baloo, the relaxed bear voiced by John Goodman, and raise the ire of Shere Khan the tiger, whom he embarrassed in the first movie.

This is an updated and more politically correct version of the 30-year-old classic. Mowgli is joined on his adventure by Shanti, the girl who first drew him to the village, and whom he is unwilling to admit he likes. She is a strong character who faces up to her fear of the wild to pursue her friend and playful tormentor. Little girls are as likely to identify with her ‘can do’ attitude as boys are to Mowgli’s attempt to escape responsibilities.

The movie is full of supporting characters that provide comic relief. Mowgli’s little brother Rangan is reminiscent of Mowgli and his attitude in the first movie: fearless, clumsy and awestruck by his brother and the excitement the Jungle holds.

Bageera, the panther and voice of reason, Kaa, the hungry python with horrible hunting luck, and Colonel Hathi, the absent-minded leader of the elephant patrol all have their moments to shine and elicit laughs. The vultures, based on the Beatles in the original movie, return with a new companion, Lucky, voiced by Phil Collins who spews cheesy one-liners at the menacing Shere Kahn. His jokes are not particularly funny, but the kids in attendance laughed anyway.

The movie includes musical numbers kids are sure to love, as well as sing constantly. There are also reprise numbers parents will remember from the original including, “Bare Necessities” and Smash Mouth’s version of “I Wanna Be Like You.” The latter rendition leaves something to be desired when compared to the original by jazz great Louis Armstrong.

“Jungle Rhythm” is the better of the new songs. It is a hip and up-tempo opening number that is revisited in a different pace as a mournful Mowgli laments his village life.

The importance of a balance between family and friends and between fun and responsibilities guide the movie’s plot. The conclusion indicates that Mowgli’s family understands his love of the wild and especially Baloo. His village friends Shanti and Rangan end up sharing that love as well.

At an hour and 30 minutes the running time is long enough to develop a good plot, but short enough to hold the attention of even small children. Parents who remember the original movie might feel that this is a rehash of the old.

I recommend this for kids, but older people with a desire to see it for nostalgic reasons might better spend their money on renting the original. The new Disney has avoided jokes adults can enjoy that sail over the heads of younger viewers. They are sorely missed in this movie.