Can you hear it... yeah man! JB2 is three.
A Tribute by FAIR
That
morning sun peaks over the mountains,
And all the rhinos rub their eyes,
When they hear... hear the jungle rhythm.
How could it be, half as good as being free...
Part of me... like the jungle rhythm, like the jungle rhythm.
| Three
years ago this very day, on Valentine's Day, "The Jungle Book
2" was first released in the theatre for all to enjoy. It was
a small little sequel to the much loved original, and when the project
first began, it was slated to be just another direct to DVD release.
But as I am sure we all know by now, any project that includes Haley
has the great potential for so much more. Somewhere in the almost
five years time this project was being produced, it was decided
that the DVD would only be half as good than if the film was set
free first, for a full theatrical run.
Part of me is quite certain that is something Haley was not expecting to happen, as he first began his voice work back when he was just ten years old. But in the way that only Haley's magic has the ability to influence everyone around him, magic they could feel the most when he was singing the various song arrangements, and that probably got the producers thinking they had so much more with this particular film. Isn't that what the Magic Kingdom is all about... and they first glimpsed the true extent of this young magician's amazing talent in a previous animated sequel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame II", and the cute little duet that Haley sang, "I'd Stick With You." How telling that the Magic Kingdom would recognize such pure talent, because they could hear it, and they did stick with the young apprentice to let him further explore his magic through song in this sequel. One of the producers for JB2, Mary Thorne, described the young magician with great awe and was almost at a loss for words, "Mowgli is played by Haley Joel Osment.... a.... startlingly talented kid!" The director of the film, Steven Trenbirth, would continue that thought, "When we were in the recording sessions, he gave us so many great takes it was hard to decide which one to choose." They had realized, this was no apprentice, Haley was a true wizard. Although
not well received by many critics, since most had long since lost
the ability to believe that some magic is indeed real, the young
wizard knew the importance of the magic found in the songs. In
an interview, Haley would use a very heartfelt and reflective
voice to describe one of the songs that helped conjure some of
his magic, "It was one of the first songs they ever sang
together in the first film... so it's... it's a good, you know
it brings back good memories I think for them." Despite the
critics, the world-wide audience did respond very well to this
small little sequel... the world boxoffice ($135million+), combined
with the probable DVD sales, means JB2 was potentially yet another
$200million+ project for Haley... but the real value is found
in his priceless talent... and thanks to him for sharing some
of his more hidden magic with all of us. It
is in those memories, and the jungle rhythm of JB2, which allows
us to remember the film with a gentle fondness. As an added bonus,
on this special day, please enjoy these early pics of Haley...
they have been previously available at the amazing Pure
Talent site, but these particular pics are a little larger
and offer some improved resolution... I hope you like them. Now
on with the show... then hit it Poppa Bear...
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