The Jungle Bunch (film)

Did You Know?

• A sequel, Les As de la jungle 2: Opération tour du monde, was released on August 16, 2023.
• The sequel was directed by Benoît Somville, with David Alaux, Éric Tosti and Jean-François Tosti returning as writers.

Plot

An iceberg carrying an egg reaches the bank of an African jungle. The Champs, a team comprising Bengal tigress Natacha, three-toed sloth Tony, Javan rhinoceros Goliath, and crested porcupine Ricky, are trying to save the jungle's inhabitants from the koala Igor. Igor attempts to flee by boat but is struck by the iceberg. He tries to break the egg but is defeated by The Champs, and the egg lands in a tree. Natacha sends Igor to the Island of the Lost, but he reveals he left timed exploding mushrooms in the jungle. As explosions cause a fire, Ricky sacrifices himself to save others, throwing the egg to safety. Natacha, blaming the team for Ricky's death, disbands The Champs. A baby emperor penguin hatches from the egg; Natacha names him Maurice and raises him. Goliath leaves, while Natacha and Tony stay to raise Maurice. When Maurice grows up, he wants to follow his mother's path despite her wishes, and sets off. Meanwhile, Igor nurtures a palm seed and acquires a lieutenant, Surimi the coconut crab.

Reception

The film was a critical failure. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds a rating based on reviews with an average rating, and the critical consensus describes it as restless and plodding, a indistinct piece of animated kiddie fare. Metacritic gave it a score of 38 out of 100 from 4 reviews. Cath Clarke of The Guardian rated it 2 out of 5 stars, calling it loud and zappy and noting it offers predictable platitudes without distinctiveness.