Watch Born Free: A New Adventure

Born Free: A New Adventure is a family adventure film from 1996 that takes viewers on a heartwarming journey through the African wilderness. The movie centers around a young American boy named Rand who travels to Africa with his family to visit his grandfather, who runs a safari business. While on safari, Rand befriends a young lioness named Elsa and becomes determined to help her and her family survive in the wild.

The cast of Born Free: A New Adventure is led by Jonathan Brandis, best known for his work on 90s TV series such as SeaQuest DSV and The Neverending Story II. Brandis plays Rand, a bright and curious young boy who has loved animals ever since he was a child. Ariana Richards, who starred in Jurassic Park, plays Rand's sister Valerie, while Chris Noth from Sex and the City plays Rand's father, Jack.

The plot of the movie is based on Joy Adamson's book Born Free, which tells the story of a lioness named Elsa who was raised by Adamson and her husband George in Kenya in the 1950s. The book was later adapted into a popular movie starring Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, and Born Free: A New Adventure acts as a sequel to that classic film.

The movie has a strong conservation message, highlighting the importance of protecting endangered animal species and the fragile ecosystems they live in. Through Rand's interactions with Elsa and other wildlife in the savannah, viewers learn about the ecology of the African bush and the challenges faced by conservationists trying to preserve it.

Visually, the movie is an absolute treat, with stunning vistas of the African landscape and impressive scenes of wild animals in their natural habitat. The filmmakers use a mix of live-action footage and animatronics to bring the animals to life and create a sense of realism. While the special effects may look dated by modern standards, they do a great job of enhancing the story and making it more engaging for younger viewers.

One of the standout aspects of Born Free: A New Adventure is the chemistry between Jonathan Brandis and the animals he interacts with. Brandis has a natural charm that makes him very believable as a young boy who is passionate about wildlife. His scenes with Elsa are particularly heartwarming, as he helps her learn how to catch prey and avoid danger. Watching Rand and Elsa's relationship evolve over the course of the film is one of the movie's highlights.

The supporting cast also does a good job, with Ariana Richards bringing some much-needed sass to her role as Rand's older sister. Chris Noth has a more subdued role as Jack, but he still manages to convey the care and concern that any father would have for his family when out in the wild. The movie is also supported by a rousing score that helps set the mood and enhance the action.

Overall, Born Free: A New Adventure is an entertaining family adventure that manages to capture the magic of the original Born Free story while also updating it for a new generation. While it may be a bit too predictable in some places, and the conservation message may come across as heavy-handed at times, there is no denying the movie's heart and charm. For anyone who loves animals, African landscapes, or heartwarming family films, Born Free: A New Adventure is definitely worth a watch.

In conclusion, Born Free: A New Adventure has a great cast, beautiful scenery, and a strong conservation message that raises awareness for the animals and their habitat. The story offers a positive message for both kids and adults alike, and the movie's elements weave together a pleasant family adventure.

Born Free: A New Adventure is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.