Review by Ian Delia,
Disney’s new movie “Jungle Cruise”, based on of the famous ride at Disney theme parks, has hit me hard in the heart with nostalgia. It’s one of my favorite rides from my childhood brought to the big screen. From the beginning of the movie I was hooked, pondering through the memories of my childhood. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson brings the Jungle Cruise to life in his own special way. If you remember your captain from your “Jungle Cruise” that you may have experienced, you probably laughed at the cheesy jokes they’d crack during the ride. In the movie, the jokes from the skipper, ‘The Rock’ as Frank Wolff, “The Rock”, makes are actually funny, whereas your skipper may have been fairly lame.
From the very funny beginning followed by a world saving adventure, it will have you glued to the screen. A mix of unexpected twists keeps the plot interesting throughout, even if I was hoping for more of an action-packed ending. If The Rock was given the chance, I bet he would have gone far above and beyond what the script called for.
Casting For this movie was excellent. Emily Blunt’s character, Lily Houghton, is an adventure seeking Botanist on a journey for the special petals called Tears of the Moon. The Tears of the Moon is a flower grown from the tree of life with the ability to cure any sickness. (Note that the “Tree of Life” is an attraction also in Walt Disney World). Her energy in this film is perfect opposite Dwayne Johnson and it makes the film work.
Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Jack Whitehall, who played as McGregor Houghton, make their way through the Amazon where more than the jungle fights back. Facing every terror found in the Amazon, a corrupt ruler, as well as an ancient curse the three protagonists travel by a rickety tour boat through rapid waters and fight for their lives against monsters that were once men. A journey known once thought to be a myth becomes a reality. Many exciting scenes take place from one end of the screen to the other making me think that watching this film once is not enough. From the family friendly action to the beautiful scenery of the jungle, Jungle Cruise is something worth watching time and time again for a good laugh and deep adventurous entertainment. And come to think of it, I don’t ever remember The Rock kissing on screen before. Check it out!
Jungle Cruise is a movie the whole family and Walt Disney World/Land goers will truly love it as it has something for everyone. Grab onto your theater seat as cool action, comedy, and adventure lays ahead. Here’s hoping that this movie will be enjoyed by all as much as it entertained me. Coming to theaters and Disney+ Premier Access Friday July 30th
The film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of adventure violence. I give it 4/5 stars.
