Review: Jungle Cruise

Popular Disney attractions have gotten their fair share of film adaptations, but can Jungle Cruise live up to its predecessors?

After being delayed, this action-packed adventure is finally hitting the big screen (and the small one as well). But was it worth the wait? There are a lot of good things about Jungle Cruise. That being said, there are also some bad. 

Lily (Emily Blunt) and her brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall) are determined to find a mystical plant with healing powers. To do so, they need to brave the Jungle as German villains and ancient curses try to stop them. The plot seems straightforward but becomes more complicated as the story goes on.

Keeping with the spirit of the ride, Dwayne Johnson plays the skipper, a punny con artist who only looks out for himself. Fans will be in for a treat as groan-worthy puns fill the entirety of the two-hour film. And yes, you do get to see the backside of a waterfall. 

One of the best things about this film is the chemistry between the three main leads. They all work seamlessly together, which makes the jokes land. Blunt and Johnson explode on the screen. The jabs they take at each other could have easily backfired; instead, it became the film’s driving force. 

Blunt is known for playing strong characters, and this is no exception. That being said, for a film seeking female empowerment, this barely passes the Bechdel test. 

And while Dwayne Johnson once again delivers another solid family-friendly movie, the jokes and storyline could be a little much for a kid to understand. This feels like a movie geared toward teens and older.

Jack Whitehall is playing Disney’s “first openly gay character.” While he does a fantastic job in the role, Disney cruises by the subject and never entirely says it outright, despite numerous opportunities.  

The true downfall is the CGI. The scenery looked fine, but beyond that, parts looked like a bad video game. Thankfully the score helps to distract your eyes, but it was underused and never became memorable. Because of this, Jungle Crusie never has that whimsical impact that other Disney movies have.

Jungle Cruise is like a poor version of Pirates of the Caribbean mixed with Raiders of the Lost Ark. It is peak Disney with its humor and over-the-top scenes, and it is enjoyable despite its faults. Jungle Cruise will never be as big as Pirates, but it may be something you’ll watch from time to time when you’re bored. I don’t feel like this is a “must-see in theaters” movie, but for a 30 dollar rental, it’s worth it to watch with your family at home.