Jungle Cruise is Disney’s new adventure film based on a theme park attraction. The movie is a blend of Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Pirates of the Caribbean, and National Treasure, but it doesn’t deliver an equivalent result. The weak plot is largely compensated by the well-cast Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and Jack Whitehall. Disney’s Jungle Cruise is entertaining, but it falls short of being a strong adventure film.
Approximately 300 years ago, Spanish explorer Aguirre led a team in search of a cure for his terminally ill daughter. He sought the mythical Tears of the Moon: a tree with healing leaves. Aguirre violently traversed the Amazon in Brazil and was cursed. He could never leave the Amazon.
Three centuries later, only a few people still believe in the myth, including Dr. Lily Houghton and her brother MacGregor. After being ridiculed for their belief in the myth, they embark on a journey to the Amazon to find the Tears of the Moon. In Brazil, they need a boat to navigate the Amazon on their way to their destination. They book Frank’s jungle cruise and set out.
Meanwhile, other parties are also aware of their quest for the Tears of the Moon. Lily, Frank, and MacGregor are pursued by Prince Joachim, who travels through the Amazon with a submarine, chasing Lily Houghton every step of the way.
The weak plot of Jungle Cruise
A jungle expedition to a hidden temple with a magical tree—there are plenty of examples of adventure films that successfully create a strong movie with a single quest. Unfortunately, Jungle Cruise fails in this aspect.
The main issue lies with the villains. Both Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons) and Aguirre (Edgar Ramirez) serve as antagonists, yet neither of them comes close to being a well-written villain. The weaknesses in the plot are particularly evident here. Aguirre, who terrorizes Frank and Lily as a sort of ghost and force of nature, reveals his sinister intentions far too late. Prince Joachim, portrayed as a tyrant with a German accent, is written too lightheartedly. The resulting ridiculous character quickly drags down the entire film, along with the childish and flat jokes (excluding intentionally silly ones), resulting in a weak movie. Fortunately, the actors compensate for a lot.
Remains entertaining—thanks to a strong cast
Disney has made a big statement with Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt as Frank and Lily. The chemistry between the two is evident from their first shared scene. Not only is their chemistry well-cast, but they also steal the show in their individual scenes. While the plot and script may be weak, Johnson and Blunt make the most of it.
The most significant supporting role is for Jack Whitehall. The English stand-up comedian convincingly portrays the bumbling and spoiled MacGregor. His character’s subtle revelation about being gay to Dwayne Johnson’s character Frank is noteworthy. Disney doesn’t use explicit words, but MacGregor becomes one of their first openly gay characters.
All in all, it’s up to the cast to salvage something from the script, and they manage quite well. The film is fun and entertaining, but a strong script and plot are lacking. Children and Disney fans will still enjoy this film. Following a simultaneous release in theaters and on Disney+ (with VIP access, as with Raya and the Last Dragon), the long-awaited Jungle Cruise is finally available for everyone to watch!
Jungle Cruise – Disney+
Based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, and others.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Studio: Disney
