‘Jungle Cruise’ Review: A Fun, Adventurous Tale Celebrating One of Disney’s Most Beloved Rides

Frank Masi/Disney

Disney’s highly anticipated Jungle Cruise releases on Friday, July 30, starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall, Edgar Ramírez, Veronica Falcón, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti.

This review is spoiler-free, as not to ruin the film.

The film is based on the popular Disney attraction by the same name, in which guests are transported around through a “jungle” by a skipper (who during the rides tells infamously bad, yet hilarious, jokes).

The film, however, sees Lily travel from London to the Amazon and enlist Frank’s help on his rickety boat to search for an ancient magical tree that has healing abilities. Joined by her brother MacGregor, the trio set downriver and encounter all sorts of adventures.

If you’re a fan of the ride, there are some fun nods to it, such as a few of the jokes that you can hear on the actual attraction; “Here’s the eighth wonder of the world … the backside of water!” There are also some of the scenes that are featured during the ride (such as the hippos)! Seeing these little inserts into the film made it all the more exciting to watch, and there are little sprinkles of easter eggs throughout.

Frank Masi/Disney

Emily Blunt (Lily) and Dwayne Johnson (Frank) were charming and had such great banter and chemistry together that just made the film work. Johnson’s strong, charismatic ways with Blunt’s quick-wit make these two a fantastic duo to watch. Jack Whitehall (MacGregor) was so fun, and his heart-to-heart with Frank was beautiful and really solidified his and Lily’s relationship in just a few words. Jesse Plemons was a delightful villain, as was Edgar Ramírez. Paul Giamatti and Veronica Falcón were also fantastic in their respective roles.

Overall, I loved just how fun this film was. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously (in a fantastic way), and I loved the story and some of the turns it took. It was entertaining through and through, and at no point really ever got stale or boring. It truly is an adventurous family film that people of all ages can watch and enjoy.

Disney’s Jungle Cruise releases in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on July 30, 2021.

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