REVIEW: Blunt and Johnson Are the Perfect Skippers for Disney’s Jungle Cruise

Sixty-six years ago, Disneyland opened its doors to give attendees the first ride on Jungle Cruise. The 7 minute ride was designed to take “adventurers” down several major rivers in Asia, Africa, and South America while their skipper narrates the journey. As the years progressed, the attraction would expand to three other Disney Parks and feature more funny narration from the skipper. Walt Disney Studios is now taking that 10-minute ride and transforming it into a two-hour movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.

Blunt is British scientist, Dr. Lily Houghton in this new live-action who has spent her entire life attempting to find the Tree of Life. One petal from the tree could change modern (1930s) medicine and save thousands of people. The only hiccup though is that her brother, MacGregor (Jack Whitehall) is the lone person willing to help the ambitious scientist. Until Lily comes across Riverboat captain, Frank (Johnson), who agrees to take Lily and her brother on a trek to find the tree. A mix between Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean, Lily, MacGregor, and Frank must survive the jungle and the river if they have any hope of finding the tree.

Writers Glenn Ficarra & John Requa managed to bring the park ride alive in this movie. The places featured throughout the movie do differ from the actual ride, the narration Johnson’s Frank delivers to his riders is pretty spot on to what one would experience on the actual ride. The second the audience sets sail on the adventurous cruise with Frank, Lily, and MacGregor, you feel like you are back on the ride at one of the Disney Parks.

Johnson and Blunt are what make this movie so much fun. The two have no problem playing off one another and there is now slowing down when they are on screen. Their comedic timing, alone and together, created some very funny moments and great one-liners, that I intend to use in my own repertoire. The duo is joined by Whitehall and he only adds to the fun. The first minutes meeting this character, I was unsure if I would like him or not, but as the movie progressed I came to love him and his banter with Blunt and Johnson. This trio was terrific casting out of the House of Mouse.

The story revolving around Jesse Plemons’ character, Prince Joachim could have been left out of the movie entirely. The storyline made little sense and its removal would have made the film 30 minutes shorter which overall would have improved the film’s issue with a too long run-time. The special effects could also have been a tad bit better, especially in the case of Frank’s sidekick, a jaguar named Proxima. However, even with the bad special effects and Plemon’s terrible accent, the movie is still a fun time.

I highly recommend checking out Jungle Cruise whether it be in theaters or on Disney+ Premier Access. The story may be a bit weak and make little sense at times, but Blunt and Johnson are fantastic scene partners. I suggest sitting back and enjoying your ride on the Jungle Cruise.

Grade: B+