All aboard the La Quila, ’tis a journey worth taking!
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Disney’s Jungle Cruise is the latest addition to the list of theme park attractions with their own live-action film – namely 2003’s Haunted Mansion, 2015’s Tomorrowland and Pirates of the Caribbean who’s success resulted in a franchise that spans 5 films and counting.
The fantasy adventure film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, Edgar Ramirez and Paul Giamatti.
It’s the early 20th century. British scientist Dr. Lily Houghton (Blunt) is on a mission to find the 'Tree of Life'. In tow is her loyal younger brother MacGregor (Whitehall) and Johnson’s Skipper Frank Wolff, the man in charge of navigating their journey through the jungle. Imagine a 21st century film invoking the tried and tested formula of 1999's The Mummy. If you squint hard enough, you might even see a bit of Fraser in Johnson or even Weisz in Blunt, but most of all – Whitehall's McGregor as a clear descendant of John Hannah's Jonathan.
The 'Tree of Life' is believed to possess healing powers that could be of great benefit to modern medicine, making it the desire of many. The trio must not only fight dangerous animals out in the wild, hot and deadly environment, but also a German expedition that is determined to find the tree first, led by Prince Joachim (Plemons).
Despite its lengthy runtime, Jungle Cruise is still a thrilling ride from start to finish, with a few bumps along the way. With a hulky star like Dwayne Johnson in the lead, one would expect a certain amount of action which the film delightfully serves, as it does comedy, in the form of a bevy of puns that are quick-wittedly delivered by Johnson's Frank and at times, McGregor. Though some puns might fly over younger audience’s heads, this flair is a nice homage to the actual attraction that features a live Disney Cast Member that makes use of a comedic spiel, filled with intentionally bad puns.
Fans of the theme park attraction of the same name would appreciate the plainly planted Easter eggs in the film such as the pair of toucans, a pod of hippos and a swarm of piranhas to name a few.
Disney's Jungle Cruise owes most of its success to its endearing leads — Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt — both whom fearlessly lead the pack and if without, would leave the film a less interesting watch altogether. The two may look like a misplaced pairing lacking romantic chemistry but they're both individually so charming you'll forgive that.
On a scale of theme park attractions-cum-film, this adaptation gives off vibes that lean more towards Pirates of the Caribbean than The Country Bears. Hopefully this is a sign that could potentially see this one-off film spanning its own sequels?
P/S: It may be a family-friendly film, but there are some rather terrifying visuals that might keep kids up at night. Parents be warned.
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