It’s summer 2021 and Theatrical Movies are back!.... For now! The Walt Disney Corporation, in an attempt to recapture the magic, and box-office dollars, of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise,brings you Jungle Cruise. Jungle Cruise, features a female-led Indiana Jones-inspired, adventure while capitalizing on already existing Intellectual Property. Archeologist and adventurer Lilly Houghton (Emily Blunt) sets off to the Amazon in search of a mythical tree of life, that can imbue an individual with immortality. Along for the ride are her brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall) and the disgruntled but charming riverboat Captain Frank (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson).
THE EDGE
Jungle Cruise is nothing we haven’t seen before. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said it best when he wrote, “this is a movie stitched together from other movies.” But it makes up for that with great production values and a “rock” solid cast. Blunt and Johnson take mediocre dialogue in a clumsy script and create chemistry nonetheless, a credit to their ability as performers.
If you’re looking for depth and sophistication, you’re in the wrong movie theatre. The movie is steeped in themes of Colonialism but makes no meaningful critique of the endeavour. The indigenous characters featured are offered up as either mysterious and magical or as comic relief. In both cases, they are relegated to the supporting cast. It is a missed opportunity for Disney.
THE LOWDOWN
Any time you are shooting in, around or near water it’s a challenge both technically and physically.
There is nothing in this business that wasn’t made harder because of water, and wouldn't you know...most of this movie takes place on a river. I can’t speak to filming in Hawaii, but Atlanta is known in showbiz as Hot-lanta.
A saving grace to a challenging film is having two leads who are professionals. Everyone I’ve ever met who has worked with Johnson says the same thing…he’s the best. Shows up early and is ready to work. On a challenging gig having strong and resilient talent leading the way can make all the difference to a crew.
THE JIST
Go see Jungle Cruise. It's a good escape from the turgid and disappointing marathon that the real world of 2020 and 2021 has brought us.
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