It only takes a few minutes for Jungle Cruise to hit its stride as a throwback to the family-friendly action adventures that we just don’t get enough of anymore. The film is expertly led by Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, who are reluctant partners that take pleasure in upsetting the other. Throw in a search for the legendary Tree of Life, which could result in significant strides in medicine, and you’ve got plenty of stakes for all parties involved.
Johnson is fantastic in the lead role of Captain Frank Wolff. “Skipper” has a sharp wit (even if he prefers to tell dad jokes) and has an Amazon tour business inside the jungle, where he takes tourists on boat rides that are filled with planned events, not unlike the Disney ride the film is based upon. However, it’s his interactions with Blunt’s Dr. Lily Houghton that really make the film special. Without their chemistry, many of the comedic scenes could come off as forced and the action as dull, but they both thrive when on-screen together and elevate the script.
It’s not just the lead actors that give memorable performances in Jungle Cruise as Paul Giamatti shines as the harbormaster that antagonizes Frank early on. Giamatti isn’t given enough time to steal the film, but the acclaimed actor makes the most of every scene he’s in. Jack Whitehall is also a lot of fun as Lily’s younger brother turned ill-equipped assistant, who serves as an everyman that is way over his head compared to Lily’s Indiana Jones-esque adventurer mold. Additionally, the film sees strong performances from Jesse Plemons as the deranged German villain alongside Édgar Ramírez’s mysterious Aguirre, who both serve as solid foils that keep the plot moving forward.
The Tree of Life is just the first supernatural element that is introduced in Jungle Cruise and there are plenty of reveals as Blunt and Johnson go down the dangerous river in search of the sacred tree. While I mostly enjoyed these twists and the added lore they brought to the film, it’s likely to be the most divisive element in Disney’s adventure. Ultimately, it’s just extra background, and the core goal never changes, so even if these moments don’t land the rest of the film is still plenty enjoyable in its own right.
With strong performances by its two charismatic leads, memorable action sequences, hearty laughs, and even some surprising human drama, Jungle Cruise is the summer blockbuster you’ve been waiting for. Clocking in at just over two hours, the Jaume Collet-Serra directed-pic makes the most of its star-studded cast and never drags, which is an impressive feat in its own right. The chemistry between Blunt and Johnson makes the smallest of interactions enjoyable to take in and helps the larger story beats leave their mark on viewers. With it establishing a winning formula, this could easily be the start of a new franchise for Disney.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the film succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The reviewer was given access to a screener for our Jungle Cruise review.
