Fans of classic Disneyland will enjoy this ride come to life, but others might be hoping for more action.
'Jungle Cruise' stars fan favourites Emily Blunt (Lily) and the Rock (Dwayne Johnson, playing boat captain Frank), along with Jack Whitehall (Lily’s brother McGregor) as adventurers seeking a flower that will bestow global health – an interesting twist on world peace in these pandemic times.
Set just before the first World War, Lily is a female version of Indiana Jones, locked out of London’s explorer society due to her sex. McGregor is her male public face, presenting her research and applying for funds on her behalf, while detesting adventure himself. In these characters Disney tries to push stereotype boundaries – while occasionally reinforcing them. McGregor, for example, comes out during a conversation with Frank. This is great, an openly gay character in a Disney children’s film! But a gay character who is effeminate and has a gag about packing way too many useless outfits. Hmm.
Similarly, Lily is fearless, smart and wears pants – PANTS! (this is a recurring theme in the film) – and similarly, a woman leads a local tribe, score one for female empowerment. But Lily ends up in a rather far-fetched romantic relationship with film hero Frank. There is a really awkward German stereotype front and centre too.
In general, 'Jungle Cruise' is the nice, calm ride of an over '60s voyage around Florida, rather than the feisty, anaconda-crocodile-and-pirates adventure one might hope for. It struggles too to identify its audience. Visually, and plot-wise, it is too grown up for little kids who would struggle to follow the story. But it is way too slow for the Marvel crowd of younger (and older!) teens or adults. There are some very raunchy jokes in there too, which worked for 'Shrek' as the littlies in the audience wouldn’t get them. But for a live action-adventure film with decaying bodies and zombies, the kids you’d take along would probably get the sexy gist.
'Jungle Cruise' is a fine film for a lazy Sunday afternoon – just think carefully about which little people you want to take along.
★★☆☆☆ ½.
'Jungle Cruise' is in cinemas 29 July.
