Say goodbye to those nice people on the dock as we head deep into the Jungle… Disney’s Jungle Cruise movie is a light-hearted new film that doesn’t take itself very seriously, just like the classic Disneyland attraction it is inspired by. While the film is far from perfect, it’s a refreshing break from reality and just the type of fantasy thrill ride that many may be craving at this moment in time.
El Capitan Opening Night
Any film is a bit more magical when you see it at the historic El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. We screened the film at a special D23 event on July 29th, just one day before the movie opened in theaters nationwide (also now streaming on Disney+ Premier Access). This was our first trip to a movie theater since the shutdowns of 2020, and what a glorious place to bask in the glow of the silver screen once again!
For this special D23 event, attendees were given vouchers for a small Dole Whip, a box of popcorn, soda, and a Jungle Cruise skipper hat.
Before the movie starts, guests can examine costumes from the movie placed in the theater balcony boxes. They’re not as close as previous movie exhibits, but it helps set the mood of the film, especially with dramatic lighting behind the displays.
At the screening, D23 attendees were visited by both the head of D23, Micheal Vargo, and also by Disney CEO Bob Chapek.
One of the things that makes the El Cap so special is the live performance from Rob Richards on the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe-organ before the show.
And you definitely don’t want to miss the fabulous curtain show that happens just as the movie begins. A magical little bonus.
More information on how you can see the Jungle Cruise movie at the El Capitain Theater.
Jungle Cruise Movie Review
Jungle Cruise is an original film that has been inspired by Disneyland’s opening day attraction of the same name. And while the World Famous Jungle Cruise attraction just turned 66 and had a major thematic reworking, the movie demonstrates that a good (or even terrible) pun can go a long way toward lightening the mood. Although it’s not entirely certain if Disney is hoping for another film franchise like they have with Pirates of the Caribbean, the new film takes many cues from that series. Disney’s Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt is now playing in theaters after a year-long delay.
Fans of the original ride will find solace that references to the attraction are abundant, right down to several jokes and groan-inducing puns lifted directly from the ride. Walt Disney Imagineering gets a special shout-out in the end credits too. References to Dr. Albert Falls, the Jungle Navigation Company, and Trader Sam can also be found, but not in any connective way that fans of the Society of Adventurers and Explorers (S.E.A.) (Disney’s own in-universe society that connects many theme park characters and rides together) might hope.
The film features the unlikely trio of Skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), who is a river guide who’s a bit down on his luck financially, the wealthy academic-turned-adventurer Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt), and her prissy brother McGregor (James Whitehall). Lily and McGregor get duped into hiring Frank for a dangerous expedition to search for a mystical flower that can cure all ailments and change medicine forever. All things considered, this isn’t a very convincing setup, but suspend your disbelief and go on the ride anyway. Since it isn’t an end-of-the-world situation like many action films, perhaps it’s for the best that the film takes place on a smaller scale to keep it light-hearted.
The first half of the movie is kooky but fun, with the star power keeping it entertaining. The film really hits its stride when Frank is giving river tours on the Amazon, directly pulling jokes and references from the Disneyland ride while not taking itself too seriously. But by the midpoint, the weight of strange plot points barely allows this boat to stay afloat. Things start getting too weird and out of hand for its own good, with the trio fighting off Prince Joaquim (Jesse Plemons) a Nazi in a submarine and a trio of cursed mystical conquistadors that look like they came right out of Davy Jones’ locker. Perhaps if there was a more poignant reason for Lily to be so determined to find the magic flower it would have helped explain why they don’t just turn around and go home.
The Jungle Cruise film is at its best when it takes direct inspiration from the Disneyland attraction and at its worst when it tries to be both Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones.
One thing that stood out to me was the fact that this movie is using jokes from the older version of the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland. With its recent overhaul, all aspects that portrayed native peoples were removed— headhunters, cannibals, even going as far to remove the figure of Trader Sam. It’s odd that Disney chose to redo the ride just in time to no longer be relevant to many of the jokes that are told in the movie. For example, Dwayne Johnson’s character says “Headhunter territory! A terrible place to be headed.” Unfortunately, that line can no longer be told in Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise as the natives have all been removed.
Disney’s Jungle Cruise movie may have a preposterous script, but it does make for a decent thrill ride of a night at the movies. It just goes to show that not every adventure movie needs to be serious to be fun. Plus, the score by James Newton Howard certainly keeps things lively.
We’d be curious to hear what you thought of the film and if you think elements of the movie should be added to the attraction.
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The Beginners Guide to Disney’s Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A)