Jungle Cruise Review

By ED MacAudio

Gorge yourself with a blissful experience yes, Disney did a fabulous job capturing a dark period in time when the adventurous Conquistadors lust for gold, and glory penetrated the wilds of the Amazon River basin. Although adventure is my thing, my imagination was transfixed on the relationship between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. These two powerhouse characters captured lighthearted optimism mixed with a dash of mournful glum as they twisted through a mildly romantic relationship resembling the curvature of the Amazon itself.

Here is what I am talking about, Jungle Cruise is a thrilling roller coaster ride which is funny and mesmerizing at the same time. So, grab a couple of boxes of popcorn and a few pounds of your favorite gummies, strap your body to the seat, adjust your cup holder, remember safe distancing, and get into the movie.

What makes this adventure amazing? Here it is, the skills of Director Jaume Collet-Serra. This outstanding film director better known for The Shallows, Unknown, and Orphan expanded the script, and weaved a bustling screen experience with ins and outs, ups and downs that are truly emotionally impactful. Here’s an example: The lively antics of Dwayne Johnson meshed with the frisky, bumbling, congenial actions of Emily Blunt create an interesting entanglement of events. Moreover, please keep a clear eye on the fearless heroics of Jack Whitehall, you will be amused.

Nevertheless, it would not be fair to spoil this gallant, tireless motion picture event but, Paul Giamatti’s nettlesome character gives Frank a run for the money with verbal assaults, malevolent thugs, and a bird. Perhaps, the Cockatoo should have taken center stage with a bit of foul language to add to the babble. Excuse me, don’t get me wrong, I love animals but, the bird must be seen to believe.

Disney is many things, but boring is not on the list. Cultivator of award-winning writers is at the top of the list. Michael Green, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa developed this sparkling screenplay for the world’s family to enjoy together. The most important thing: family experiencing this promising supernatural event at the same time with each other.

 I guarantee, you will not be tapping your fingers on your temple trying to figure out the plot. However, you will raise your eyebrows as Act 1 introduces the cast and outlines the story. Don’t worry, your cheeks will blush as you get comfortable wondering if Frank will get closer to Lily. You might think, could this be a love story in disguise by the middle of act 2.  

On the edge of my seat, Jesse Plemons character appeared to have the upper hand as he entered the jungle fearlessly, apparently fully aware of the mystery. Don’t worry, my drink needed a refill, and my gummies were half gone. Dashing to the food court, grabbing a second round of goodies, I made it back before all hell broke loose.

Another characteristic of this production: Surround sound, the music was mind blowing. James Newton-Howard composed emotional music to fit the journey of the cast. To get really into this experience, it is necessary to give credit to the producers as well, John Davis, Beau Flynn, John Fox, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. All of the elements worked together like melted hot butter on fresh, steaming popcorn. Just take a moment to feel the love dancing on your ear drums.

Overall, the cinematographer Flavio Martinez Labiano, created stunning, exemplary, visual experience for my eyes to taste. The eye candy which captured my mind and took me into the world of Jungle Cruise. Now, I need to charter a flight to the Amazon where I can see this beauty for myself.

And finally, it would not be fair to leave out the editor, Joel Negron who during postproduction pieced the A an B footage together to actually tell the story on the big screen. Bravo!  Could this experience by completed without casting? No!  The casting Directors, Katie Doyle, Tara Feidstein, Juan Pabil Rincon, Marisol Roncali and Mary Vernieu boldly stepped into this project and came up with a tireless cast which performed with mastery.

Inclosing, every time I sit through a film the overdose of gummies, and popcorn gets the best of me. Although I crave, I understand the power of theater. My mind is free to mingle in the land of make believe where Disney molds, fashions, and vigorously expresses the impossible. Awaking from the movie trance, wait a minute. Where did a park my car? Never mind, I think I took an Uber.

Till next time, thanks for reading,

ED MacAudio

Writer