Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Jaume Collet – Serra, Walt Disney Pictures, PG 127 Minutes.
Disney’s thoroughly enjoyable fantasy adventure directed by filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra (‘The Commuter’) is based on the renowned riverboat ride at Disneyland’s theme park, except that this ride takes place in a jungle setting against a supernatural backdrop.
Set in WWI, Frank Wolff (‘Skyscraper’) is the witty skipper of a boat, taking tourists on jungle cruises after an opening sequence showing 16th century Spanish conquistadors in search of the mythical tree of life, Tears of the Moon.
At first the movie appears to be like the classic ‘African Queen’ as Frank is hired by English biologist Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt – ‘Adjustment Bureau’) and her bungling brother McGregor (Jack Whitehall – ‘Mother’s Day’) to take them down the Amazon River.
Having Frank’s prowess backing her, Lilly is determined to locate the healing power of the tree of life petals having stolen an ancient arrowhead from another interested party – the crazy German submarine commander, Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons – ‘The Post’).
As Frank’s boat sets sail with both passengers Lilly discovers that the jaguar Frank fought earlier was his pet Proxima and the maps found in his cabin discloses his real interest in finding the tree of life.
It is at this point that Frank explains to Lilly his connection with the Spanish conquistadors, the curse that has befallen him and his hope the healing petal will lift the curse.
In the meantime, Joachim has located the stone-like remnants of the Spanish conquistadors in the jungle and plans to restore both in their supernatural state to help retrieve the stolen arrowhead, unaware they are also after the healing petals.
In the midst of the mayhem around them it becomes a race for each of the proponents, Frank and Lilly, the Spanish conquistadors and Joachim, to be the first to reach the tree of life.
In Frank’s case it is the precious petal that will remove his curse and enable him to live a full life having found his love interest in the feisty Lilly.
Collet-Serra’s superbly directed production of a ‘Jungle Cruise’ is a highly-entertaining romantic adventure that is full of fun but also reminiscent of the enjoyable action scenes seen in the ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’
Apart from a clever plot, intertwined with its twists and turns, are the terrific performances of Blunt and Johnson which include their personal chemistry as exemplified by her calling him “Skippy” and he calling her “Pants.”
Besides the fascinating storyline, the splendid special effects and superb settings this is one movie not to be missed.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
