Disney's Jungle Cruise Review

Disney's Jungle Cruise is currently available on digital, and will be on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on November 16.

Synopsis

Seeking an ancient tree with healing abilities, Dr. Lily Houghton and wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff team up for the adventure-of-a lifetime on Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a rollicking ride down the Amazon. Amidst danger and supernatural forces lurking in the jungle, secrets of the lost tree unfold as their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

We were able to get a screening to code to watch Disney's Jungle Cruise digitally, and we really enjoyed this wholesome adventure movie (warning - some spoilers ahead)!

My kids enjoyed the action-packed movie, which was full of thrilling scenes and lots of humor.

We watched Dr. Lily and Skipper Frank on their journey through the jungle to collect petals from the Tears of the Moon tree, which has the power to cure numerous human ailments.  

Of course, this is no easy feat, as there are scrupulous individuals who want the petals too.

 

One of my kid's favorite scenes involved submarine missiles during an exciting chase between "the good and bad guys."

The special effects were fantastic, and my youngest son was in awe when the Tears of the Moon tree bloomed into a beautiful, magical sight.

I personally enjoyed how the scripts and scenes were identical to what one would experience on the actual Jungle Cruise ride at Disney Parks (eg. the "back of water;" working in an orange juice factory, but getting "canned").  Johnson did a great job nailing the amiable skippers we'd encounter on the rides, and all of their corny jokes and puns.   

It's always a treat to watch Dwayne Johnson on screen, who grew up right here in Hawai`i, as well as the talented Emily Blunt.  

Jungle Cruise was funny and engaging, and definitely a film for the entire family to enjoy. 

Disney’s Jungle Cruise Bonus Features*

• Jungle Cruise Expedition Mode – Climb aboard a ramshackle tramp steamer (or your own couch) to learn fun facts, discover Easter eggs and catch some pop-up trivia throughout the movie.
• It’s A Jungle Out There: Making Jungle Cruise – Director Jaume Collet-Serra, the cast and crew discuss the importance of the film's elements, from casting to makeup to the use of an ancient indigenous language, in creating the world that honors one of Disneyland's most beloved rides.
• Dwayne And Emily: Undoubtedly Funny – Go on-set with the two stars, whose new-found friendship helped them project a natural onscreen chemistry. Although their characters challenge each other throughout the film, the actors make each other laugh. A lot!
• Creating The Amazon – Explore the cinematic artistry involved in creating the world of Jungle Cruise, including how Frank's boat coursed "dangerous" water in a tank in Atlanta, how a town was built in Kauai, and how a ferocious jaguar came to life, among other amazing effects.
• Once A Skip, Always A Skip – Join a panel of "Skippers" at the Disneyland Resort as they reminisce about the rewards, challenges and surprises they’ve experienced while helming the world-famous Jungle Cruise attraction, and hear their advice to aspiring skippers everywhere!
• Outtakes – Step behind the scenes of the production to catch the cast in a series of flubs, falls, foibles -- and a whole lot of laughter.
• Deleted Scenes
  • MacGregor Drives The Boat
  • MacGregor Water Skis
  • Joachim And Nilo On The Dock
  • Frank Talks To Proxima & Lily's Nightmares
  • Sub Gets Stuck
  • Proxima Surprises MacGregor
  • Frank Gets The Cold Shoulder
  • Trader Sam And Lily Walk In The Jungle
  • MacGregor And Trader Sam Say Goodbye
  • Frank Makes Tea For Lily
  • The Backside Of Water

*bonus features vary by product and retailer