Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ride-based adventure is fun, if predictable; peril, scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jungle Cruise
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Parents say that while some viewers found the movie funny and enjoyable, particularly praising the chemistry between the lead actors and its homage to the classic theme park ride, others criticized it for its complicated plot, excessive innuendo, and frightening scenes which may not suit younger children. Overall, reactions were polarized, with some deeming it a fun family adventure, while others labeled it as a disappointing and chaotic experience, with a few even expressing that younger kids may find it too scary.
- fun chemistry
- scary scenes
- excessive innuendo
- polarized reactions
- complicated plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 66 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Set in 1916, JUNGLE CRUISE opens with bold botanist Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) stealing an Amazonian arrowhead from an elite -- and anti-woman -- British explorers' club. The artifact is supposed to lead Houghton to a mysterious location on the Amazon River where legendary healing flowers bloom on an ancient tree. Lily and her brother, MacGregor (Jack Whitehall), head to the Amazon and hire brash skipper Frank Wolff (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) to guide them on the perilous river trip. Along the way, Lily and Frank must avoid not only the natural dangers of the Amazon but also a villainous German prince (Jesse Plemons) who's also searching for the tree, as well as a group of Spanish conquistadores who need the flower's petals to reverse their immortal curse.
Is It Any Good?
The irresistibly charming stars help make this adventurous, occasionally swashbuckling ride adaptation amusing, if not as memorable as The Mummy or Pirates of the Caribbean. Johnson can make nearly any character likable; here, Frank's silly, punny jokes are also a fun nod to the Disney ride's vibe. Blunt, likewise, is ideally cast as the pioneering Dr. Houghton. Lily bucks social mores of the time by having a job and a Ph.D., knowing how to defend herself, and even wearing trousers (Frank calls her "Pants"). She also has a refreshingly close relationship with her brother, who's posh and fussy but is still willing to follow her into murky, life-threatening situations. Other members of the cast are underused -- like Paul Giamatti as a local riverboat mogul and Edgar Ramirez as head conquistador Aguirre -- or they overact, like Plemons' caricature of a sociopathic German villain, Prince Joachim.
The movie's landscaping and production art are vibrant and immersive, and director Jaume Collet-Serra should be applauded for making sure to organically include themes of gender, class, and discrimination against the Amazonian natives -- without being preachy. Still, the movie's portrayal of those natives is a bit cringey, even if the movie course-corrects to subvert the same stereotypes it initially seems to be perpetuating. Luckily, Blunt and Johnson cheerfully elevate the story enough to make audiences gloss over some of the screenplay's missteps and enjoy the ride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the level of violence in Jungle Cruise. Does stylized or fantasy violence impact viewers differently than more realistic violence?
How do Lily's actions convey that she is both brave and smart? Do you consider her a role model? What character strengths does she demonstrate?
How is drinking depicted in the movie? Are there consequences for any character's drinking? Why does that matter?
Did you notice any stereotypes in the film? Why is the initial depiction of the Native Amazonians problematic? Is it excused by the fact that the tribe is in on the joke/plan?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 30, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2021
- Cast : Emily Blunt , Dwayne Johnson , Edgar Ramirez , Jack Whitehall
- Director : Jaume Collet-Serra
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of adventure violence
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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