TWO of the nicest people in Hollywood have united for the most recent Disney romp in the jungle – Jungle Cruise.
Indiana Jones meets Pirates of the Caribbean in this 1930s adventure to confront a centuries-old curse.
Join fan favourites Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime – a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton.
You’ll know Blunt from the A Quiet Place films, the Devil Wears Prada, Mary Poppins and from just generally being a gem, and unless you’ve been sitting under a ‘Rock’ (get it?) you will know professional wrestler Johnson’s work.
He seems omnipresent at this point, but you will have seen his face in Jumanji and Baywatch, while he gave his voice to demigod Maui in Moana.
The film sees Blunt’s character, Dr Houghton, travel from England to the Amazon jungle and enlist Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat.
Blunt and Johnson make an unlikely yet delightful pairing as they fight to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities and the potential to change the future of medicine.
And in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest, mainly a surprise awaits. The stakes get increasingly higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and humankind’s—hangs in the balance.
Other stars include British comedian Jack Whitehall who plays Dr Houghton’s younger brother McGregor, while Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti features as a crusty harbourmaster who manages the port where Frank docks his boat.
Cesar-award winning Edgar Ramirez plays a deadly mercenary hired to guide a rival expedition to the Tree, while Jesse Plemons plays Prince Joachim, a deranged and ambitious German aristocrat who finances and leads a military expedition to the Tree.
Through this character particularly, the film touches on deeper themes of protecting the natural world from the money hungry, Jeff Bezos/Elon Musk-esque Prince and his cronies.
And on the way the trio of the Houghton siblings and Frank must battle everything from wild beasts to the hot and humid environment.
This exhilarating ride from director Jaume Collet-Serra, executive producers Scott Sheldon and Doug Merrifield and writers Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, brings a stunning world to life at a time when many of us desperately need to escape.
The film celebrates diversity, adventure and friendship with a valuable message of protecting this planet.
Swan Hill Showbiz Cinemas are pumped for a return to service and this fun flick will be available for theatrical release from July 29.
Whether you’re a family with children aged eight and above or a Disney-obsessed adult, Jungle Cruise is sure to be a welcome treat after the eased restrictions.
