We think the new Disney ride movie Jungle Cruise is the best film based on a Disney theme park attraction since Pirates of the Caribbean first set sail. And that’s for all sorts of reasons, including pure good clean fun, surprising supernatural twists and puns…plenty of puns.
The story centers on the intrepid Dr. Lily Houghton (the sublime Emily Blunt) who sets out on a mission to find the legendary tree that can cure all mankind of whatever ails it. The tree, and it’s curative blossoms, are hidden in a cursed location in the Amazon.
Accompanied by her dandified brother (Jack Whitehall, the most openly gay character in a Disney family film yet) she engages dubious skipper Frank Wolff (our man Dwayne Johnson) to help her find the elusive cure-all. Along the way they must deal with villains, jungle beasts and otherworldly forces attempting to thwart the crew in their quest.
Take a look at the trailer:
So very much to unpack, and so much fun in the unpacking. Now check out the:
5 Things We Love About the New Disney Ride Movie Jungle Cruise
The chemistry
C’mon, are there two actors more popular, talented and beloved than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and the ever game Emily Blunt? While we know they’re happily partnered up with their own adorable spouses off screen, they still are totally believable as they go from foe to infatuated on screen.
The villains
There is no such thing as better casting than Paul Giamatti as a red faced and greedy jungle cruise fleet owner, and Jesse Plemons as a shrewd German prince who shows up on the Amazon river in a luxury submarine. The two are obviously having so much fun in their roles it can’t help but be contagious.
The puns
If you’ve ever gone on the Jungle Cruise ride at a Disney theme park, you know the skipper of your vessel is one big pack of puns. And while they may make you (and the tourists on Frank’s boat) groan and role their eyes, those of us with a somewhat less than sophisticated sense of humor are ROFL.
The family friendly good nature
There is no bad language, no realistic violence, certainly no sex, just all good, warm fuzzy fun here. It even has a lovable animal sidekick, as all our favorite family friendly Disney movies do. I can see why so many families will want to watch it on Disney+, because it’s a source of endless entertainment as the kids watch it over and over again, but it’s also a special one to watch in the theaters. There’s nothing like that big screen experience, and this will entertain both adults and children.
The Dole Whip
Okay, so there’s no Dole Whip anywhere to be found in the film, but it has brought attention to the frozen delight, which the Dole Food Company first introduced at Disneyland in 1986 as part of its sponsorship of the Enchanted Tiki Room, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Jungle Cruise. The treat has since achieved cult status, and the Dole Whip recipe was rarely found outside of Disney theme parks…until now.
In celebration of the release of Jungle Cruise, Dole has released the almost sacred Dole Whip recipe. Turns out it’s non-diary, gluten-free, only contains 120 calories and takes a mere 10 minutes to whip up at home. You’re welcome.
Dole Whip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe DOLE® pineapple, chopped and frozen
- 1 ripe DOLE® Banana, peeled and frozen
- 2-1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Cover; blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh pineapple. Serve immediately.
Note: For best results, freeze fruit in airtight containers.
Read our favorite review of Jungle Cruise here.
Click the titles to see five reasons why you should see other recent Disney movies, including Cruella, Black Widow, Mulan and Soul.
The comedy! The chemistry! The Dole Whip! These are but a few of the many things we love about the new Disney ride movie Jungle Cruise.