Jungle Cruise Parent Review written by the Elf on 7/30/2021. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. The Stars Beneath our Feet Discussion Questions and book review
Know Before You Watch the Jungle Cruise Movie
Movie: Jungle Cruise
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Family Action Adventure Movie
Length: 2 hrs. 15 mins.
Age suggested: 9+ (If they can handle Pirates, they can handle this one)
Release Date: July 30th, 2021
Where to Watch Jungle Cruise: It’s streaming on Disney Plus now with Premiere Access ($30), or in theaters as of July 29th. Jungle Cruise will stream on Disney Plus for all subscribers on November 12th,
Warnings: The movie is rated PG-13 for violence, mild language, and scary scenes. There are some intense action sequences, a heap of violence (shooting, punching, strangling, etc.), and minor alcohol references. There’s also a fair amount of language you probably would not want your kids repeating and a lot of manipulative lying. It’s still a good family action movie.
Quick Jungle Cruise Summary (No Spoilers)
Lily Houghton is on an epic quest to save the world. But it’s hard to save the day when you’re being blown off by patriarchy and are the target of soldiers and supernatural enemies. Can Lily, her brother, MacGregor, and the Skipper finish the Jungle cruise of a lifetime? Or will their journey be thwarted by their greedy enemies?
This movie is based on the Disney ride. It is a super punny, family, action, adventure movie that is a fun summer watch. And while there are a lot of similarities to other family action movies, the Jungle Cruise movie sails its way through the adventure in its own unique way. It’s a fun end-of-summer movie. If it’s safe to see in the theater- that’s the funniest way to do it. But it’s also worth streaming for an end-of-summer family fun movie night (and cheaper to buy on Disney Plus than to see in the theater).
The movie has gotten a lot of flack from adults who don’t think it succeeded as a mix of action and comedy family movies. Or that it was unnecessarily violent or cheesy in too many places. But I don’t think you’ll get the same complaints from kids. We think it’s a fun summer movie that’s best enjoyed with the punniest people in your life.
Jungle Cruise Review: (May Contain Spoilers)
-Is Jungle Cruise appropriate?- *Light spoilers*
There is a lot in this movie that parents need to be aware of. Is the Jungle Cruise movie appropriate for younger kids? No, it’s really not. But your kiddos might be able to handle more intense action movies and if they can handle the first Disney movie based on a ride (Pirates), they should be able to handle this movie without a problem.
The movie has a lot of violence, but the thing I think is most concerning are the scary creatures and scenes. Maybe it’s because I’m super sleep-deprived and pretty wimpy about jump scares, but there were a couple of scenes that made me jump. The cursed soldiers are particularly creepy and gross.
The tiger gets drunk and there are other small references to alcohol/drugs.
Parents should also be aware that one of the main characters in the movie is gay and not accepted by local high society because of it. There are also characters that play an indigenous tribe in a not-so stereotypical way, but one that might still be offensive. Disney is working on fixing the ride to be more inclusive. You could also discuss why Lily was not accepted as a women scientist. A good opportunity for discussion about inclusion.
Personally, I would take some time to discuss the manipulative lying, but the violence and language were pretty typical for modern superhero/action PG-13 movies they’ve probably seen before.
–Why Watch the Jungle Cruise Movie-
It’s a punny adventure movie that will make both kids and adults laugh. And while there are a lot of predictable moments, there might even be a scene or two that has the adults on the edge of their seats too! It’s not a straight-action adventure movie like Indiana Jones, because there is also a lot of kid-oriented humor and story. The movie has gotten lots of flack from reviewers but we really enjoyed it. It’s a FUN watch.
-Plot/Story of the Jungle Cruise Movie-
The story drew from many great adventure movies but makes its own waves too. It’s a fun backstory to the ride. It helps Disney to be able to reinvent problematic places of the ride. Like where indigenous people are seen as the evil enemy attacking the visitors. More on that here. And while the story wasn’t terribly complex, there were still a lot of interesting elements and a handful of surprising moments.
-Characters in Jungle Cruise-
I loved Lily (Emily Blunt) and MacGregor’s (Jack Whitehall) sibling relationship!! And all three of the main characters had a good amount of growth throughout the movie. From Macgregor becoming braver to Lily and the Skipper learning to be vulnerable. In interviews Lily was often called a female Indiana Jones and I absolutely agree. She was a determined, kick butt and flawed character. Dwayne Johnson was the perfect pick for Frank the Skipper. What did you think of the characters and their development?
-Settings and Cinematagrophy in Jungle Cruise-
Most of the movie was filmed in Hawaii in 2018. The setting itself was just so beautiful and magical. The cinematography was really well done. The animated pieces really blended seamlessly into the movie. You would have never known that the actors were not being chased by a giant tiger or cursed monster soldier in real life. The soundtrack also really added to the overall effect. I did not see this in theaters but I wish I had because I’m sure it would have added to the Jungle Cruise experience.
Jungle Cruise Discussion Questions:
1) What was the funniest part of the movie to you?
2) Which character do you relate to, or that you wish you did, the most?
3) Why did Lily succeed where so many others had failed?
4) What’s the biggest adventure you’ve ever been on?
Jungle Cruise Themes to Discuss:
-Family
-Meaningful Experiences
-Life Adventures
-Manipulation vs Honesty
-Fear/ Learning New Things
-Doing the Wrong Things for the Right Reasons
-Relationships
-Leadership
-Travel
Thanks for checking out our parent review of the Jungle Cruise Movie! Before you go, check out these other posts:
-A funny summer watch, Dora and the Lost City of Gold
–Jumanji the Next Level discussion questions
-Lessons from the movie Raya and the Last Dragon, plus parent review and more.
-Parent review of the summer, animated, movie Luca
-Is the new Space Jam worth streaming?
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