What won’t Disney remake? The studio, notable for its endless imagination, seems to have run out of ideas. Just this year alone, we have seen a “Dumbo” that never soars, an “Aladdin” whose rug resembled Lebowski‘s and a “Lion King” that couldn’t take its own advice: “Remember who you are.” With “Jungle Cruise” the studio has outdone themselves. They’ve, once again (looking at you, “Pirates of the Caribbean“) remade a theme park ride.
The trailer is a roller coaster of emotions. It’s promising to see charming presences Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in the leading roles. The two have smiles that could melt ice; as well as a distinct appeal when it comes to the box office (Blunt killed it as “Mary Poppins” while The Rock killed it while killing people in “Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw“). Their latest adventure is also notable for its plot. At D23 Expo, Dwayne announced that this quest for a healing tree has “romance, comedy, big action and, most importantly, it has me.” The trailer certainly has all of that. But will it be Disney’s healing tree?
READ MORE: Dwayne Johnson Squashes Feud With Vin Diesel & Teases ‘Fast & Furious’ Return
Despite the familiarity–“The African Queen” or “Romance of the Stone” anyone?– there’s a lot here that hints that it could be a throwback to the creative years. Anyone who’s ridden the classic “Jungle Cruise” ride remembers it as a swashbuckling splash. Complete with boat chases on a river, a colorful jungle, and abnormally large snakes, the movie takes a similar aesthetic appeal. Cinematographer Flavio Martinez Labiano, coming off “The Shallows,” has done it again.
Here’s the admittedly basic synopsis:
Based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles, but with a supernatural element.
Also on board is a fantastic cast. Aside from Johnson’s hero (Frank) and Blunt’s damsel-in-distress (Lily), there’s Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti, Edgar Ramirez, and Veronica Falcon. Whether all of this will help “Jungle Cruise” reminds viewers that Disney is “the most magical place on earth” is hard to say. What’s easy to assume, though, is that it will sell tickets, sell toys and sell rides. Our only hope is that it isn’t a sellout.
“Jungle Cruise” cruises into theaters July 24, 2020.
