Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in 'Jungle Cruise' Film Review

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This tongue-in-cheek film is filled with hilarious scenes and will have your kids quoting lines of dialogue for years to come. The novelty here, already widely commented on while the film was in production, is Disney’s first openly gay character, MacGregor. Leaving aside the outcry over the casting of an actor who identifies as heterosexual, Brit comedian Whitehall is a likable presence, even if his posh blathering makes him more of a familiar type than a distinctive character. MacGregor’s account to Frank of his bumpy family history, being disinherited after refusing various suitable marriage opportunities because his interest lay “elsewhere,” is played unambiguously. But his gradual transformation from stuffed shirt into plucky adventurer is strictly by-the-numbers.

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We see no blood, but given the blades involved, there’s no doubt as to the fates of these unfortunates. Someone nearly tumbles to her death during the melee, as well, but instead lands safely on a double-decker bus. Before diving into water, Lily strips down to her modest 1916-era skivvies.

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With the arrival of Zack Snyder's latest Rebel Moon chapter on Netflix, we rank every one of the director's films—from bad to, well, less bad—by Metascore. Like Vogon poetry, the plot of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” is mostly unintelligible and wants to beat you into submission. Manically directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, this latest derivation of a theme-park ride shoots for the fizzy fun of bygone romantic adventures like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981). That it misses has less to do with the heroic efforts of its female lead than with the glinting artifice of the entire enterprise. Family audiences looking for a lighthearted quest movie can’t go wrong with Onward. This animated Pixar classic follows the exploits of two brothers who are trying to complete a magic spell that will allow them to spend 24 hours with their late father.

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It wants to have your cannibal-natives cake and critique it too, at least in theory. Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies.

Explaining the News to Our Kids

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It opened along with the original Disneyland way back in 1955, and countless guests line up to experience its charm—the animatronic animals, the wisecracking captains, the “backside of water”—every year. And while it has undergone its share of revisions (redesigning the boats and stripping the scenery of some uncomfortably racist elements), the ride that 7-year-olds experience today isn’t that much different from the ride their parents might’ve loved decades before. The Tears themselves were a gift from the gods, it’s suggested, and Frank named his boat after the goddess of the moon (Quilla, an actual Incan deity). The history of the tears is filled with magical happenings and elements, too, including a very effective curse. Apart from that, though, there is little apparent hope of an afterlife, but rather eternal rest.

How Dwayne Johnson Wooed Emily Blunt for 'Jungle Cruise' — and Why She Ghosted Him

It never slows down long enough for viewers to get to know the characters, nor does it speed up enough to achieve a decent pace. Yes, the Tears of the Moon make a tantilizing bedtime story—one that Lily banks on being much more. But before this jungle cruise is over, she might be shedding a few tears of her own. Of all the longtime favorite rides of the Disneyland theme parks, the Jungle Cruise, introduced in 1955, is among the most enduringly captivating. Those central elements survive in Disney’s big-screen offshoot, though just barely, given the writers’ assiduous efforts to drown them in overplotting.

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But for him, he needs to be closer to someone to truly care for them—and he’s been looking for that connection for a while now. “One person to care about in this world—that’s enough for me.” Which is also a nice sentiment. Madcap adventure is given a comic twist in the cult classic The Princess Bride.

He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. The inspiration for Jungle Cruise isn’t found in ancient legend or turn-of-the-century storybook, but rather a ride—the beloved Jungle Cruise ride found at most Disney parks. If only the core charms that have given the Disneyland ride such longevity weren’t so smothered by overstuffed plot. Compared to other attempts to turn theme park attractions into fresh revenue streams, it’s not as lifeless as The Haunted Mansion or Tomorrowland.

Storyline

On The Zambezi Queen, off shore activities such as a water based game-drive, fishing and bird watching are available, as well as on shore activities such as getting up close and personal with local village life in Namibia. A cruise along the Kinabatangan River offers a glimpse into the unexplored and unique wildlife and rainforests of Borneo. The Kinabatangan River, which is the longest river in Sabah, provides a unique and rich ecosystem.

By the time Lily and fussbudget toff MacGregor reach the Brazilian port that will be their embarkation point, I was already growing restless. Though kids are the target demographic, anyone older is likely to spend a lot of time thinking about the superior films being ransacked here for ideas, among them Raiders of the Lost Ark, Romancing the Stone and The African Queen. But the Disney brand and the Rock factor should ensure a sizable audience. The supporting cast is stacked with overqualified character players.

Johnson can make nearly any character likable; here, Frank's silly, punny jokes are also a fun nod to the Disney ride's vibe. 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. Exploitation director Greg McLean chooses a numbingly middling approach to tell this true exploration story; the movie is too blunt to be sympathetic but also too careful to be thrilling. Even as Jungle begins with its most innocuous scenes, McLean adopts a short attention-span approach, cutting every couple of seconds and creating a monotonous rhythm, a blur of movements and events.

Paul Giamatti plays a gold-toothed, sunburned, cartoonishly “Italian” harbor master who delights at keeping Frank in debt. Edgar Ramirez is creepy and scary as a conquistador whose curse from centuries ago has trapped him in the jungle. Jesse Plemons plays the main baddie, Prince Joachim, who wants to filch the power of the petals for the Kaiser back in Germany (he's Belloq to the stars' Indy and Marion, trying to swipe the Ark).

There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. He and the animal wrestle in a bar for a bit (threatened by a nearby tarantula and scorpion, who just minutes before had been locked in an apparent fight-to-the-death). A couple of guys get whacked in their privates (momentarily disabling them). People comically run into various hard surfaces, knocking them down or, in one case, plunging from a zip line. People are bitten by snakes, and at least a couple seem to die from the bites. The movie opens in earnest in London, where a villain quickly and cartoonishly dispatches a number of bearded scientists.

He must be brave, too, living as he does in this little-explored jungle. Those petals would’ve been nice, given all the diseases that Conquistadors introduced to the New World, but no matter. Aguirre and his cohorts disappeared in those Brazilian jungles long ago, and the Tears of the Moon faded into barely remembered myth—a bedtime story for a few, perhaps, but nothing more.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Jungle Cruise Movie Review

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There’s a bunch of superfluous business with Nilo Nemolato (Paul Giamatti, with another shticky accent, plus a cockatoo), the commercial rival to whom he owes a bunch of money. But Lily is soon scammed into engaging Frank’s services, and they set off upriver on what could generously be called a rollicking, fantastical riff on Heart of Darkness. Some early humor comes from MacGregor packing like Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with trunk after trunk of toiletries and apparel for every occasion, most of which Frank tosses overboard. Meanwhile, Lily’s radical-for-the-era choice of pants is repeatedly emphasized to establish her feminist bona fides.

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The Different Jungle River Cruises Around the World

Acting awards are not in the cards for “Jungle Cruise,” though that’ll be no big whoop to preteens who manage to circumvent the film’s inexplicable PG-13 rating. Set in 1916, two years into World War I, the movie is built to distract young’uns with all-stops-out special effects. The Imagineers selected very specific plants that looked tropical, but were hardy enough to thrive in Florida winter weather that wasn’t quite as warm as in the real tropics. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks.

Sebastian Blunt

He tells Frank that he had to break the truth to a would-be female match that his “interests lie elsewhere,” and that he would’ve been disinherited and completely ostracized from society for “who I loved,” had it not been for Lily. This is the only reference to MacGregor’s sexual leanings, and it could sail over some younger viewers’ heads. Yet, the context of the conversation might make it more likely that those younger viewers will ask questions later. In flashback, we also see an indigenous group show great kindness to a handful of conquistadors. And we learn that at least one of those conquistadors sought out the Tears for a pretty good reason of his own. Still, Frank is roughly the size of a boat himself, which suggests he’s strong.

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jungle cruise common sense media

“Jungle Cruise” is made up of spare parts from better movies and at over two-hours in length, it’ll be tough on short attention spans. On the plus side, it is way better than “Haunted Mansion” and “Tomorrowland,” other Disney rides that morphed into movies. It’s all just an excuse for director Jaume Collet-Serra, who pitted Blake Lively against an angry shark in “The Shallows,” to lead Wolff and Houghton through a series of rousing perils. Houghton's brother doesn’t do much, though his coming-out to Frank would have raised eyebrows a century ago.

A Great Movie To Watch As a Family!

Fortunately, the film's tight construction and prolific action scenes carry it, and Blunt and Johnson do the irresistible force/immovable object dynamic well enough, swapping energies as the story demands. It turns out that Blunt’s tart apple crisp of a comic performance pairs nicely with Johnson’s beefcake served with a side of ham. The actress, especially, seems to thrive in playing the Hepburn to Johnson’s buffed-up Bogart. She calls him “Skippy.” He calls her “Pants.” (Because she wears pants, and is also a lady.) They can almost jointly convince you this is a cruise worth taking. The most pleasant surprise is that director Jaume Collet-Serra ("The Shallows") and a credited team of five, count 'em, writers have largely jettisoned the ride's mid-century American colonial snarkiness and casual racism (a tradition only recently eliminated). 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.

Real straw wouldn’t stand up to the heat, humidity, and rain so common in Florida. The queue for this attraction is filled with wonderful details that one would expect to need for a jungle expedition. Mysterious crates, old maps, lanterns, and silly signs give guests plenty to look at to pass the time in line.

The CGI is dicey, particularly on the larger jungle animals—was the production rushed, or were the artists just overworked? —and there are moments when everything seems so rubbery/plasticky that you seem to be watching the first film that was actually shot on location at Disney World. In the pantheon of Disney movies based on Disney theme park rides, "Jungle Cruise" is pretty good—leagues better than dreck like "Haunted Mansion," though not quite as satisfying as the original "Pirates of the Caribbean." Alternately, in much less time (eight minutes) and for no money at all, you could watch a video recording of said theme-park ride on YouTube. For Disney, Jungle Cruise is a thrill-ride of a film that will fill its coffers and keep viewers thinking of the titular theme park ride, which is now being refurbished to remove the egregious racism.

If you’re looking for adventure movies for kids, you can introduce them to Finding ‘Ohana, a story about siblings who set off on a treasure hunt in Hawaii and find more than they expect. Adventures of Tintin is a CGI animated film focusing on the adventures of the intrepid young reporter who stars in the European graphic novels. And, of course, the most outrageously funny adventure movie of all is Muppet Treasure Island, which provides manic fun (and some great music) for viewers of all ages.

The month ahead will bring new films from Alex Garland, Luca Guadagnino, Dev Patel, and more. To help you plan your moviegoing options, our editors have selected the most notable films releasing in April 2024, listed in alphabetical order. Not even Emily Blunt, doing her best Katharine Hepburn impression, can keep this leaky boat ride afloat.

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Unsurprisingly, given his track record, Plemons steals the film right out from under its leads. Walt Disney originally intended that the Jungle Cruise would include live exotic animals, but experts warned him that live animals wouldn’t always cooperate for guests’ viewing pleasure. Attractions with live animals wouldn’t materialize until 1998 with the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Times is committed to reviewing theatrical film releases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because moviegoing carries risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials.

This includes mangrove swamp estuaries, which are coastal wetlands, found in tropical and subtropical regions. For nature lovers, the wildlife in the lower reaches of the Kinabatangan River is acknowledged by experts to be the most diverse and accessible wildlife in all of Southeast Asia. Once you are off on your river cruise and floating down the Congo, there is half of a crashed Lockheed plane sitting off in the jungle.

The film boasts some delightfully hideous puns and stars a couple of charismatic Disney vets in Emily Blunt and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In addition, the movie has more content issues than you might expect. While its pretty innocuous when it comes to skin and sensuality, Jungle Cruise is surprisingly violent and pretty scary. And I’ve not seen so much drinking in a film designed for families since Bogey and Hepburn sailed up the Congo on the African Queen. But it does stamp Jungle Cruise with a “best buy” date, because what society values shifts as society itself does. The morals culture embraces today may feel retro and even embarrassing 40 years from now.

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If you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom during the Christmas season, the Jungle Cruise is transformed into the Jingle Cruise. As the story goes, the boat skippers are homesick around the holidays, so they added some holiday cheer to the jungle. Look for vintage seasonal decorations and signs around the queue area, a holiday radio music broadcast in the background, boats renamed with a holiday theme, and new jokes during your cruise.

What to Pack For an Alaskan Cruise in 2024: Your Complete Guide

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Overall, I recommend aiming to create a capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match throughout your cruise, with the addition of these clothing items that are a must for an Alaskan cruise. Keep in mind that any swimsuits or swim shorts aren’t likely to get much mileage anywhere besides the ship’s hot tub or pools. The best part about these boots for Alaska in winter is the fact the bottom is completely rubber like a rain boot. The bottom of these shoes for Alaska are made of rubber and the inside is lined with fluffy goodness and warmth to keep your feet cozy and dry. These shoes go well from walking around in the snow to going out to eat or out with friends.

Best Shoes And Boots For Alaska In Winter Or Summer

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I like that they come in a variety of women’s sizes from petite and long to wide. (The men’s version is sized by waist and inseam.) No matter the size, the fabric is thin, so it packs down to nothing in your suitcase. If only they gave out prizes for the most efficient packer. Style preferences aside, the lenses stand out for their clarity, detail, and of course UV protection.

Best Water-Friendly Flat for Alaska: Blondo Halo

A simple black wrap dress is perfect for a formal night, or even a Black Jumpsuit would look great and can be layered with any jacket or sweater. You can even go with a nice pair of black jeans and heels with a dressy top. I love traveling with these simple black heels because they go with everything from dresses to dress pants to jeans. If you board out of Seattle, it’s impossible to say what the weather will be like.

Not sure what to pack for your Alaskan Cruise?

We also hope that if you don’t already own quality boots for Alaska, you consider saving money and investing in a great pair so that you can enjoy your trip! Alaska is quite far to get to for most people so the last thing you want is to be cold and wet and to not enjoy your trip! With these suggestions, you are well on your way to having a wonderful visit to Alaska. Before you go, I recommend looking at your cruise itinerary to make sure you know what type of dress code you may have to follow.

They also provide sun protection and stretch, with the ability to roll the pant up into a capri, and in some cases, zip a piece off to convert into shorts -- that's two pairs of pants in one! Browse all men's and women's styles to find the right fit. Trade out your hiking shoes for comfy flats or dress sneakers. Jazz up casual, neutral-colored slacks (even jeans) or skirts with jackets or scarves. Start with thin, base-layer undergarments that won't bulk up your clothes and are comfortable even if the day turns out warmer than expected. The final layers of outerwear should be lightweight because you may need to stuff them in your backpack for half the day as the temperature rises.

I kept all our hats and gloves in one packing cube for easy access. I have worn my Merrell MOAB Waterproof (WP) many days in Alaska and have never had wet feet in spite of lots of rain. The Merrell arch supports and gripping soles were game changers for me.

best shoes for alaska cruise

I brought a few dresses and a pair of black pants that I could wear with different tops. You’ll want to pack short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, to wear under a fleece sweatshirt or hoodie. During my cruise, the temperature during the day was usually about 50F to 57F, so I almost always wore a lightweight puffer jacket as well. During your Alaska cruise, you might end up hiking the majestic snow-covered mountains so as to fully explore the rich Alaska culture. The Weekenders remind me of a classic canvas shoe with laces. While my husband likes his Weekenders, he was elated that he could replace the Vessi removable insoles with his custom orthotics to give him the extra arch support he needs.

Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket

Camera lenses are historically expensive, which is why this refurbished Canon telephoto lens for $175 is a great price. Of course, if you already own a camera from another company, like Sony, you might have to find one of their lenses, depending on what’s compatible. But if this Canon EF lens is the right fit — literally — you can expect it to be in excellent condition, boasting a smooth zoom and a way better shot of those eagles.

The result is a breathable, environmentally friendly, and utterly waterproof shoe. Vessi footwear differs from other brands because they don’t use a waterproof coating or liner. It was hard to find 100% waterproof shoes when researching the web. Most brands in North America advertise their runners as waterproof, but customers rated them only water repellent. Compact umbrella – We decided not to use one, but lots of people had them. Refillable water bottle – Great for on and off the ship especially if water isn’t included in your drink package.

If you’re going to be sloshing through lots of ice or water on an excursion, these types of boots will usually be provided for you. Are these the perfect travel shoes to take you from the beaches of the Caribbean to the rainforests of Central America? Now, don’t take my word for it, read the rave reviews from Vessi owners. Now, the sneakers aren’t meant to be completely submerged in water. But in Alaska, three of us stood in the gushing water of Nugget Falls at Mendenhall Glacier, and we came away with completely dry feet.

I hope you’ve found our Alaskan cruise packing list useful in determining both what to bring, and what to wear on an Alaska cruise. Here are a few comfort items I recommend adding to your Alaska cruise packing list. While I recommend warm, waterproof layers on Alaskan cruises year-round, you’ll need much heavier coats if cruising during October and April versus in July or August. And don’t forget to download my super amazing 5-page cruise planner.

You just never know what the weather will be like, and it’s drastically different in the towns then it is on the ship. You also have time on the ship, both relaxing and for dressier times like formal night. But if you are traveling on a budget, try this more affordable version. I loved this long-sleeved top that was both super soft and warm and stylish. It still looks cute and kept me warm enough to get from the hot tub to my room.

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With snow and freezing temps, finding the warmest winter boots for Alaska is a must. Below are some of the top reader-recommended boots for your cruise. Even if these aren’t normally on your packing list, bring them.

Keep it simple with this $24 BPA-free tumbler, available in five shades and featuring a snug sipping lid that will keep sloshing at bay. Hydro Flask guarantees that with its double-wall vacuum insulation, cold liquids will stay cold for up to 24 hours, while your hot chocolate will stay hot for up to six hours. The powder coat exterior is dishwasher safe and promises to remain grippy without chipping. Once you’re back home and dreaming about that time you went dogsledding in Alaska, the tapered tumbler should fit into the cup holder in your car. What you wear over your long (or regular) underwear is considered your insulating layer. Choose synthetic materials for their coziness but also their lightness.

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You packed all those clothing layers — now's the time to use them. The coldest part of your Alaska cruise will likely be while the ship cruises through can't-miss scenery. Your balcony may give you an edge over the folks in interior rooms, but you won't get a 360-degree vista unless you're out on the top deck.

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