The Backside of Water is the 8th Wonder of the World, But Is That Enough to Keep the Jungle Cruise Floating?

Are you ready to sail down the Amazon on the Jungle Cruise? Disney’s latest movie is set in the Amazon jungle and is based on the classic Magic Kingdom Adventureland attraction. My Disney Jungle Cruise Christian Movie Review will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about viewing this film with your children. Furthermore, if you would like to know how I conduct my reviews, visit My Movie Review Guidelines for this information.

If you have ever been to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, you have most likely ridden the tame and quirky Jungle Cruise. While this movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt is based on that ride, and there are certainly some elements and Easter eggs throughout the movie from the attraction, this film departs from the tame ride and morphs into a cross between an Indiana Jones movie complete with snakes, Pirates of the Caribbean movie with skulls and skeletons, and a hint of The African Queen, the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn that was the basis for much of the original attraction and was set in the World War I era.

Jungle Cruise Christian Movie Review Based on Magic Kingdom Ride

SYNOPSIS of the Movie:

Imagine taking a ride on a boat with goofy skippers who tell bad puns and jokes and navigate through the river around fake dangers. Jungle Cruise attraction is the inspiration for this movie. However, the story takes you much deeper into intrigue, danger, and murder in the year 1916. Moreover, you can still expect to hear the bad jokes from the iconic ride, such as the Eighth Wonder of the World – The Backside of Water!

From Disney: “Join fan favorites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. She is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank, and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.”

Researcher Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) enlists Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson), a boat captain, and his boat to guide her and her brother, MacGregor, down the Amazon to find a tree with healing abilities. The petals from this tree – Tears of the Moon – have the power to transform medicine.

Since Lily is a botanist, explorer, and artifact enthusiast, finding this tree has a special interest to her. Furthermore, she wants to follow in her father’s footsteps. Lily steals an Amazonian arrowhead from a British explorers club that bars women from their ranks. This arrowhead will help her find a mythical tree, but not without a boatload of peril and creepy cursed villains. Are Lily and MacGregor ready for danger, adventure, and intrigue that follows when they charter Frank’s boat to guide them into unexplored regions of the Amazon River?

Rating: PG-13 (some disturbing images and action sequences of adventure violence)

Run Time: 2 hours, 7 minutes

Dwayne Johnson says that the “Jungle Cruise” is about adventure and life and living a full life.” Johnson is also a producer on the film. He believes the “Jungle Cruise’ is an adventure: it’s fun, it’s magical, it’s mystical, it’s dangerous, it’s exciting.”

What Parents May Want to Know – Disney Jungle Cruise Christian Movie Review

THE GOOD Elements of Disney Jungle Cruise:

My family saw this Disney film in a movie theater and not on Disney Plus. This is an interesting movie. It is generally fast-paced and has as many twists and turns as the Amazon River that Frank and Lily are navigating. There are many surprises along the way that you don’t see coming. Things literally jump out at you, which makes for a suspenseful movie. However, along with suspense are some things parents may want to know before taking your children to see this movie.

Jungle Cruise Christian Movie Review: Content That May Be Objectionable:

Violence:

First, this movie is rated PG-13, which means that it is a little more intense than a movie made for kids. Furthermore, this movie has so many fight scenes and violent interactions that it is impossible to list them all. People are killed and injured. Additionally, there are skulls, skeletons, explosions, and intense action. Knives, swords, torpedoes, blow darts, and guns are thrown in for good measure!  Additionally, a German prince is navigating a submarine in the race to find the tree first, and he is bent on getting to the tree and claiming it for Germany!

Men are kicked or hit in the crotch several times. 

There is a scene where a man’s hands are placed on a gas burner. (I looked away)

In addition, people are hit with blow darts, and there is the threat of cannibals eating people.

A man is crushed with a falling boulder.

Language that May Be Objectionable:

There is one instance of the word sh-t, but it is said in German. H-ll is also spoken. God’s name is misused.

Additionally, there are numerous occasions that words are used to imply bodily functions such as “liquid fear,” and a man covers his crotch to signify that he peed himself. Another man says, “I warmed it for you,” to say that he peed in the river.

“If you believe in legends, you should believe in curses too.” Be aware that a significant storyline involves people being held in a curse and trying to escape from that curse.

“Take your invitation and shove it up your association.” The implication of this phrase is obvious.

“…they eat you and wear your eyes for beads.”

Sexual Content:  

A man talks about being gay. He never uses the word. However, he says, “my interests happily lie elsewhere,” when talking about women, and he goes on to explain in greater detail how he came out and that only his sister supported him.

The phrase, “Would you like to bit down on my stick” is said. The man who says this is holding a stick, but it is taken out of context by the person hearing it.

A woman strips to her 1916 long underwear. Since it is 1916, the underwear does not reveal much by today’s standards. In another scene, she is sitting with her leg exposed.

Other Content that Moms and Dads may want to Know About:

Remember that not every parent will object to the same things. What one parent is concerned about may not bother other moms and dads. Additionally, each child is unique and reacts to content differently. I try to list as much as I can so you can make an informed decision when viewing movies.

Frank’s boat, La Quila, translates to “goddess of the moon.” 

A man lies and deceives those around him throughout the entire movie. 

Several people vomit after navigating rapids. And even an animal is shown vomiting.

Alcohol is consumed throughout the movie. An animal drinks alcohol and later walks unsteadily. 

The theme of people being cursed and being trapped in the curse brings yucky characters to the screen. One man has half his head missing and is covered in bees and honey. Another man has snakes throughout his body. These are walking dead.

“Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?” from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). There are so many snakes in the movie that it reminded me of the snake pit from Indiana Jones. In one scene, a snake pops out of a man’s face! And there is also a tarantula and scorpion just to complete the dangerous animal trifecta. 

My Viewing Recommendations: Disney Jungle Cruise Christian Movie Review

This is a very intense movie. It is filled with action and suspense, adult themes, and creepy content. While overall I liked the movie, there were too many scenes that will scare small children or would be difficult to explain to children. I compare it to Indiana Jones films for a reason. It is very intense. For this reason, I would recommend this movie for ages 12 and up.

This movie has a PG-13 rating. Disney is trying to appease all audiences. The LGBTQ+ audience is demanding more inclusion. The conservative base is wanting more family-friendly Disney movies. I believe Disney is testing the waters. Will fans overlook a scene here or there? How much will the Christian audience accept? How much are you willing to accept? Can this be used to teach and educate? Only you can answer these questions for your family!

Teachable Moments:

While this film has many moments that can be used for teaching children or homeschooling content, it is not suitable for all ages. However, I like to include a few suggestions for parents to take advantage of teaching their children even if they are not homeschooling.

History and the Time Period:

First, and the most obvious, is the time period it is set in. The film opens in the year 1916. Notice the clothing and the luggage used. Additionally, society lacks modern-day conveniences. 

Another item to talk about is the fact that Lily chooses to wear pants, and that is odd for many people. Find out when women started to wear pants?

Research 1916. What was going on in the world? When did WWI start and end? Look at a map and see who had control of which countries. England, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, and other countries raced to gain control of more and more land. How did that affect the areas they were settling?

LOCATION of the Movie:

Look up the Amazon River on a map. How long is the Amazon River? What does Amazon mean? Research the animals of the Amazon River. What is the Amazon River dolphin?

While the movie begins in England, the majority of the movie takes place in South America. Research tribes of South America.

Consequences of Lying:

When you tell lies repeatedly, what happens? People tend not to believe you and then question everything you say. What does the Bible teach about telling the truth and lying? Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Do you know the Aesop Fable about the Boy Who Cried Wolf? Read it to your child and explain the meaning behind it.

Puns:

Talk about puns and make up some of your own. Watch a YouTube Video of the Disney Jungle Cruise attraction.

Watch The African Queen (1951) or read the original novel by C.S. Forester. This movie/book is set in WWI Africa. While watching the movie compare similarities and differences with the original movie versus the attraction and the Jungle Cruise movie.

Jungle Cruise Christian Movie Review: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

While in California and Florida, you will experience the Jungle Cruise in a counter-clockwise trip around the river. However, in Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong, Disneyland Jungle Cruise guests travel in a clockwise direction.

There is no Jungle Cruise in Disneyland Paris.

Oscar®-winning makeup designer Joel Harlow had to give insect bites, sunburn, body paint, tattoos, and piercings for over 400 characters. 

A 100 piece orchestra performs the music for this film. Furthermore, the Metallica song, “Nothing Else Matters was reimagined and played in two different scenes. The musical score was created to set a mood throughout the film. Pay special attention to the music when Frank and Lily appear onscreen together.

To watch more about the attraction, Jungle Cruise, tune into Disney+ Behind the Attraction. This series is produced by Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions. It explores attractions, and the first episode in the series shows how Walt Disney Imagineering created the magic behind the Jungle Cruise. While learning more about this 1955 opening day attraction in Disneyland you will watch actual footage of the transformation of California dry land into a jungle with a river, trees, and animals. Listen to Walt Disney Imagineers recall how they created and built this magical attraction. Additionally, you can find the Jungle Cruise in Walt Disney World, Florida since opening day 1971, Tokyo Disneyland since 1983, and a modified version called the Jungle River Cruise in Hong Kong Disney since 2005.

FUN FACTS:

Dwayne Johnson has a private gym called the Iron Paradise. Emily Blunt received an invitation to train there, and it is very rare to receive an invitation to Johnson’s private sanctuary.

Another fun fact, the 1951 classic film “The African Queen,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, was the inspiration for The Jungle Cruise ride. Humphrey Bogart played Charlie Allnut, and you can definitely see a nod to Charlie in the clothing and even some of the scenes with Dwayne Johnson.

Using two engines, the La Quila was able to obtain speeds of up to seven knots. That’s a little over eight miles per hour.

The following languages are heard in the Jungle Cruise movie: Old Spanish from the 16th century, Omagua, the language of the Tupi-Guarani family of southwestern Brazil, Italian, Portuguese, German, and English.

EASTER EGGS:

The name Dr. Albert Falls is on several crates. Furthermore, his name is said throughout the movie.

Schweitzer Falls is the waterfall in the Jungle Cruise in the Disney Parks. In fact, it is this very waterfall that is discovered by Dr. Albert Falls, the founder of the Jungle Navigation Company. This is the famous backside of water, and is mentioned in the movie.

Additionally, the skipper tells numerous puns during the movie that are heard on the Jungle Cruise attraction.

Furthermore, there are Easter Eggs from the movie that have been added to the Jungle Cruise attraction in Disneyland.

Is Trader Sam in the Movie?

Yes. However, in the movie Trader Sam is played by a woman.

Does the Movie have an end credits scene?

Unfortunately, there is no post-credit clip at the end of this movie.

Where was the Jungle Cruise Filmed?

In the theme parks, the Jungle Cruise attraction sails down the rivers of Asia, Africa, and South America. However, this Disney adventure movie was filmed in less exotic locations of Hawaii and Atlanta.

When will Jungle Cruise be free in the Disney+ Library?

Beginning on November 12, the Jungle Cruise will be available to all Disney+ subscribers without any additional fees. Up to that time, you can access it with a subscription to Disney+ and Premier Access for $29.99.

Will there be a Jungle Cruise 2?

While Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson exhibit onscreen chemistry, is that enough to warrant a sequel? There are reports that there have been discussions of a Jungle Cruise 2. However, I believe box office sales from the first movie will determine this. It does appear that this movie will underperform, and for this reason, I believe that if a sequel happens it will be released directly to Disney+.

CAST from Disney Jungle Cruise:

Captian Frank Wolff: Dwayne Johnson 

Dr. Lily Houghton: Emily Blunt 

Aguirre: Edgar Ramírez 

MacGregor Houghton (Lily’s Brother): Jack Whitehall 

Prince Joachim: Jesse Plemons 

Nilo: Paul Giamatti

Trader Sam: Veronica Falcon

Proxima: The jaguar – a CGI creation

Director:

Jaume Collet-Serra

Producers:

John Davis

John Fox 

Dwayne Johnson 

Hiram Garcia 

Dany Garcia 

Beau Flynn

Executive Producers:

Scott Sheldon 

Doug Merrifield

Story By:

John Norville 

Josh Goldstein 

Glenn Ficarra 

John Requa

Screenplay By:

Michael Green 

Glenn Ficarra 

John Requa

Quote from Director Jaume Collet-Serra: “The Jungle Cruise ride is a very famous and well-known ride. It’s one of the original rides at Disneyland, designed actually by Walt Disney. So it’s beloved by many people, not only because it’s been there for a long time, but because it’s one of the only rides that the whole family can enjoy together. You can bring a baby, and you can bring your grandma — so in a way, we wanted to make a film that reflected that. A film that the whole family could enjoy together — that was the starting point for us.”

Ride THE THEME PARK ATTRACTION: Disney’s Jungle Cruise set in Adventureland

This Disney Ride is set in Walt Disney World. The following YouTube video shows the entire ride and some of the queue. Additionally, it is a family-friendly channel. We invite you to follow our family’s Disney theme park adventures.

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