I have been waiting for this movie since the teaser trailer came out in 2019. I was almost beginning to loose hope that it would ever be released (after being delayed twice) but what do you know, It finally did.
I have been very disappointed with Disney’s latest films, Raya and the last dragon, the live-action Mulan, and don’t even get me started on their stupid Disney+ remakes.
This movie was a pleasant surprise. Starring Dwayne(the Rock)Johnson and Emily Blunt, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and based on the Disneyland ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles (much like the Jaws attraction at universal studios.)
The movie is about Dr. Lily Houghton, a botanist in 1916 who thinks she’s discovered the path to an ancient tree that has the power to heal, a discovery she thinks will change the future of medicine. Lily is a feminist character but the film does a good job of not “man-hating.” Making this feminist theme a welcome one.
After her request to the ‘Royal Society’ to gain access to the arrowhead artifact she believes to be the key to the tree, is denied, Lily steals it, narrowly dodging the German prince Joachim(Jesse Plemons), who also seeks the tree to become immortal.
She, along with her brother McGregor (Jack Whitehall), hires Frank Wolff to take her down the Amazon in his ramshackle boat. Frank refuses until he recognizes the arrowhead.
The trio faces many dangers as Joachim is not far behind. And they soon come across cursed monster-like creatures (Edgar Ramirez) who also seek the tree.
I was very excited to watch a film about a botanist. You probably don’t know this but I wanted to become a botanist.
You fall in love with the characters right off the bat. Lily is so clever, and Frank is hilarious. I cannot get over the puns! I ship Lily and Frank so bad. The chemistry between the two was fantastic.
This movie was great! It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say that about a Disney film. The characters were good. The character arcs weren’t exactly moving but they were still there. It was the typical lesson on love and sacrifice, but again, it wasn’t moving. But, who said character arcs have to make you rethink your life choices?
All things considered, it was a well-written film. There’s really nothing for me to complain about. Bunt’s acting was amazing. I was surprised about her ability to portray fear so well until I remembered she starred in the horror film ‘a quiet place.’
The CGI wasn’t the most impressive I’ve seen, but it looked like what I would expect from a Disney film.
The story had two different groups of villains. I read a review where someone said they didn’t like this aspect, but I enjoyed it! You have the Germans as well as the Spanish zombies. If it was just one or the other I think it would be boring. It added so much depth to the story. It was different and I liked it. The stakes were always high, and there was never an absence of conflict. Always being aware that the bad guys were almost upon them.
One thing that I find weird is that the antagonist Joachim is based off of a historical figure who killed himself. I feel it would’ve been better if they made up a new character. Nobody would’ve questioned it. You might not think it’s a big deal, but personally it just doesn’t sit right with me.
The film gives off “Pirates of the Caribbean” vibes. It earns its PG-13 rating with lots of violence and fearful elements. If you have a fear of snakes this might not be the film for you… A zombie-like character is depicted with moving snakes under his skin. In a few scenes, he is cut open revealing more snakes underneath his skin. Multiple characters are attacked by these snakes.
There is a lot of killing for a Disney movie. Within the first five minutes of the movie, three men are shot. Overall lots of intense scenes, so I would recommend this movie to older kids. Any younger than eight or nine and I don’t think they would be interested much. Lots of jump scenes, which I always found very scary as a kid.
There is a little bit of innuendo here and there but it’s very mild. It’s a very funny movie. Lots of puns that were inspired by the ride itself. Fans of the Disney parks would really enjoy this aspect.
Overall, it’s a funny and moving film that the entire family will enjoy.
Thanks for reading! If you have seen this film I would love to hear your thoughts! What was your favorite pun?
Thanks a bunch!
ā Nerd
The Adventures of a Nerd. 
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