Disney’s Jungle Cruise is a live-action film based off the popular Disneyland and Walt Disney World attraction. While the ride might be filled with punny jokes, is this movie just as safe for kids? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG-13 rating, in myJungle Cruise Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
JUNGLE CRUISE Parents Guide + Movie Review
Disney Studios has released its latest live-action film, Jungle Cruise! From the moment I first heard about this movie, I have been eagerly awaiting its release. Disney Parks enthusiasts will be happy to know that the movie will absolutely give you all those punny jokes you can’t help but love. Sure they’re corny and you might roll your eyes a bit, but that’s what makes the adventure even more fun! I couldn’t help but smile each time Skipper Frank (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), rattled off those lines! And incase you’re wondering…the eighth wonder of the world makes its appearance in this movie. If you know, you know.
However, while the popular Disney attraction takes you on a slow moving boat ride, this journey is a bit different. Jungle Cruise is an epic and thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Its action sequences will get your adrenaline running, and you’ll be anxiously waiting on the edge of your seat holding your breath to see what happens next.
Jungle Cruise isn’t your cheesy Adventureland attraction. The story features Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) and her brother MacGregor (Jack Whitehall), who are in search of a famous legend to find the tears of the moon. After hiring Frank as their skipper, they embark on a riveting voyage on a riverboat down the Amazon.
The Visuals
Disney’s Jungle Cruise is CGI HEAVY. There’s a lot going on, and for the most part, I think it works. Sure there are times when the special effects might look a little off or out of place, but overall it’s brilliantly done.
Several Nods to the Popular Disney Ride
From Trader Sam to the Jungle Skipper Canteen restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney enthusiasts will notice several nods to the popular theme park attraction. There are also a plethora of Easter eggs sprinkled throughout Jungle Cruise, so make sure you don’t blink! Of course my favorite acknowledgements are the pun-filled lines from Skipper Frank. They will keep you rolling with laughter. In fact, I felt that Frank’s opening scene was a love letter to the Jungle Cruise ride. He quoted pun after pun after pun from the attraction. It was perfect.
Is Jungle Cruise Kid-Friendly? Here’s Your Parents Guide:
Disney’s Jungle Cruise has an MPAA rating of PG-13 for sequences of adventure violence. It has a runtime of 2 hours 7 minutes. There is no scene after the credits, so don’t feel like you’ll miss something. From start to finish, this is one action-packed film. Does this make it too intense for kids? Which ages is Jungle Cruise suited for best? Let’s break down the thematic elements and take a closer look.
Language
Thankfully there isn’t too much to report in terms of bad language. While there is no profanity, words like “Hell” and “stupid” are used. There is also a hilarious punny quote where MacGregor says, “You can take your invitation, and you can shove it up your association.”
Violence
This is where the PG-13 rating comes into play, and rightfully so. There is A LOT of violence in Jungle Cruise — much more than I expected. Think of it being on par with stunts and exhilarating thrills like Indiana Jones and the dark and creepiness factor of Pirates of the Caribbean or The Mummy. Right from the opening scene there’s fighting. You will see spears, swords, guns, and explosions. You will witness people getting murdered, get stabbed, and shot. There are also jump scares a plenty. I personally jumped on more than one occasion. There is also a very creepiness factor involving the villains. Snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, and swarms of bees are also seen but in a disturbingly creepy way.
Mature Content
Viewers will see brief kissing and hear a few innuendos, which will more than likely go over the little ones heads. There is quite a bit of drinking alcohol as well as a drunk animal. One of the characters is openly gay, and although this scene is brief, it is recognized and that is important. Disney’s representation of the LGBTQ community does not go unnoticed.
Age Recommendation
I went to the theater to see Jungle Cruise with my husband, our two children (ages 7 & 11), our niece (age 11), and my Dad. It was a full multigenerational experience. While we all enjoyed the movie, my 7 year old said it was “just okay.” Honestly, I was really proud of him for sticking with it for the full duration — 2 hours 7 minutes is a LONG time for kids. He said a few parts scared him, “but not too bad.” However, he doesn’t want to watch it again. I know had we watched Jungle Cruise at home, he would have never lasted the entire movie. Because of this, I’m going to recommend Jungle Cruise for ages 10 and up. However, if your kids are easily frightened by grotesque creatures and don’t like to be scared, maybe have them sit this one out. As always, you know your children best!
Dwayne Johnson is Frank Wolff and Emily Blunt is Lily Houghton in Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE. Photo by Frank Masi. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SHOULD YOU SEE DISNEY CRUISE IN THEATERS OR PAY $29.99 ON DISNEY+ WITH PREMIER ACCESS?
Disney’s Jungle Cruise premiers simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier access for $29.99. Having seeing this movie on the big screen, I can tell you it’s absolutely worth it to do so. The special effects and cinematography were made for theaters. However,there is also the option to stream Jungle Cruise on Disney+ with Premier Access for $29.99. The beauty of having this option is you can take breaks if needed. Hello parents of young children.
Purchasing on Disney Plus allows you to watch the movie as many times as you like, as long as your Disney+ account remains active. This is not a one time rental. I honestly feel this price is a BARGAIN! I spent $70 on movie tickets alone, not including snacks and drinks. Granted, seeing it on the big screen is a special treat, but I love having the option of watching in the comfort of your home.
Overall Thoughts
Disney’s Jungle Cruise is one heck of a WILD RIDE! From start to finish, this film is an epic journey that will have you eager to hop on your own Jungle Cruise ASAP. From its pun-filled quotes to its charming characters and captivating storyline, this is the action-adventure movie of the summer!
DISNEY’S JUNGLE CRUISE SYNOPSIS
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.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS JUNGLE CRUISE PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. DISNEY JUNGLE CRUISE IS NOW IN THEATERS AND sailing ON DISNEY+!
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