MOVIE REVIEWS Kids: Jungle Cruise Parents: In The Heights

Unforgettable Ride

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

SELDOM DOES A MOVIE truly live up to the magnitude of hype associated with Disney’s Jungle Cruise, but I can attest that in this case, it really does. Inspired by the Disneyland ride and sticking firmly to the cinematic adventure formula, Jungle Cruise plunges into harrowing, nonstop action with its charismatic lead actors, who seem to be having a grand time. Seasoned director Jaume Collet-Serra, best known for his thriller films, matches perfectly with the spooky Amazon River mythology and the over-the-top stunts and special effects. The film also pays loving homage to the kitsch & bad puns of the Disneyland experience that made the actual Jungle Cruise so memorable. On the way to the Amazon, we meet underappreciated Dr. Lily Houghton and her ne’erdo-well brother, MacGregor, who seek the blossoms of the Tears of the Moon tree. Legend says that whoever gathers the blossoms can heal any disease and lift any curse, and an ancient arrowhead, stolen by Lily, will lead the way. Lily and MacGregor then stumble into Capt Frank’s ramshackled river tub with the hope that he can guide them into the jungle, but first, Lily and Frank strike a hard and expensive bargain. Of course, the fearless adventurers are pursued by several villains who also want the magic of the blossoms, and they narrowly escape deadly piranha, evil spirits, and fearsome headhunters. Some scenes could be too intense for younger viewers, so be warned. One of the film’s highlights, however, is a surprising, game-changing twist that makes Capt Frank an even more intriguing character and sets the stage, no doubt, for a sequel. Whether streaming at home or seated in the theatre, pass the popcorn and enjoy! Oh, and leave a little for Proxima the jaguar, an absolutely stunning CGI character who steals every scene he’s in.

JUNGLE CRUISE Walt Disney Pictures Rated: PG-13 In theatres & on Disney Plus

FOR the PARENTS

Mighty Dreams

IN THE HEIGHTS Warner Bros Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Streaming on Amazon

NO MATTER WHAT language you speak, In the Heights, the new musical from director Jon M. Chu will call to your heart and leave you humming at least one, if not many more, of its catchy, uplifting tunes. Told as a flashback, it’s the colorful story of young Usnavi de la Vega, who dreams of returning to the Dominican

Republic to resurrect his father’s beach cantina. Usnavi lives in

Manhattan’s Washington Heights and runs a corner bodega that’s the focal point for the diverse, impoverished neighborhood. Each new character searches for their “el suenito” or little dream: From a father and daughter struggling over college finances, to lovers separated by race, teens protesting the DACA controversy, the beauty shop owner forced to vacate, and finally to the grandmother “abuelita” who teaches the neighborhood about perseverance and sacrifice.

Although narratively it’s slightly predictable and the setbacks are temporary, each story highlights a facet of the immigrant experience underscored by incredible lyrics and fantastic choreography. Unlike musicals of the past, In the Heights brings the new Broadway style to the screen weaving hip-hop, rap, pop music, and traditional Latin lyricism into its cultural narrative for a bold cinematic experience.

Friends dream big.