Jungle Cruise Meets Pirates of the Caribbean

What do you get when you combine stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Paul Giamatti, with exotic locales, stylish graphics, and a storyline line that is based on Disneyland's iconic Jungle Cruise attraction? In this case, you get one giant, glitzy, mess of a movie that's not sure what it wants to be. Is it Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, or Romancing the Stone with shades of Avatar thrown in for good measure. It's all of the above. By the time the characters tell their backstory, any momentum and opportunity were lost. After Skippy's big monologue, I turned to my wife and said, "Do you even care anymore (about the characters and the story)"? We both laughed. I'm so glad we waited for it to appear on Disney+. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Remembering Mary Poppins

Let's not forget Mary Poppins- in the UK Showcase at Epcot! Doesn't Walt Disney's epic, awesome, totally supercalifragilisticexpialidocious film deserve an attraction? Of course! Whether you're a bigger fan of Julie Andrews, Emily Blunt, or both, wouldn't you love to go on an adventure down Cherry Tree Lane? Oh, the music! Oh the magic! Oh, for the love of Dick Van Dyke- get something built that's worthy of the name- and do it now. Imagineer Zach Riddley, do you hear us?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

A New Month and a Jungle Cruise Poster

It's August- and who can believe it? The premier of the new movie based on Walt Disney's Jungle Cruise had park guests excited- especially those who were able to board with the films two main stars as their skippers, Dwayne Johnson aka "The Rock" and Emily Blunt. The photos of the event were great, but as a Disney park geek, it's the new-ish looking Adventureland attraction poster I'm excited about getting in high quality. In the meantime, Tokyo Disneyland's new one is pretty sweet! Jungle Cruise Wildlife Expeditions is a brand new idea from those before it. The ride itself features some incredible special effects now, making it even more different than the Disneyland original or that in Hong Kong Disneyland. One day, if and when Japan opens up, I hope to see it!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Will the Jungle Cruise Movie Affect the Park Attractions?

Take one part Indiana Jones and a classic Disney attraction, The Jungle Cruise, and turn it into a movie. This looks like the best of both worlds! Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in what could be a very fun summer blockbuster. The poster is terrific!

The logo is darned cool!

What will happen to the classic Disney attractions if the movie is a smash? You can bet the IP loving suits will ass some changes to the rides just as they eventually did with Pirates of the Caribbean when Johnny Depp turned the ride into a cash printing movie franchise. 

The Jungle Cruise was planned for the Paris park.

Pending the success of the film, especially if it is successful in the  international markets, will pave the way for an Adventureland expansion in Disneyland Paris. As you can see from the early promotional map above, the Jungle Cruise was once intended for the French park. Alongside a glimmering (or should I say grimy?) new Indiana Jones Adventure - also planned- the cruise would pack a powerful punch and bring crowds to a largely neglected area of the park.

The boat bears somewhat of a resemblance...

On the home front, both the Magic Kingdom version and the older, original, Disneyland version could benefit from higher grade Audio-Animatronics as a fresh storyline. It's not as if Walt's park hasn't seen changes made to this ride over the decades. It certainly has! I say if the changes are subtle and fun, adding a new bit of thrill, count me in.

Greg Maletic's beautiful interpretation of an Indy attraction

with a Jungle Cruise sort of flavor.

Are you ready for a new Jungle Cruise?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Time to Trip A Little Light Fantastic

Reading the news just brings me down, down, down. This world and all its troubles, oh my. Things are going from bad to worse, and no politician or political party will get us out of it. Each group's makes statements that irritate the other, driving the division deeper between us. Lord Jesus, have mercy on us! 

So, until then, it's time to Trip A Little Light Fantastic. This sweet upbeat tune from Mary Poppins Returns brightens a dark day.

I'm growing to like this sequel and its soundtrack more and more.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Mary Poppins Returns is a Worthy Film On Its Own

Straight to the point: I'm definitely a Mary Poppins purist, but there's absolutely nothing that should stop you from seeing the new film and even less to stop you from fully enjoying it. Yes, it's that good.

How does Emily Blunt compare to Julie Andrews? That is the question on everyone's mind when it comes to discussing Mary Poppins Returns. Quite well, actually. When she acts, it's a solid and charming performance that keeps the movie buzzing along. Ah, but when she sings, Emily Blunt proves why no one else could have pulled off the feat of reinventing the role all the while honoring it. A delicate balance to be sure.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's sidekick Jack is perfectly cast. Jack gets as little backstory as Bert did in the original. No matter. He's there to add to the goodwill and fun, and he succeeds by complementing and not upstaging his co-star. He's a bright presence in a film that has many more darker moments than the original. When Miranda sings and dances, the magic is there. Trip A Little Light Fantastic is an instant classic, and I'm sure Disney Parks fans will be hearing it for decades to come. But it's not the most impactful dance number.

In an expected moment of sentimental brilliance wisely placed toward the end of the film, Dick Van Dyke temporarily steals the movie. Seeing him on the screen brought tears to my eyes. When I told my young grandson that same actor played Bert in the original and asked if he had recognized him, the response was priceless: "I didn't know it was him until I looked into his eyes." Not bad insight for a six year old.

Angela Lansbury's beautifully sung No Where to Go But Up was another lovely moment on screen, but it made me realize so there are so few people in the profession that can hold a candle to the artistry that came in a different time and place, a time when professionalism and class were more important than making a quick buck or a social statement. (On that note, there's none of the gay character silliness in a family film to worry about here. This is a film suitable for all ages without having to explain sexual preferences.)

The much talked about segments with Meryl Streep and Colin Firth   amounted to little. Streep should have been cut entirely from the film- she's obnoxious on screen (as well as off) here, adding nothing important to the story. On the other hand, Firth is unexpected in his role, adding villain to his impressive list of credits. 

The music from Mary Poppins Returns generally cannot compete with the original, maybe in 50 years, but it does many have bright spots. Composer Marc Shaiman does a fine job with the music, but some of the song lyrics written by Scott Wittman are not as easily sung or remembered as those in the 1964 film. Can You Imagine That? stands out as among the best of all the upbeat numbers and pop ballads with its slight snap, but The Place Where Lost Things Go is very sweet and reminds us that Mary Poppins can also be gentle when its needed. 

The Sherman Brothers - songwriters on the first film- were experts at making simple memorable and appealing. Maybe I'm just being tough on the soundtrack, but there's not as many here as memorable as the ones you remember from your youth. Yet, the songs grow on you the more you hear them- much as this film will!

The huge task before the filmmakers was to create a new classic without comparisons to the old. The film is a huge success on many levels, and it is worth seeing once even twice in the theaters. A film such as this doesn't come along all that often, and it deserves a large screen appreciate all the pleasures it offers. It will be a welcome addition to your DVD collection.

Mary Poppins Returns- in Time for an Epcot Attraction

Just this morning, Walt Disney Pictures released the full official trailer for their much anticipated film, Mary Poppins Returns. While no one will ever fill the shoes of Julie Andrews, I must say that the performance of Emily Blunt looks to be quite faithful to the original tone, and therefore quite charming. 

Seeing Mr. Dick Van Dyke dance is an emotional thrill, sure to be one of the highlights of the film! Can't wait to see it!

Could it be that the trailer gives some insight to a potential dark ride at the Epcot's U.K. pavilion? I'd like to think so, but it seems the suits may have decided on a simple flat ride, a carousel, to represent one of their best loved movies. 

Check out the above video! Should they change their minds and let the Imagineers run free with an attraction version that would look somewhat like that of Tony Baxter's, I'd be the first to say "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"

(Look here for an article.)

Lufthansa Film Festival

One of my favorite pleasures about flying is the journey itself. I just love takeoff, the food (really!), the solitude, and the chance to catch on on films I have missed over the year. This lengthy trip via Lufthansa offered quite a bit of time to catch up! So, here in no particular order, are mini-reviews of my on board screenings:

Avatar: Visually stunning even on the small screen. Creative idea but not Oscar worthy in any acting category.

It's Complicated: Meryl Streep plays another heroine in Nancy Meyer's fantasy film for every older woman ever left behind for a younger hottie. Not nearly as clever as What Women Want or even The Holiday, but an enjoyable way to pass the time. Alec Baldwin is well cast in a slimey way, with Steve Martin being the man you root for.

Up in the Air: I'll admit a bit of prejudice- I don't like George Clooney and his smug "I'm better looking and smarter than you" demeanor. But, dang it, he is excellent in this film. His corporate ax man learns to grow up- but it's his co-star Vera Farmiga who steals the film as someone who plays his game much better than he. This is a thinking man's film every businessman should see.

Leap Year: Once I got past the reality that male lead Matthew Goode closely resembles one of my Caribou Coffee barista's, I really enjoyed this flick for what it is- a fresh, sharp witted take on the old classic romantic comedy. Amy Adams does a fine job and is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses. Coq au vin, anyone?

The Young Victoria: Honestly, British period films are not my cup of tea- pardon the pun. That said, the beautiful Emily Blunt made this movie watchable and likeable. Quite an accomplishment.

Can't wait for another Lufthansa flight to enjoy the service!