Rating: 3.5/5 River of Fun

The 2021 original was a delightful surprise—a charming adventure romp that captured the spirit of the classic ride. Jungle Cruise 2: Amazon Awakening reunites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for another trip down the river, and while the magic is slightly diminished, it’s still a fun ride.

The film finds Frank (Johnson) and Lily (Blunt) living a quiet life, running a small tour business and raising a family. But when an ancient Amazonian artifact is stolen from a museum and Lily’s brother is kidnapped in the process, the family must venture into the heart of the Amazon to recover it. Along the way, they encounter new threats: a rival explorer with a grudge, a tribe with a secret, and a mythical creature that guards the artifact.

Johnson and Blunt still have fantastic chemistry, trading banter and saving each other with ease. The Amazon setting is gorgeous, and the action sequences are creative (a boat chase through rapids is a highlight). However, the plot is predictable, and the new characters lack the charm of the original’s supporting cast.

The Verdict: A fun, family-friendly adventure that delivers exactly what it promises. It’s no Pirates of the Caribbean, but it’s a solid weekend watch.

Final Thought: The jungle called. It wants its sequel back.