Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we review a live-action Disney film that was released back in the spring 1997, before that following summer gave us Disney films that consisted of the animated Hercules, and live-action films George Of The Jungle, and Air Bud. Not to mention that Disney seemed to have more creativity around this time period. Boy, let’s hope those return more frequently slowly, but surely. Anyway, today, let’s talk about this film that starred people like Tim Allen, Martin Short, newcomer at the time San Huntington, and a few others. Presenting to you all my review of 1997’s Jungle 2 Jungle.
Plot: When stock broker, and coffee businessman Michael Cromwell (Tim Allen) travels yo South America to have his ex-wife (JoBeth Williams) sign divorce papers before he gets married to someone else, he finds out that he has a 13-year-old son (Sam Huntington). After he reluctantly decides to take his son to his hometown of New York, the question remains, will father and son bond in New York, likely they briefly did in South America, and and can they do well with learning by each other’s cultures?
Well, I must say that, first of all, Tim Allen being the main star of this film, that really helped elevate this movie in terms of its comedy, and more. Same goes for Martin Short for any of the fewer scenes that he was in. Overall, this movie is hilarious from start to finish because of that. I mean, let’s face it, whether Tim Allen stars in sitcoms like Home Improvement, or Last Man Standing, or films like The Santa Clause, Wild Hogs, or this one, he knows how to bring out one of the best comedic performances. And he doesn’t even have to be crude, or have potentially creepy lines to do so. Man, if only Hollywood had more celebrities like him. Anyway, the relationships are also great, especially when it comes to developing the bond between Michael, and Mimi Siku. Same goes for Mimi Siku, and love interest Karen. Additionally, it was really great to have a film about people trying to understand each other’s cultures in terms of how they work. Yeah, we probably could use more films like that, wouldn’t you say? Oh, and another thing! It was also really cool how each of the creatures that we were introduced to at least in the South American portion of this film had names, including there being a spider named Matika, or an alligator being called Ukumo. Kind of makes you think of films like maybe The Jungle Book, or some story like that, you know? How ironic, considering both take place in the jungle at some point, eh? Michael Convertino’s score was beautifully orchestrated too. And, overall, director John Pasquin did an excellent job of making a well-crafted story.
Honestly, if there were any flaws, it would be that there were one, or two scenes that will thankfully fly over kid’s heads, but adults will understand those references. Basically, that scene, or scenes, were put in the film, and might have not been the best one to insert even in a live-action Disney film. Why? Well, because, let’s just say it might not have been a good scene for young kids to see even temporarily, and could have maybe border-lined along the appropriate, and inappropriate line.
And that’s my review for Jungle 2 Jungle. Besides a scene being inserted that wasn’t the best for kids, the movie is a delight from start to finish. Tim Allen is great, along with Martin Short, Sam Huntington, you name it. I would say that if you have Disney+, or have a library to check out movies at, then make a point to see Jungle 2 Jungle! You will have a great plenty of fun with this one. Well, if you haven’t see it yet, go out of your way to do so, and see what you think!
Final Rating: 9.5/10
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 