Review: Jungle

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Danger brings out plenty of the human spirit. When a life is threatened, the distance one would go to save others and survive is often surprising. From mothers lifting cars to save children to those lost in the woods surviving on nothing but a few drops of water, humans are harrowing creatures. That's why extreme survival films are so intriguing. People are compelling by others' insane feats. It's a shame, however, that the latest journey of human accomplishment in dire situations, Jungle, underwhelms.

Based on a true story, Jungle finds four friends tasked with surviving in the Bolivian jungle after an accident, this film attempts to blend thriller and adventure genres for something that never quite goes far enough to be interesting. Following the account of Yossi Ghinsberg, played in this film by Daniel Radcliffe (The Woman in Black), Jungle also stars Alex Russell (Chronicle) and Joel Jackson (Mother's Day Evil) as Ghinsberg's close friends, and Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong) as their mysterious tour guide.


Each of the men does a great deal of legwork to make the most of a pour script and shallow character development. Between Radcliffe's intricate accent and ability to convey he pains felt by Ghinsberg, and the perfectly acted out bickering of Russell and Jackson's supporting characters, you'd think these characters would feel more realistic. But, something simply doesn't connect. Each feels unreal and bland outside of their listed qualities. Then there's Kretschmann, who makes a valiant effort to be realistic, but comes off as pure fiction. He's a caricature of expedition guides, even wearing typical, costume-like attire.


One of the biggest disappointments in Jungle is its bland execution. With plenty of sequences that should induce gasps from the audiences, one would think the film would be more thrilling. But, in an effort one could only surmise as trying to stay realistic, the horrors of the Amazon feel timid. The adventure flick Jungle could have been and the horrific survival plot it should have had, all culminate into one missed opportunity. Sure, Jungle is visually stunning, but that's about it.


Jungle has flickers of inspiration. It does. But, it also never follows through with those, instead committing to a wide variety and plethora of minute mishaps like quicksand and animals scared off by a single burst of flames. All of this diffuses any tension built; creating a product that is less fantastic and more mediocre. 4 out 10.

Best in Show: Autumnal Scares (Pt. I of II)

Hear that? The fallen leaves crunching under your flip-flops? Well, that's the quickly changing season. Summer is nearly over and for many of us Labor Day is the nail in the coffin. School is back in session, hoodies become a necessity and pools become way too cold. In cinema, films have long used the seasons to set the tone of the movie; capturing the symbols of the time of year and drawing viewers in with those aspects. In fall, it’s often either a film related to Halloween or has plenty of falling leaves, grey skies and dim lighting to signify the months of September until late November. This week's list covers the most autumnal horror films that'll make the season change a little easier.

Note: As this film is more about the beginning of fall and not Halloween, movies explicitly related to the holiday will receive their own list later in the season.

10. Hollow 

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Dimly lit and grey all around, 2011's British import, Hollow, feels perfect for a night in surrounded by blankets. While never fully acknowledging the season - some characters wear shorts, while others opt for sweaters - there's something perpetually cool about the countryside in this film. While maybe not the strongest film, there are plenty of brief scares to instill fear and leave you unsettled. All of this complements autumn feelings as warm candles are placed throughout the film's night scenes giving it an orange glow that'll leave you craving pumpkin.





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9. My Soul to Take

Wes Craven's critically panned slasher film, My Soul to Take, may not have won over viewers and audiences, but its woodsy setting, constantly falling and sweatshirt-wearing students give the film an undeniable sense of September. Craven captures the setting of this film perfectly, and while perhaps some things could be improved on, there is a very clear sense for the time of the year it’s meant to take place during. Letterman jackets abound, My Soul to Take is like the football game-reminder that the change of seasons is upon us.


8. House at the End of the Street 

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Spooky to some, terrible for others; this is the space where we find films like House at the End of the Street. While many would argue there's plenty to pull from this twisted mystery-thriller, others would argue that its best meant unwatched. However, disregarding the films quality, this movie will definitely make you ready for the changing season. Whether Jennifer Lawrence's character is taking long walks home or peering into the woods around her house, the dampness of the movie and the fact that she's beginning classes at a new school all lend themselves to a feeling of fall.

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7. It Follows

Between beaches and a few scenes in a pool, it may be possible to confuse It Follows as a summer set movie. But, as if it took place during Labor Day itself, viewers will notice the cool lighting and colors, flannel-adorning characters and general sense of summers end. It's impossible to mistake: It Follows is a tale that comes with the fall. This movie seems like the perfect lead in to the season of changing leaves and long pants. The hues and lighting, the crispness of the atmosphere and the scenes taking place in the school all make for an experience that'll undeniably set you in the mood for pumpkins lattes and scarves. You know, if you're into that sort of thing.

6. The Woman in Black 

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Maybe meant more for the future Halloween movie list, maybe not. But, The Woman in Black includes everything you could think of from nostalgic autumn weather. Dark hues, cooling weather and period clothing reminiscent of fall, This film, like many time period pieces before it, has an air of nostalgia that just about anyone can connect with; whether or not you were alive. And, what works in tandem together better than reminiscing and fall? Nothing. That's the answer. While Christmas brings the thoughts of joys of Christmas past, autumn often brings such nostalgia of coziness and sweaters that it’s impossible to ignore.