Jungle Cruise

Those who have embarked on the eponymous Disney attraction will recognize some of the theme-park references and cheesy puns in Jungle Cruise, a derivative cinematic adaptation that doesn’t share the source material’s aptitude for concise storytelling.

Initially, it tries to bring back the elements of classic big-screen adventures like The African Queen or Romancing the Stone — tossing together some gallant derring-do, corny jokes, cultural caricatures, sexual tension, and cartoonish villains.

However, as its cat-and-mouse plot becomes waterlogged by supernatural twists, and the contrived peril morphs the film into another action-hero vehicle for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the emotional stakes remain docked.

Johnson plays Frank, a scheming Amazon riverboat captain circa 1916 whose dilapidated vessel reflects his financial state. But at least he has a pet cougar and a stream of wisecracks at the ready.

Frank keeps up appearances well enough to lure resilient British explorer Lily (Emily Blunt) and her smug and dismissive brother (Jack Whitehall) on board. Lily recently swiped a rare arrowhead from a stuffy London scientific society, and hopes to exploit its rumored connection to a rare cure-all tree that’s supposedly nearby.

As secrets are revealed, Lily begins to resent her slick-talking tour guide: “Is there a single thing about you that I can trust?” In turn, he calls her “Pants” because of her progressive wardrobe choice. There are sparks beneath the insults, of course.

Such bickering is set aside when their expedition is attacked by others seeking the same arrowhead, including a German prince (Jesse Plemons) and some Spanish conquistadors.

Johnson brings charisma and charm to his role when his character isn’t relegated to bumbling slapstick, and Blunt brings depth and a playful sense of mischief that elevate her to more than just an oblivious sidekick.

As directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (The Commuter) — whose next film is the upcoming Johnson superhero vehicle Black Adam — there are some highlights amid the effects-driven action sequences.

The screenplay struggles to muster much genuine intrigue, while the squabbling becomes tiresome. In particular, the final hour miscalculates its emphasis on discovery and plot resolution over breezy and elaborate set pieces.

Along the way, this Jungle Cruise — no doubt aiming to launch a Pirates of the Caribbean-style franchise — is more tedious than thrilling. The ride is a couple of hours shorter, yet still more fun.

Rated PG-13, 127 minutes.