Episode 02
In this episode we investigate Disney’s new adventure film Jungle Cruise, starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Hoping to copy the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Disney’s latest attempt to turn a theme park attraction into a blockbuster movie tries to sidestep some of the ride’s more racist history but still leans on tropes of exoticism and colonial adventurism. We also discuss Disney’s baffling choice to include a series of gay jokes in the movie. Two guests join host Jonathan McIntosh for this conversation: professor of literature and culture Felicia Lopez and professor of law Carl Williams.
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About the podcast
Just like our video essays on YouTube, this podcast series offers a critical look at the meaning and messages embedded in movies, tv shows, and video games. New episodes are published once a month and feature in-depth discussion covering a range of sociopolitical issues including representations of race and masculinity.
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All multimedia clips included in this podcast constitute a ‘fair use’ of any copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of U.S. Copyright law, which allows for criticism, comment, and scholarship. Learn more about fair use via New Media Rights!
Show credits
Audio production: Jonathan McIntosh
Intro music: Simon Stålenhag
Outro music: Rick Lopez
