The film puts identity front and center, with a female lead who is portrayed as endlessly competent and a male sidekick who is largely comic relief. While entertaining, some viewers could interpret character dynamics and casting choices as prioritizing representation over story. However, at least there's a sense of adventure and humor reminiscent of classic Disney action.

Jungle Cruise leans into modern values by subverting traditional gender roles and downplaying classic family or masculine archetypes. There’s also a notable focus on progressive themes, especially with the inclusion of a gay side character. This approach tends to overshadow more traditional cultural values.

The film rarely gives airtime to non-progressive perspectives; classic tropes are often lampooned or used as punchlines. Any character representing traditional views is either villainous or comic. Alternative worldviews are largely absent or not handled with nuance, modern ideology reigns supreme from start to finish.