Director Jonathan Hensleigh, who made 2004's big-budget The Punisher (based on the Marvel Comics character), goes the micro-budget route in this Blair Witch-style thriller about four young Americans trekking into the wilds of New Guinea to investigate what happened to wealthy Michael Rockefeller, son of Nelson, who disappeared in real-life more than four decades ago and is rumored to still be living among the local (and cannibalistic) tribesmen. The fictional script follows two couples—compelled by the vague hope of riches—as they venture deep into the jungle, gradually come to suspect that they're being watched, and ultimately find some answers—all told through video footage that the characters supposedly shot during the journey. Both the publicity material and the cover artwork imply that Welcome to the Jungle is some sort of torture-porn bloodbath, but while the film features some gruesome violence towards the close, for the most part it's a dialogue-driven character piece. Unfortunately, the four characters here are so shallow and stereotypical that it's hard to muster much interest in their fate. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a director's commentary track, a “making-of” featurette, a deleted scene, and a trailer. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing thriller.] (F. Swietek)
Welcome to the Jungle
Weinstein, 82 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99, Nov. 13 Volume 23, Issue 1
Welcome to the Jungle
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