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Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
(Columbia Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
The 1995 movie version of “Jumanji,” based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book starring the late Robin Williams was such a time capsule for the 1990s that the generation who first saw it still remembers it today. Now comes an unexpected surprise in the form of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” which attempts to bridge the gap between the nostalgia crowd and the current generation the same way the newest “Star Wars” films are.
It’s directed by Jake Kasdan, who seems perfect to create a fun adventure film, considering his father, Lawrence Kasdan, was the writer of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The movie begins when nerdy Spencer (Alex Wolff), jock Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), popular Bethany (Madison Iseman) and shy Martha (Morgan Turner) all have to serve detention together and are assigned to cleaning up the school basement. During the cleanup, they discover an old video game console with a game, “Jumanji,” attached to it. When they turn it on, all four of them are transported into the game’s jungle setting. Once there, they become the avatars they chose to play, including the very brave Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), weapons personnel Moose (Kevin Hart), portly Professor Shelly (Jack Black) and slim but strong Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan).
After being picked up by the kindly Dr. Nigel (Rhys Darby), he explains that they have to bring the fabled jewel of Jumanji that was stolen by the evil Van Pelt (Bobby Cannavale) to the mountainous jaguar and lift the jungle’s curse. Using their strengths and weaknesses, the foursome have to put aside their differences and work together to finish the game and return home. To do so, they not only have to return the jewel and evade Van Pelt’s lackeys but also get some help from a fifth player named Alex (Nick Jonas) who has been trapped in the game for 20 years.
It’s difficult to categorize this movie as a straightforward sequel, remake or reboot when it does something new with the concept and makes references to the original. But either way, it does a good job continuing what worked before while entering a different territory than what the original story brought. Fans of the original film will notice certain references that they’ll appreciate including a subtle tribute to Williams that works its way into one scene. It’s also a gamer’s movie that spoofs the ins and outs of playing video games and the logic that goes with it.
Those wanting to see this film as a fun action/adventure/comedy will not be disappointed by the end result. It has some good comedy plus a healthy dose of high-flying action in the spirit of the Indiana Jones films. Though kids will most likely have a great time, parents may not want them exposed to some of the more grown-up humor. The only thing wrong with the action scenes is that some of the animals do not look lifelike when rendered in CGI, making them look like they came from a Pixar or DreamWorks animated movie.
It’s very odd to see four talented actors acting like teens let alone for the sake of a video game setting, but they manage to pull off the charm and likability that is needed. Johnson is charismatic as usual, while he and Hart once again pull off that comic chemistry that was appealing in “Central Intelligence.” Black gets the most laughs in a hilarious performance and Gillan is great as an insecure character with wonderful kung-fu action. Cannavale is simply OK in what is ultimately a one-dimensionally written villainous role.
In the spirit of the season, it’s worth seeing “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on the big screen with the whole family. With the cold winter weather, it feels good to escape into a jungle world full of treacherous danger and hilarious fun that’ll excite you. Just roll the dice and take a chance.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for adventure action, suggestive content, and some language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (out of four)
