Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Dir: Jake Kasdan
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas,
Bobby Cannavale
When it was first announced that Jumanji would be getting a sequel, many people
cringed at the thought it'd be nothing more than a cheap cash grab but as it turns out,
it's a pretty fun movie.
Taking place right after the last movie, four awkward teens get sent to detention
where they stumble upon an old video game and get sucked into it. They soon realize
that they don't have to play the game as their avatar version of themselves, they
must survive too. They are sent out on a quest to return a cursed gem known as the
"Jaguar's Eye" to it's rightful place on the island's giant jaguar state perservering
though many levels and all terrains. The teens in their new bodies must work
together before it's too late.
Each member has their own personality. Johnson spoofs himself as a geeky teen in
a beefy man's body while Jack Black character was absolutely hilarious as a girly
girl trapped in a overweight man's body. Gillan's character Ruby is clearly based
off of Lara Croft as shown to be scantily clad. Kevin Hart is his usual funny self
playing a zoologist with a weakness for cake.
The Good: The cast play off each other quite well and humor never got old. The
running joke is that these great actors are playing against this trope. I appreciated
the nod to some of the classic movies like The Breakfast Club & The Goonies.
The Bad: At times, it felt rushed and superficial. While it tried to compare itself to
the original film, it fell painfully short. There were a couple crude scenes that may
not sit well with small children but older kids might find it funny instead.
Overall: While it felt like an unnecessary film, it did what it could and that is to
entertain and I was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out. It's the funnest
film of the holiday season and a stark contrast to the depressing Star Wars film
that's constantly getting attention. Rather than coming across as crass it doesn't
just respect Robin Williams legacy, it tastefully honors it.
Grade: B+ (8/10)
