Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

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)