Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

When I saw new "Jumanji" movie is in the works and saw how does it look like, I was pretty irritated. I didn't see the need for it and couldn't possibly see it at the same quality and style as the first one. Expectations sank even lower when I found about the cast. And then, 2 years later, I finally watched and, surprise, it's fun. It isn't something that will make you rolling on the floor from laughing or make you cry, but it's an enjoyable ride, actors actually aren't bad and wooden, so you will find yourself grinning a lot, particularly at the male part of the cast, which is awesome, especially Kevin Hart. Watch it with a good friend or a loved one and enjoy. It's not a masterpiece, but it's not just a dumb Hollywood blockbuster either. 8/10

Four high school students serving after school detention discover an old cartridge video game in the school's storage area. It's called "Jumanji" and when they play it, the game sucks them into its world, where they each inhabit a different character: nerdy Spencer becomes Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), a musclebound action hero; football jock Fridge becomes diminutive sidekick Mouse (Kevin Hart); vacuous pretty girl Bethany becomes chubby middle-aged male scientist Prof. Oberon (Jack Black); and academically-driven Martha becomes Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) a sexy martial artist. The quartet learn that they have to complete the game to return to the real world and their real bodies, but they each only have 3 lives in the game; die 3 times in the game, and they die for real.

I saw the original Jumanji movie back in 1995 and liked it a great deal and I was therefore dreading how a reboot would taint the memory of the original. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The dichotomy of the characters in their real lives versus their in-game personas is funny and well exploited, and the conventions of video game storytelling and set-up are also lampooned with some wit. Johnson, Hart and Black are all performers who can be over the top, but the material calls for it here, and they all exceed, as does Gillan, especially during her hilariously awkward "seduction" scene. Even if some of the animal peril is blatantly more CGI cartoonery, it also fits with the videogame milieu. This strictly popcorn fare, but it isn't brainless, although it's a bit predictable. Still, it was much better than expected.

I will admit from the outset I was concerned about this. The original Jumanji is pretty incredible and I was worried that the use of The Rock may distract from the clever elements of the film. To The Rock's credit it doesn't. You clearly notice him in it but he doesn't overpower the film.

The sidekicks are a big part of the success here, it allows for more depth and humour to be spread across the film.

The should be proud of the effort here in building a new legacy and not diminishing the original.

Fun for all :)

This remake will never replace the original but it is still a terrific film for everyone to watch and really enjoy. I completely enjoyed watching this film. The storyline was adventurous and strong. The cast selection was truly remarkable. They committed and connected well to the storyline and to their respective characters. The chemistry between them was exceptional. It is always fun to see Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart working together. Anything can happen. This film and remake makes all viewers really think about how everyone plays and sees video games. It shows that they can bring people together. This is a fun and great film for all viewers and video game players to watch and truly enjoy.

This is such a dumb movie but honestly that's what makes it so great. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a fun movie that doesn't take itself seriously and it shows. Of course it's a twist on the original Jumanji movie that will never capture the same magic. But for everyone expecting it to be a giant flop, it ends up being pretty fun.

3.5/5. Above expectations.