Review of Jumanji (1995) by Renzo V — 15 Sep 2014

"A GAME FOR THOSE WHO SEEK TO FIND A WAY TO LEAVE THEIR WORLD BEHIND".

- 'Jumanji' is a 1995 adventure film directed by Joe Johnston (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Jurassic Park 3), based on the novel by Chris Allsburg. Pure nostalgia, as I remember seeing this movie in the theaters when I was a child. I still absolutely adore the spectacular effects and the loveable storyline about a boy who finds a mysterious board game. Perfect movie to watch with the entire family. Starring Robin Williams (Dead Poet Society, Mrs. Doubtfire), Bonnie Hunt (Beethoven, Cheeper by the Dozen), Jonathan Hyde (the Mummy, Anaconda), a young Kirsten Dunst (Spiderman trilogy, Melancholia)and Bradley Pierce (Man's Best Friend, The Borrowers). Roll the dice and unleash the excitement!

In 1969, a boy named Alan Parrish finds a mysterious board game on a construction site near the shoe factory of his father Sam (Hyde). That same evening Alan decides to run away from home after being bullied by some classmates. Just as he is ready to leave, the doorbell rings. It's Sarah, a girl from school, who returns his stolen bicycle. The two of them hear a strange drum noise and conclude that it's coming from the board game: Jumanji. When playing the game, Alan is sucked into it while Sarah is chased out of the house by enormous bats.

26 years later, Judy (Dunst) and Peter (Pierce) Shepherd move into the Parrish house with their aunt Nora after the death of their parents. They also hear the drum noise and discover that it's coming from the board game in the attic. While aunt Nora is away, the two children start to play. After gigantic mosquito's, a pack of troublesome monkey's and a hungry lion, they release Alan (Williams) who has been trapped in the game. To undue all the damage the game has caused, Alan, Judy and Peter will need to find Sarah (Hunt) to finish Jumanji.