Review of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) by Chris W — 06 Mar 2018

I am going to be completely honest with you......when I heard they were making a "Reboot" of the Robin williams Classic, "Jumanji" I wasn't on board with that; When Robin williams passed I felt that the magic and comedic aspect that went with the movie passed along with him. And while the movie became a cult classic the thought of a sequel, NEVERTHELESS a reboot with Dwayne "The Rock' Johnson and Kevin Hart was out of the question.

...I can admit when i'm wrong.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, is a somewhat 'Reboot' and moreso a Sequel to the 1995 Cult Classic starring the Late Robin williams and a teenage Kristin Dunst; set a year or two directly after the sequel we find that the game evolved with the times (cause who like board games anyways?) and four high school teenagers are caught in its web (or Drum snares) and are instantly sucked into the game itself where they have to play the game to LITERALLY survive the experience. The concept/story is simple enough but even a simple story needs good actors to carry it along and normally when you think of adventure stars Kevin hart and Jack black wouldn't be the names to pick out of a hat but along with Dwayne Johnson and Dr. Who/Guardians of the Galaxy star Karen Gilliam it evens the playing field in a way both funny as well as semi-heartwarming.

Jack Black playing a girl trapped in a man's body is interesting but funny all the same; while I wouldn't say he stole the show he did make this movie all the more funny. Kevin Hart as "Fridge/ZOOLOGIST" is basically kevin hart in this role. he plays pretty much the same characters as he does in other films but it works for this movie and teaming up once again with his partner in crime The Rock makes for some fun and lighthearted moments and some laugh out loud instances. Karen Gilliam as the awkward teenage girl turns badass is also a welcoming change to the group she's every bit a funny as the guys are and she works well along with the rock.

The movie takes ALOT of nods to the Animated show (yes there was an animated series in the 90s), and some call backs from the 1995 movie which was a nice easter eggs bringing the old with the new and while they do add these easter eggs the movie itself can also work as a stand along movie as well so you don't have to watch the original to gain understanding but if you want to SWEETENED the deal you can watch the original movie and watch this for an added effect.

The movie changes the rules making a board game into a video game; drawing out all the aspect of how video games are done. even the NPCs in the game act EXACTLY how an npc character acts (repeating the same lines, etc) they the actors play on it which makes it funny until its not. And while they do explain while Karen's Character is dressed skimpy some people (mostly SJWs) might not like her appearance.

The Main antagonist Bobby Cannavale (Van Pelt.....maybe related?) is very weak; he doesn't do much except be scary and make the story flow. I felt that he couldn't have done alot more but I don't know if the writing allowed much room for him to break out. The fifth player, played by Nick Jonas who's backstory I won't spoil it here is also a interesting change of pace. Even though he shows up much later in the movie he does bring a bit of the Robin williams-ish to the role; There were some creepy moments and some death scenes that won't settle for kids as well as some minor adult humor but still this movie works for both kids and adults.

In the end. This is a SURPRISINGLY very fun movie. This can work as a stand alone movie as well as a sequel; while the story is simple enough and the bad guy was very Marvel MCU weak the premise is very engaging and laugh out loud funny. Jumanji: Welcome to the jungle is a movie i'm glad I got to see and I would see again as well as the original....

Now if they can do a sequel to "Zathura" with the same four Teens and same four actors then you got my money!!

4 out of Five stars.

Chris W. Aka That black guy who reviews movies!!