Diving into the depths of the jungle, the latest ‘Jumanji’ reboot is interactive, hilarious and packs a punch.
Delivering to the expectations of a new audience, this loved board game proves it’s just as dangerous in the virtual world.
Modernising a well-known brand was bound to cause trepidation in fans. Most people hold the 1995 blockbuster close to their childhood heart – especially when you remember Robin Williams and his unforgettable performance as Alan Parrish.
This reinvention worried a lot of people, for fear that we shouldn’t be touching the masterpieces and leaving them as they are.
But as these classics, like the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise, are injected with new perceptions and better cinematic effects, there was no doubt that the revival was bound to happen.
Hell, even the original ‘Jumanji’ left us in anticipation of a sequel, with its cliffhanger ending and the notorious drum beats.
The latest ‘Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle’ follows the story of four conventional kids and their journey through the game. As a very loose sequel to the original, the treacherous board game transforms itself into a '90s video game, sparking a new interest and grabbing the attention of its wanted players in a modern world.
What works in this movie is the contrasting personality traits of the characters.
As the teenagers are sucked into the game play they are presented as four typical avatars – the smouldering hero (Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson), the trusty side-kick (Kevin Hart), the kick-ass babe (Karen Gillan) and the nerdy professor (Jack Black). Combine these new personas with their original personalities – the school-nerd, the jock, the academic overachiever and the self-obsessed princess – and you have a very amusing re-imagination with stereotypical hilarity.
The combination of its all-star comedy powerhouses and inventive storyline, ensures ‘Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle’ avoids the pitfalls of many other video game adaptations.
The movie embraces the quirks of gameplay and pokes fun at certain components – like the skimpy female costuming, the confusing and repetitious NPC’s, the crucial character stats, the puzzle solving and cryptic clues and even the random cut-scenes.
While you’re watching the actors struggle to solve each level, you feel like you’re involved in every discovery as well. As we learn the new characters' strengths and weaknesses, we aren’t left struggling to connect. In fact, the performances are even more relatable as the underlying humanness shines through in this fictitious land.
Rounding out the ‘Jumanji’ brand, there’s a few nostalgic nods to the original that’ll keep the mega-fans entertained. Without wanting to spoil anything, it’s done quite simply and to effect, without going overboard.
‘Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle’ stands on its own two feet. It’s fun, childish and a pleasant surprise. Just like the intentions of the ‘Jumanji’ board game, this movie has the ability to grab you from the opening scene and not let go until the mystery is complete.
It’s definitely a bit of holiday fun during this festive season and worth the trip to the cinemas. Even if it’s just to see Jack Black as an Instagram-obsessed Queen Bee – one of the movie's highlights.
