Jumanji Jumps!

"Jumanji" is the cinematic presentation of Chris Van Allsburg's child's adventure book of the same name. Director Joe Johnston makes this film come alive in a way that enthralls the viewer and Johnston keeps the audience on the edges of their seats throughout. The vehicle that drives the story is an enchanted board game from which the novel and the film derives its title.

Two children Judy and Peter start the game, which they mysteriously discover. Judy is played by a rather young Kirsten Dunst. Together the children learn that playing the game unexpectedly opens a time portal to a chilling jungle universe where they meet Alan, an adult played by Robin Williams, who has been trapped inside the game since his childhood because freedom can only be gained by finishing the game. As you can imagine the complicated plot follows the dangerous course they are forced into taking to finish.

Johnston is aided considerably by the energetic performance of Robin Williams whose mile-a-minute delivery contributes to the fast pace of the film. The film led to a cartoon series that lasted two seasons. Its thrilling progress led later to the production of "Zathura" a similar story which is taken from another of Van Allsburg's children's adventure novels. I'd give this exciting family entertainment masterpiece high marks, and it's definitely one I'm keeping for our family collection!

Ever Talented Robin Williams Does Not Dissapont Here...

This movie is great if you like to venture off into the fantasy of movies, and escape the ho-hum reality of everyday life. The movie is based upon the self titled board game that is supposed to have mystical super-natural powers, and sucks Robin Williams into the games prison! He played the game as a child with his then girlfriend, played by the now grown-up Bonnie Hunt. Two children later (26 years later!) find this game up in the attic, dust it off, roll the dice~and AAL-YOU-KNOW-WHAT BREAKS LOOSE! Filled with amazing special effects for it's time, and stars a very young appearance by soon to be Spider Man's girlfriend, the beautiful Kirsten Dunst, who also plays a very good role in this film as well. I especially loved this movies safari type adventure, the monkeys were a riot! I give it "TWO THUMBS UP" rated 5 STARS*****

Fun Movie to Watch

Robin Williams place a boy who finds a game and one night with the girl he likes decides to play it. It is not a normal game and the boy gets sucked into it and the girl runs off. 30 years later a brother and sister find them game and start to play it, end up freeing the now grown up from the game. They all realize that they cant just stop playing the game, the have to finish it. Very fun movie and very action packed! Great cast and great special effects!

Not a bad turn from a book to a film

A lot of people do not know this film is actually based on a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's book by Chris Van Allsburg bearing the same name. The children's book has the same premise. What is startling about this book are the meticulous and incredible illustrations. It is what struck me (and the powers that be at the New York Times) about this book.

The book is amazing. Hands down. The monkeys and elephants are so life like - it's scary. The film adaptation is just as good. This is surprising because most film adaptations are awful. The (now dated) graphics are amazing and the animals are extremely life like.

The choice of Robin Williams in this role is impeccable. He is amazing, funny, and heart breaking all in one.

Of course, the film is chock full of information about animals and jungle vegetation which makes me insanely happy. (I have a hard time with mindless self indulgence.) Though some parts are a bit intense for kids, it is overall a great film and learning experience.

As an added treat, I would recommend reading the book to the little ones after family movie time is over. Ya know, to keep them stimulated and to descalate some of the scenes which may have been a bit scary.

jumanji

A movie for all ages. Funny, suspense, action. Robin Williams gives a wonderful performance (as always) You never know what is going to happen next. Robin & a girl (kids) play a game which comes alive and pulls Robin into the game board only to be released years later as a grown man, as a young boy and girl find the game a start to play it. They are chased by lions, monkeys, you name it. Until they win the game and everything goes back. Robin goes back to being a young boy and he and the girl get rid of the game. I highly recommend this movie