Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) Movie Review

Jumanji Official Poster

Ever wondered what it would be like to have Dwayne Johnson act as an insecure teenage boy, amazed by his huge muscle mass? No? What about seeing Jack Black portraying a popular, Instagram-addicted and, perhaps, short-sighted girl? Still a negative answer? Well, too bad, because this Jumanji reboot shows us all of the listed above whilst putting a fresh new spin on a classic story. I must confess that I was genuinely surprised on how this movie turned out to be.

Still of a crocodile, Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black and Karen Gillan

After watching the promotional material Sony had been releasing to the public eye, I could not help but to feel uninterested. The trailers simply did not sell it for me. However, there is nothing like turning a blind eye during Christmas time, so I checked it out anyway. And I am glad I did! The narrative is relatively straightforward; a group of teenagers is literally pulled into a videogame and are consequently forced to play as the adult avatars of the jungle based setting. Nothing too over the top or thought provoking, but what Jumanji lacks in depth, it compensates with genuine laughs.

Our main characters are looking worried

The film provides its audience with a charismatic cast that generate those feel-good moments with ease. The actors undoubtedly are the movie’s biggest strengths, due to them carrying the comedic aspect over their shoulders. What I mean is, in other words, if they fail to deliver those punchlines (some of the gags are also physical) then the whole Jumanji film would crumble. Fortunately, the jokes land for most of time. Kevin Hart continues to develop his on screen persona, establishing himself as a true powerhouse when it comes to slapstick time.

The panther statue in Jumanji

Karen Gillan was a pleasant revelation, as I am more used to seeing her in full blue attire and with her head shaved (she plays Nebula in both Guardians of the Galaxy films). The soundtrack was serviceable, with Henry Jackman delivering solid work. The most striking sequences in Jumanji are the ones in which our heroes are using the game’s mechanics to their own favor. There are a couple of gaming easter eggs spread throughout, in case you feel like catching them.  This is a film that does not take itself too seriously, and that is precisely how it should be, in this case.

The character you pick is the character you become! Jumanji needs you!

It is a stellar example of good old fun at the movie theatre; its primary focus is to engage its audience in soaring chuckles and it accomplishes just that. If you are looking for a deeply thought out film, that will resonate with profound philosophical questions, then please, stay clear of Jumanji. On the other hand, if you are aiming for an entertaining night with out with friends or family, Jumanji seems to be worth the price of admission. Just grab your popcorn and soda and welcome to the Jungle!

With that being said, I rate Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle with a B. What about you? Have you seen Jumanji? Are you on board with I wrote? Or do you possess a different opinion? Either way, make sure you feel free to jump into the comments’ section down below and share your thoughts.