Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
- Jan 13, 2018
- 3 min read
The amount of recent movie reboots and remakes that have been produced over the last few years has consisted of more disappointment than satisfaction. Movies such as Ghostbusters show how even when there are some good ideas and a genuine desire to have the story revisited, it is sometimes best to leave the story in the past. Jumanji is one such movie that I expected to fall under the pressure of nostalgia. For many born in the 90’s Jumanji was a movie that provided a positive coming of age tale interwoven with some great thrills and excitement. It felt complete within its ending, while leaving some mystery at the end for the audience to chew on. Not enough to make a direct sequel.
I was wrong.
As previously stated, there are two things that made the original Jumanji great. The action and the coming of age story. Many movies successfully accomplish these two categories, but it can be easy for directors to fail in making something that feels fresh. Comedy action movies come out almost once a week and there are always new movies targeted at younger audiences being released. This can make it difficult to stand out, but Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is able to defy expectations.
In terms of the action and excitement factor for the new Jumanji, the trailer and list of actors alone make for a strong combination. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been in hit after hit for the last few years. Even if the movie itself isn’t that great, The Rock steals the show. He has excellent comedic skills and the ability to make fun of himself when the moment calls for it. This ability to find humor even in one's own positive characteristics is used in great effect for all of the lead characters. Each character is put in both action scenes and dialogue with other characters that lead to great laughs. The main cast is aware of the expectations others have for them and use that to great effect. While none of them reach the same emotional impact that Robin Williams was able to elicit, their efforts are well appreciated.
Coming of age stories can easily narrow down their audience to only one group and make a movie lose its impact on other audiences. Both the original Jumanji and Welcome to the Jungle are able to avoid this pitfall cleverly with a time jump. Although the high school drama of the main cast can be somewhat cliche, it is acted out by adults, making some scenes even more funny. The board game of the original Jumanji does make an appearance along with mentions of the original story. There are casual throwbacks to 90’s slang that help support the nostalgia this movie relies on and genuine growth that pays off for the main cast. These aspects all pay off as the story unfolds.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will not stay in the memories of children in the same way that the original did. Due to the use of many pop culture jokes this movie will eventually fade away. Fortunately, this movie earns its laughs and is an all around good time. Hopefully more remakes and reboots will learn from Welcome to the Jungle. The spirit of the original is alive and well in the jungle.
7.5/10
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