Jumanji

I remember “Jumanji” as being a part of my late childhood but it hasn’t gotten better with age. Chris Van Allsburg, who wrote the children’s books “Zathura” and “The Polar Express”, also wrote the book that this film is based on. The basic idea is quite imaginative and the film is a fun adventure but it doesn’t offer much in terms of a lasting effect on the audience. There are some funny moments thanks to Robin Williams and David Alan Grier and that is the best element of this movie.

Joe Johnston, who directed “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”, also directs this film. I see both that film and “Jumanji” as being part of the family adventure genre. The first reveal of the board game in the movie is quite impressive. I also like how Brantford in the 60’s is shown in summer and portrayed as a typical small town. It contrasts the 90’s, where it is autumn and the town is dilapidated. It allows for drama in Robin Williams’ character. His return allows him to not only understand the good life he lost by wanting to run away but also the consequences of his disappearance. It is kind of an “It’s a Wonderful Life” motif. Alan learns just how much his father cared because he let the factory go down the toilet in search of his son. I wonder whether Van Pelt is meant to represent Allan’s father seeing as how Jonathon Hyde plays both characters. Another nice touch to the story is how Allan’s priorities change once he realizes that he has to play the game. It seems that he now has a purpose now that he is back where as before he did not. A good consequence of this choice is that he not only matures but also gets his old life back and a second chance. I like the great editing in the climax with the die rolling. Sarah is kind of lucky because she knows a lot about the future for the next 26 years. The film does mention however that she and Allan are forgetting much about their past lives except that which was most important. I also enjoy the final resolving scene back in 1995 where Allan now runs the shoe factor and his dad is still alive (probably retired and living in Florida). It is great that Carl is still working at the factory after 26 years. The special effects were impressive back in 1995 but now they have lost their appeal. Sometimes the special effects of movies from years past retain the power of their quality such as “Jurassic Park” or “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” but unfortunately not “Jumanji”.

The film is full of fun humor because of its cast. Robin Williams has some great moments. I love for example how Allan scares Peter when he finds out that he was the one who brought him home. Another great scene is when the mosquito has trapped Allan, Peter and Judy in the car. Allan keeps insisting they are safe despite the bug’s progress. Allan says the bug can’t break through glass and it does just that. I also like when Allan tricks Sarah into rolling the dice and he snickers in success. Just before that, I love Robin’s delivery of the line “…and guess what: your turn.” Other great scenes for Robin include the “Clue” joke, the line “You don’t go ‘Wahh!’ for nothing” and trying to blow the spider away. Bonnie Hunt also adds to the humor of the movie such as her reaction to seeing the game for the first time in 26 years. Allan’s subsequent reaction to the story of his “murder” is also funny. Another cast member that gives us some laughs is David Alan Grier. I like the gags with Carl’s police car and how it gets more & more damaged. I like the scene between Allan and Carl as they are driving to the rescue. Other funny moments for Grier include at “Sir Sav-a-lot” where he is using products in the store to free himself and fix his car. To be honest, I prefer Carl Winslow as a cop to Carl Bentley. Jokes aside, other humorous scenes in the film include Van Pelt in the gun shop and the “Wizard of Oz” joke with the monkeys.

This film introduced me to Kirsten Dunst and visually to Bradley Pierce. Pierce was the voice of Chip on "Beauty and the Beast" and I didn't know that until long after the release of either of these films. "Jumanji" was fun as a kid but now it is just a moderate film. It has funny parts but the special effects and the film’s appeal has faded with time.

3.5 Stars