Action-packed and full of laughs, Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle is a must-see!
“Four teenagers in detention discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of. When they decide to play, they are immediately sucked into the jungle world of Jumanji in the bodies of their avatars (Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan). They’ll have to complete the adventure of their lives filled with fun, thrills and danger or be stuck in the game forever!”
Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle begins as we are introduced to the teenagers whose personalities will eventually be portrayed by their avatars in the game. Spencer (Alex Wolff) is a nerd by his own admission, spending his time playing video games and trying to get in the good graces of one of his childhood friends, Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), who has left him behind as he’s gained popularity. While trying to help Fridge, Spencer writes an essay for him and the two are ultimately caught and given detention. Also in detention that day is Bethany (Madison Iseman), the popular girl obsessed with herself and her phone, and Martha (Morgan Turner), who thinks she has better things to learn than to participate in Gym Class. As the four are given their detention assignment of cleaning an old storage room out, they discover the old video game of Jumanji, that sucks them into the game, beginning their adventure.
The second act begins as we learn about the world of Jumanji, the rules of the game, the stakes, and the potential consequences of not completing their task, which is to take a powerful stone back to a jaguar statue, inserting it into the eye to restore Jumanji and save it from the control of Van Pelt (Bobby Cannavale). While we and the avatars learn and explore this new world they’ve become trapped in, the majority of the comedy of the film begins with each of them becoming the total opposite of their real life selves. As each of them learns to accept their roles and abilities, the adventure of Jumanji begins, and through ups and downs they all have to learn to work together in order to make it out of the game alive.
I loved the original Jumanji when it was released, wishing that they could, in some way, make an interesting sequel. You’ve already had the different parts of the game coming into our world, so it was the next logical step creating a story in which we explore the game from inside. What was absolutely brilliant about this film, however, is the evolution the game took in becoming a video game, updating itself for a newer generation to ensure it will be played. The inclusion of avatars inside the game was another great addition to the story, and that comedy of each teenager embodied by a complete opposite works on so many levels, both to provide tons of laughs, and as a device for each of the characters to learn and change.
For me, this experience opens so many questions about the game, how it evolves, and its past. I could easily see some kind of origins story on the game and how it was created, and would love to see different incarnations it may have taken over the centuries to be played by people of different cultures. Was it ever anything else besides a board game? Because of this film, the viewer is able to ask those questions and imagine countless scenarios; definitely a mark of a great film. This film also keeps the same rules as the first, but adds their own such as the three lives per avatar. Not only does this make for some great comedic yet tragic death scenes, it also provides the characters with a consequence, teaching them a lesson in living their lives to the fullest.
What makes Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle so successful is undoubtedly the talented cast. Trying to envision the film without the avatars, just the teenagers stuck in the game, is something I just can’t do. The ensemble works perfectly together, with Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart proving yet again that their comedy duo is unmatched. Karen Gillan also proves that she is adept at comedy, showing so much more range without the limitations of blue-skin and the cold demeanor of Nebula. The best part for me in the entire film though was hands-down Jack Black. While the others have to tweak their personalities slightly, or just act afraid or unsure all of the time like regular teenagers, Jack Black transformed himself into a teenage girl. Every nuance of his character, from the body movements to the dialogue are all reminiscent of a teenage girl obsessed with herself. As much as I love Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart together, I wanted more of Jack Black in every scene.
Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle does something that Hollywood doesn’t often do. It takes an original idea and improves upon it, paying homage to the original while brining fresh and new ideas that make it an extraordinary addition to the world. The decision to go this way and not simply remake the film should serve as an example to the rest of the major studios in Hollywood: You CAN have original ideas, make sequels to films instead of remaking them, and be profitable.
Video
Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle is presented in 2160p Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1. With the word ‘jungle’ in the title, you know you can expect lavish, green landscapes with vibrant colors. If you have the option of choosing 4k or blu-ray, this is one of those films that benefits from the High Dynamic Range with brilliant brights and deep darks that it provides. The transfer itself looks phenomenal, free of any defects, with beautiful balance in colors.
The blu-ray disc is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and is definitely one of the best features on the disc. The track sounds amazing, with an incredible balance between the surrounds and center channel, all which get a heavy workout in this film. The deep, beating drums of Jumanji will make your entire neighborhood think you’re about to be sucked into the game; and fantastic action sequences that will make you think you’re in the middle of all of it.
Special Features
There are quite a few extras on this disc, none are very long, but all are very informative and it includes a Gag Reel!
- Gag Reel
- Meet the Players: A Heroic Cast
- Surviving the Jungle: Spectacular Stunts!
- Attack of the Rhinos!
- Journey Through the Jungle: The Making of Jumanji
- Book to Board Game to Big Screen & Beyond! Celebrating the Legacy of Jumanji
Jumanji: Welcome to The Jungle is brilliant on so many levels, a hilarious sequel that pays homage to a great film while also is able to stand on its own.
