Rating of
2.5/4
Lots of action for a kids movie
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
In 1969, "Alan Parrish" (Adam Hann-Byrd) and the object of his schoolboy crush, "Sarah Whittle" (Laura Bell Bundy) play an unusual game -- which sucks "Alan" into itself. 26 years later, two children (Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce) move into the abandoned "Parrish" place and find the game, called Jumanji, in the attic.
As the two play, they release a now adult "Alan" (Robin Williams) from the game, along with some wild animals and carnivorous plants -- and one mean hunter (Jonathan Hyde, who also plays the father of "Alan") who wants to kill "Alan."
This is very much a special effects movie. In just about every scene is CGI and animatronics creatures. When it comes to the CGI animals, they are obviously computer generated. Look closely at the hair of the monkeys -- it is obvious that it's not realistic looking. Also, the shots of the human cast merged into scenes with CGI creatures are inserted near perfectly. After over a decade since this movie was originally released, it's still hard to tell where the human cast members are inserted from being shot in front of a green screen.
Although the performances are pretty good from the entire cast, the characters are not developed greatly. They are only developed enough to understand their backstories. At least two characters have the least amount of development, and are used only to advance the scenes they are in.
One thing this movie does well is action. It gives just enough of a break to take a little breather. The action is fast paced, and shot nicely.
