Jumanji

1995 โ€ข 104 minutes
4.5
1.56K reviews
51%
Tomatometer
PG
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Robin Williams stars as Alan Parrish, who, after 25 years, is finally freed from the spell of an ancient magical board game named JUMANJI. The two children who freed him, however, have unleashed a group of wild and exotic creatures from the game, forcing the long-lost Alan to save his hometown from destruction.
Rating
PG

Ratings and reviews

4.5
1.56K reviews
Kyle Vansteelandt
April 25, 2022
The word "Jumanji" means "many effects" in Zulu, and this rip-roaring special-effects extravaganza truly lives up to it's title. But there are more effects than just the visual effects, the special effects, and the practical effects, the effects also comes from the execution that makes the whole movie so effective. Based on the 1981 children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, Joe Johnston (director), Greg Taylor and Jim Strain (co-producers/writers) has thrown a ton of sophistication to the entire enterprise; "Jumanji" is a thrilling diversion that branches one brilliant scene after another. I wasn't just watching the movie, it was an experience. The incredible craftsmanship that the crew has constructed has never made me speechless with amazement, because it shows how gifted the crew is; making the film so intelligent, that it is absolutely impressive. Joe Johnston's direction has given this film adaptation a grand sense of adventure; delivering explosive execution because Joe has provided lots of vitality to the shots that appear during the suspenseful moments that are gripping, and during the exhilarating action sequences that are frantic, including some terrific scares. There are also two moments that involves a father-and-son like relationship that I think fathers watching the movie with their sons can find touching. Greg and Jim wrote the smartly-staged screenplay that displays each and every scene that has the ability to grab my attention with tenacious staying power and never let go. The cinematography by Thomas E. Ackerman contains haunting imagery. The smartly-written dialogue is also impressive. As for the themes and overall moral, it is a parable about courage (facing something that you are afraid of, showing no fear in consequences, and not being afraid to tell the truth). It is also about teamwork (working together as a family so you can break free to achieve the benefits with satisfaction). However, I will admit that I find the latter of the film redundant. For those of you that are a nature lover (like myself), you will find nature's most terrifying lethal hazards that you are familiar with; unpleasant malaria-carrying mosquitos that look so convincing, two animatronic apex predators with sinister appearances (the African lion and the Nile crocodile), and some extremely aggressive plant-eating giants brought to life by "Industrial Lights & Magic" CGI (the black rhinoceros and the African elephant), even though they were not implemented in the movie well enough. There is also a flood caused by the monsoon. With the combination of the spiffy production design that has the power to immerse a viewer, and how the effects look, this is literally a thrill ride for the whole family (suitable for ages ten and up). James Horner's score really adds something powerful to this movie; It is a stirring score that can go from ominous during the suspenseful scenes, to touching during the empathetic family scenes, to bold and frantic during the action scenes. The cast did an outstanding job with their performances, and there is some nice character development to the main protagonists too; Alan Parrish goes from a coward to brave hero. Lets not forget that Alan (as an adult) is knowledgeable, which makes him likable. Sarah Whittle goes from an immature sensitive psychic to a mature woman. the two orphaned shepherd siblings (Judy and Peter) work together to play through the game and fight off enemies. Robin Williams has given a swashbuckling performance. Not to mention that he is hilarious, especially for the fact that everytime he screams, how can I not have a hearty laugh? David Alan Grier is quite amusing as Carl Bentley. Johnathan Hyde gives out an oddly vicious performances as Van Pelt the merciless poacher (the main antagonist). Everytime time he gets his just deserts, his cartoony reaction is unusually funny. In conclusion: There is way too much to say about this magnificent family thrill ride of a movie. Lets just say that "Jumanji" is a ton of fun with hilarious comedy and rousing thrills. Recommended.
55 people found this review helpful
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Chad H
January 7, 2018
Watched Jumanji 2 in the theater today, so I had to come home and watch the original. This movie is a classic and takes me back. You can't go wrong with this movie. The new movie is fun, but it's hard to beat the classic.
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Josae
October 28, 2017
I watched this as a kid and remember being terrified but always loving it. After watching it again I realize it is a great movie. Maybe not the best for younger viewers thought
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