“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was released on Dec. 20 and is a continuation of the original hit movie from 1995.
The story begins with four teenage students in detention who find a video game called “Jumanji.” They choose avatars and get sucked into the video game. Once in the jungle, the students are told that the objective of the game is to return a jewel called the “Jaguar’s Eye” to the jaguar statue, which will save Jumanji and allow them to return home.
Spencer, a nerd who enjoys playing video games, turns into Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), a tall, muscular man who is very strong and fast. Martha, a shy, studious girl, chooses to play as Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), whose strengths are martial arts and fighting. Fridge, a star football player, becomes Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart), a zoologist that carries Bravestone’s weapons. Bethany, a vain girl, plays as Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black), a middle-aged, overweight man who is a cartographer, archaeologist and paleontologist.
The teenagers face obstacles and must advance through many levels of the game with only three lives each. During the game the avatars meet Alex (Nick Jonas), who is playing as a sea pilot. He saves them and together they overcome obstacles to win the game.
The movie is entertaining and relies heavily on special effects and action, which work really well along with the humorous interaction between characters.
Overall, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is an enjoyable, fun movie for the whole family.
Rating: 4 stars