Jumanji (1995)

Genre

Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Director

Joe Johnston

Country

USA

Cast

Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, David Alan Grier, Jonathan Hyde, Bebe Neuwirth, Malcolm Stewart, Annabel Kershaw, Patricia Clarkson, Adam Hann-Byrd, Laura Bell Bundy

Storyline

After being trapped in a jungle board game for 26 years, Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) is finally freed by two children, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce), but so is a herd of creatures of the jungle. Now, Alan must try to save his hometown from destruction.

Opinion

When I was a kid, I never had a chance to watch this film properly. I've seen some scenes here and there while zapping, but nothing more. A few days ago I've finally got my hands on it and decided to watch it, but unfortunately, it let me down a little.

Jumanji is a fantasy comic adventure starring one of the greatest comedians ever born, yet it fails in being exhilarating. I had some laughs, but, to be honest, if I were a kid I think I would have found it a bit terrifying, certainly not funny. However, it is a good film.

The idea of the magical board game is very intriguing and ingenious, and that makes the story very engaging. Time flies by, and you just "jump" into this adventure and feel like one of the characters of the film. I have complained about the poorness of laughs, but the thrills kind of bring balance to the film, and the result is still entertaining.

Today, 20 years later, the computer-enhanced special effects are no big deal, but they were back at '95 - well I guess so, I was too little to remember. Anyway, as said before the story is the most important thing here, not the special effects.

The acting is quite good. Needless to say is that Robin Williams is perfect for the role of Alan Parrish.