Have you ever wanted to watch Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson act like Danny DeVito for two hours? If you answered “yes”, then Jumanji: The Next Level is the film for you.
The latest addition to the franchise plays out in a similar fashion to 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, but with a few twists and turns that deliver on its promise to take things to the next level, all while utilising light-hearted comedy to drive home important messages about friendship and family.
The film centres around Spencer (Alex Wolff) returning to the game, and his friends following to bring him back, fearing what will happen if they don’t. Things take an interesting turn when Spencer’s grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito), and Eddie’s lifelong friend Milo (Danny Glover) get sucked into the game along with the original players.
This gives the story a refreshing spin, with the original characters no longer taking on the avatars they did in the first film (played once again by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan).
Stunning cinematography and special effects make the film an immersive experience, sometimes blurring the lines between cinema and gaming. As such, teamwork and the importance of problem-solving skills are stressed throughout.
Mental health and the importance of friendship are also explored throughout, with Spencer struggling to adjust to adult life and wishing to be someone he isn’t in order to feel accepted. The strong bonds of friendship forged in the first film come into play, with the characters rushing in to save a friend in need, regardless of what the consequences may be. The characters are all relatable and realistic, with their everyday struggles and insecurities mixing with the already-personal stakes of the plot.
Known for its ferocious foes, Jumanji definitely doesn’t disappoint with its villains, which includes Rory McCann, aka The Hound from Game of Thrones. Some of the ‘villainous’ animals throughout are made all the more terrifying by simple facts relayed by zoologist Franklin “Mouse” Finbar (played by Hart).
Alex Wolff and Danny DeVito in ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’.
Overall, the film has a good balance of action and humour, with strong character development and an engaging and fun storyline. It offers something to all of its viewers, ensuring that it keeps the adults entertained, while also remaining family-friendly.
Jumanji: The Next Level doesn’t take itself seriously and sets itself apart from its predecessor as it takes viewers on an even more exciting adventure.
Jumanji: The Next Level is in cinemas Boxing Day.
Lead image: Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson in ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’. Photo by Frank Masi
