Running Length: 1:59
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Ser’Darius Blain, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman
Director: Jake Kasdan
Screenplay: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner, based on Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
I suspect the reason I prefer JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE to the original Jumanji (starring the late Robin Williams) is because the 1995 version was really forgettable. I figuratively and literally mean it because I have no recollection of that movie experience.
It doesn't mean this movie is without faults for when a joke works, it works really well but when it doesn't, it's cringe worthy. What really worked for me is seeing Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Jack Black playing against type. And they seemed to be having a good time poking fun of themselves. Kevin Hart is well...Kevin Hart. He's always dependable to bring in the LOL moments for his shortcomings.
As for Nick Jonas' performance, I'm sorry but he really needs some acting lessons. Putting on an aviator sunglasses and acting cool is not...acting. That said, an unbilled cameo playing the adult version of Jonas' character was really effective. Eventhough his cameo was only for a few minutes and he comes in very late in the movie, his acting was really moving.
Perhaps that scene worked because we the audience, did feel the grave dangers and risk of what the characters had to go through to stay alive. You see, if they die in the game (see trailer for the plot synopsis), they die in real life.
All in all, Welcome to the Jungle is easy to follow and entertaining. There is this nice "one life" quote which was uttered twice but it was the second time that had the most impact because of its context.
What I have learned from this movie?
"What makes someone really awesome is being comfortable in their own skin"
RATING: 6.5/10
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