Jumanji (1995)

Directed by: Joe Johnston | 104 minutes | drama, comedy, family, adventure | Actors: Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, Bonnie Hunt, Bebe Neuwirth, David Alan Grier, Patricia Clarkson, Adam Hann-Byrd, Laura Bell Bundy, James Handy, Gillian Barber, Brandon Obray, Cyrus Thiedeke, Gary Joseph Thorup, Leonard Zola, Lloyd Berry, Malcolm Stewart, Annabel Kershaw, Darryl Henriques, Robyn Driscoll, Peter Bryant

The imaginative ‘Jumanji’ is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 children’s book of the same name, how a jungle board game can take over the players’ lives. The life of the bullied young Alan Parrish in 1969 was hard enough. After 26 years in the wild jungle, Alan (Robin Williams) is brought back because Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce) have found the magic game in the attic of their new home. The game of ‘Jumanji’, started in 1969, has to be finished. Each throw presents the players with a new threat, but the game must be completed to regain their lives.

For children, ‘Jumanji’ is a breathtaking adventure where their fantasies come true, sometimes they are also scary. Wild monkeys, hordes of rhinoceroses, elephants, zebras, crocodiles, spiders, a hunter, lion, pelican, wild man, monkey boy etc in this modern world. All computer animated by the way and not always top-notch, but that’s not the point at all. Everything is turned upside down and if you are smart you can make it. The music is also beautiful and mysterious, especially the jungle sounds. The board game looks enchantingly beautiful.

Robin Williams effortlessly plays the role of Alan Parrish, who grew up alone in the jungle. He has the gift of being able to put himself in the shoes of children effortlessly. He has probably kept his own inner child alive with care over the years. See ‘Popeye’ (1980), ‘Hook’ (1991), ‘Aladdin’ (1992), ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ (1993), ‘Jack’ (1996) and ‘Flubber’ (1997). However, to claim that Williams’ talent is limited to the children’s film genre would be a mistake. See for example ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997), ‘Insomnia’ (2002) and ‘One Hour Photo’ (2002). Williams’ interplay with Bonnie Hunt from ‘Jerry Maguire’ (1996) is fun to watch as well as her reaction to seeing the game. The grown-up Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) has to be convinced by the rest to play again. At the time, she was called crazy by everyone for claiming that Alan had disappeared in the game. Together with the well-playing Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce, Williams and Hunt form a real team. Bradley Pierce’s search for an ax in a shed is particularly funny. Although Bradley plays her brother four years younger, Kirsten, who broke through in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ (1994) and he only six months in age in real life.

However, ‘Jumanji’ does not only have something to offer children. Adults will also be sucked into this family comedy that guarantees a lot of humor and adventure.