Jumanji : The Next Level review
Jumanji returns with a sequel that I felt before seeing it was really unnecessary. The first movie was an enjoyable romp but really nothing truly memorable or game changing (pardon the pun) so it's sequel which promises to take the game to the 'Next Level' can it be not only a good movie in it's own right but a good sequel also?? the set-up here is incredibly basic. In summary Spencer the guy who becomes The Rock's character in the game of Jumanji is at a cross road's in his life. He's going to college in New York doesn't truly know his purpose and his relationship with Martha who later becomes Ruby Roundhouse again is also complicated and seemingly directionless. With a trip home for the holidays planned he sets off home to join his friends for Christmas. Upon arrival home we're introduced to his grandfather Eddie played by Danny Devito and his best friend Mylo played by Danny Glover. Forced to share a room with his grandad who is just after hip surgery Spencer goes down into the basement one night and finds the Jumanji game. All broken and out of shape he ventures once again into the game as his friends arrives the following morning looking for him. It all subsides with them having to go into the game to find their friend and save him. It's a simple set up but it's fun enough and full of funny gags.
Once inside Jumanji however it's where the movie really begins as after also going in after Spencer the friends, Martha and Fridge are also somehow pulled in along with Eddie and Mylo. The body swapping process is completely flipped on it's head too as The Rock's character is now Spencer's grandad Eddie. Kevin Hart's zoologist is now Mylo and Fridge is Jack Black's explorer character. Martha retains her character in Ruby Roundhouse as they all set off to find Spencer who is obviously a different character now. The group find themselves flung into a battle for a special ruby that when in direct sunlight gives birth to all the land sporting crops, running water and life. It has been stolen by a tyrant who has rendered the whole of Jumanji into darkness as he plans on using it for his own selfish means. That's the story in a nutshell and it's simple but it's fun. In fact it's a lot more fun than the first movie as the body swapping of characters is a game changer. The Rock is absolutely hilarious inhabiting Spencer's grandad's spirit inside of him. I never knew I needed Danny Devito inside of someone until now. The same goes for Kevin Hart inhabiting Danny Glover. The way the both him and The Rock bounce off once another is a treat and to also include Karen Gillen and Jack Black?? well let's just say it's rather genius.
★★★★
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