Jumanji - Benvenuti nella giungla

This remake will never replace the original but it is still a terrific film for everyone to watch and really enjoy. I completely enjoyed watching this film. The storyline was adventurous and strong. The cast selection was truly remarkable. They committed and connected well to the storyline and to their respective characters. The chemistry between them was exceptional. It is always fun to see Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart working together. Anything can happen. This film and remake makes all viewers really think about how everyone plays and sees video games. It shows that they can bring people together. This is a fun and great film for all viewers and video game players to watch and truly enjoy.

Four high school students serving after school detention discover an old cartridge video game in the school's storage area. It's called "Jumanji" and when they play it, the game sucks them into its world, where they each inhabit a different character: nerdy Spencer becomes Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), a musclebound action hero; football jock Fridge becomes diminutive sidekick Mouse (Kevin Hart); vacuous pretty girl Bethany becomes chubby middle-aged male scientist Prof. Oberon (Jack Black); and academically-driven Martha becomes Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) a sexy martial artist. The quartet learn that they have to complete the game to return to the real world and their real bodies, but they each only have 3 lives in the game; die 3 times in the game, and they die for real.

I saw the original Jumanji movie back in 1995 and liked it a great deal and I was therefore dreading how a reboot would taint the memory of the original. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The dichotomy of the characters in their real lives versus their in-game personas is funny and well exploited, and the conventions of video game storytelling and set-up are also lampooned with some wit. Johnson, Hart and Black are all performers who can be over the top, but the material calls for it here, and they all exceed, as does Gillan, especially during her hilariously awkward "seduction" scene. Even if some of the animal peril is blatantly more CGI cartoonery, it also fits with the videogame milieu. This strictly popcorn fare, but it isn't brainless, although it's a bit predictable. Still, it was much better than expected.

It's good. I had no idea what to expect in all honest. I am not huge fans of other movies by these actors, but this really worked. You could see the great chemistry between them all and it paid off.

What I liked: I enjoyed how it didn't dither about at the beginning and got right into the action. Jack Black especially was brilliant and hilarious! All the actors/actresses were great but Jack Black stood out. Good mix of action and comedy throughout. I was on the edge of my seat (metaphorically) wanting them to escape the game.

Negatives: not many to be honest, couple of scenes were slightly cringe, but not off putting. Same logic goes for a couple of scenes which felt dragged out.

I think people need to forget about this being a remake of a classic film and treat it as a separate movie altogether. If you start comparing the 2 that's when it goes wrong.

Ps.. Karen Gillan. Marry me please?

Worth watching and will be going cinema for 2nd instalment.

The wrong idea - to compare with the adaptation of 1995. Because it is not better or worst but different. Proposing a decent solution, far to be original, mixing humor and adventure , using the dream of many teenagers to become the better version of theirs and a good dose of special effects. Jungle, not awful dialogues, good performances and exploration of a familiar universe. Nothing memorable. But enough for a not boring afternoon and, maybe, for the inner child. It is fun and the cast represents the basic source of seduction.

I took one look at the trailer and was certain it would be rubbish

Finally watched it on TV and was surprised that it's good solid family entertainment.

Not outstanding but a respectable 7 stars.