Exactly twenty one years since the original movie graced our screens back in 1995, Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle finally sees the light of day. I must admit I was somewhat surprised it took this long for a sequel to come out considering the global hit sensation Jumanji turned out to be. Though with the sad untimely passing of Robin Williams, we get a brand now cast along with an revised format following on from the previous storyline. So given the enormous shoes this production has to fill, did Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle pay rightful homage to it's roots and deliver yet more of the same fun and adventure, albeit this time on a much bigger scale? Just a quick warning that there will be mild spoilers ahead in regards only to the first movie.
Strangely enough, the movie's timeline is also set almost twenty one years after the events of the first. In 1996, a man retrieves the Jumanji board game after it got inadvertently washed up on a beach in New Hampshire. In fact, pretty much right where the last movie ended. He passes it on to his son Alex (played by Nick Jonas) who, deciding to play through it after the game miraculously transforms into a ROM cartridge, gets transported into the game world itself thus disappearing from real life altogether. Fast forward to present day and a bunch of unsuspecting teenagers come across the very same video game in their school, promptly after receiving detention from their teacher. They each are requested to choose an avatar before the game begins and are suddenly "sucked" into the cartridge itself, just as Alex had been some twenty years ago. As they all land in a vast, unfamiliar jungle, our four rookie adventurers consisting of Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Prof. Sheldon "Shelly" Oberan, Franklin "Mouse" Finbar and Ruby Roundhouse (played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan respectively) must fight their way out of this hostile "VR" environment in a frantic, perilous race against the clock.
Now, in all honesty, going into this movie, what would you really expect? A fun, family thrill ride that both kids and adults alike can both enjoy? Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson pulling his trademark facial expressions that somehow never seem to get old? Kevin Hart talking in a high pitched squeak whist delivering hilarious one-liners? Well, as you may have guessed by now, the most obvious answer would also be the right one. Once the movie starts, literally what you see is what you get. It's a story comprised of getting from A to B as linearly as possible. No frills, no narrative twists, no unnecessary side-story baggage. Whilst watching this at my local theatre, you could almost hear the next line being uttered before it was actually said by the characters. It's as "by the numbers" as you can get. But is that really a bad thing? Well, I would say not entirely speaking. After all, with a title like Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle, nobody would knowingly walk into this for the complex dialogue or thought-provoking hidden messages. You get the "fun" factor in spades. The action is senseless and non-stop. Just how you want it to be. And the focus is purely for those willing to leave their brains at home. Just go along with what the movie asks of you and there is actually a fair amount of enjoyment to be had here.
In terms of acting, the stereotypes of each character in the movie are identical to their real life counterparts. However, because of the fact that they each display such polarised different characteristics to one another, this actually works in the movie's favour. The chemistry between all four protagonists is electric, especially the comedy boomerangs thrown from the likes of both Johnson and Hart. It's childish, light-hearted entertainment but carried out with a certain style and substance. Contextually speaking, of course. Black flits around the screen employing his usual campish debonair charm and Karen, the most "normal" of the bunch, pulling off some great situational gags of her own. It's down to these four alone that make everything feel fresh and pleasingly watchable. Which leads me to a few negatives. Namely, the main villain, who seems to have as much brain power as the movie itself. In a word, zilch! He is oh-so-forgettable and hands down the worse part of the movie. Lucky for us, his on-screen presence is a rarity so it shouldn't detract too much from the otherwise formulaic fun. Also, a movie of this type is most definitely not a "one size fits all". The barely serviceable plot and gimmicky nature will turn off many, I'm sure. But again, this movie makes no pretences as to what it is. So nobody can watch it and be surprised by what they get in return.
I thought Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle was OK, at best. If you've ever seen a generic action flick in your life (of which there are absolute truckloads to choose from) then you know what you're getting into. The actors do what they're supposed to do and say what they're supposed to say. If you liked any of their previous work then chances are you'll be right at home with this one. However, in the same breath, I can't see this being viewed too many times after the first watch. In fact, my initial viewing I found to be more than enough entertainment I'd ever hope to get out of it. A good one-off piece of meaningless escapism.
My Verdict: (6.5/10)
I loved the first one. Of course Williams played a large role in that. But it was such a surprise at the time. And when I saw a new version had been released I was curious. But it looked formulaic (and like you say, that isn't necessarily a bad thing). The poster showing the 'tough guy', the 'funny guy', the larger guy', and the 'token chic' kind of put me off. But then I read the effects and story line are as bad as could be. So I was 50-50.
Your review gives me some hope, for a does of entertainment I think it fits the bill. And if it gets people who missed the original to maybe go back and give that a go, then it can't be all that bad.
Thanks for your review.
As is always the case, I whole-heartedly agree with you. Especially in your analysis of the first movie and how Williams played a big part in it being as good as it was. This is an OK movie, possibly bordering on "cash-in" territory. But still doing what it says on the tin.
Man, now I've got the "itch" to re-watch the original again, lol! Bless, buddy... :)
Man, I love the way you write sometimes.
Haven't seen this one yet, but you've pretty much confirmed what I already thought about the movie. Honestly I'd rather spend my money on something else entirely, but I've got a bunch of friends who are really looking forward to this one. Well, at least I'll have a laugh, I suppose.
Thank you very much, @ziofeda. It "is" worth a watch if you've already got your bunch of friends going and nothing else to do. But I wouldn't go out of my way to see this one. Alright for the one-off... :)
Oh, seems like I'll watch it with some beers once it hits Netflix (which shouldn't take too long). At least if I have had a few it might make it better! :D
That's a great idea, buddy. Believe me, if Netflix is your choice then you won't be missing much as opposed to watching it on the big screen. :)
follow me nd i will follow you back . New here :P want some connections
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I absolutely love the first one so I tried not to compare the two too much. But this one did a forgettable, but alright job. :)
The Rock movies are movies to just turn off ur brain and just let urself go, no thinking required, i haven't seen it yet but im expecting something like the journey to the center of the world 2... am i right?
I honestly can't think of a better comparison than the movie you chose to mention. Nice job... :)
Thank you for sharing your review! I love this movie myself and appreciate you making a vote for me as a witness recently also!
Many thanks for dropping by, Jerry. And it's my absolute pleasure to "witness" vote one of the very best promoters this platform has to offer. All the best, my friend. :)
You use your words like a pro, @ezzy.
I haven't watched the film, so I have no thoughts what so ever on it. I guessed the movie will be good just for laughs—*no deep philosophical musings in this gal, nosirree! *.
Thanks for the review, will watch it soon.
Hey there, @yvonn. Thanks very much. I recommend this movie for some meaningless, light comedic relief. If that's what you're in the mood for, this'll do the trick nicely... :)
I wonder if you've watched these movies...
The foreigner", Valerian and the city of a thousand planets", "Atomic blonde", and "Dunkirk".
I haven't watched the last movie though. But I'll like to see your reviews @ezzy.
This was realy great review of “Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle"
Not that I saw this movie, but if I ever get a chance to watch it, I would definitely feel like I have already seen it thanks to your review.
Resteemed!
Thanks very much for your humbling compliments, @milano1113. Check it out also as I would love to see what you thought of it too. :)
I actually liked the first Jumanji, and I looked forward to seeing second part of it.
I thought it would be a lot better since I like Dwayne Johnson.
And I agree with your grade of 6.5.
It's a solid movie to lose some time, but I'll probably forgot it 2 days later.
Yes, we see completely eye to eye in regards to this movie. It does the trick when bored but just don't have the energy to think too much, lol! :)
This movie is interesting
I think I'm gonna watch it again
Is the movie out?please I want to know
Nice film
Filled with surprises and some new things
It's good to watch movies like this
@ezzy. Having watched both Jumanji 1 and 2. I actually enjoyed part two and I loved the idea of using the video game concept of three lives which ultimately is a lesson in itself "you've got one life, live it to the fullest" it helped that the movie had great chemistry among the main characters with exception of the villain who was horrible.
Jumanji 2 is enjoyable. Though I highly doubt it will have the same effect upon multiple viewings.
Maybe after a long time
I know one thing: The Rock has never been in a bad movie, never.
He certainly is on fire in Hollywood as of now. A huge name in the business.
'The action is senseless and non-stop. Just how you want it to be. And the focus is purely for those willingly leaving their brain at home. Just go along with what the movie asks of you and there is a lot of enjoyment to be had here.'
The above sentence in a way summarises the Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle
Well, after 21 years of the Part 1 it makes sense to have a Part 2 rather than have nothing.
Thank you for your incisive review.
Yep, @sungbojus. You know what you're getting with a movie like this. If anybody goes in expecting anything different, they only have themselves to blame! :)
Nice post but it ain't that bad. It is ok and nice to watch. Well I have seen it twice in the cinema because the first time I skipped some part and I had to rewatch it again. It is an ok movie. Thanks for sharing
Yes, as I mentioned in my post, it's not a "bad" movie per se. It's just that its substance has very limited appeal, especially in the long run.
Dwayne Johnson is a very good actor. I like all movies
Thanks for the recommendations, I will keep them in mind, in Venezuela I have not been injured.
If the Rock is in it, it's probably going to be good. If you smelelleeleeleleelelel....what the rock....is cooking!
I Loved This Movie! I would have never watched it if my family hadn’t bought every one tickets to go see it at a small theater with couch reclining seats, it was so comfortable to lay down , relax and enjoy a flick. Literally felt like it’s a theater made for you to decide if you want to go to sleep in there or stay up relaxing watching a movie. Compared to the first Jumannji, this one was much more comedic + lighthearted while the first was much more intense & dramatic. The Drums from the game were more startling as well LOL. I liked that this one was more lighthearted, seemed friendlier for the young ones in this generation. I watched the first Jumanji when I was young, & that man eating plant, Lion, monster flies and monkeys scared me every time. Along with the startling drums in the game.
I give it A 8/10 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just find out that there is Jumanji 2. Oh no, I just know it from your post. Why there is no one tell me about this movie before. Now I will watch it, thanks for reviewing it.
I'm considering whether I should watch this, just in case it ruins my impression of Jumanji (but I guess it can't really..), it being one of my favourite family films.
If it ever goes on Netflix, my kids will definitely want to watch this (not like my kids will care if it's better or worse than the first), and based on the cast, I'm sure it will be fun to watch at least :)
Nice review. I haven't seen the first in ages, but its only memorable charactetistic that I recall was Robin Williams. I felt this version topped that. Regarding the villan, I'd argue that the real antagonist is the mission of the four characters and the backdrop of theur world--each of them facing challenges. The chemistry of the cast is what makes the film fun. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think it's superior to the first.