Review: Jumanji: The Next Level

Welcome to Jumanji…again. Jumanji: The Next Level has arrived in theaters everywhere and the results did not disappoint.

This is the fourth installment in the Jumanji franchise and the sequel to the 2017 movie, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. In this film we got new characters, new obstacles and new laughs.

It takes place a year after the events of the previous film. Spencer (Alex Wolff), Martha (Morgan Turner), Bethany (Madison Iseman), and Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain) remain the best of friends. However, when Spencer was feeling insecure about his life he decided to go back into the cursed video game known as “Jumanji.”

When his friends started looking for him, they ran into his grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his former best friend Milo Walker (Danny Glover). They discovered that the game is still with Spencer and he went inside. After that discovery, the group decided to go into Jumanji and save their friend.

The sequel to this franchise had some alluring qualities. One of which was the comedic performances from the stars.

First, there was Jack Black. Black was the avatar called Professor Sheldon Oberon. When Fridge took this playable character unintentionally, the laughs began. Once I witnessed him constantly complaining about Oberon’s physical appearance and strengths I started chuckling.

Next, there was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Grandpa Eddie took the form of Dr. Smoulder Bravestone. Despite being unaware of what was happening in the game, the real laughter started when he started using his “smoldering intensity” ability. Every time The Rock made that face the giggles came out.

The group had to learn and adapt to their characters. Basically, the body swaps in the movie made it laughable.

Not only was there laughter in the movie, but there was also plenty of action. This version of ‘Jumanji’ was more difficult than in the last film. The group had to fight more dangerous animals, more people and another psychotic villain.

More suspense was added to the movie when the group had to escape from a large pack of wild ostriches. Once I saw the peril and action from that scene, I was glued to my seat.

Lastly, the aesthetics of the film caught my attention. I was particularly impressed with the costume design of Jurgen the Brutal (Rory McCann), the antagonist of the game. When I saw him in his dark warrior suit, I could sense the evil in that character.

All in all, Jumanji: The Next Level is a must see movie for the who wish to have a good laugh.

“Featured Image via CinemaBlend”