Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Jake Kasdan, Columbia and Sony Pictures, PG 123 Minutes.
This sequel to the reboot of the original ‘Jumanji’ movie released in is intended to up the ante in a game that has changed, with some of the characters initially taking on different avatars.
In the opening sequence, all four friends have gone their separate ways with the reclusive Spencer (Alex Wolff) not joining Martha (Morgan Turner), Fridge (Ser’Darius Bain) and Bethany (Madison Iseman) at a reunion – instead deciding to re-enter the Jumanji game.
This compels the remaining three to rescue him by going to Spencer’s house, where they meet his grumpy grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito of ‘Dumbo’) and former business partner Milo (Danny Glover of ‘Proud Mary’) before they are all dragged into the game.
Returning as avatars are Dwayne Johnson as Smolder Bravestone, Jack Black as Sheldon Oberon, Kevin Hart as Franklin Finbar and Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse.
In addition to the return of Nick Jonas as Jefferson ‘Seaplane’ McDonough is the new character of Ming Fleetfoot as a pickpocket (Awkwafina of ‘Ocean’s 8’) joining the others to confront the dreaded warlord Jurgen the Brutal (Rory McCann of ‘Game of Thrones’).
This time the name of the game is to hunt down the giant-sized Jurgen at his winter mountain fortress, retrieve the stolen Falcon Jewel and “show it to the sun” to enable all of them to return home.
Kasdan has once again made an enthralling action adventure with delightful settings but some may find his sequel possibly not as appealing as ‘Jumanji-Welcome to the Jungle’ due to certain characters swapping between avatars.
At the same time, one shouldn’t overlook the pleasing performances of the leading actors especially the highly entertaining ‘Rock’ Johnson together with Hart, his talented sparring partner, and with the inclusion of Awkwafina, DeVito and Glover.
It would also appear from the closing credits and beating of the drums that another sequel is on the drawing board, which means the game is not over yet for the enjoyable Jumanji franchise or the formidable foursome.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
