Jumanji (1995) Review:

The 1990s was a decade of a lot of experimentation. With the advent of CGI coming to the forefront, studios couldn't help but try to implement it into every production they had. Aside from James Cameron who was more or less the facilitator in this push, there was another director who was getting his experience with these kinds of special effects. Joe Johnston by the mid 1990s had a couple popular movies under his belt and was working his way to becoming a rather credible director. Having his name listed with movies like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), The Rocketeer (1991) and served in the visual effects department for Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Johnston certainly had good stuff on his resume. So when this movie came along he was well ready for it, but for audiences, that was a risky bet. However that does not mean this movie isn't worth it.

"Let's play a game shall we?"

Based on a book written by Chris Van Allsburg, the same writer to The Polar Express, had quite the intriguing concept. What would happen if there was a board game that played itself and whatever moves were made were determined by the board? Sounds pretty crazy. Yet Johnston and his team of screenwriters were able to produce not only that, but a story about a boy who learned how to grow up by not running away from his problems. Alan Parrish at a young age is the son of a wealthy shoe factory owner but feels neglected. He and his only friend Sarah find a board game by the name of Jumanji and decide to play it. Of which Alan is sucked into the game until 26 years later when Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce) rediscover the game and start what begun those years ago.

There they meet adult Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) and Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) who join them in finishing the game. From there, things only escalate beyond the point of no return. A new turn produces more collateral damage to property and all other sorts of things. The same could be said for how these characters end up after the game is finished. Audiences will realize that the story of Alan largely plays a significant role in the progress of his home town and how it will affect other people. This also creates a good portion of emotional moments for the character and Robin Williams is also able to sell that well. The same can be said for Dunst, Hunt and Pierce who all add to the events that occur. All four of them also have great chemistry together, providing laughs and scares. Writers Jonathan Hensleigh, Greg Taylor, and Jim Strain all did a decent job building this story.

The visuals to this story however are occasionally a mixed bag. If anything, the game mechanics to this interactive extravaganza is ridiculous. No matter what, so much goes wrong even if it seems like things couldn't get that bad. As an adult, it's completely fine to watch. However for younger audiences, this movie may be too intense and can be a little too much for a comedy adventure. Being sucked into a board game isn't all the cool sounding when you're stretched and distorted. And that's where the effects come into play. Being that it was still at the point where CGI hadn't been fully perfected there are still a number of areas that look untouched. Some objects are too light in color as opposed to their surroundings. They just don't mesh well and it makes them stand out even more. There are practical effects too, which look a little better but even they look slightly unrealistic.

The Jumanji board game

The most convincing of these visuals though was the cinematography by Thomas E. Ackerman and the set design. Having worked on Beetlejuice (1988) and later George of the Jungle (1997), Ackerman surely knows how to make adequate looking shots. Most of the film takes place in Alan Parrish's house and considering how out of control things become, not long after Alan's house doesn't resemble a house anymore. It gets that bad, that quick. Lastly the musical score composed by James Horner was nothing short of greatness. Believe it or not there is a signature theme for the game itself involving minor key music box notes and beating drums. Also the cues played for Alan Parrish are rather emotional too. It may not be his most profound or emotionally moving score but it still rings memorable chords.

For a family adventure film, there are some moments that prove to be a little too intense for young eyes and the special effects haven't aged that well. Yet with credible performances by the main actors, high tension, and respectable music, this board game movie shows that game based movies can be fun, even if they aren't based on a video game.

Points Earned --> 7:10