Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Jumanji: The Next Level is an action-adventure picture from Sony and a direct sequel to 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. It stars Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillam, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart, the sequel picks up some time after the first with the team split up. They are forced to go back into the game to rescue one of there own when he becomes trapped inside the game, however, upon entering, the gang discovers that the rules have changed and the world of Jumanji is more dangerous than ever.
Under The Lens: New Characters and Set Pieces
New Characters: The strenth of Jumanji has always been its colorful cast of stereotypical characters, who are then played in a non-stereotypical way. This is on ever greater display in this follow up as we find Danny Devito and Danny Glover joining the cast, this causes some truly hilarious moments as we see The Rock and Kevin Hart channel both actors in almost perfect mimicry. These new characters also bring some truly heartfelt moments that showcase that Jumanji has never been about the “Game” but how the characters react to it.
Set Pieces: Being set in a video game world, the picture is all about set pieces for the action to take place. With the most memorable being the final climax, set in a snowy castle and then a zeppelin. The CGI is impressive and does not distract, and the colors made the strange combo of industrial and medieval work well. The final fight aboard the zeppelin was truly fun and edge of your seat, as Dr. Bravestone confronts Rory McCain who plays Jurgen the Brutal. The zeppelin is in mid crash as the fight goes on and we are treated to some beautiful scenery.
Highlights
The flight of the Pegasys is beautifully shot and looked fantastic on the big screen.
The Rock’s acting was surprisingly good and shows that when he needs to, he is a very decent actor.
Karen Gillam’s fight scene in the climax of the film is a well-shot mix of practical and CGI effects, and further cement’s her as this decade’s most unexpected action star.
Something to think about
What video game would you most like to be trapped in and why?
Conclusion
Overall Jumanji: The Next Level is a gloriously fun motion picture, it builds off its predecessor, and while it plays it safe. The picture adds enough new elements that justify it, its humor and action set pieces are all improved from the first Jumanji. Its new cast members mesh well with the old, and it finds creative ways to use them. Jumanji: The Next Level is the rare sequel that is better than the first. Its a breezy good time at the cinema and will leave you laughing and relaxed at its conclusion.
