The movie Jumanji (1995), and the franchise that followed, began as the 1981 picture book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg. We choose to look at the fantasy adventure movie from 1995, starring well known actors and a charming mix of twists and turns that many a family audience can enjoy.
The story of Jumanji begins perhaps 10 or 15 years before the current day in 1995, with the game at the center of the movie beginning play with young Alan Parrish and young Sarah Whittle playing the board game Jumanji. Adam Hann-Byrd and Laura Bell Bundy portray Alan and Sarah as kids, with appearances by David Alan Grier as Carl Bentley and Jonathan Hyde as Samuel Parrish in the youth of Alan and Sarah.
The notion of Jumanji as a board game permits that story begun in the past to span many years into the modern day of 1995, wherein we are introduced to Judy Shepherd, Peter Shepherd and aunt Nora Shepherd as they begin moving into the Parrish house once occupied by Alan and his parents, Samuel and Carol Parrish. Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce and Bebe Neuwirth portray Judy, Peter and Nora, respectively. Patricia Clarkson portrays Carol Parrish. It is the move into the home by the Shepherds, along with the initial uncertainty of a move into any neighborhood, that gets Judy and Peter playing the board game in the present day.
The playing of the game introduces the fantasy of what Jumanji has to offer the audience and the characters of the movie. It takes the playing to introduce Bonnie Hunt as Sarah Whittle and Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, both as adults who have experienced much since the initial introduction of characters from the past. We get to be reintroduced to Carl Bentley in a new career as police officer, while Jonathan Hyde is reintroduced as Van Pelt.
The shenanigans that ensue humorously entertain while offering engaging revelations about the interpersonal struggles experienced by the several characters. The struggles are shared in relatable ways that make for enjoyable entertainment that I recommend for many. A similar vein is used in the later franchise of movies that came along with a different cast, with an updated spin that makes the appeal here for a more recent audience.
The movie Jumanji as directed by Joe Johnston tells a story of adventure and fantasy. The mixture of family friendly humor and relatable experience makes the film work for most audiences. That I enjoyed the experience through multiple full and partial viewings, leads me to give Jumanji 4.0-stars on a scale of one-to-five.
Matt – Saturday, May 29, 2021
Matt Lynn Digital 