I'll be honest, from the moment I first heard about a 'Jumanji' sequel, I didn't exactly jump for joy at the prospect. It's not that I didn't want to see a continuation, more that I was worried director, Jake Kasdan wouldn't be able to do justice to Joe Johnston's 1990's classic. Doubts aside, I still watched the 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' trailer which soothed my qualms enough for me to see the film upon its release.
Despite premiering in UK cinemas on 20th December, I didn't get around to seeing the film until just last week. I am pleased to report however, that 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' took me completely by surprise! It's different enough from the original so as not to bore audiences, but remains true enough to 'Jumanji' so as not to completely ruin the film's legacy.
Seeing as there's a lot more to like than not, we'll start off with what went well. I really liked the subtle links to the first film, and for me, that's probably the reason I enjoyed 'Welcome to the Jungle' as much as I did. The appearance of the 'Jumanji' board game at the beginning of the film was a nice touch; the trailer seemed to imply there was another 'Jumanji' just in a more modern, video game format. The film clears all of that up however.
There's also a mention of the late Robin Williams' character, Alan Parrish, who was the protagonist of 'Jumanji'. Those of you who are old enough will remember Parrish was sucked into the board game much like the players in 'Welcome to the Jungle'. Along their journey through the land of Jumanji, the protagonists of the latter film, find, and even stay for a brief time at, Parrish's temporary lodgings (which he supposedly inhabited during his twenty-six years in the game). There's even a little sign reading 'Alan Parrish was here'!
'Welcome to the Jungle' continues this idea that players can become trapped within the game with the introduction of Alex (Nick Jonas) who unknowingly remained in Jumanji for 20 years.
Other links to the original 'Jumanji' include the appearance of a little white rhino playing piece which serves as a clue in the sequel, and the ominous drumbeat synonymous with the game. I also liked how in the first film everything comes out of the game, whereas the reverse happens in the latest instalment.
As a whole, 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' is a refreshing addition to what is now, the 'Jumanji' franchise. Whilst I wasn't too taken with the idea of swapping out the board game for the video game, I did like the coherence throughout the film. For example, the way each of the players had tattoos representing how many lives they had left, and how Jack Black's character was able to sacrifice one of his in order to save Alex. The strengths and weaknesses of each character, along with the set dialogue for each of the minor characters in the video game added a comedic aspect to the film.
On the flip side...
I have to say, I'm not a fan of the comedic side to 'Welcome to the Jungle'. I feel like there are a lot of silly, satirical jokes in the sequel that are clearly present to entertain a younger audience - I just don't think they have any place in a 'Jumanji' film. I mean, we're talking about the same place Alan Parrish grew up, the same jungle that's meant to house your darkest fears...
Overall then, 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' turned out to be a lot better than I originally expected. I feared a poorly produced sequel that would fail to do the Robin Williams classic any justice. Clearly, I stand corrected, for 'Welcome to the Jungle' is a good continuation, and although not as great as 'Jumanji' (I never expected it to be), nor as scary as I might've liked, the sequel has very much stayed true to the original film, and I think that's just the key ingredient that follow-on films lack these days.
Score: 6/10
