Jumanji – Budget of $65 million – 1 hour and 44 minutes

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In 1869, Caleb and Benjamin buried a game in the woods.  They prayed for mercy to anyone who ever found it.   In 100 years, Alan Parrish can’t ignore the drums he hears.  He follows the sound and finds a game buried in a construction site.  That game is called Jumanji.  He takes it home and reads the instructions.  When his friend Sarah comes over to apologize for her boyfriend’s actions, he tries to convince her to play the game too.  But as she walks away dropping the dice on the gameboard, a game piece starts moving on its own.  Soon, she is being chased by bats.  Alan takes his turn, only to get sucked into Jumanji.  In fear, Sarah runs out of the house, leaving Alan trapped in the game.

Twenty-six years later, Judy and Peter are still suffering the aftereffects of their parents’ death.  Peter only talks to his sister and Judy is a habitual liar.  They along with their aunt Nora moves to a new town to give them a fresh start.  While checking out their new home, Judy and Peter hear the drums.  It’s Jumanji.  They start to play when mosquitos come out of the game.  Finally, Judy reads the other side of the board.  In order to make everything go back to normal, they must finish the game.   Next Peter rolls twice; not only does he get a lion, he also gets an Alan. Alan is free from the jungles of Jumanji; he realizes Judy and Peter just added themselves to the game he started with Sarah 26 years ago.  He has to get is barring is a new world, find Sarah, convince Sarah to play, and finish the game.  If they don’t, their small town could fall apart and they could lose their lives.

Based on the novel Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg, this movie is a pure escape (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  Just as the game promise, this movie is for people who want to leave the real world behind.   As dangerous as Jumanji is, you want to play in real life.  Just to see what crazy things could happen.  With monkeys, a hunter, carnivorous plants, an earthquake, and so much more, you never know what will be coming for them next.  And to make matters crazier, Officer Carl (the sole man) wants answers from the players about everything that’s going on.  While this does have some scary moments, it ends on a happy note for kids.  The graphics are someone comical, but its refreshing to see very few computer graphics used and more animatronics.  It adds something we have lost in movie making.  So, watch and enjoy with the whole family.  Then ask yourself, could you finish Jumanji and survive (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)?

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

May God have mercy on his soul – Caleb

If you’re afraid of something, you got to stand up and face it – Sam Parrish

I quit playing board games 5 years ago – Young Sarah

In the jungle, you must wait, until the dice read 5 or 8 – Young Alan

They were very devoted parents. It was a car cash in Canada – Aunt Nora

I’m back – Alan

It’s reverse psychology. Dad use to pull it on me all the time – Peter

Don’t mind him, he’s a libra – Sarah

Fine, take it – Carl

I wish mom and dad were here – Judy

Click on a vendor to purchase: Amazon, Best Buy (Exclusive Set), iTunes, Target, Vudu, and Walmart (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)