Product: Jumanji [VHS] (1995)
Rating: 4.0
Better Than Average
I like "Jumanji". It has lots of laughs and lots of action. True, it lacks something that keeps it from being a classic. Maybe, as Maltin says, it doesn't have much to say. I could argue that it has something to say about perseverance and not letting others down, but it does seem to be more about punch lines, things coming through walls, floors, ceilings, etc., and special effects, than anything else. That isn't necessarily bad, though. Some movies should just be fun, and "Jumanji" does that pretty well. Yes, the premise is preposterous. A game where each space you land on has a rhyme that produces tangible (and violent) results. But it's no more preposterous than a boy who hears dead people ("Sixth Sense" for those who missed it). Bottom line: in my opinion this flick was a lot of fun. Not deep, but fun. It has all the laughs and action you could want. And my kids like it, too (no, it didn't scare them). Stay away if you want something dramatic or serious, but if you're looking for some fun and fast-paced entertainment, this could be just the ticket.