Jumanji: The Next Level – Box Office Dominator – 6.5/10
With Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, just being slightly short of a billion dollars, a sequel turned out to be an essential requirement. Jumanji: The Next Level has an upbeat tempo and energetic vibe to it; this is due to introduction of two naturally reinvigorating characters. These new characters are contrasting to anything the audience has seen in part one. The two new characters being cranky elder people brings a humorous contrast to the teenage apprehension.
Danny DeVito and Danny Glover play the roles of Eddie and Milo, who are partners of a restaurant bickering over a 15-year-old separation. Eddie’s grandson, Spencer played by Alex Wolff goes back into the Jumanji video game with the hope of once again becoming the handsome and brave character of Doctor Bravestone. His action of returning back into the game forces his former adventurers to follow him back into the game. Unluckily Eddie and Milo are also dragged into the game. Unlike part one the game has gone up a level. In this alternative universe, Jurgen the Brutal played by Rory McCann, has stolen the life-giving jewel. Thus, threatening the kingdoms with drought and darkness. A lot of laughs are in order as the youngsters try to explain to the old timers that they are stuck in a video game and not dead.
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Eddie and Milo contribute to several laughs, however they do take up a huge chunk of the plot and emotional conflict of the movie. With that being said, the majority of the film is still tied up by Spencer’s decision to go back into the video game, which he does not seem to get enough grief for from his friends. The plot feels incoherent due to the constant shift in focus from the old timers to the original gang.
The randomness of the in-game avatars assigned to each player does cause confusion. This time round the body swap choices allow the actors to experiment with a wider range of humorously mimicked characters. We do get to enjoy Dwayne Johnson doing an impression of Danny DeVito, as he experiences the thrill of having rock solid muscles, huge biceps and a mobile hip. That’s not all, we also enjoy Kevin Hart impersonating Glover’s iconic verbal delivery as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar.
The narrative development is slightly dubious, the plot is to get everyone back, however the whole new game world and level is looked over, along with the visual effects. The precarious CGI depletes the set pieces, from the hordes of angry ostriches to the ravaging mandrills. Thus, making Jumanji: The Next Level a better fit as a downright comedy rather than an action adventure, as the body swapping antics are the saving grace for the movie.
Also Read A Second Review Of This Movie Here
Contrary to the first part, The Next Level is at its best in the third act of the film. However as before it is the old and new characters that shine through with, Awkwafina as game avatar Ming Fleetfoot, proves to be the secret weapon of the film, along with Jack Black being on outstanding form, more incredible dance fighting from Gillian and as always Johnson showcasing his superhuman charisma, helps The Next Level pull its weight.
Unlike the first part, this film lacks the surprise factor and often feels a bit rough around the edges, however the body swapping antics help deliver just as many laughs, hence why I have chosen to give it 6.5 out of 10. Can this winning formula help deliver the numbers again remains debatable. The audience are given to believe that a further installment is in the works due to a post credits sequence.
The World of Movies Rating 6.5/10
Movie Title: Jumanji : The Next Level
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
Written by: Jake Kasdan, Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner
Main Cast: Dwane Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Awkwafina, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blain, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover and Rory McCann
Year of Release: 2019
Genre: Comedy, Action and Adventure
Country of Origin: USA
Languages: English
Running time: 123 Minutes
Production Company: Matt Tolmach Productions, Seven Bucks Productions, The Detective Agency
Distributed by: 2Columbia Picture, Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures International
Reviewed by: Rahul Khater
[…] Also Read A Second Review Of This Movie Here […]