I don't see that I could possibly start my review of this movie in any other way than this; yes, there is some Guns & Roses in this movie. But pace your pre-movie Guns & Roses shots and mid-movie Guns & Roses patches a bit, because they gotta last till the end credits before the fun and games really start. I know that might feel like a long time, but the movie knew what it was promising when it went with the title Welcome to the Jungle*, and they followed through.
*this movie brought to you by the Foundation For Making Guns & Roses Feel Relevant Again.
The second most important thing, to me anyway, is to make it clear that this is not a reboot of the original Jumanji movie. It is, in fact, a sequel to that movie, in the same universe, with the "same" game. It's not a direct sequel obviously, considering none of the characters are the same or anything, but Robin Williams' character from the original Jumanji is actually referenced, by name, in Welcome to the Jungle. That was a lovely detail, and allows this movie to stand on its own strengths without having to compete with my memories of the original.
Which was a good call, because much like cake (reference joke!), my nostalgia does not play nice.
The third thing you need to know is that this movie aims solely to do exactly one thing well; entertain you (and possibly finally give you a new "cake" joke that isn't "the cake is a lie" or Cake's actual career). That's it. The whole premise, the characters, the cast that plays them, the visual and sound design, cinematography, it all comes together like some sort of Illuminati-designed "gives back" community outreach program with no other purpose beyond being silly for your entertainment.
It's got a basic conflict, sorta stereotypical characters, and a very simple progression. The moral is "don't let your labels define you," which is a nice-if-extremely-common message to get from a movie. The primary characteristic of the movie is the humor, which is excellent, and I wouldn't hesitate to call this a comedy (even if the hooligans at whatever equates to iTunes' receiving department will probably shelve it as "action/adventure").
So here's the thing. If you're just looking to be entertained, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will do that admirably. There's nothing particularly offensive about the way the movie handles the stuff it considers less important (like character drama), and the action set-pieces and jokes carry the movie beyond what you get from a lot of other blockbusters.
Bottom line, the movie is really fun. If that's what you're looking for, Jumanji is Fanta-Stic® ("The Fanta popsicle you always knew you wanted!").
If that's not what you're looking for, for the love don't go see this. It's not for you and it sure as heck won't be the movie's fault when you don't get what you're looking for. I mean for-crying-out-loud, Jack Black plays a teenage girl in this movie. They could not have possibly done more to telegraph their intentions here.
*this movie brought to you by the Foundation For Making Guns & Roses Feel Relevant Again.
The second most important thing, to me anyway, is to make it clear that this is not a reboot of the original Jumanji movie. It is, in fact, a sequel to that movie, in the same universe, with the "same" game. It's not a direct sequel obviously, considering none of the characters are the same or anything, but Robin Williams' character from the original Jumanji is actually referenced, by name, in Welcome to the Jungle. That was a lovely detail, and allows this movie to stand on its own strengths without having to compete with my memories of the original.
Which was a good call, because much like cake (reference joke!), my nostalgia does not play nice.
The third thing you need to know is that this movie aims solely to do exactly one thing well; entertain you (and possibly finally give you a new "cake" joke that isn't "the cake is a lie" or Cake's actual career). That's it. The whole premise, the characters, the cast that plays them, the visual and sound design, cinematography, it all comes together like some sort of Illuminati-designed "gives back" community outreach program with no other purpose beyond being silly for your entertainment.
It's got a basic conflict, sorta stereotypical characters, and a very simple progression. The moral is "don't let your labels define you," which is a nice-if-extremely-common message to get from a movie. The primary characteristic of the movie is the humor, which is excellent, and I wouldn't hesitate to call this a comedy (even if the hooligans at whatever equates to iTunes' receiving department will probably shelve it as "action/adventure").
So here's the thing. If you're just looking to be entertained, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will do that admirably. There's nothing particularly offensive about the way the movie handles the stuff it considers less important (like character drama), and the action set-pieces and jokes carry the movie beyond what you get from a lot of other blockbusters.
Bottom line, the movie is really fun. If that's what you're looking for, Jumanji is Fanta-Stic® ("The Fanta popsicle you always knew you wanted!").
If that's not what you're looking for, for the love don't go see this. It's not for you and it sure as heck won't be the movie's fault when you don't get what you're looking for. I mean for-crying-out-loud, Jack Black plays a teenage girl in this movie. They could not have possibly done more to telegraph their intentions here.
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