Synopsis:

When Spencer goes back into the fantastical world of Jumanji, pals Martha, Fridge and Bethany re-enter the game to bring him home. But everything about Jumanji is about to change, as they soon discover more obstacles and more danger to overcome.

We’ve all wondered what it would be like to be inside of a video game and 2018s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle gave us that taste. It would probably be a great time if you were able to choose the game; whatever the game, I’d need infinite lives. However, that wasn’t the case but at least they were able to pick their characters. The reality of it is hilarious, totally dangerous, and only worth it because stronger bonds were made and a relationship was born. On the other hand, how much worse would it be if you didn’t get to pick your character? That’s where Jumanji: The Next Level comes in. It’s funnier, has a better storyline, and the game is harder. Also, a new game means upgrades and changes but I won’t spoil that. Furthermore, not only are things different but no one was able to pick their character. There are also a couple of noobs with them and they are extremely old. Old like 4:15 pm dinner and 5:35 pm bedtime, old. The movie is one big fun, comically disastrous adventure. I mean anytime you pair Kevin Hart and The Rock together, I’m there. If you enjoyed the last one, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. With its energizing action sequences, overly savage animals, and great comedic performances, Jumanji: The Next Level is pure entertainment.

Plot & Pace

When the group gets back together while on break from college, one of them feels they have drifted from the group and decides to relive Jumanji glory. When the others go looking for their friend, they end up getting sucked back into the game. To their dismay, they were not able to pick their avatar this time around and they have two unlikely players along with them. As they try to unravel what is going on, they have to explain to the noobs how Jumanji works. Now having to adjust to new characters and new terrain, the group must find their friend and finish an even harder mission than the last. Once inside the game, the movie flies swiftly like a pegasus. It has a developing subplot that builds throughout the entire movie and makes for some very comical scenes. Not only are they saving their friend but a few relationships as well.

Characters & Chemistry

When Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson get together you can be sure that you’re going to be laughing constantly. As they reprise their roles as the walking weapons satchel and the muscle, history repeats itself. As their characters end up being controlled by old men, it’s a hilarious dynamic. It leads to some extremely amusing banter. The downside, however, is Johnson’s confused old man schtick gets a bit played out. The standouts to me were Jack Black and Kevin Hart. Black really brought the funny in this movie. Having to be multiple people, he showed his comedic range without feeling out of place. Kevin Hart’s comedic timing is top-notch. Karen Gillan’s performance was badass and showed a pretty clear progression for the charter. Lastly, Awkwafina’s performance from the third act to the end solidified her spot in the franchise.

Jumani: The Next Level releases in theaters on December 13th. Enjoy the movie. Stay for the mid-credit scene.

Director: Jake Kasdan

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2h 3m

Rating: 3 out of 5