I've been hearing conflicting reports about whether this movie is a sequel or not to the 1995 original, but I am on the side of thinking that it is in fact a sequel. I mean this movie opens up very similarly to how the previous entree ended after all, plus there is a reference to Robin Williams' character too. I simply like the idea that there's this game out there that's trying to suck unsuspecting "victims" into playing it, whether it's a board game, or a video game. If you have that mentality in mind, you might enjoy seeing this installment. Actually, if you didn't have any experience with the previous movie, you might enjoy it anyway.
Despite my initial ideas of what to expect from "Welcome To The Jungle," in that it's just a stupid excuse of a movie, I'm happy to say that it's actually a rather fun watch. Was it stupid in certain parts? Sure. Did it have some predictable plot tropes? Yes. Was it derivative in it's premise? It was. Where there illogical parts that took me out of the movie? There were... Wait, I did say I had fun watching this right? I did, and I mean it!
While this movie does technically have it's flaws and problems, the winning element on why it was still entertaining to watch was because of the cast. Dwayne Johnson plays the physically strong guy who is unsure of his self worth. He's an undeniably charming guy. Karen Gillan is the awkward girl who can kick ass. It's fun watching her go all out in her role. Jack Black plays his role like he is a teenage girl. Easy cheap humor sure, but Jack Black doesn't completely over do it. Kevin Hart plays... Kevin Hart. You know what to expect from that right? He was entertaining for sure.
Although the comedy isn't always the best, and it's satirical take on video games doesn't always stick the landing, the cast of actors simply makes it work. From the difference between the avatar characters, the liberal trope of killing them off nonchalantly due to the fact they have multiple lives, to a whole joke about being a teenage girl in a man's body, this cast is the reason why any of that would work in the first place. Even when the actual action-adventure element gets bogged down into it's uninspired derivative nature, the cast manages to keep my attention.
"Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle" is probably not going to be thought of as fondly as the 1995 "Jumanji," but that doesn't mean it's simply disposable entertainment. Well, I suppose it kinda was, but let's just say that it's fun disposable entertainment. It's not a horrible movie. There, that's the best reason to check it out.
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
