'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' Review

In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, four high schoolers discover an old video game console while in detention. They plug in the game and select their avatars, only to find themselves teleported into the game as those avatars. It's then up to the studious Spencer, athletic jock Fridge, self-absorbed popular Bethany, and insecure Martha to beat the game by returning the sacred jewel of Jumanji to its rightful place in the forms of the daring explorer Dr. Smolder Bravestone, meek zoologist Moose Finbar, accomplished map-reader Sheldon Oberon, and formidable fighter Ruby Roundhouse.

In all honesty, I have not been looking forward to this film at all. I was first skeptical at the very idea of rebooting the revered 1995 Jumanji, and then the trailers did nothing to ease my concerns due to the seemingly forced humor. It just seemed like a needless reboot produced and distributed for the purposes of making a quick buck.

However, I must report that I was pleasantly surprised by everything director Jake Kasdan had in store for audiences! I'd liken it to my experience watching last year's Ghostbusters, where I went in with enormously low expectations to discover a surprisingly enjoyable film instead of the cringeworthy mess I had imagined. Perhaps, it was because I had low expectations that I wound up enjoying either, but I'd like to think they're both entertaining action-comedies. 

  

This is not to say Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle surpasses the original by any stretch of the imagination (except perhaps in regards to effects), but it puts an interesting spin on the premise of Chris Van Allsburg's classic children's book. One reason I think the original is better, in actuality, is that it feels like a generational family-friendly classic that will be probably passed down for quite some time. I simply can't imagine parents sitting their kids down to introduce them to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle twenty years from now, but who knows, my generation is kinda weird.

Anyways, screenwriters Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg, and Jeff Pinkner make great use of the video game setting and body-switching premise to poke fun at the typical tropes found in most video games and the stereotypes associated with high school students (jock, nerd, popular girl, and the insecure reserved girl). On paper, it would probably seem pretty thin, but it works thanks to the charming cast and efficient execution from Kasdan.

I also distinctly remember an outpouring of internet users making a fuss over Karen Gillan's skimpy outfit in a jungle setting making no sense, because what's the internet without complaining? Well, this is addressed fairly quickly with the rationale female video game characters are typically designed that way. Just look at Laura Croft.

 

Kasdan also handles the action sequences quite well, considering it's his first time to direct an action film. The action's fun and over-the-top, just like it would be in an actual video game. Would any of it be up for contention alongside the best action sequences of the year? No, but they're all entertaining to watch. One weakness would be that some of the CG doesn't quite look authentic (namely the animals), but I suppose one could reason that was purposely done because of budgetary restraints and to match the video game setting. Plus, this is Jumanji... Not War for the Planet of the Apes... I'm not expecting ground-breaking, realistic visual effects from every single frame of this film.

As for the core cast, they're truly the ones who made it all work. It was incredibly entertaining to watch Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black play against their traditional type-casting. Watching "The Rock" and Karen Gillan play awkward, insecure teenagers trapped inside practically perfect adult bodies was amusing to say the least. Though, it's Jack Black who stands out most as a superficial, social media obsessed teenage girl. I'd provide examples of the way his character's written, but I'd rather not giveaway the funniest moment of the movie that hasn't been abused in the trailers already. Kevin Hart, on the other hand, continues to seemingly act like himself and just run around screaming as the stock, slapstick comedian or whatever. That is admittedly one of the more grating elements of the film, but you probably won't have a  problem with it if you like Kevin Hart in other movies.

Alex Wolff, Ser'Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, and Morgan Turner play the real-life versions of the stereotyped teenagers characters a little on the nose, to the point that the high school bookends feel rather cliché, but they're all serviceable when used. You won't leave saying these four are the breakout stars of the movie because they're not in it all too much, but they're not grating either (which could have easily become a problem).

Nick Jonas is also in the film, and he's... fine, I guess... His character's probably the least interesting of the bunch because audiences are introduced to him quickly, and don't spend nearly as much time with him, but he's not really a hinderance or an asset. It seems like he's there mostly to have teenage girls swoon.

The one weak link would be Bobby Cannavale as the film's antagonist, Van Pelt (who's realy not at all like the version from the 1995 original). It's largely due to the screenplay, but Cannavale doesn't really do much of anything and his motivations are unclear. He kinda just has a menacing, foreboding presence and creeps you out because bugs are crawling all over him while he remains completely unbothered. He's just another forgettable, two-dimensional villain.

To me, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a fun, disposable action-comedy that will probably be completely forgotten in a matter of months. Is it a fun time at the theater worth a matinee? Yes. For parents, should you bring kids? I'll leave that up to you, because I think that depends on your leniency for language. I'll just inform you that there were some jokes said about the male anatomy I personally wouldn't want my children to hear if I were a parent. Nothing encroaching R-rated vulgarity, but still rather risqué for a PG-13 rated film and not exactly kid-friendly. 

In this crowded week at the box office leading up to the holidays, I've yet to see many of the films opening, but I can at least assure you Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is an entertaining use of two hours. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is that surprising sequel that manages to successfully revitalize the original's premise for contemporary crowds.

Film Assessment: B-

Throwback Thursday Review: 'King Kong' (2005)

This week I'm reviewing the 2005 Peter Jackson rendition of King Kong to coincide with the release of Kong: Skull Island this weekend, I've already seen and reviewed it so click on the blue hyperlink if you're interested in checking that out. Next week I'll be reviewing Disney's 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast to tie in with the release of the live-action incarnation. Reviews you can expect throughout the remainder of March include Throwback Thursday Reviews over Beauty and the Beast (1991), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and Spider-Man 2 and new releases Kong: Skull Island, Beauty and the Beast (2017), The Belko Experiment, Power Rangers, Life, The Boss Baby, The Zookeeper's Wife, and Ghost in the Shell (2017).

'King Kong' (2005) Review

Nominated For: Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. 
Won: Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. 

King Kong tells the story of a film crew venturing to the mysterious Skull Island to shoot a picture, only to have their lead actress apprehended by the natives to be sacrificed a 25 foot gorilla. The primate chooses to take Ann Darrow himself and a bond is formed between the two before the crew capture Kong to showcase as "The Eighth Wonder of the World" back in New York. If you know anything about King Kong then you know how that turns out... He escapes, finds the lady, and scales the Empire State Building. Yes, this is the typical Kong story we've grown accustomed to hearing set in 1930s New York.

Peter Jackson had a hand in writing and directing this 2005 remake, hot off his successful adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, spanning the 1933 story about the great ape into a (longer than necessary) feature-length epic. The one thing that makes this version quite difficult to sit through is its three hour and seven minute running time. In my mind anything that lasts longer than three hours overstays its welcome unless it's one of The Lord of the Rings and King Kong unfortunately suffers from symptoms of a bloated running time.

Fortunately, the technical aspects of King Kong hold up remarkably well. Jackson captures the spirit of Depression-era New York rather quickly in the film's opening thanks to accentuated '30s costume & production design and James Newton Howard's gorgeous musical accompaniment. Howard's score is all-encompassing of what you would want for a Kong feature; he's got the epic themes for the action, resonant character compositions for the more emotionally-moving sequences, and eery accompaniment for the mysterious moments.

I would be remised to forget the visual effects though, which are awe-inpiring. Kong remains the ever fascinating CG-creation, largely thanks to the animators and Andy Serkis' motion capture performance. Serkis nailed the monkey mannerisms and subtle expressions exhibiting the creature's emotional spectrum, which only added further credence to the beast's authenticity. It's no wonder he's still playing the lead mo-cap primate in The Planet of the Apes franchise and stands as one of the motion capture kings today.

One slight complaint/nitpick that stuck out to me was Jackson's tendency to encourage blurred camera movement from long time collaborators cinematographer Andrew Lesnie and editor Jamie Selkrik in some of the more exhilarating moments. I feel this went in direct opposition to the momentum built up in some action sequences and came across a bit too often for my taste. In the writing department, Jackson reunites the writing braintrust behind adapting The Lord of the Rings trilogy including Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and himself.

It's apt that screenwriter character Jack Driscoll is the hero of the story but by the time the credits are rolling the character doesn't receive his due for his heroics. That's just the nature of filmmaking, general audiences respond to a film and will praise/scorn the director and cast but typically the screenwriter's left in the dust. Thankfully that's not an issue for this version of King Kong. The script does a remarkable job fleshing out its characters (a little too excessively in some cases) but I can't say that I finished the film without any concerns over certain logistics. I wondered such things as how the crew possibly got King Kong on their boat once he was captured, where they put him considering the cages on the boat were all intended for smaller creatures, how the boat made it off Skull Island with Kong onboard. Wouldn't he have significantly weighed the vessel down? These are relatively remote plot-holes to say the least but questions I genuinely pondered over, unable to conjure up any explanations behind any of them.

Anyways, the cast amassed for King Kong are quite something. Naomi Watts' Ann Darrow exemplifies beauty in addition to making a sufficient damsel. Watts is in-distress but showcases enough emotional range to more than compensate for her classic role. Adrien Brody's playwright Jack Driscoll makes for a likable protagonist while Jack Black plays the stubborn yet exuberant director Carl Denham that you can't help but feel conflicted over liking. Meanwhile, Kyle Chandler, Thomas Kretschamen, Collin Hanks, Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis (who has a role as the boat's chef along with his Kong duties) each have brief supporting roles worth acknowledging.

In summary, King Kong has almost everything going for it but a tight running time. Had Jackson trimmed the film down, he may have had a masterpiece on his hands.

Film Assessment: B

'Kung Fu Panda 3' Review

I'm a tad late with this review but I recently saw the latest installment in the Kung Fu Panda franchise after recently rewatching the first two films for my Throwback Thursday Reviews the two weeks leading up to the third film's release. Animated sequels have a tendency to fall short of the original with a few exceptions and Kung Fu Panda 3 proved to be a solid conclusion to the Kung Fu Panda trilogy that brings the overarching narrative full circle. When compared with the other two, there are certainly huge similarities in embracing the classic heartfelt message to be yourself. This film probably has the most depth and substance in the franchise once again dipping it's toes in the water of mature themes involving Po feeling torn between his adoptive and biological fathers. Simultaneously, this is the most fun, entertaining installment yet that sports gorgeous animation, fun humor, and some cool kung fu action sequences. The entire vocal ensemble cast are great when utilized properly. Jack Black once again brings life into Po, with charisma and heart galore. Bryan Cranston is a welcome addition to the franchise as Po's father and James Hong, who voices Po's adoptive dad, got to delve into some of the deeper themes and nails it. The returning cast are for the most part relegated to smaller supporting roles but are great when used. J.K. Simmons made for a great new villain as Kai with a malevolent gravitas. Kung Fu Panda 3 takes the groundwork laid by it's predecessors, Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2, and elevates it to a new level of fun, entertaining animation with even more heart. Kung Fu Panda 3 brings the Kung Fu Panda trilogy to a close, cementing the films as another solid animated trilogy that leaves the door open for another potential installment should Dreamworks decide to go in that direction. If you enjoyed the first two, you'll certainly have fun watching Kung Fu Panda 3.

Film Assessment: A-

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Kung Fu Panda 2'

This week continues and completes my Throwback Thursday Reviews of the Kung Fu Panda films leading into this week's Kung Fu Panda 3.  Next week I will review
Zoolander to get ahead and review it leading up to it's sequel the following week since Zoolander 2 and Deadpool are coming out the same weekend. Therefore I will review Zoolander next week, followed by X-Men Origins: Wolverine the following week.

'Kung Fu Panda 2' Review

Nominated For: Best Animated Feature.
Kung Fu Panda 2 picks up after the original and strays from feeling like a retread, which can be a problem for many sequels, but rather an extension of the story that began in Kung Fu Panda. The sequel elevates so much of what the original introduced. The animation once again is top notch and the action sequences are even better than before accompanied with great humor once again. The voice cast once again nails it as they perfectly match their respective characters. Jack Black is so entertaining as Jack Black, providing so much charisma and heart to the character of Po. Dustin Hoffman is great in his limited screen time but when onscreen brings the wise demeanor of Master Shi Fu. Meanwhile on the other side of the coin, Angelina Jolie's role as Tigress becomes significantly more important as opposed to the first film. The film's villain is a great standout as Gary Oldman provides the voice for Lord Shen. Shen is so menacing and makes for a complex antagonist for our heroes. I can't speak too much for the rest of the voice cast as the remainder have very limited speaking roles and didn't particularly standout. Now speaking for the film as a whole, Kung Fu Panda 2 does something few animated sequels can accomplish in that it escalates the fun of the franchise to a new level bringing with it a new layer of sophistication and depth putting it with some of Dreamworks' best work alongside the Shrek films, How To Train Your Dragon films, and the original Kung Fu Panda.

Film Assessment: B+

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Kung Fu Panda' Review

This review begins what will be my brief series of Throwback Thursday reviews leading up to  Kung Fu Panda 3  Next week I will continue with my review of Kung Fu Panda 2.

'Kung Fu Panda' Review

Nominated For: Best Animated Feature.

Kung Fu Panda, just the idea of a Panda learning Kung Fu seems at least a bit intriguing. Essentially, that is a basic outline of the plot. Kung Fu Panda isn't quite at the level of any of Pixar's films, although it's a Dreamworks Animation film so it's not exactly expected to, but that means that while the film is quite entertaining it doesn't exactly have the mature themes and depth that many Pixar films contain. As I said, the film is quite entertaining and that's in large part to a number of things.  The animation is beautiful, there's some decent humor, and some really cool action sequences. The major martial arts action sequences are the main draw to the film and are all particularly enjoyable. I can't speak too much about the voice cast but everyone seems to be perfectly cast paired with their respective characters. In particular, Jack Black is quite amusing as Po. Overall, I can say Kung Fu Panda held up to how I remembered it and certainly remains among some of Dreamwork Animation's greatest animated films, alongside the Shrek and How To Train Your Dragon films.

Film Assessment: B