Things we find fascinating as children often lose their zest and luster as we age. A movie I loved as a teenager, and quite frankly hadn’t watched or even thought about in well over a decade, is the 1995 Joe Johnston adventure “Jumanji”
After watching for the first time in years, I was able to ascertain a number of things; the first is that the special effects of 1995 might as well have been 1895 compared with the tricks and gadgets of today’s cinematic world. The second is that the movie “Jumanji” is a seemingly flawless fit for star comedian Robin Williams, who takes the helm in a role designed and suited for him better than a tux from Joseph A. Banks. Finally, while the overly friendly tones may seem a bit more exacerbated to a now grown man, the overall movie is a solid effort with its unusual premise and comic entrails throughout.
Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 picture book of the same name, “Jumanji” tells the tale of a mystical jungle themed board game possessed by a curse that brings danger, catastrophe, and destruction to those that play.
While fleeing from bullies in 1969, young Alan Parrish stumbles across the game buried in a nearby field. That evening, he and friend Sarah Whittle sit down to play. The games magical properties are discovered from the onset as on Alan’s first turn, he is transferred into the board game’s menacing jungle with the poetic result of the role displayed on the games mystical center sphere: In the jungle you must wait, until the dice read 5 or 8. A distraught Sarah flees the scene and the movie resumes some 26 years later.
Two new children (played by Bradley Pierce and a young Kirsten Dunst in an early role) discover the board and decide to toss the dice – bringing forth a now fully grown Alan (Robin Williams) who has spent the last two plus decades living as a primitive savage man in the jungle. Subsequent roles serve to bring about a host of other obstacles (from jungle beasts to torrential rains) that do nothing other than wreak mayhem on the entire town, and will continue to do so until the game is finished.
Robin Williams is at his best in the comedic role of cunning though still timid Tarzan-like Alan Parrish. Alan must learn to deal with the perils of the Jumanji jungle including a big game hunter bent on nailing him – as well as his stern and old fashioned father (Jonathan Hyde in a dual role.) Williams brings his trademark comedy and the result is a thoroughly enjoyable blend of laughs and awwwws.
Joining Williams is Bonnie Hunt, who plays the slightly disturbed older version of Sarah (rendered insane since childhood when she told police she saw Alan get sucked into a board game). Comedic actor David Allen Grier (from the 90s TV show “In Living Color”) is featured as well as the deceptively beautiful and hilarious Bebe Nuewirth (known for her iconic role of Dr. Lilith Stern on “Cheers” and Frasier.”)
“Jumanji” is the perfect move for a family to sit down and watch on a Saturday night. Filled with action and adventure (though none too intense for younger viewers), solid acting and a fun story, “Jumanji” manages to withstand the test of time.
by – Matt Christopher
