Jumanji (1995)

Jumanji (1995)

8/10

Starring

Robin Williams

Kirsten Dunst

David Alan Grier

Bonnie Hunt

Jonathan Hyde

Bebe Neuwirth

Directed by Joe Johnston

When I was younger in the ’90s, there was nothing as amazing as watching the late Robin Williams as Alan Parrish take on the world of Jumanji. Williams’ acting and his portrayal of a man out of touch with the present day is something you have to see to appreciate.

Maybe younger audiences will enjoy the Dwayne Johnson versions more, but neither of those holds a candle to this magnificent original. The 2017 and 2019 sequels—Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level—are direct follow-ups to this 1995 movie. There was also a non-connected sequel in 2005, Zathura: A Space Adventure, which was also a very good movie.

Regardless of when it was released, the plot, acting, and everything else about this movie make it a masterpiece. That’s why I believe a sequel—not a reboot—was made. Plus, Kirsten Dunst delivers one of the best child performances you’ll ever see. Together with Robin Williams, they made this movie easy to watch, even now.

This fantasy adventure film is based on the 1981 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The plot centers around Alan, who, as a young boy, struggles to take responsibility for his actions and stand up to bullies. One day, while trying to escape his tormentors, he runs into his father’s warehouse, causes a mess, and leaves without cleaning it up. That’s when he hears the sound of drums.

The Jumanji game emits drum sounds, inviting anyone who hears it to play. Alan follows the sound, finds the game, and takes it home. After a fight with his father, who leaves for dinner with Alan’s mother, Alan is alone when Sarah, a girl he likes, visits. She also hears the drums, and they decide to play together.

Sarah’s first roll summons bats into the house. Alan’s second roll sucks him into the game, trapping him. The only way out is for someone to roll a five or an eight. But when Sarah sees Alan get sucked into the game, she runs away in fear.

Twenty-six years later, everyone believes Alan was murdered—some even suspect his father. Their house has been sold to a woman who’s caring for her niece, Judy (Kirsten Dunst), and nephew, Peter, whose parents have died. When the children hear the drums and start playing the game, they release dangerous mosquitoes and monkeys. Peter then rolls a five, releasing a now-grown Alan (Robin Williams) and a lion.

Alan is thrilled to be free but wants nothing to do with the game. The children, terrified by everything that’s happened, just want it all to end. But according to the game’s rules, the chaos won’t stop until they finish the game.

I don’t mind the new sequels, but nothing compares to this 1995 original.