Movie Review: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – A Wild Ride You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Some reboots play it safe. Others try too hard. But Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle does something even rarer — it reinvents a beloved classic in a way that’s not only entertaining, but downright exhilarating.

Released in 2017 and directed by Jake Kasdan, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the 1995 Robin Williams original — it’s a bold, clever twist that turns the concept of the magical game on its head. Instead of a board game wreaking havoc in the real world, this time the game pulls you in — and you’re not coming out until you beat it.

Plot: The Game Has Changed

The film kicks off with four high school students — Spencer (the awkward gamer), Fridge (the football jock), Bethany (the selfie-obsessed popular girl), and Martha (the shy academic) — getting thrown together in detention. It’s your typical Breakfast Club setup… until they stumble upon an old video game console and decide to play a mysterious cartridge called "Jumanji."

In a blink, they’re sucked into the game — not as themselves, but as wildly different avatars. Spencer becomes Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), a muscled, fearless adventurer. Fridge transforms into the tiny yet brainy zoologist Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart). Martha becomes the stunning martial arts expert Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), and Bethany — hilariously — is now Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black), a middle-aged male cartographer.

Suddenly, high school insecurities are replaced with deadly quests, jungle traps, and a whole lot of screaming.

The Cast: Comedy, Chemistry, and Charisma

The true magic of this movie lies in its casting — and more importantly, the cast’s chemistry. Dwayne Johnson delivers an unexpectedly charming performance as a scared teenager trapped in a superhero’s body, blending comedic awkwardness with action-hero bravado. Watching The Rock panic over a mosquito or flirt like a nervous freshman is strangely delightful.

Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson’s dynamic continues to be a goldmine, with Hart’s constant complaints about his “weaknesses” (including cake, of all things) bringing belly laughs. Karen Gillan balances vulnerability and strength in a role that easily could have been reduced to just “the pretty one.”

But the real show-stealer? Jack Black. His portrayal of a teenage girl stuck in a man’s body is both hilarious and surprisingly nuanced. He never mocks Bethany — he becomes her. From teaching Martha how to flirt to freaking out over peeing standing up, Black gives a masterclass in physical comedy that never feels forced.

The World: A Video Game Come to Life

The Jumanji jungle is both beautiful and deadly — filled with stampedes, snakes, quicksand, and villainous henchmen that respawn like classic video game baddies. The film embraces the logic of a video game world, from character “lives” (each avatar gets three) to quests, power-ups, and non-playable characters (NPCs) who hilariously repeat the same lines over and over again.

This structure gives the film a fast pace and clear stakes. Each challenge — whether crossing a collapsing bridge, deciphering ancient clues, or defeating the villain (a suitably evil Bobby Cannavale) — brings high-octane action with just enough comedy to keep the tone light.

What It Really Is: A Coming-of-Age Story in Disguise

Beneath all the jungle mayhem and slapstick humor lies a surprisingly heartfelt story about self-discovery and growth. By being forced to live as people wildly different from themselves, the teens confront their fears, insecurities, and assumptions. Spencer learns courage, Fridge learns humility, Martha finds confidence, and Bethany discovers empathy — even sacrificing her last life for someone else.

In a way, Jumanji doesn’t just give them a wild adventure. It gives them perspective.

Direction & Writing: Sharp, Self-Aware, and Full of Surprises

Jake Kasdan walks a fine line between parody and homage, and he nails it. The script is witty and self-aware, poking fun at video game tropes (like sexy outfits for female characters and over-the-top villains) while still using them effectively. It’s packed with energy, but also knows when to pause for an emotional beat or character moment.

And while the stakes are high, the film never gets too dark. It’s an all-ages action-comedy that somehow appeals to teens, adults, and longtime fans of the original.

Final Verdict: A Reboot That Actually Works

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle could have easily fallen flat — another unnecessary remake in a sea of reboots. But instead, it emerges as a smart, funny, and wildly entertaining film that honors its origins while carving a bold new path.

It’s a movie that makes you laugh, cheer, and maybe even tear up a little — all while reminding you that sometimes, the scariest part of growing up… is figuring out who you really are.

Rating: 9/10
Welcome to the jungle. You’ll want to stay for the whole game.