Jumanji (DVD, 2000, Collector's Edition)

"Jumanji" is the cinematic presentation of Chris Van Allsburg's child's adventure book of the same name. Director Joe Johnston makes this film come alive in a way that enthralls the viewer and Johnston keeps the audience on the edges of their seats throughout. The vehicle that drives the story is an enchanted board game from which the novel and the film derives its title.

Two children Judy and Peter start the game, which they mysteriously discover. Judy is played by a rather young Kirsten Dunst. Together the children learn that playing the game unexpectedly opens a time portal to a chilling jungle universe where they meet Alan, an adult played by Robin Williams, who has been trapped inside the game since his childhood because freedom can only be gained by finishing the game. As you can imagine the complicated plot follows the dangerous course they are forced into taking to finish.

Johnston is aided considerably by the energetic performance of Robin Williams whose mile-a-minute delivery contributes to the fast pace of the film. The film led to a cartoon series that lasted two seasons. Its thrilling progress led later to the production of "Zathura" a similar story which is taken from another of Van Allsburg's children's adventure novels. I'd give this exciting family entertainment masterpiece high marks, and it's definitely one I'm keeping for our family collection!

This movie is great if you like to venture off into the fantasy of movies, and escape the ho-hum reality of everyday life. The movie is based upon the self titled board game that is supposed to have mystical super-natural powers, and sucks Robin Williams into the games prison! He played the game as a child with his then girlfriend, played by the now grown-up Bonnie Hunt. Two children later (26 years later!) find this game up in the attic, dust it off, roll the dice~and AAL-YOU-KNOW-WHAT BREAKS LOOSE! Filled with amazing special effects for it's time, and stars a very young appearance by soon to be Spider Man's girlfriend, the beautiful Kirsten Dunst, who also plays a very good role in this film as well. I especially loved this movies safari type adventure, the monkeys were a riot! I give it "TWO THUMBS UP" rated 5 STARS*****

A movie for all ages. Funny, suspense, action. Robin Williams gives a wonderful performance (as always) You never know what is going to happen next. Robin & a girl (kids) play a game which comes alive and pulls Robin into the game board only to be released years later as a grown man, as a young boy and girl find the game a start to play it. They are chased by lions, monkeys, you name it. Until they win the game and everything goes back. Robin goes back to being a young boy and he and the girl get rid of the game. I highly recommend this movie

My husband bought this movie for us to watch. I didn't know anything about it but assumed it was a comedy since Robin Williams starred in it and I had seen Mrs. Doubtfire and other comedic roles he played. That was my mistake...I kept waiting for the laughs to begin, but the drama just kept unfolding and nothing was funny. Once I realized this wasn't a comedy movie at all but an action packed sort of scary one, I really started to get into the movie and love it. It does have its funny parts but I wouldn't consider this a comedy. It is a magical adventure that will have you holding your breath at times. We really enjoyed it. The special effects are really fun, and the storyline is original. It's been a while since I watched this movie, but I can still hear that drumbeat (the "heartbeat" of the spooky game) playing in my head! Be prepared to remember that sound long after the movie is over!

Despite mixed critical reviews when Jumanji premiered, I think this movie is just plain fun. It is a wildly imaginative and engrossing tale of an ancient board game that turns out to be a lot more than just a child's toy. After a brief intro scene, set in the 1800s, in which two boys bury the game with a warning for whoever might find it, the action shifts to 1969 when a young boy discovers the game at a construction site, and from there to 1995 when a young brother and sister discover the game again. Perhaps a little frightening for very young viewers, but most children (and their parents) will like this movie. The DVD version has some interesting behind-the-scenes features.