Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is about four teenagers who get transported into the video game world of Jumanji. A sequel to the original with a twist, instead of the world of Jumanji coming to the real world it's in reverse and with video game elements.

Director, Jake Kasdan, is probably best known as the director of Bad Teacher and Sex Tape (the bad Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel movie, not a porno). While the film is pretty straightforward with the shots used and imagery, Kasdan focuses on the performances of his actors. Smart movie Kasdan.

I've been enjoying Chris McKenna's writing for a long time now. If you consider since 2010 long. He did a TV show called Community and The LEGO Batman Movie which has grown on me since it's my eldest daughter's favorite movie. Oh, and he also did a little movie called Spider-Man: Homecoming. The dialogue in the film is great. Look forward to his writing in the upcoming movie Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Dwayne Johnson is perfect for the role of as the main character in a video game. The delivery of his lines are expectedly on point. His interactions between Hart's character and Gillan are just how a shy teenage boy would be. It's almost like he knew how that felt.

Kevin Hart was the hardest sell for me since he was just being himself instead of being Fridge. The way Fridge acted when not in the game was nothing like how Hart acted. It's only a small problem but it's noticeable if you think back.

Jack Black and Karen Gillan are great as video game characters being played by two young teenage girls. Sure they're stereotyping but everyone knows a girl like that in their high school. I teach for a living, I know students that are like these two. One is self-absorbed and the other a shy antisocial rebel. Black has some of the best lines while Gillan is hard to take your eyes off of.

Result: B+ (I recommend this as a comedy, that's saying a lot)

Comments

The Odyssey (2026)

The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan , bringing one of history's greatest epics to the big screen with his signature ambition and scale. There were rumors that the film would lean heavily on a newer interpretation of the source material, and after watching it, I can understand where those concerns came from. Many of the scenes that feel unnecessary or overextended stem from that interpretation and could have been trimmed without hurting the overall narrative. Once again, Nolan demonstrates that he is a stronger director than writer, crafting visually stunning sequences while allowing the screenplay to become overly indulgent at times. The other surprising misstep is the absence of Hans Zimmer . The change in composer is immediately noticeable, and while the score is serviceable, it lacks the emotional power and memorable identity that Zimmer has brought to so many of Nolan's previous films. Matt Damon is perfectly cast as Odysseus, delivering exactly the k...

Mortal Kombat II (2026)

Mortal Kombat II is directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater , known for Fant4stic , which understandably does not inspire much confidence at first glance. Thankfully, the writing here is a major improvement, delivering a story that is more focused and far more entertaining than the first film. The sequel embraces the chaos and personality of the franchise more confidently, balancing action, humor, and fan service better than its predecessor. While the film still stumbles in places, it feels like a genuine step forward. Karl Urban , known for The Boys and Dredd , easily carries the film as Johnny Cage. His storyline is the strongest in the movie, largely because Urban knows exactly how to play the role with the right mix of arrogance, humor, and charm. He gives the film energy whenever it slows down and feels completely comfortable in the over-the-top world. Adeline Rudolph , known for Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina , plays Kitana, t...

Disclosure Day (2026)

Disclosure Day is directed by Steven Spielberg , known for Jaws , Jurassic Park , and Schindler's List , with a screenplay by David Koepp , whose work ranges from excellent efforts like Mission: Impossible and Spider-Man to less successful projects. Unfortunately, this film falls closer to the weaker side of that spectrum. The premise is intriguing, and Spielberg's craftsmanship is still evident in the film's pacing and visual storytelling, but the narrative struggles to capitalize on its potential. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that many of its most interesting ideas are left underdeveloped, culminating in an ending that fails to provide a satisfying payoff. Emily Blunt , known for Sicario and Edge of Tomorrow , serves as the film's central character and the key figure around whom the entire mystery revolves. Blunt delivers a professional and committed performance, carrying much of the emotional weight of the story. However, some of the chara...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog