Jumanji . Tucson Weekly . 12-21-95

Jumanji

DIRECTED BY: Joe Johnston

REVIEWED: 12-21-95

Need a break from ambiguity and complexity? Is the meaninglessness of existence getting you down? Then shell out some cash and retreat to Jumanji, a special effects-jammed cross between an adventure movie and a haunted house thriller. Robin Williams stars as a man who's been trapped inside a magical board game for most of his life. When a couple of kids set him free, they're obliged by the rules to finish playing. It's a conservationist's dream: The game spews out endangered species like water from a garden hose. The special effects are cool, but the computer-generated animals aren't nearly as endearing as the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. Most of the animals don't interact with the human characters much--they just run around. And you know that talent Robin Williams has for being weirdly funny and manic? He doesn't use it here.

--Stacey Richter

Other Films by Joe Johnston
October Sky

Film Vault Suggested Links
Batman & Robin
After the Fall of New York
Volcano

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