1995’s Jumanji is an interesting concept (interesting enough to spawn spin offs and reboots in more recent times) but the movie itself feels a bit generic.
Perhaps the special effects were good at the time, but they feel a little dated now.
Not a great deal happens in the way of character development. The demonic titular board game is never really explained either, though that is possibly a strength of the movie and it’s actually quite nice to be able to suspend your disbelief and just accept that such a thing exists without the need for a lengthy ponderous backstory.
The film is entertaining enough, without really being ground-breaking. Robin Williams generally elevates most things he’s in and doesn’t let anyone down here. The rest of the cast is decent too, including a young Kirsten Dunst.
Score for Christmasishness
It’s only Christmas at the end of the movie, but those scenes are very Christmassy. Plus the whole movie is the kind of family-friendly entertainment that you probably would watch at Christmas. But we can only really award points for the denouement here, and so the movie is only a bit Christmas(ish).
James Proclaims! 
15 responses to “The Fourth Annual James Proclaims Advent Calendar of Christmas(ish) Films – Door 10”
Jumanji is great! As you say it’s a decent film but oozes charm with Robin Williams and is deeply satisfying. Like Hook.
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I do love Hook but that movie would be nothing without Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman
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Jumanji is one of the few cases where the reboot is more fun than the original.
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I still have to watch the reboot but it’s on the ever-increasing list of movies I need to see soon.
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It’s a lot of fun, not least for seeing Dwayne Johnson playing a nerd.
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Also that scene where Jack Black learns how to pee.
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Very much so. Jack Black is an inspired bit of casting in that film.
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I guess it’s one that now looks CGI dated but hit the spot in the kidult market. I admit to enjoying it for what it is, and Williams.
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Williams is the main reason to watch it, but it’s a hard movie to dislike
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I do like this movie. and yes the reboots are better. Buit this one does have a strong Christmas connection at the end Total Approval from Mr. Ohh!. Aren’t you glad you got that?
Laugh to stay healthy
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I’ll wear that badge of honour with pride
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It’s not supposed to make sense, it’s supposed to let Robin Williams display his copies charm and talent. It is an unparalleled success.
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Robin Williams is always a joy and he’s great in this. He’s been in better movies though.
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This is a movie I really enjoyed. I haven’t seen it for years so maybe it wouldn’t charm me like it once did, seeing as how my judgment improves with each passing year!!!
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It is still charming but time hasn’t been especially kind to this one.
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