Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) Dir: Jake Kasdan

Link to the Instagram Review:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWsuaaoofS4/?utm_medium=copy_link

This sequel started in the best possible way, with the introduction of Danny DeVito, a treasure of an actor. Storywise, I actually think this film started off in a really solid manner.

Some pretty good acting brought us into the main crux of the story. The initial story to get us back into the game is reasonable. It does the job. It's not super intricate, but truthfully, it doesn't exactly need to be.

The real world isn't exactly the focus of this franchise. I really enjoyed how the character's got mixed up, especially because it gave the main starts an opportunity to show a different side of their acting.

Alex Wolff is quietly essembling a pretty decent portfolio of acting credits, I think he's showing himself to be a natural talent.

Once again, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart use their natural chemistry to great effect. They make for a highly entertaining duo. Jack Black is his usual comical and fun self. Karen Gillan also once again shows her lively and amusing side.

This sequel also introduces Awkwafina to the cast of in-game characters. She's entertaining enough, though her character suffers a little initially, almost purely because she's put up against the other 4 characters. However, she becomes more likeable as the film progresses.

Nick Jonas gives near enough the same performance as in the previous film, which is not a bad thing. Lastly, Rory McCann gives a good account of himself with comparatively reduced screentime.

There's some quality visuals in this, although some shots are slightly ruined by an excessive use of CGI. There's a couple of nice call backs to the first film too, which I really enjoyed to be honest.

The narrative itself is, much like the prior film, more about fun than critical excellence so-to-speak. Which, I'll clarify, I'm not complaining about one bit.

One thing I will say about these new films, this sequel in particular, is that they no longer feel like "Jumanji" films, instead being more standard fantasy adventure films.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy this franchise, I think director Jake Kasdan has done a brilliant job to bring a 90s classic into the 21st century and to a new generation of moviegoers.

One last thing, I'm not usually one for too many sequels, but I really wouldn't mind another visit to Jumanji. Although I think if there was to be another, they should use new characters. I've really enjoyed these new films.