Jumanji: The Next Level is another entry into the updated Jumanji series, from board game to video game, that seems to print money for Sony for some reason. It stars Jack Black, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillen, Nick Jonas, and newcomer Awkwafina to lead the audience through another Jumanji adventure. The 2017 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is, unfortunately, not one I can say I enjoyed. I found it to be a middling reboot to a long-forgotten franchise. Its sequel, however, in a surprise to myself, I can confidently say I enjoyed. While by no means is it this a masterpiece, it does surprisingly enthuse me for the future of the franchise as the film ends on a rather tantalizing cliffhanger.
Writer and director Jake Kasdan, coming back as director and taking over as writer, injects much-needed levity into a sequel whose predecessor felt excessively drab. While the body-swapping gag fell flat on its face last time, I found myself enjoying it as the writing this time around is far superior. It knows not to take itself seriously and really dials it up to eleven. The additions of Danny Devito and Danny Glover are welcome and provide numerous laughs as watching the other actors try and pretend to be them is a real treat. The ensemble dynamic flowed far better this time around, likely due to the writing shakeup. While last time the plot felt aimless, meandering far too much like the video game it was trying to portray, The Next Level has a strong sense of direction for both its characters and overall story. Even when it’s hamfisted and a bit cringey, it’s far more preferable to the nothingness of its predecessor.
It is important to note that while it is an improvement upon the last installment, that does not necessarily make all elements good. Both the plot and character arcs are recycled classics, and while they are appreciated after the absences in the last movie, that does not make them any less predictable here. The villain is about as generic as they come, although still well acted by Game of Thrones alum Rory McCann, lacks interesting motives or backstory. Despite the film feeling tired and generic, it doesn’t detract too much from the experience as the emphasis of the film is clearly on the relationships between our lead characters. Said interactions are well sold by the on-screen chemistry of the cast, powering the film through to the credits.
With fun, new concepts and a killer cast, Jumanji: The Next Level has enough charm to stand on its own as a piece of new cinema. While not anything to stop the presses about, this is an enjoyable experience that proves it is worthy of yet another sequel, one that is teased to take it back to the franchise roots.
3.5/5 STARS