Alien at the Movies

1995's Jumanji film ends with the board game buried on a beach. This sequel picks up in 1996 with the Jumanji board game being recovered & taken home where overnight, it magically morphs into a video game & claims another player victim. Now jump to the present where 4 Brantford High School detention students discover & play this video game only to be sucked into this imaginary fantasy adventure game. They become their chosen avatar characters & are forced to play by the games rules if they hope to escape. It is hilarious comedy as Duane Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, & Karen Gillan retain the personalities of their high school counterparts. Nick Jonas & Bobby Cannavale also costar. Look for a surprise cameo. This creative update aims to reach today's generation of gamers & is a nice twist that takes the players into the game instead bringing the game to the players. No special clips at the end of the film, only the sound of those familiar drums disappointing the hopeful hanger-ons.

Alien gives it 3½ "the eye of the jaguar" stars out of 4.