Twenty-two years after the release of action adventure film ‘Jumanji’ that starred the late Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst in lead roles, it’s sequel hit the big screen last weekend. ‘Jumanji’, which itself was an adaptation of a children’s book written by Chris Allsburg, was a roaring success and set a precedent for action adventure coupled with comedy, is still afresh in the hearts and minds of those who watched it. ‘Jumanji – Welcome To The Jungle’ begins from where it’s prequel ended; two people taking a walk on the beach, and hearing strange drum sounds from afar. The execution of a predictable storyline is everything and the film managed to do that successfully As it turns out, they discover the board game, half stuck in sand, and one of them, who is a board game enthusiast, takes it home, only to be sucked in and never to be founds. A separate scene ensues, where four teenagers are facing detention time in school and rediscover Jumanji. Bored from their punishment, they casually begin playing and choose characters for themselves, until they too are sucked into the game and find themselves in completely new avatars with super powers in the middle of a deadly jungle. So did its eagerly awaited sequel live up to its expectations? With some plus and some minuses, here’s my take on the film that starred Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black in pivotal roles. Released in 1995, ‘Jumanji’ came with more sci-fi visuals and effects than a film made in 2017 could. There was no wowing or surprising factor to this one. The set looked fake, the explosions looked artificial and there certainly no gasps from the audiences like the first part generated STRENGTHS – the film’s cast does supremely well and does justice to their roles, where each and every character is integral for the film’s progressing story. They own up to their roles and are believable, convincing and very relatable. Kevin Hart deserves a special mention for his comic timing and brilliantly executed acting skills. The script is everything. The dialogues are funny, witty, moving and impactful. I don’t remember the prequel being that hilarious, as throughout in the cinema, there was loud laughter and immense applause after most of the scenes. The storyline was quite engaging. Yes, it was predictable but even then kept everyone on their seats. The execution of a predictable storyline is everything and the film managed to do that successfully. WEAKNESSES – it was sad to see comedy great like Jack Black downplayed in the film. The actor is known for his impeccable comic roles but somehow in ‘Jumanji – Welcome To The Jungle’, his talent was under utilised. Playing a female’s character, Black had less screen presence as compared to Dwayne Johnson, even though Black is a much more skilful actor than Johnson can ever be. It’s also not about the screen presence. Black could not get into his powerful comic element that he is renowned for. Sad! Released in 1995, ‘Jumanji’ came with more sci-fi visuals and effects than a film made in 2017 could. There was no wowing or surprising factor to the film. The set looked fake, the explosions looked artificial and there certainly no gasps from the audiences like the first part generated. Published in Daily Times, December 28th 2017.