Jumanji: The Next Level Movie Review by Film Critic Seth Kitchen

Watched on 1/14/2019

4.5/10

Backstory

When Spencer goes back into the fantastical world of Jumanji, pals Martha, Fridge and Bethany re-enter the game to bring him home. But the game is now broken -- and fighting back. Everything the friends know about Jumanji is about to change, as they soon discover there's more obstacles and more danger to overcome.

My thoughts

Follows the pattern that sequels are rarely as good as originals.

It makes little sense why the players would want to go back into the game and the explanation given in the movie is grasping at straws.

The characters have awkward relationships. We barely know the grandpa and Milo before they're in a life or death situation with random college kids.

Lives are given up too quickly because there's probably too many characters and it makes the situation feel even more unrealistic than it already is.

A few funny moments, some character development (grandpa and Milo are working things out), and complete resolution earn this film some points.