Jumanji

Jumanji is an amusing adventure film that thrives on the great skill of the special effects industry. Jumanji is a mysterious board game that turns play into frighteningly real reality. In 1969 little Alan Parrish finds the game 'by chance'. When Alan and his friend Sarah start to throw the dice, the consequences of their throws are far greater than they had foreseen, not least when Alan disappears into the Jumanji jungle because of an unlucky throw. The remaining player or players must roll Alan back, but Judy goes into shock.

Many years later two children who have just moved in, the brother and sister Judy and Peter, find the game in the big old house that is to be their new home. By coincidence it is also Alan's childhood home. The children start playing, with the result that Jumanji's terrifying jungle comes bursting out. Luckily for Alan, he too is rolled back. He convinces them that the game must be played to the end if all the plagues are to disappear again. That requires Sarah to play with the last piece.

Jumanji impresses with its special effects, which are necessary for the story. Robin Williams contributes the funny scenes that tone down the film's scariness. The film is probably aimed mostly at slightly older children, but there is also enough suspense and humour for an adult audience.