Do filmmakers take a risk with a sequel or play it safe and deliver more of the same? That inquiry seems to always be a question that permeates pitch meetings. Jumanji: The Next Level found a way to do both.
It’s been two years since Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle shocked prognosticators and became a billion dollar movie. In hindsight, not one soul should have been surprised as the first Jumanji is a beloved favorite, adored by generation after generation who experiences the Robin Williams starring family friendly thrill ride. The second film arrived during a period (one which we still reside) where sequels are wheeled out for films that seemed dormant for years, many (like Jumanji) for decades.
Toss in the fact that Welcome to the Jungle starred Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Guardians of the Galaxy breakout Karen Gillan and there’s a whole lot of box office muscle in that Fab Four. Then, there’s also the fact that it was directed by Jake Kasdan (son of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Empire Strikes Back screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan)—the writer and director who gave us Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
It didn’t hurt that the film was also a whole lot of fun and had a blast with the long used body swapping method of storytelling that is ripe for humor—all within the confines of an adventure. The flick also brought the Jumanji concept and world into the new century, from beloved board game to video game. As such, it was able to employ the notion of each player choosing an avatar, thus our teenagers became the Fab Four whose names appear above the film’s moniker. Witnessing Black channel his inner teenage girl was alone worth the price of admission. The others had a ball too, as did audiences the globe over.
That part of “taking chances” of a sequel certainly came into play with how the game’s avatars were used and by whom. Kasdan and his team masterfully built in opportunities throughout the film for our Fab Four to have to tackle fresh faces. Black could go from being Ser’Darius Blain’s Fridge and then a bit later the versatile actor was tasked with returning to his inner teen Bethany.
New characters are introduced in The Next Level that hilariously and effectively push this concept ever further. Danny DeVito is Spencer’s grandfather, Eddie, while Danny Glover is Milo, Eddie’s longtime friend and more currently…his arch enemy (as much as silly cinematic retirees can have foes). Somehow, they get sucked into the world of Jumanji and this is where the sequel truly starts cooking with gas. Witnessing Hart channel Glover is a stroke of thespian genius. This took a lot of study on Hart’s part and all that work comes through as he alone could have carried the movie in that what he achieved is so stunning. Close behind him in the awesome department is Johnson having to embody DeVito… yes, hilarity does ensue. I knew we were in for a treat when the Fast and Furious actor, moments into his first screen appearance in Jumanji 3, made an acting choice that set us off on a pitch perfect characterization journey. The way that Johnson uttered “Florida.” It was delivered in the most Jewish way possible … pure bliss. See, it’s something not a lot of people give a whole lot of thought to, honestly. But the blockbuster actor sure did and uttering the sunshine state’s moniker as if it was spelled Flaarida, instead of Flooorida, well that’s cuing the audience to buckle up, you’re in for a ride.
There’s also the addition of Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell breakout star Awkwafina. She’s the avatar for a character named Ming, a “thief” with a certain skill set that comes in quite handy throughout the second half of the film. Ming also gets a turn with DeVito as her avatar. If you thought Johnson channeling the former star of Taxi was a great gag, wait until you see the comedienne.
Nick Jonas also returns, so you know that means Colin Hanks does as well. It is a welcomed sight to find both contributing a bit more the second time. That is another element of the sequel process that Jumanji: The Next Level employs to the fullest. It is bigger. It casts a vaster net of characters and thrilling situations for our gamers to navigate. As their “lives” dwindle, the game becomes more and more “real.” The stakes are higher and the emotions involving the two old friends (DeVito and Glover) up the emotive ante to areas of the heart that has a high misty eye probability.
Much has been made of the cinematic chemistry and box office command that Johnson and Hart possess. Their work together in Central Intelligence and the first Jumanji sequel showed that. But what they achieve in Jumanji: The Next Level, for lack of a better phrase, takes their talent to the next level.
Gillan continues to shine in roles that seem to be custom written for her. It’s nice to see her get out of those tiny shorts and tiny shirt as our crew heads into the chilly mountains. The British actress is such a sensational team player in the ensemble storytelling format, it is easy to see why her resume is filling up rapidly. She could have chewed the scenery in Guardians of the Galaxy and the sequel, not to mention in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. Instead, she played the role that the script called for, and does the same thing here. Her joy tackling this part is contagious. What is fascinating to witness as Gillan works her way through the movie is how her character grabs that same avatar from the first film and never lets it go in the second. Therefore, it is she that must alter her performance from the standpoint of how she reacts and interacts with a cast that is changing pieces. They say that so much of acting is reacting and watching Gillan doing just that in Jumanji: The Next Level further illustrates that the actress is about as fine of an ensemble player as they make them.
Although the flick never fully drags, there are a few moments that could have used some tightening from director Kasdan. It’s just over two hours and doesn’t feel like it, but I’m only pointing out the running time because there easily could have been some beats cut out or tightened and not a moment of plot momentum would have been lost. In fact, the opposite would have occurred. Those too long, lingering, beats muddle the overall projectile of Kasdan’s film that does take away a bit in the enjoyment factor—but not by much.
Happily, I can report that every single one of those actors has a field day with this character musical chairs concept that firmly had filmmakers taking chances that paid off, all while keeping the general concept from the first film the same.
Guess you can have your cake and eat it too.
Grade: B