Jumanji: The Next Level [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2019]

For part two, is was good. It was action packed and funny. The charters did a great job

I’m a super fan of Mr Johnson it’s a very funny movie me and my brother really enjoy this movie

The films starts a couple years into the future where the group (Spencer, Fridge, Bethany, and Martha) have been living their lives away from each other but plan a reunion for brunch over the holidays. Spencer who is struggling with his mental health ends up no showing, resulting in the group going to his house in search of him only to find Spencer’s grandfather Eddie (DeVito) and his former business partner Milo (Glover). The adventures begin when the group hears the game playing from the basement. Realizing Spencer is in the game, they agree they must help him, only things don’t go as planned as the game is partially broken resulting in different avatars and Eddie and Milo entering the game instead of Bethany. This also helps to set up the jokes and amusing dialogue throughout the movie. This time they must recover the jewel from Jurgen the Brutal and show it to the sun in order to win the game, all while teaching Eddie and Milo (now played by Hart and Johnson) the ins and outs of the game. Characters swap bodies during the game, new game items, new skills, new dangers in animals and human form, and yes some heartfelt moments or cheesiness (whatever you prefer to call it). Once the game begins, the action starts and is pretty much non-stop. I’ll leave it at this due to spoilers but will say in the credits, there’s potential for another movie (they better do it right if they are going there). Regarding acting, Hart absolutely nailed the part. Don’t get me wrong, they all did great, but Hart shines (anyone who’s a Glover fan will know what I’m talking about).

Quite a bit to like here, but the additions of Danny Glover and Danny DeVito is where it can be hit or miss. The additions themselves and their story within Jumanji is quite good, but once body-swapped into Jumanji, unfortunately, the various actors portraying them throughout (Kevin Hart, The Rock, and newcomer Awkwafina,) are haphazard in their portrayals of their geriatric counterparts. Also falling into the uneven category are the jokes: most land with laughs, but where the first film was able to fall back consistently and effectively on being in new bodies, (along with great impersonations,) the Freaky Friday motiff is largely gone here, and can't be relied on for the consistent humor. With that reliable source of humor gone, more variety is needed, and again, it just doesn't always land. What can be counted on are bigger and more extravagant action sequences, and here, Next Level succeeds. Dune buggies driven by our heroes chased by ostriches is topped by them being chased on foot over a series of multi-level, rotating wood bridges by enraged Mandrills. Jumanji: The Next Level is a fine sequel, and I sincerely hope a third film is on the way. That said, be aware that while the magic of the first film is still there, it ebbs and flows in comparison to the strong current that made the first film such a great surprise.

So glad the sequel does not disappoint! Everyone is back and the action is there from beginning to end. Nice touch adding the grandparent and his friend to the story. The first movie expressed themes of friendship and loyalty and this adds the importance of family to the values it honors. Fun movie for the family to watch! And if you remember the original with Robin Williams it's great to see a continuation of the story.

My son was very excited about the Blu-ray release of Jumanji, The Next Level. I was very reluctant to take him into a store to buy it - we were/are social-distancing - I pre-ordered the video and it arrived in the afternoon of the release date! Fantastic! Not all stores get pre-orders to you on the release date. Most send it out on the release date, and then we wait while everyone else is enjoying it. Thank you Best Buy for making my son's day (and making my life a little easier).

This second installment of Jumanji is just as enjoyable as the first movie, but it could have been SO much better had they chosen to release it to home video in 3D. The movie was framed with 3D in mind, and while the 4K UHD presentation looks amazing, I miss being able to relive the full 3D theatrical experience. Details, color, and shadow levels are top notch. Dolby Atmos audio is active through all channels, placing the viewers solidly in the center of the action.

Oh goodness, where to start. The original cast is back not to mention the new characters Danny Devito and Danny Glover. They just added even better comedy! They are true legends, not to forget I love to watch Dwayne Johnson doing comedies. So much laughter with the entire family. 4k discs are the future and if you happen to own a 4k tv and player, the pictures are intense in this film. Better and better with these movies. We give it 5 stars and 8 thumbs up!!!!