“Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019) is an action-adventure comedy film directed by Jake Kasdan and is the sequel to the 2017 film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. This movie is the third installment in the Jumanji franchise, which was inspired by the 1981 children’s book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg. The film features an ensemble cast, including Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and new additions Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, and Awkwafina.
Plot Summary
Jumanji: The Next Level picks up where Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle left off. The movie begins with the characters from the previous film — Spencer (Alex Wolff), Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), Bethany (Madison Iseman), and Martha (Morgan Turner) — having moved on with their lives after their adventure in the Jumanji game world. Spencer, feeling lost and disconnected from his friends, secretly fixes the broken Jumanji video game console and re-enters the game world.
When his friends realize he’s gone, they return to Jumanji to rescue him. However, things go awry when the game’s avatars — Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Franklin Finbar (Kevin Hart), Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black), and Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) — are not the same as before. This time, Spencer’s grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his best friend Milo (Danny Glover) are accidentally pulled into the game as well, taking on the avatars of their younger selves.
As the team ventures deeper into the dangerous jungle world of Jumanji, they encounter new challenges and unexpected obstacles. They must work together to solve the game’s new puzzles and save Spencer before the game’s reality becomes too overwhelming. Along the way, the characters learn valuable lessons about friendship, self-worth, and overcoming their fears.
Themes
Jumanji: The Next Level touches on themes of self-discovery, friendship, and personal growth. The characters’ journey through Jumanji is not only about defeating the game’s challenges but also about their emotional growth as they navigate their relationships and personal obstacles. The film highlights how people evolve and change, sometimes in unexpected ways, and how those changes can impact their friendships and their sense of identity.
Another prominent theme is the importance of teamwork. The characters, despite their differences and the challenges posed by the game, must rely on each other to succeed and overcome the obstacles they face. This sense of collaboration is central to the film’s narrative, emphasizing how working together can lead to success, especially in difficult times.
Additionally, the movie explores the theme of family through the relationship between Spencer and his grandfather Eddie. Eddie’s initial reluctance to join the game gives way to a deeper bond with his grandson, illustrating how generational differences can be bridged through understanding and shared experiences.
Cast and Characters
- Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Smolder Bravestone: The heroic avatar that represents Spencer’s adventurous and confident alter ego. In this film, Johnson also plays Eddie, Spencer’s grumpy grandfather, who finds himself in Bravestone’s body.
- Kevin Hart as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar: The avatar of Fridge’s character, who serves as the team’s comic relief. Hart also portrays Milo, Eddie’s old friend, who is not as physically capable as Finbar but still plays a key role in the adventure.
- Jack Black as Professor Shelly Oberon: A quirky and intelligent avatar, representing Bethany in the first film. In this movie, Black also portrays Bethany’s avatar, which brings humor, especially as the characters struggle with the changes.
- Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse: The action-hero avatar of Martha, who is a skilled fighter and expert at hand-to-hand combat. She continues her role as the strong, empowered heroine.
- Awkwafina as Ming Fleetfoot: A new avatar who plays an important role in the movie, adding her own brand of humor and expertise to the team.
- Danny DeVito as Eddie: Spencer’s grumpy grandfather, who is reluctant to be part of the adventure but grows over time.
- Danny Glover as Milo: Eddie’s best friend who is not as action-oriented as the other avatars but adds a sense of wisdom and heart to the group.
- Nick Jonas as Seaplane McDonough: The adventurous pilot who returns to aid the group in their quest.
Style and Tone
The film is marked by its lighthearted tone and action-packed sequences, typical of Jumanji movies. The mix of comedy and action provides a balance of fun and suspense, with the physical humor of the actors playing off the contrast between their real personalities and the avatars they inhabit. The film uses visual effects and set designs that showcase the jungle environment, full of dangerous creatures, hazardous terrains, and clever puzzles.
The movie’s tone shifts between comedy and adventure, but it also focuses on heartfelt moments that highlight the personal growth of the characters. The action sequences are thrilling, featuring wild chases, dramatic rescues, and a variety of dangerous animals and obstacles that challenge the characters.
Reception
Jumanji: The Next Level was met with positive reviews from both critics and audiences. It was praised for its humor, performances, and the chemistry between the ensemble cast, particularly the contrast between the characters and their avatars. The addition of Danny DeVito and Danny Glover was especially appreciated, as their comedic timing and performances added depth to the story.
The film was also lauded for its engaging action scenes and creative world-building, maintaining the charm and excitement of the previous installment while introducing new twists and challenges. However, some critics felt that while the movie was enjoyable, it didn’t quite live up to the surprise and originality of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
Box Office Success: The film was a commercial hit, grossing over $800 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2019. It was especially successful during the holiday season, appealing to families and fans of the franchise.
Legacy and Impact
Jumanji: The Next Level further cemented the Jumanji series as a beloved family-friendly action franchise. Its blend of humor, heart, and action made it a favorite for audiences of all ages, and it continued the success of the Jumanji revival, attracting both new viewers and fans of the original film.
The film’s success led to discussions about potential future installments, expanding on the world and characters of Jumanji. It also reinforced the value of ensemble casts and the importance of character-driven storytelling in action-adventure films.
Conclusion
Jumanji: The Next Level is a fun, action-packed adventure that builds on the success of its predecessor while adding new layers of comedy, heart, and excitement. With strong performances from a talented cast and a mix of thrilling action and touching moments, the film provides an entertaining and family-friendly experience. Its exploration of friendship, teamwork, and self-discovery resonates with audiences, making it a standout entry in the Jumanji franchise.
