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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Moana (2016) in Movies
Nov 3, 2020
"You're Welcome" >>> "How Far I'll Go", I said what I said 🤷♂️
Another overly-familiar, word-for-word rehash of *all* the exact same clichés from the Disney Machine with no real profundity or nuance to back up the convention. I mean even the title character the movie is named after has about as much depth as a piece of blank construction paper. That being said however, this is - what I can only describe as - terminally cute. In spite of all its heavily trod Disney-fying and formulaic cheese it's just so damn irresistible: eye-watering in how visually breathtaking it is with a handful of lively bops from Lin-Manuel Miranda who - politics aside - rarely ever misses a beat in the musical department. Treads water (no pun intended) for the first part with all the parroting of like 10 other movies from the company practically verbatim until the charming Maui shows up, who still represents the same sorts of tropes but complete with a clever design gimmick via the moving tattoos and gargantuan, blocky proportions; plus come on he's voiced by Dwayne Johnson - you can't *not* love him. The last half hour is more or less a wondrous technical showcase for peddling this beautiful, paradise-like animation and let me tell you it's a sight to see. Very funny too. Should hate it but don't, well done. 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢 smokes it, though.
Another overly-familiar, word-for-word rehash of *all* the exact same clichés from the Disney Machine with no real profundity or nuance to back up the convention. I mean even the title character the movie is named after has about as much depth as a piece of blank construction paper. That being said however, this is - what I can only describe as - terminally cute. In spite of all its heavily trod Disney-fying and formulaic cheese it's just so damn irresistible: eye-watering in how visually breathtaking it is with a handful of lively bops from Lin-Manuel Miranda who - politics aside - rarely ever misses a beat in the musical department. Treads water (no pun intended) for the first part with all the parroting of like 10 other movies from the company practically verbatim until the charming Maui shows up, who still represents the same sorts of tropes but complete with a clever design gimmick via the moving tattoos and gargantuan, blocky proportions; plus come on he's voiced by Dwayne Johnson - you can't *not* love him. The last half hour is more or less a wondrous technical showcase for peddling this beautiful, paradise-like animation and let me tell you it's a sight to see. Very funny too. Should hate it but don't, well done. 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢 smokes it, though.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Fast & Furious 6 (2013) in Movies
Jun 18, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
A gang are using fast, souped up cars to steal military equipment and Hobbs needs help in catching them, the only people he can think of to help are Dom and his family.
So Fast and Furious 6 is car gang vs car gang and is basically the franchises version of the 'Power rangers'/'Star trek' or any other show where the hero's meet their evil doubles and, hay it's even acknowledged in the film .
With Fast and Furious 6 we are getting back to familiar patterns, Dwayne Johnson is now settling into his roll as Hobbs and the whole gang form the previous films are back, including one of the dead ones.
(Some of) The cars are getting more unusual, the weapons are getting more fun and more cars are destroyed per chase, along with more fight scenes this makes Fast and Furious 6 a lot of fun.
The franchise is getting bigger but seems to still trying to remain rooted in reality, even the return of the dead character is explained in an almost rational way.
Most of the film is still set before 'Tokyo Drift' however there is a mid credit scene that brings the franchise in line with the end of the third film and I'm guessing that that is where 7 will pick up.
So if you want car chases, over the top fights and storyline and a reason to turn your brain off for two hours you could do worse than Fast and Furious 6.
So Fast and Furious 6 is car gang vs car gang and is basically the franchises version of the 'Power rangers'/'Star trek' or any other show where the hero's meet their evil doubles and, hay it's even acknowledged in the film .
With Fast and Furious 6 we are getting back to familiar patterns, Dwayne Johnson is now settling into his roll as Hobbs and the whole gang form the previous films are back, including one of the dead ones.
(Some of) The cars are getting more unusual, the weapons are getting more fun and more cars are destroyed per chase, along with more fight scenes this makes Fast and Furious 6 a lot of fun.
The franchise is getting bigger but seems to still trying to remain rooted in reality, even the return of the dead character is explained in an almost rational way.
Most of the film is still set before 'Tokyo Drift' however there is a mid credit scene that brings the franchise in line with the end of the third film and I'm guessing that that is where 7 will pick up.
So if you want car chases, over the top fights and storyline and a reason to turn your brain off for two hours you could do worse than Fast and Furious 6.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Fast & Furious 9 (2021) in Movies
Jul 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2021)
'We'll be fine as long as we obey the laws of physics,' says Chris Bridges' character at one point in F&F 9. Well, obviously they should all end up dead, then; but perhaps this is an example of a knowing self-awareness which doesn't quite sit well in this most earnest of empty-headed popcorn movie franchises.
Anyway: Dom and Letty are raising their child off the grid in some rustic idyll or other, when their friends appear asking for help with a problem; not having seen Avengers: Endgame and how things turned out for all involved on that occasion, they agree to pitch in for another exercise in hunt-the-coupons plotting, with overblown stunt sequences linked by a (at this point) mind-bogglingly byzantine backstory.
The sizeable gap left by Dwayne Johnson is filled by cameos and return appearances by virtually everyone who's ever appeared in an F&F ensemble (no idea what young Eastwood did to get left out); virtually everyone comes back, even a couple of the dead ones. Of course, this just makes the film's gymnastics in dealing with the absence of Paul Walker all the more obvious (and a bit uncomfortable by this point).
Decent stunts and action, but all a bit slick and ridiculous even by F&F standards, and showing real signs of sliding into lazy self-parody; this series was effortlessly breezy entertainment for a long time, but it's definitely starting to look like it's running out of steam.
Anyway: Dom and Letty are raising their child off the grid in some rustic idyll or other, when their friends appear asking for help with a problem; not having seen Avengers: Endgame and how things turned out for all involved on that occasion, they agree to pitch in for another exercise in hunt-the-coupons plotting, with overblown stunt sequences linked by a (at this point) mind-bogglingly byzantine backstory.
The sizeable gap left by Dwayne Johnson is filled by cameos and return appearances by virtually everyone who's ever appeared in an F&F ensemble (no idea what young Eastwood did to get left out); virtually everyone comes back, even a couple of the dead ones. Of course, this just makes the film's gymnastics in dealing with the absence of Paul Walker all the more obvious (and a bit uncomfortable by this point).
Decent stunts and action, but all a bit slick and ridiculous even by F&F standards, and showing real signs of sliding into lazy self-parody; this series was effortlessly breezy entertainment for a long time, but it's definitely starting to look like it's running out of steam.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) in Movies
Aug 26, 2019
La e faatafa ma e soso ese
I was completely ready to dismiss this film as a mindnumbing display of testosterone starring a trio of follicly-challenged Adonises. Mostly it turned out to be true. Idris Elba starred as Brixton, a half-machine mercenary charged with the retrieval of a dangerous virus. Dwayne Johnson plays Lucas Hobbs, a single dad special agent who uses his brawn to solve all of the world's problems. Jason Statham plays Deckard Shaw, a possibly quadruple agent he has changed sides so many times in his three movies. Deckard Shaw worked with Brixton undercover and almost killed him, then attempted to kill the car thieves from Fast and Furious until he joined the gang to solve the problems of the universe. Maybe Dom, Lucas, Deckard, Lettie, Owen, Mr Nobody, and the rest can hijack a space shuttle and battle intergalactic terrorists in the next chapter. But I digress... Deckard's sister Hattie working for MI-6 prevented Brixton from stealing the virus and is on the run from everyone. So, Hobbs and Shaw are recruited to find Hattie and save the planet before the virus is released. While the Tango and Cash routine is entertaining, witty reparte is not the series' strong suit and soon helicopters are chasing trucks, trucks are chasing motorcycles, motorcycles are chasing McLarens, and sports cars are chasing helicopters. The big lesson learned is that in order to save the world, the two greatest superspies who are not good at stealtiness have to work together and sacrifice their egos.
Gareth von Kallenbach (968 KP) rated Moana (2016) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
Moana (pronounced MoWAHnah) is a spirited and determined young daughter of an overprotective father who happens to be the chief of Motunui Island.
On this idyllic, mystical Polynesian island, Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho),grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about the legendary demigod Maui and how he stole the Heart of Te Fiti, condemning his people to an uncertain fate.
Ever since she was an adorable toddler, the ocean has called to her. Her name means “ocean” after all. However her father forbids her from even considering the notion of sailing beyond the reef that protects Motunui.
But when Moana’s island starts showing signs of disease that threatens her people’s livelihood, she is convinced she can save her island by returning the Heart of Te Fiti. Against her father’s wishes she sets sail in search of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)in hopes of saving her people.
Pixar and Disney have long mastered the art of emotionally compromising their audience with characters and storylines that pluck at your heartstrings. Yet I was still surprised at how much Moana moved me. With her touching relationship with her grandmother, her deep respect of her culture, and her dauntless temperment, Moana quickly became my favorite Disney heroine.
From the gorgeous animation, the pitch perfect voice acting and the beautiful music, I really believe Disney has made something special with Moana that will deeply resonate with islanders and those who love the islander culture.
If you’re a Hamilton fan, you’ll easily recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice and his lyrical signature in the many memorable songs. So don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre singing “You’re welcome.”
On this idyllic, mystical Polynesian island, Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho),grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about the legendary demigod Maui and how he stole the Heart of Te Fiti, condemning his people to an uncertain fate.
Ever since she was an adorable toddler, the ocean has called to her. Her name means “ocean” after all. However her father forbids her from even considering the notion of sailing beyond the reef that protects Motunui.
But when Moana’s island starts showing signs of disease that threatens her people’s livelihood, she is convinced she can save her island by returning the Heart of Te Fiti. Against her father’s wishes she sets sail in search of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)in hopes of saving her people.
Pixar and Disney have long mastered the art of emotionally compromising their audience with characters and storylines that pluck at your heartstrings. Yet I was still surprised at how much Moana moved me. With her touching relationship with her grandmother, her deep respect of her culture, and her dauntless temperment, Moana quickly became my favorite Disney heroine.
From the gorgeous animation, the pitch perfect voice acting and the beautiful music, I really believe Disney has made something special with Moana that will deeply resonate with islanders and those who love the islander culture.
If you’re a Hamilton fan, you’ll easily recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice and his lyrical signature in the many memorable songs. So don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre singing “You’re welcome.”
Gareth von Kallenbach (968 KP) rated Planet 51 (2009) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
On a planet far from our own, green creatures are experiencing their own version of the 1950’s. Among them is Lem (Justin Long) who has just gotten his first job as an assistant at the local planetarium. When a space ship appears harboring an alien, human astronaut Captain Charles T. Baker (Dwayne Johnson), the fearful locals are not so friendly. It is up to Lem to save the astronaut and help his people learn not to fear the world beyond what they know.
The film is written for both children and adults, like a toned down version of “Shrek†with a more relevant moral feel. Putting the characters in the 1950s adds to the film’s charm, allowing kids access to the blatant characterizations of the time period, such as the bumbling science professor and the hippy protestor who maintains from the start that the alien is friendly.
Other characters of note are Lem’s comic book and movie fanatic best friend, Skiff (Seann William Scott) and the military commander General Grawl (Gary Oldman) who is hell-bent on capturing the alien. Children will also enjoy the two pet creatures from a local alien dog that excretes acid to a rock-obsessed robot sent to pick up local specimens for Baker.
“Planet 51†is wholly entertaining. It provides some mature insight by displaying how we would appear to another culture if we ever did encounter aliens. This switch of perspective is sure to make children think and laugh over the simple cross-cultural mishaps that occur while Lem and Baker are attempting to find common ground.
A delightful, animated romp, “Planet 51†will make you hope for a groovy 1960’s sequel.
The film is written for both children and adults, like a toned down version of “Shrek†with a more relevant moral feel. Putting the characters in the 1950s adds to the film’s charm, allowing kids access to the blatant characterizations of the time period, such as the bumbling science professor and the hippy protestor who maintains from the start that the alien is friendly.
Other characters of note are Lem’s comic book and movie fanatic best friend, Skiff (Seann William Scott) and the military commander General Grawl (Gary Oldman) who is hell-bent on capturing the alien. Children will also enjoy the two pet creatures from a local alien dog that excretes acid to a rock-obsessed robot sent to pick up local specimens for Baker.
“Planet 51†is wholly entertaining. It provides some mature insight by displaying how we would appear to another culture if we ever did encounter aliens. This switch of perspective is sure to make children think and laugh over the simple cross-cultural mishaps that occur while Lem and Baker are attempting to find common ground.
A delightful, animated romp, “Planet 51†will make you hope for a groovy 1960’s sequel.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Rampage (2018) in Movies
Dec 11, 2019 (Updated Dec 11, 2019)
A stupidly fun pile of nonsense
Rampage is a big old pile of dumb fun, teeming with mostly passable CGI, and featuring The Rock fighting giant monsters.
The plot is something along the lines of - big shady corporation is practicing illegal genetic tinkering (in space, because Hollywood), they lose control, space ship crashes, experimental lab must infects a few animals, including a Gorilla that is looked after and raised by The Rock (an ex military badass zookeeper helicopter pilot, because Hollywood), the animals become big and aggressive, blah blah blah, BIG MONSTERS FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND DWAYNE JOHNSON AND DESTROYING CHICAGO.
It's absolutely absurd from start to finish, but it knows what kind of film it is.
The Rock is hugely likable as always, Jeffery Dean Morgan is likable as always, everyone else I can kind of give it take.
The script is pretty standard for this kind of film, but does verge into laughable at times, especially when the films 'villains' are on screen. Played by Malin Akerman and Jake Lacy, they go just a bit too overboard with the whole evil CEO schtick, to the point of annoyance.
Also, Naomie Harris is in it for some reason, but doesn't really serve much of a purpose, and therefore, is a waste of her talent.
The CGI is pretty decent for the most part, but make no mistake, Ramage is a CGI orgy, and as such, it does fall apart here and there (that parachuting scene is just haunting).
Rampage is stupid, loud, obnoxious, but it's entertaining enough to be a good time.
The Rock holds it all together, and it could have been a lot worse had it been lead by someone else, and as far as video game movies go, it's not half bad.
The plot is something along the lines of - big shady corporation is practicing illegal genetic tinkering (in space, because Hollywood), they lose control, space ship crashes, experimental lab must infects a few animals, including a Gorilla that is looked after and raised by The Rock (an ex military badass zookeeper helicopter pilot, because Hollywood), the animals become big and aggressive, blah blah blah, BIG MONSTERS FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND DWAYNE JOHNSON AND DESTROYING CHICAGO.
It's absolutely absurd from start to finish, but it knows what kind of film it is.
The Rock is hugely likable as always, Jeffery Dean Morgan is likable as always, everyone else I can kind of give it take.
The script is pretty standard for this kind of film, but does verge into laughable at times, especially when the films 'villains' are on screen. Played by Malin Akerman and Jake Lacy, they go just a bit too overboard with the whole evil CEO schtick, to the point of annoyance.
Also, Naomie Harris is in it for some reason, but doesn't really serve much of a purpose, and therefore, is a waste of her talent.
The CGI is pretty decent for the most part, but make no mistake, Ramage is a CGI orgy, and as such, it does fall apart here and there (that parachuting scene is just haunting).
Rampage is stupid, loud, obnoxious, but it's entertaining enough to be a good time.
The Rock holds it all together, and it could have been a lot worse had it been lead by someone else, and as far as video game movies go, it's not half bad.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Jan 12, 2020
The movie seems to be set a couple of years after the first, all 4 friends have gone their seperate ways but come together to meet up at their local coffee shop, all except Spencer. Worried about him, fridge, Martha and bethany go to his house where they meet spencers grandad and his ex business partner Milo but spencer is nowhere to be seen. They hear the familiar drums coming from the basement and decide to go investigate, they notice the smashed games console and spencers phone and realise he has gone back into the game. They know They need to go back in and rescue him so they all touch the console and get dragged back into jumanji, but this time there's a difference. Everyone except martha are in different bodies and not only that but grandad and milo are somehow dragged in too.
Once again they have to complete different levels in the game but with 2 old people in tow instead of spencer and bethany with funny consequences. Dwayne johnson and kevin hart had the new characters down to a tea, the way they spoke and everything.
The storyline was along the same lines as the first movie but their play through was different. I liked how Martha was much more confident than last time and took the lead this time around. There was some laughs but not as much as the first film and i found some scenes dragged on longer than they should but overall it was a good movie and by the looks of the mid credits scene there is room for a 3rd to finish it off.
Once again they have to complete different levels in the game but with 2 old people in tow instead of spencer and bethany with funny consequences. Dwayne johnson and kevin hart had the new characters down to a tea, the way they spoke and everything.
The storyline was along the same lines as the first movie but their play through was different. I liked how Martha was much more confident than last time and took the lead this time around. There was some laughs but not as much as the first film and i found some scenes dragged on longer than they should but overall it was a good movie and by the looks of the mid credits scene there is room for a 3rd to finish it off.
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Triple Threat (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020
Action Movie All-Stars Galore
Triple Threat is a 2019 martial arts movie directed by Jesse V. Johnson, and written by Joey O'Bryan and Paul Staheli with screenplay written by Dwayne Smith. It was produced by Kungfuman Culture Media, Hamilton Entertainment, Arclight Films, FJ Media Group, Gamegoo Pictures, WWE Studios, TF1 Series Films, and Ingenious Media. The movie stars Tony Jaa, Tiger Chen, Iko Uwais, Scott Atkins, and Michael Jai White.
In Thailand, Payu (Tony Jaa) and Long Fei (Tiger Chen) are enlisted by a soldier named Deveraux (Michael Jai White), on a humanitarian mission to free prisoners. Deveraux's crew shoot up the village, including a soldier named Jaka's (Iko Uwais) wife to accomplish their real mission, to free their leader, Collins (Scott Atkins), a mass terrorist. A crime syndicate places a hit on a billionaire's daughter, making her the target of Collins and his squad of elite assassins. Jaka uses Payu and Long Fei as bait to draw out Collins while they all protect the girl from the assassins.
This movie was a smorgasbord of action. Probably one of the best action movies of the year, if you're judging it solely on its fighting scenes. It was awesome to see so many great movie martial artists in one movie, it was like an Expendables movie. I loved these actors in their own respective movies, so it was a real treat to see them all come together for this one film. That being said the acting wasn't the best when it came to the scenes that weren't action sequences and the plot/story could have been more developed. But I still enjoyed it. I'm usually a sucker for revenge movies anyway though. If you're looking for a great action movie full of awesome martial arts fighting, then this is the movie for you. I give this movie a 7/10.
In Thailand, Payu (Tony Jaa) and Long Fei (Tiger Chen) are enlisted by a soldier named Deveraux (Michael Jai White), on a humanitarian mission to free prisoners. Deveraux's crew shoot up the village, including a soldier named Jaka's (Iko Uwais) wife to accomplish their real mission, to free their leader, Collins (Scott Atkins), a mass terrorist. A crime syndicate places a hit on a billionaire's daughter, making her the target of Collins and his squad of elite assassins. Jaka uses Payu and Long Fei as bait to draw out Collins while they all protect the girl from the assassins.
This movie was a smorgasbord of action. Probably one of the best action movies of the year, if you're judging it solely on its fighting scenes. It was awesome to see so many great movie martial artists in one movie, it was like an Expendables movie. I loved these actors in their own respective movies, so it was a real treat to see them all come together for this one film. That being said the acting wasn't the best when it came to the scenes that weren't action sequences and the plot/story could have been more developed. But I still enjoyed it. I'm usually a sucker for revenge movies anyway though. If you're looking for a great action movie full of awesome martial arts fighting, then this is the movie for you. I give this movie a 7/10.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Sep 29, 2021
The most fun you can have with Jack Black’s penis.
In 1995, Joe Johnston (“The Rocketeer”, “Captain America: The First Avenger”) directed “Jumanji” – a quirky, fantastical and dark film starring the late, great Robin Williams that got a rough critical reception at the time of release, but was embraced by the public and has gone on to be a modern classic. So when it was announced that a sequel was in the works 22 years later, my first reaction was “Oh no… is nothing sacred?”. It’s fair to say that I went into this flick with extremely low expectations.
But I have to say that – given this low base – I was pleasantly surprised. It’s actually quite a fun fantasy film that I predict that older kids will adore.
Seriously kick-ass. Karen Gillan – or rather one of her stunt doubles – gets hands… er… feet on with an aggressive level-character.
Initially set (neatly) in 1995, a teen – Alex (Nick Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers) unearths the board game Jumanji where it ended up buried in beach-sand at the end of the last film. “Who plays board games any more?” he scoffs, which the game hears and morphs into a game cartridge. Cheesy? Yes, but no more crazy than the goings on of the first film. Back in 2017, four high-school teens – geeky Spencer (Alex Wolff, “Patriot’s Day“); sports-jock Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain); self-obsessed beauty Bethany (Madison Iseman); and self-conscious, nerdy and shy Martha (Morgan Turner) – find the game and are sucked into it, having to complete all the game levels before they can escape.
Bethany (Madison Iseman) wishing she had her phone out for a selfie of this.
But they are not themselves in the game; they adopt the Avatars they chose to play: Dr Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson, “San Andreas“); Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart, “Get Hard“); Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan, “Dr Who”, “The Circle“; “Guardians of the Galaxy“); and Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black, “Sex Tape“, “Kong”). Can they combine their respective game talents – and suppress the human mental baggage they brought with them – to escape the game?
Avatars all. Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan and Jack Black.
There was a really dark time-travelling angle to the storyline of the original film – the traumatic start of Disney’s “Flight of the Navigator” was perhaps also borrowed from the concept in the book by Chris Van Allsburg. An attempt is made to recreate this in the sequel. I felt the first film rather pulled its punches though in favour of a Hollywood happy ending: will this be the case this time?
The film delivers laughs, but in a rather inconsistent fashion – it is mostly smile-worthy rather than laugh-out-loud funny. Much fun is had with the sex change of Bethany’s character, with Jack Black’s member featuring – erm – prominently. The characters all have strengths and weaknesses, like a game of Top Trumps, and this also entertains. But the most humour derives from the “three lives and it’s game over” device giving the opportunity for various grisly ends, often relating to the above referenced weaknesses.
A weakness for cake… something many of us have, but not quite to this extent.
Given the cast that’s been signed up, the acting is not exactly first rate although Karen Gillan shines as the brightest star. But “it’s not bloody Shakespeare” so ham-acting is not that much of a problem and the cast all have fun with their roles. Dwayne Johnson in particular gets to play out of character as the ‘nerd within the hunk’, and his “smouldering look” skill – arched eyebrow and all – is hilarious. Rhys Darby, looking so much like Hugh Jackman that I had to do several double takes, also turns up as an English game-guide in a Land Rover, and Bobby Cannavale (“Ant Man“) is Van Pelt, the villain of the piece.
There has been much controversy over Karen Gillan’s child-sized outfit. But she is clearly a parallel to the well-endowed Lara Croft, and young male teens didn’t play that game for the jungle scenery! She is meant to be a hot and sexy video game character, and man – does she deliver! Gillan is not just hot in the film: she is #lavahot. This makes her comic attempts at flirting lessons (as the internally conflicted Martha) especially funny. Hats off to her stunt doubles as well, for some awe-inspiring martial arts fight scenes.
Seeing treble. Karen Gillan (centre) with her talented stunt doubles Joanna Bennett and Jahnel Curfman.
Fans of “Lost” will delight in the Jumanji scenery, surely one of the most over-used film locations in Hawaii if not the world!
Where the film gets bogged down is in too much cod-faced philosophizing over the teenager’s “journeys”. This is laid on in such a clunky manner in the early (slow!) scenes that the script could have been significantly tightened up. And as I said above the script, written (rather obviously) by a raft of writers, could have been so much funnier. Most of the humour comes from visually seeing what’s happening: not from the dialogue.
Directed by Jake Kasdan (son of director and Star Wars/Raiders screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan) it’s really not half as bad as it could have been and certainly not as bad as I feared: I would gladly watch it again. For it’s target audience, which is probably kids aged 10 to 14, I think they will love it. And, unlike many holiday films, the parents won’t be totally bored either (especially the Dads, for the obvious misogynistic reasons outlined above!).
But I have to say that – given this low base – I was pleasantly surprised. It’s actually quite a fun fantasy film that I predict that older kids will adore.
Seriously kick-ass. Karen Gillan – or rather one of her stunt doubles – gets hands… er… feet on with an aggressive level-character.
Initially set (neatly) in 1995, a teen – Alex (Nick Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers) unearths the board game Jumanji where it ended up buried in beach-sand at the end of the last film. “Who plays board games any more?” he scoffs, which the game hears and morphs into a game cartridge. Cheesy? Yes, but no more crazy than the goings on of the first film. Back in 2017, four high-school teens – geeky Spencer (Alex Wolff, “Patriot’s Day“); sports-jock Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain); self-obsessed beauty Bethany (Madison Iseman); and self-conscious, nerdy and shy Martha (Morgan Turner) – find the game and are sucked into it, having to complete all the game levels before they can escape.
Bethany (Madison Iseman) wishing she had her phone out for a selfie of this.
But they are not themselves in the game; they adopt the Avatars they chose to play: Dr Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson, “San Andreas“); Moose Finbar (Kevin Hart, “Get Hard“); Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan, “Dr Who”, “The Circle“; “Guardians of the Galaxy“); and Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black, “Sex Tape“, “Kong”). Can they combine their respective game talents – and suppress the human mental baggage they brought with them – to escape the game?
Avatars all. Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan and Jack Black.
There was a really dark time-travelling angle to the storyline of the original film – the traumatic start of Disney’s “Flight of the Navigator” was perhaps also borrowed from the concept in the book by Chris Van Allsburg. An attempt is made to recreate this in the sequel. I felt the first film rather pulled its punches though in favour of a Hollywood happy ending: will this be the case this time?
The film delivers laughs, but in a rather inconsistent fashion – it is mostly smile-worthy rather than laugh-out-loud funny. Much fun is had with the sex change of Bethany’s character, with Jack Black’s member featuring – erm – prominently. The characters all have strengths and weaknesses, like a game of Top Trumps, and this also entertains. But the most humour derives from the “three lives and it’s game over” device giving the opportunity for various grisly ends, often relating to the above referenced weaknesses.
A weakness for cake… something many of us have, but not quite to this extent.
Given the cast that’s been signed up, the acting is not exactly first rate although Karen Gillan shines as the brightest star. But “it’s not bloody Shakespeare” so ham-acting is not that much of a problem and the cast all have fun with their roles. Dwayne Johnson in particular gets to play out of character as the ‘nerd within the hunk’, and his “smouldering look” skill – arched eyebrow and all – is hilarious. Rhys Darby, looking so much like Hugh Jackman that I had to do several double takes, also turns up as an English game-guide in a Land Rover, and Bobby Cannavale (“Ant Man“) is Van Pelt, the villain of the piece.
There has been much controversy over Karen Gillan’s child-sized outfit. But she is clearly a parallel to the well-endowed Lara Croft, and young male teens didn’t play that game for the jungle scenery! She is meant to be a hot and sexy video game character, and man – does she deliver! Gillan is not just hot in the film: she is #lavahot. This makes her comic attempts at flirting lessons (as the internally conflicted Martha) especially funny. Hats off to her stunt doubles as well, for some awe-inspiring martial arts fight scenes.
Seeing treble. Karen Gillan (centre) with her talented stunt doubles Joanna Bennett and Jahnel Curfman.
Fans of “Lost” will delight in the Jumanji scenery, surely one of the most over-used film locations in Hawaii if not the world!
Where the film gets bogged down is in too much cod-faced philosophizing over the teenager’s “journeys”. This is laid on in such a clunky manner in the early (slow!) scenes that the script could have been significantly tightened up. And as I said above the script, written (rather obviously) by a raft of writers, could have been so much funnier. Most of the humour comes from visually seeing what’s happening: not from the dialogue.
Directed by Jake Kasdan (son of director and Star Wars/Raiders screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan) it’s really not half as bad as it could have been and certainly not as bad as I feared: I would gladly watch it again. For it’s target audience, which is probably kids aged 10 to 14, I think they will love it. And, unlike many holiday films, the parents won’t be totally bored either (especially the Dads, for the obvious misogynistic reasons outlined above!).