https___cdn.cnn.com_cnnnext_dam_assets_191209082804-jumanji-the-next-level.jpg — 60/100 “sweet/sour”

So What's The Story?

It’s Christmas and Stanley still feels a sense of insecurity and decides to block himself out from the rest of the group. After a visit from his grandpa Eddie, Spencer decides he wants to go back in the game to become Dr. Bravestone again. Bethany, Fridge, and Martha find out that he did so and go back in to get him. However, nothing is as it seems in their newest and most challenging adventure yet. A bonus, they've got two old men tagging along.

Is It Worth Your While?

Although beautifully done, the film seems rushed and not as thought out as the first one. First of all, we have the directing by Jake Kasdan, director of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (80% sweet). The directing of this film seemed more crazed and confused than the original. It seemed as if the special effects blocked out the opportunity for any great work to be done or noticed. That is, until the last 45 minutes of the film when everything comes back together. Next, we have the special effects. They spent a ton of money on the visuals, and I got to tell you, they made them perfect. The ostrich chase scene and the monkey bridge scene were both excellently done. This all goes to show what can be done with the right team. Third, we have the script and story. The story was not nearly as compelling as the original. The hype that made me want to see the first again and again (4 times) was gone. Also, nothing was at stake, or at least it felt that way. Some scenes were great though. The script had its moments but was not as funny or original as the first. Overall, great special effects but a subpar story and script, plus meh directing made the film a lesser sequel.

How Was The Cast?

Jumanji: The Next Level's cast stepped it up a notch at the end of the movie. First, we have Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Smoulder Bravestone. This movie proved that The Rock can't do everything, and try as he might, he could not pull off Danny DeVito's character. He seemed more in tune and aware of what was going on when he returned to Spencer. By the way, the trailer made me highly anticipate Dwayne Johnson pulling this off, but he couldn't. Next, we have Kevin Hart as Franklin Finbar. He did so much better than Dwayne Johnson at playing an old man. His whole thing about finishing sentences so slowly was hysterical. He seemed committed and ready to play this role. Third, we have Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse. Being the only one without a changed character was the only thing that made her performance and chemistry work as well as it did in the original. Fourth and finally, we have Jack Black as Professor Sheldon Oberon. He's so much better playing Bethany's part and as Fridge, he didn't seem as much of a character. The final 45 minutes of him as Bethany were hilarious

Did 4DX work this time?

Avengers: Endgame did not work because of its deep story and 3 hours run time. However, Jumanji: The Next Level provided a solid 4dx experience, especially with its awesome action sequences. It did not distract me from the movie this time, but rather made it a little better and immersed me into it more than before. The lights, water, snow, and smoke were not nearly as intense as before and the seats moving was cool for the film.

Aging 'Bravestone'

Jumanji: The Next Level has some violent action sequences, people are killed in every way imaginable from being stabbed to being crushed by a giant rock. There is some hand to hand combat, flirting and kissing. However, the film has a lighter premise than the original and should be able to distract hardcore fans from the ages 12 and up.

By: Quinn Marcus