Jumanji: The Next Level

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was a good way to update the concept of Chris Van Allsburg's original book and 1995 film. It made you think that there was no room for sequels. But, no. We now have that sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, and it's another fun end-of-the-year action film.

The four Jumanji players, Spencer, Bethany, Martha and Fridge, are now college students. They mostly keep in touch and can't wait to reconnect over the holiday break. Everyone except Spencer, who split with Martha, and misses the game world. He gets out the Jumanji console, which was smashed to pieces last time, to go for another round. The others go after him once they realize what he did. But the game only sucks in Fridge and Martha, along with Spencer's Grandpa Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his former friend, Milo (Danny Glover).

While Martha gets her old avatar, Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), Fridge is stuck with Professor Oberon (Jack Black). Eddie gets Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) and Milo is "Mouse" Finbar (Kevin Hart). This time, they have to reclaim another jewel from the evil Jurgen the Brutal (Rory McCann), and show it to the sun. Eddie and Milo's inexperience proves lethal for the group. Still, they have three lives before it's game over. Eddie and Milo have to get over their personal problems to get Spencer and get out. Martha and Spencer have much to deal with when he shows up as thief Ming Lightfoot (Awkwafina).

It sounds somewhat the same as before. But director Jake Kasdan and his two co-writers keep it interesting. Their best move was to change around the real cast's avatars. It was fun to see them learn their new roles. The Jumanji game's new innovations pit them against ostriches, mandrills and even a man named Switchblade. They even find a way to switch avatars again, which they, save Martha, user permanently in the end. It's hilarious to see who ends up as Ming.

Its main draw is its great cast. The game cast once again pull off perfect imitations of the real cast. The character development is believable even though we spend most of the movie watching them as different folks. It's especially fun to see Johnson and Hart play two old men. They argue, both hilariously and seriously, and start off with the memory spans of goldfish. But they pull through as valuable players. The game cast do wonders when the real characters switch avatars. So we have them essentially play up to three characters (four?), and the switches are believable. As for the rest, McCann was an OK brutal villain as Jurgen, and Bebe Neuwrith has a surprise cameo as Nora from the 1995 film.

Now for the technicals. Once again, we have some great scenery filmed by Gyula Pados. The game journey takes the cast to such locales as the Hawaiian forests, the New Mexico dessert and digital jungles. Jurgen's fortress is a perfectly imposing villain lair. The animals are formidable digital creations. Bravestone's massive strength is comically amazing. The action is set to another fine Henry Jackson score.

Some might say Jumanji: The Next Level is too repetitive of the last film. But like a good video game, it at least it provides some fun for an afternoon. Its 123 minutes are never dull. So pay whatever price you can. It ends with a potential sequel hook midway through the credits. How will they get through this one? Anyway, it won't punish you too badly if you never saw the last film. But it wouldn't hurt to do so.