Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7/10

Cast: Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Madison Iseman, Marin Hinkle, Ashley Scott, Awkwafina, Nick Jonas, Colin Hanks, Dania Ramirez, Morgan Turner, Rory McCann, Rhys Darby, Massi Furlan, Bebe Neuwirth.

The intrepid gamers return to the jungle, though as with every sequel of a franchise, something new must stir in the bushes, a different set of rules must be applied and adhered to, and for fans of the original film starring the unforgettable Robin Williams, Jumanji: The Next Level is a respectable attempt at capturing some of the original mayhem and exposed danger that won the hearts of many of its fans.

The film is not hard to like, the plot maybe slightly expected, but it does not suffer because of it, indeed what comes across with surprise is how much Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson get under the emotion and persona of the actors portraying the characters of their real selves, Danny DeVito and Danny Glover. The fascinating portrayal of two of cinema’s grand and discerning actors is worth the attendance on its own.

It is though worth reminding yourself that sometimes nostalgia can play a part in your appreciation of a new film in much loved series, thankfully in this, the third film of the series, the flow of the film is more direct, and unlike the previous encounter, stands with a sense of greater appreciation in what the 1995 original was aiming to portray.

The sense of occasion is not only framed by the introduction of Danny Glover and Danny DeVito, but in the reflection of the seamless act of stitching together past and present in the return and touching moment in which Bebe Neuwirth’s character is shown to be part of this new world. A wonderful addition which was first idealised in the markings of Robin Williams’ character, Alan, etched on a tree in the game.

There is mileage in this franchise, there are many ways it seems that it could be taken, and whilst nobody wants to keep being reminded of the studio bosses and creative accountants demands.

Jumanji: The Next Level offers a way in without losing face, form or direction, perhaps a decent third film under the Jumanji banner, a place where the jungle can bite back?

Ian D. Hall