Reeling from its 2017 success, this film franchise has its history rooted in stellar casts, intriguing plots, and a plethora of enjoyable moments.
As a fan of the franchise, seeing the latest installment, ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’, did not disappoint. Appreciating the importance of growing up, it explores the ever-present issue of not feeling like ourselves. The characters continuously changing avatars is a metaphor of never truly feeling like we belong but still retaining a self-assurance that we are still learning, evolving, and doing the best we can.
This is wisely true at the outset of the film, where the original gravity-defying musketeers have embarked on individual journeys to higher education and gaining a new fulfilling purpose. Spencer, the main protagonist, however, is not living up to the same standards as his friends. While having enrolled into the prestigious NYU, Spencer, akin to most freshers, is having a troubling time adjusting to a new life. Quirky, kind, and an undeniable introvert, Spencer had only recently learnt to fit into his own skin before it was shredded away from him. With no supportive friends, the comfort of his family, and only accompanied by his own doubts, he travels home for the Christmas holidays, even to find that his home is no longer, literally, a source of familial warmth. With his grandfather occupying the sacred space of his room, Spencer’s overwhelming desire to escape the external forces of his reality pushes him back into the dangerous world of Jumanji to regain his sense of self through the proclaimed avatar, Dr Bravestone.
However, as the narrative device had always dictated, history never repeats itself. Upon learning the broken state of the game, the characters, again, find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Trudging through a cacophony of sounds, sights, snakes, and the danger slow-talking Mr Walker, Jumanji is a more dangerous place than ever. Nonetheless, the light-hearted humour, seamlessly tingling through the entire cast, keeps the film going. The interruptions of new characters keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, mimicking the psychological and physical circumstances that Spencer was never able to adjust to as a student. We are firmly placed into his shoes and familiarise ourselves with working with those who appreciate us most to conquer adverse environments.
Surprisingly heart-warming and hilarious, the next installment of Jumanji is the perfect family Christmas film. Serving tears, laughter, and an appreciation for those we hold most dear, its strongly holds true to the universal truth that we are always try to keep up the world that never seems to adhere to our expectations of ourselves and each other. Hopeful, kind, and adventurous, Jumanji: The Next Level is the surprising Christmas gift you expect but never really relish before it’s finished.