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Home » Lifestyle » 7 Reasons to See Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

7 Reasons to See Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

By: Liz  /  Published: December 10, 2017  /  Updated: December 17, 2017  /   Leave a comment

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I attended a Sony-sponsored #WelcometotheJunket press trip which inspired my 7 reasons to see Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle. All opinions are my own.

What if games could come to life? After reading the book Jumanji to his son’s classroom , it was that question and the sense of wonder that went with it that inspired producer Matt Tolmach to create the new Jumanji movie, and it really took shape when he reached out to director Jake Kasdan.

After interviewing the producer and director on the press trip and screening the movie, I found plenty of reasons to see Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and I encourage you to see it when it arrives in theaters December 20, 2017.

reasons to see jumanji welcome to the jungle

It’s totally different from the original film.

The original has become a well-loved classic so a retread would be a mistake. Welcome to the Jungle isn’t a remake, reboot or anything other than a new Jumanji adventure. In the words of director Jake McKenna, “The way to update it would be to take it a long way away from the original movie that we all loved so we’re not just doing what they did again… in a lesser, new version. The original had its own magnitude and resonance… and what Robin did in that movie was so important to so many people. We wanted to honor that but do something different.”

Matt Tolmach et al. sitting on a bench

Out with the old, in with the new.

In the original movie, the characters come out of a board game, but in this inverted twist, the characters go into a video game, and it’s done brilliantly. The players turn into their avatars and have to stay within the parameters and rules of the video game, but the world is real, not digital.

It’s a video game, but it’s reality.

The reasoning behind making the movie as a video game according to Matt Tolmach was that “video games give kids the ability to be anybody through their avatars… someone you might not have the courage to be in a normal day”.  This gave the movie some emotional power yet was ripe with comedic possibilities.

In order to make the whole concept work, the world needed to feel tactile, not digital, so director Jake Kasdan told us it was important that the vast majority of the film was real, not CGI. Audiences see and feel the intense environment the characters are experiencing.

Because the movie is grounded in emotion, the stakes are all the more real. The characters discover they only have three lives each and if anybody loses all three, they’ll be stuck in the game, a point that is really driven home when they meet Nick Jonas’s character.

Female characters are empowered.

The quieter character comes out of her shell and discovers her inner badass, but both female characters experience growth on diametrically opposed arcs. How they represented the female characters and what their journey would be was extremely important to both director and producer.

A man riding a motorcycle next to a forest

It’s funny as hell. (Pardon my language, but it is.)

From the moment the characters enter the game as their avatars and discover their new physical selves, you’ll be cracking up. Jack Black’s portrayal of teenage Bethany is especially hysterical, and when director Matt Tolmach was asked about choosing Jack for the part, he summed it up perfectly, “He’s so clearly the perfect person for this. It wasn’t even an idea you had to have.”

Jack Black in the jungle

At its heart, it’s a story about friendship and self-discovery.

The movie’s overarching idea is: “What would you learn about yourself if you could spend a day in someone else’s skin?”  It’s a concept that makes for a funny, interesting movie with emotional impact.

The four main characters aren’t friends when they find themselves together in the video game, but they come to trust and rely on each other over time, each of them making sacrifices as the bonds begin to cement. According to Tolmach, “The video game was really just a mechanism to explore the story of four kids who had to find each other in order to get through high school.”

Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson standing on top of a grass covered field

That teenage angst tho. So relatable.

Director Jake Kasdan was really drawn to and connected deeply with the movie’s idea of “How would you live if you thought you didn’t have anything to be afraid of? And how is that different from how you live anyway? And how do you close the gap between those things?  For teenagers, fear is one of the main things driving them… what you’re afraid of can be all different things, sometimes not the right things.”

A group of people posing for a photo

There really are so many reasons to see Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Go see it in theaters December 20th!

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About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alissa Apel says

    December 18, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    It will be a fun one to see. I love movies like this because they can engage the whole family. They are too adult, or too kid like.

    Reply
  2. Nikka Shae says

    December 14, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    I can’t wait to see this movie! I have the first movie, and we still watch it too. My son was a big fan for years!

    Reply
  3. rebekah says

    December 13, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    This is one premiere I’m SO excited about! I love the cast!

    Reply
  4. Courtney says

    December 13, 2017 at 7:11 am

    I had no idea they were coming out with a new jumanji movie! Can’t wait to see it in theaters.

    Reply
  5. Anosa says

    December 13, 2017 at 5:28 am

    Ohh, I didn’t know there is actually new Jumanji movie. Looks like its really different from the old one. Makes me excited for it. Looking forward to watch it.

    Reply
  6. My Teen Guide says

    December 13, 2017 at 2:39 am

    I am so excited to watch this movie. I am a fan of Dwayne Johnson. He’s a really good actor, whether it be comedy, action or drama. My kids are equally excited too. We loved the original Jumanji, but a different story/plot would be something we’d really look forward to watching.

    Reply
  7. Kita Bryant says

    December 12, 2017 at 9:51 pm

    This movie looks so hilarious. Kevin Hart is the funniest.

    Reply
  8. Sandy N Vyjay says

    December 12, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    Jumanji-Welcome to the Jungle looks really fascinating and promises some great times. Being passionate about jungles an wildlife, we would really love this. Will watch out for it.

    Reply
  9. My Teen Guide says

    December 12, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    We loved the first Jumanji film but this second one seems totally different. That’s fantastic though because sometimes a remake does not do justice to the original. Thanks for sharing your experience at the event. I will be looking forward to watching this film.

    Reply
  10. Chelley Martinka says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    I love the original so much, I am wary of this one. But I still cant wait to see it!

    Reply
  11. Jenni says

    December 12, 2017 at 5:05 am

    This makes me so excited to see the movie! I can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  12. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:30 am

    This is really exciting! I’ve been waiting for the movie ever since I saw the trailer and some of the BTS clips! I think it’s really nice that it’s finally coming out! Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
  13. Carol Cassara says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:29 am

    I have the best reasons to see this! First, the kids will love it, second Dwayne Johnson! But really, it’s a fantastic movie and I cannot wait for my kids and I to go see it when it comes out!

    Reply
  14. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:09 am

    Sounds like this is a new fun adventure for the characters! I can’t wait to see it! I am sure my family is as excited! 😀

    Reply
  15. Rosey says

    December 12, 2017 at 2:46 am

    Awesome that this came from a book read at a school. You just never know when an idea is going to pop up. I like that the women are empowered. We’ll be seeing this one.

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    December 12, 2017 at 12:59 am

    The kids have been wanting to see this. I’m excited for it as well. Looks like it’s going to be a good one.

    Reply
  17. Debra Hawkins says

    December 12, 2017 at 12:55 am

    I adore Karen Gillan so much. I can’t lie, I will go see it just because I adore her in everything!

    Reply
  18. janis says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    Looks like a really fun press trip you had. Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle looks like a really good movie, so will have to check it out at the movie theater.

    Reply
  19. Tomi C says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    The Rock and Kevin Hart have great online comedic chemistry and I know they’ll shine in this movie. I can’t wait to see it.

    Reply
  20. Sara Welch says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:17 pm

    I seriously cannot wait for this one. It is such an all star cast.

    Reply
  21. Marissa Zurfluh says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    There are way more than 7 reasons to watch this. It looks absolutely hilarious.

    Reply
  22. Stacie says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    This looks like a fantastic movie. I can’t wait to see it. I am glad they aren’t doing a remake of the original.

    Reply
  23. Janell Poulette says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    This movie is totally on our Christmas Break. We all can’t wait for vacation so we can see it.

    Reply
  24. reesa says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    I am super excited about seeing the new Jumanji! It was one of my favorites growing up!

    Reply
  25. Ali || Veggies by Candlelight says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    I loved the first Jumanji, and I have been wanting to see the second one. This post truly makes it easier to make my decision to go see it!

    Reply
  26. Pam says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    I’m so glad that it isn’t just a Jumanji remake. The original movie was a classic, and I don’t know if they could ever redo that. But this sounds like a fun new Jumanji adventure.

    Reply
  27. Brianne says

    December 11, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    We cannot wait to see this movie! And how incredible was your interview experience…so cool!

    Reply
  28. Claudia Krusch says

    December 11, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    I have been so excited to go see Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. I loved the first one and was so happy when they announced they were making this one.

    Reply
  29. Dawn Lopez says

    December 11, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    I am like… SO ready for this movie! This is a fun list & I’m totally stoked about the female characters being empowered, that’s a total bonus to hear since I was previously just pretty stoked about Kevin & Dwayne being in the movie. Can’t wait! Woot!

    Reply
    • Pam says

      December 11, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      I love that the movie empowers female characters too. That’s always something I look for in a movie.

      Reply
  30. Myrah Duque says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    What a great experience! I am so looking forward to watching the movie! The first one was amazing!

    Reply
  31. AnnMarie John says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    I’m really excited for this movie because I love the cast! They’re perfect and I’m sure the movie’s going to so much fun to watch for me and the kids!

    Reply
  32. Vanessa Delia says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:11 pm

    I am totally geeking out over this movie. I am LOVING the spin they put on things to match the modern age.

    Reply
  33. Claudia Krusch says

    December 11, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    I have been so excited to see Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. I loved the first movie and was so happy when I heard they were making it.

    Reply
  34. Kathy says

    December 11, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    I can’t wait to see this movie. I’ve been wanting to see it since I saw the previews. It looks like it’s going to be so funny and great.

    Reply
  35. Amy Desrosiers says

    December 11, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Even though I loved the first one, I am happy to see this. Now that I read more about it, I will give it a chance.

    Reply
  36. Noelle Davis says

    December 11, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Planning to take broxron to see it the day it comes out, it’s on my calendar!!!

    Reply
  37. Mellissa says

    December 11, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    I loved the original, but now that the new one is coming I absolutely cannot wait to see this version that adds a little comedy to it. My son and I have already decided that this is one that is going on our list.

    Reply
  38. Bill Sweeney says

    December 11, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    Duwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart have to be the funniest duo in a long time! I love their chemistry, so Jumanji would be an obvious choice to watch!

    Reply
  39. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    December 11, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    The commercials look great. I would really love to see this movie. I see a trip to the theater in store for our family in the near future!

    Reply
  40. Melissa Chapman says

    December 11, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    I never saw the first one so this is all new to me. The cast seems amazing and it sounds like an adventure movie for the whole family which is unusual these days

    Reply
  41. Amy Desrosiers says

    December 11, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    I love the original film so much! I hope this one can hold a candle to it!

    Reply
  42. JDaniel4's Mom says

    December 11, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful movie! I have been looking for one to take my son to during his Winter Break!

    Reply
  43. Sinisa says

    December 11, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    It will quickly become a classic. Great cast and story

    Reply
  44. travel blogger says

    December 11, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    I have loved the commercials I have seen for this movie, and I am definitely going to see it. The movie looks hilarious! And I loved the original when I was a kid. I can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  45. hey sharonoox says

    December 11, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    I really like the original jumanji but this new version sounds exciting and a fun movie. So, I can’t wait to watch this with my family.

    Reply
  46. Alicia says

    December 11, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    This press junket was fun to follow along with via Twitter! It looks like it will be a great / funny movie, and I can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  47. Heather says

    December 11, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    We loved the original Jumanji film. We are all cautiously optimistic about this one!

    Reply
  48. Jeanette says

    December 11, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    I saw the commercial for this movie and it already cracked me up so I cannot wait to see it. This is going to be a fun family movie I think.

    Reply
  49. Nichole says

    December 11, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    It looks like a great movie! How cool that you got to attend and get an advanced screening!

    Reply
  50. Connie says

    December 11, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    After dealing with all of the holiday stress, who couldn’t use a great movie? This looks great.

    Reply
  51. Joline says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:44 am

    OMG I cannot wait to see this movie! I saw the trailer a few days ago and it was hilarious. I loved the first Jumanji and it’s great to hear they’re not doing a “remake”.

    Reply
  52. Michelle Waller says

    December 11, 2017 at 11:41 am

    I can’t wait to see this movie with my kids!! Whenever The Rock and Kevin Hart are in a movie together, there are sure to be a ton of laughs.

    Reply
  53. Jeni Hawkins says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:34 am

    I cannot WAIT to see Jumanji! I love Dwayne Johnson – he’s hilarious! I didn’t really like the original movie, but think I will love this one!

    Reply
  54. Neely Moldovan says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:24 am

    I loved the original movie so I m pretty pumped for this one as it looks so much better!

    Reply
  55. Donna says

    December 11, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I loved the first Jumanji, so I’m thrilled that it is different. And from the previews, it looks hilarious! We can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  56. candy says

    December 11, 2017 at 9:32 am

    Didn’t know they had a new one coming out. Remember seeing the original and we enjoyed watching it very much. Will have to check out the new movie.

    Reply
  57. Amber Myers says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:36 am

    We will be seeing this movie as a family. It looks so hilarious. Plus I like a lot of the actors in it.

    Reply
  58. Lisa says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:34 am

    I loved the first Jumanji and am glad that it is different. I am excited to see this and am already a fan of Jack Black.

    Reply
  59. Alli Smith says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:34 am

    My family loved Jumanji and I’m excited about this new and different take. I can hardly wait to take the boys to see it.

    Reply
  60. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    December 11, 2017 at 8:15 am

    I loved the movie Jumanji, Robin Williams was perfect in it. I was wondering how this would turn out and I’d like to go see it.

    Reply
  61. Colleen says

    December 11, 2017 at 7:55 am

    I have been waiting for this since the rumors first started circulating. Now that I’ve seen the trailers, I am just so freaked out over it! Yay!

    Reply
  62. Stacie says

    December 11, 2017 at 7:47 am

    My family is so excited to see this! I love the new take on this one, and I love the cast. The Rock makes everything better!

    Reply
  63. Robin rue says

    December 11, 2017 at 6:48 am

    You don’t have to tell me twice, the Rock is in it so I will be there. I am excited for this movie, though – it looks cute.

    Reply
  64. Scott says

    December 10, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    I’m glad to hear it’s a completely different film. While I enjoyed the first one, I’m happy to know it might be a completely different story!

    Reply

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