BALANCE_DECEMBER_2019 - 60

THE ONE THING THIS
MONTH TO TOP YOUR
TO-DO LIST

DECEMBER 2019

BALANCE.MEDIA

URE

C U LT

B AC K I N
THE GAME
Jumanji: The Next Level goes on the prowl with more low jinks and star turns

WORDS James Gill

R

emember when it was announced that Dwayne
Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan were
going to star in a Jumanji movie in 2017?
Given that the late, great Robin Williams had made
a much-loved Jumanji film in 1995, surely, it would be sacrilege?
Not only did Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle respectfully
acknowledge Williams' original, but it also blazed its own
adventure-comedy trail, chalking up almost $1 billion (£771m)
globally, with BALANCE cover star Black on show-stealing form as
a teenage girl trapped in the avatar of Professor Shelly Oberon via
the mysterious titular video game.
Audiences lapped it up to make for one of the surprise hits of
the festive season. When a movie proves such a smash (even Black
confesses to checking its box-office takings each week and being
pleasantly surprised), there can only be one outcome: sequel.

The gang knew they couldn't just reheat the original. With the
sheer quality and quantity of programmes available to audiences
these days via streaming services, director Jake Kasdan (son of
Hollywood legend Lawrence) has upped the stakes.
Not only are there more locations, but Hollywood elder
statesmen such as Danny DeVito and Danny Glover also make
extremely welcome appearances. You'll also see the stars of the
original playing a range of parts across this globetrotting adventure
to ensure their comedy chops are given a full workout.
The success of the Jumanji films also serves to remind Hollywood
execs that characters don't need to wear a cape or wield a lightsaber
in order to connect with audiences. Sometimes, you just need wit,
warmth, heart and a bit of life. In fact, three lives are even better.

Jumanji: The Next Level is in cinemas from 11 December

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