Zathura (2005)

Since the only thing I have been thinking about was this film for the past few days, I thought it would be best that I write a review of this amazing and new film. While many people (non-viewers) criticize the film for being a rip-off of Jumanji (1995), this film does not copy the ideas in Jumanji. The main reason for this is that Zathura (2005) is the sequel to the 1995 blockbuster. (Check IMDb, I'm right) Both films are based on books by author Chris Van Allsburg, and they do have similar themes, but Zathura is NOT ripping off its predecessor in any way. However, even before it was released, I knew the film would do good, because of many reasons. First off, Chris Van Allsburg is an amazing author, and gave the film an excellent story to work upon. Director Jon Favreau (famous for Elf (2003)) is increasing in popularity, the amazing Screen Playwright David Koepp, and the incredible cast also contribute to this film's success.

Six and three-quarters years old Danny (Jonah Bobo) and ten years old Walter (Josh Hutcherson) are your typical brothers. They constantly argue with each other, fight for their father's affection, and have an evil, ignoring sister. After one of their quarrels, Danny is forced into the creepy, dark basement, of which he is completely terrified of. When down there, he discovers a mysterious board game called 'Zathura', and the adventure starts. After convincing his brother to play it, the entire house is flung into outer space, orbiting around the scenic Saturn. The magical game materializes terrifying events to happen to the players (and anyone else who is nearby), such as meteor showers, defective robots, and the Zorgons, space aliens who are always hungry for a snack . . .

While playing the game, Danny rescues a stranded Astronaut (Dax Shepard), who was a player of the game 15 years ago and has been stuck in limbo ever since. Although kind of rude at some times, the Astronaut becomes an important character in the film, who helps out the family in times of need. Lisa (Kristen Stewart), the sister, finally realizes what's going on, and starts to fall in love with the Astronaut. As the film progresses, many problems arise, such as loosing the board game, fights between characters, and an invasion of Zorgons.

The character of Danny is very interesting, especially when compared to his brother Walter. Danny, in the words of his father, has an amazing imagination. When stranded in space, Danny decides to cook Macaroni and Cheese (as a true six year old would). Despite his brother's belief that it is impossible (the house is in space), Danny's imagination allows him to try out a gas powered stove, and a sink in the middle of space. Of course, the result is that they work, showing that imagination can do anything, even help cook. This explains many of the 'loopholes' in the film, such as why there is oxygen and gravity in the house.

There are many themes discussed in the film, some of which are shown in Jumanji. The most obvious one deals with growing up. As the father says, "there are some days where you need to grow up all at once." This is shown many times in the film, through comparison of before and after they play the game. When Danny confronts his fear (the basement) the first time, he is completely terrified. However, later on in the film, he must go down there again, but this time with deadly, meat eating aliens down there ("and that's bad, because we're meat!"). Another example of the characters growing up, is through the characters of Walter and the Astronaut. However, a major twist in the plot involves this example, so I will not tell it to you. The relationship between Walter and Danny is also shown both before and after the adventure takes place. Before the game, Walter and Danny argue when playing catch (mainly because Danny was horrible at it). However, when they learn their lesson, both brothers play together, teaching each other skills and, more importantly, not arguing.

Another theme discussed in the film deals with brotherhood. As Walter constantly reminds Danny during the game, "Nothing's going to happen to you, because I'm your brother". Saving his brother from the dangers of space, Walter stays true to his word. Brotherhood is also shown in the dependency that both Walter and Danny have with each other. When one is missing, the other cannot continue the game, showing that the brothers must learn to cooperate to get home. In addition to this, Danny cannot read, so he is constantly depending on Walter to read the cards.

Interestingly enough, when arriving to the goal of the game, Zathura itself, the characters realize that Zathura is nothing more then a black hole. The reason, I believe that Zathura was made to be a black hole lies in the tagline for the film, "Adventure is Waiting". Believing that reaching the goal, Zathura, will return them to their world, the two brothers play till they reach Zathura. When finally reaching the black hole, all of the space objects, the adventure, are sucked into the black hole. I believe the black hole represents reality, and shows how dull normal life is. When traveling on their adventure, the brothers learn their lesson, and return to their boring life with the knowledge of all that has happened.

For all the Jumanji fans who worry that this film will ruin the reputation of the 'original' film, do not worry! Zathura, as many critics say, is better then the original. Of course there are many similar connections between the two films, what sequel doesn't? For example, both films contains themes of siblings, family, and of cheating (not to mention a magical board game). The thing that makes this film better though, is the fact that it is not overloaded with special effects. When Jumanji was released, it was praised for the amazing visuals it presented. Zathura, however, does not focus on the visuals, but on the characters and themes.

Both Danny and Walter go on an amazing adventure filled with action, comedy, and important themes. Though critics may call this a 'children's film', it is more of a family film, because it can be enjoyed by everyone. When watching Zathura, there was no point in which I thought "Wow, this movie is for kids." On the contrary, most of the time I was so entranced by the film, I had no time to think. Even though it is similar to Jumanji, I highly suggest this film for any family, person, or pet who enjoys movies. You will enjoy the film from the beginning, and want more when it's "Game Over (thank you for playing)."

*As a fair warning to any parent who might want to bring their child to see this film: Both of the brothers may be young, but they do use inappropriate language towards the beginning of the film (Many audiences gasp at this). *