Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
As the gang return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.
Jumanji: The Next Level is a largely formulaic sequel that recycles the body-swap and video game premise of its predecessor with diminishing returns. The plot introduces new character combinations (older men in younger avatars) for some comedic mileage, but the overall structure is predictable and the stakes feel recycled. The acting is a highlight — Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart do commendable work mimicking Danny DeVito and Danny Glover respectively, showing genuine comedic craft. Cinematography is serviceable blockbuster fare — competent wide vistas and action staging but nothing visually distinctive. Novelty is low; the film largely retreads the 2017 film's concept without meaningfully expanding the world or tone. The ending wraps things up predictably with little emotional weight beyond what was established in the previous entry.