When you “reboot” a film you always run the risk of getting it wrong, so when “Welcome to the Jungle” was a big hit the bullet was dodged. Choosing then to make a sequel to a film that didn’t have a clear sequel storyline introduces a whole new set of risks.
Luckily though the risk has more than paid off, “The Next Level” sees our heroes from the first film head back into the game and transformed into Johnson, Black, Hart and the increasingly impressive Karen Gillan but with a twist. The addition of Danny Devito and Danny Glover also gives us a new and entertaining dynamic for our in game characters.
Devito and Glover bring real fun to the film and anyone who’s ever tried to explain a video game to an elderly relative will have enjoyed these characters before! They also bring us the surprisingly emotional climax.
The Next Level catches all the humour and fun of the first film, game type action set pieces that keep it sweeping along at a fairly rapid pace and a likeable central cast that all get the chance to play against character, all bring an entertaining and enjoyable sequel.
If you really want more Jumanji, the film even sets up the potential for another installment! Not sure we need it, but then never thought we needed this one and yet here it is and it’s just as enjoyable as the first.
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