Description
Jumanji is a 1995 American fantasy adventure film directed by Joe Johnston and produced by TriStar Pictures, Teitler Film, and Interscope Communications. The film is based on the 1981 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. It stars Robin Williams, Jonathan Hyde, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, and Bonnie Hunt in pivotal roles.
Plot
The story revolves around siblings Judy and Peter who stumble upon an enchanted board game called Jumanji. Unbeknownst to them, the game holds extraordinary powers that transport them into a magical world. Their inadvertent roll of the dice releases Alan Parrish, a man who has been trapped inside the game for 26 years. To break free from the game’s grasp, Alan, Judy, and Peter must embark on a perilous journey to complete it. However, they soon find themselves pursued by various dangerous creatures unleashed by the game, including giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys, and other terrifying entities.
Cast
- Robin Williams as Alan Parrish
- Jonathan Hyde as Samuel Alan Parrish/Van Pelt
- Kirsten Dunst as Judy Shepherd
- Bradley Pierce as Peter Shepherd
- Bonnie Hunt as Sarah Whittle
- Bebe Neuwirth as Nora Shepherd
- David Alan Grier as Carl Bentley
- Patricia Clarkson as Carol Parrish
- Adam Hann-Byrd as Young Alan
- Laura Bell Bundy as Young Sarah
- James Handy as Exterminator
- Gillian Barber as Mrs. Thomas
- Brandon Obray as Benjamin
- Cyrus Thiedeke as Caleb
- Gary Joseph Thorup as Billy Jessup
- Leonard Zola as Gun Salesman
- Lloyd Berry as Cop
- Malcolm Stewart as Jim Shepherd
- Annabel Kershaw as Martha Shepherd
- Darryl Henriques as Gun Salesman’s Buddy
- Robyn Driscoll as Neighbor
- Peter Bryant as Paramedic
- Sarah Gilson as Girl in Car
- Florica Vlad as Girl in Car’s Friend
- June Lion as Aunt Shelly
- Brenda Lockmuller as Aunt Nora
Production
Director: Joe Johnston
Producers: Scott Kroopf, William Teitler
Screenplay: Greg Taylor, Jonathan Hensleigh, Jim Strain
Based on: “Jumanji” by Chris Van Allsburg
Music: James Horner
Cinematography: Thomas E. Ackerman
Editing: Robert Dalva
Release
Country: United States
Language: English
Release Date: December 15, 1995 (United States)
Reception
Upon its release, Jumanji received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The film’s visual effects and Robin Williams’ performance were particularly praised. It was a commercial success, grossing over $262 million worldwide against a budget of $65 million.
Legacy
Jumanji has since become a cult classic and has spawned various adaptations, including an animated television series, a sequel titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle released in 2017, and its sequel Jumanji: The Next Level released in 2019.
Themes
The film explores themes of friendship, family, and the consequences of one’s actions. It highlights the importance of teamwork and courage in overcoming obstacles.
References
- Van Allsburg, Chris. Jumanji. Houghton Mifflin, 1981.
- Ebert, Roger. “Jumanji Movie Review & Film Summary (1995)”. RogerEbert.com, December 15, 1995.