A trip to the jungle

A movie about kids being sucked into a video game? Sounds like the coolest plot possible to my 8yo son. So, one day during winter break, we dropped his younger siblings into the Playcenter at Harkins for some mommy-son movie time.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is out on digital and Blu-ray this month, so I thought I would share my thoughts on the film.

I resented the idea of this movie at first. I mean, why does the classic need to be updated? I loved the original movie. I went into the theater prepared to be annoyed, with the “I’m only here for my kid” attitude.

Truth be told, though, I enjoyed this movie more than I expected. I had several laugh out loud moments, especially if you are familiar with gaming at all.

More importantly, Superboy, my 8yo son, thought it was the funniest movie ever made. So, does it really matter if I’m mad that they remade the classic? They did not take away from the original (even made a few references to it) and it connects with kids from this generation.

We will laugh forever about the “cake weakness.” It’s like the two of us have our own inside joke now.

The cast was amazing and hilarious, specifically The Rock, Kevin Hart and Jack Black. I was excited to see Karen Gillan since I’m a big Doctor Who fan, and I was pleasantly surprised that Colin Hanks showed up toward the end. I’ve loved him since his Roswell days (that show is rebooting this fall, but that’s a blog for another day).

I really liked the concept of these teens having to go into another type of body than they usually were and learn more about themselves in the process. The adult actors did a hilarious job with this. I particularly identified with the nerdy girl who was suddenly the sexy female fighter character. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.

This movie is rated PG-13, so proceed with caution. Every kid is different and what content they can handle varies. My 8yo was fine, but I wouldn’t take my 7yo. There are some swear words, and the latter still hasn’t mastered the art of not repeating everything he hears. Loudly. In public.

There is some penis humor, because Jack Black’s character is a teenage girl stuck in a man’s body, but many of those jokes went way over my kid’s head.

Before I decide if I should take my oldest to a PG-13 movie I haven’t seen yet, I check out the parental guide on IMDB, where they break down everything that gave it that rating. I review it all and make my decision, and sometimes mentally prepare myself for any questions that may arise from the scene.

I find this easier than the random questions that kids throw at me out of the blue, like that time my 5yo asked me where babies come from while waiting in the lobby at church.

Bottom line, this movie was better than my expectations. Was it perfect? No. Is it my all time favorite movie? No. But is it my son’s. Yep. For now, at least.

And the good news for him is there is already talk of a sequel.

Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle is available on digital download March 6 and Blu-Ray March 20.