Jumanji was first released in 1995 and has been a movie that has lived through millions of people’s childhoods. An American fantasy adventure film based around a magical board game that unleashes treacherous giant bugs, incredibly malevolent monkeys and stampeding rhinos. Twenty-two years later, its familiar name is played once again on the big screen, but with a very different concept. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a more comedic and modern take on the original where four teenagers discover a video game that throws them into ‘Jumanji’, and into the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji –Jumanji plays you. Two films - same title, different decades, different story. However, which version did people enjoy the most? The classic original or the supposedly hilarious retake? Leah from Wimbledon said, ‘The new Jumanji is full of surprises, it kept me on my toes the whole time. It is a collaboration of genres from action, adventure and comedy. It makes you feel as if you are part of the movie. It is unique.’ I then asked her about her perspective of the original version of Jumanji. Her response was, ‘The old Jumanji is where I first witnessed the amazing collaboration of what computer effects and tricks can do to produce an award winning movie.’ She added, ‘The difference between the old version and the remake is the contrasts with the old one. The remake is more of a virtual game which correlates to society today and is modernised.’ Following her statement, I had asked other friends what version of Jumanji they preferred. Anna said, ‘The new version definitely. The actors suited their roles perfectly’. Maria agreed saying, ‘The new version because it’s unique and the collaboration of Dwane Johnson and Kevin Hart makes a perfect combo.’ To what It seems, Jumanji 2017 had been a ‘Harth-rob’ for the majority. Now you decide. Take time & watch both movies and see for yourself which version best satisfies you.
