I like Jumanji, both in book and movie form. But I must say that I prefer the book version to the movie version. The book seems to be intended for children as an audience, while the movie attempts to insert some scary scenes and grown-up issues to appeal to the adult audience. (What does it say about me that I prefer the children's version? Who knows.)
In the book by Chris Van Allsburg, a brother and sister are bored and alone one afternoon when they find the Jumanji game board. They begin playing the game at home, only to discover that the jungle adventure in the game comes to life in their house. Although there are plenty of scary things that happen (lion attack, python in the living room, sleeping sickness, etc.), the images in the book actually help keep the action from seeming too intense. The statements are somewhat "matter-of-fact", and the illustrations actually seem calm. For example, on one page the sister is sitting calmly under an umbrella as a monsoon pours down around her. Children will enjoy the action and suspense of the story, but will not feel overwhelmed or frightened by the content. They will likely enjoy the twist at the end of the story, when the children of the visiting parents are seen running home with the game they found under a tree. Teachers could use this twist to encourage children to make predictions about future events based upon what they've read. The book is definitely worth sharing with children!
The movie version of Jumanji that was released in 1995 is much more intense than the book. Some scenes made me jump and cover my eyes (yes, I'm a wimp), while others made me want to cry. I am a fan of Robin Williams, and enjoyed his portrayal of a man who had been trapped in the game as a young boy. In the movie, hundreds of years pass as groups of children find and hide again the dangerous game. As the movie unfolds, a boy and girl are playing Jumanji together. The girl stops playing, and the boy is left in the game for more than 20 years. He escapes from the game as a new pair of players begin a game, and he helps them to finish their game. Stressful family issues are discussed in the move, but it does have a happy ending. I would not feel comfortable showing this movie to young children. It might be interesting to have high school students watch the movie and do a comparison with the book, but I would not want my younger children watching this movie.
In summary, I would definitely recommend the book be added to children's library collections, but I would save the movie for family movie night with older children.
Cort, R. W., Field, T., Franco, L. J., Kroopf, S., & Teitler, W. (Producers), & Johnston, J. (Director). (1995). Jumanji [Motion picture]. United States: TriStar Pictures.
Van Allsburg, C. (1981). Jumanji. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
In the book by Chris Van Allsburg, a brother and sister are bored and alone one afternoon when they find the Jumanji game board. They begin playing the game at home, only to discover that the jungle adventure in the game comes to life in their house. Although there are plenty of scary things that happen (lion attack, python in the living room, sleeping sickness, etc.), the images in the book actually help keep the action from seeming too intense. The statements are somewhat "matter-of-fact", and the illustrations actually seem calm. For example, on one page the sister is sitting calmly under an umbrella as a monsoon pours down around her. Children will enjoy the action and suspense of the story, but will not feel overwhelmed or frightened by the content. They will likely enjoy the twist at the end of the story, when the children of the visiting parents are seen running home with the game they found under a tree. Teachers could use this twist to encourage children to make predictions about future events based upon what they've read. The book is definitely worth sharing with children!
The movie version of Jumanji that was released in 1995 is much more intense than the book. Some scenes made me jump and cover my eyes (yes, I'm a wimp), while others made me want to cry. I am a fan of Robin Williams, and enjoyed his portrayal of a man who had been trapped in the game as a young boy. In the movie, hundreds of years pass as groups of children find and hide again the dangerous game. As the movie unfolds, a boy and girl are playing Jumanji together. The girl stops playing, and the boy is left in the game for more than 20 years. He escapes from the game as a new pair of players begin a game, and he helps them to finish their game. Stressful family issues are discussed in the move, but it does have a happy ending. I would not feel comfortable showing this movie to young children. It might be interesting to have high school students watch the movie and do a comparison with the book, but I would not want my younger children watching this movie.
In summary, I would definitely recommend the book be added to children's library collections, but I would save the movie for family movie night with older children.
Cort, R. W., Field, T., Franco, L. J., Kroopf, S., & Teitler, W. (Producers), & Johnston, J. (Director). (1995). Jumanji [Motion picture]. United States: TriStar Pictures.
Van Allsburg, C. (1981). Jumanji. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
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