If you are planning to see Jumanji: The Next Level with your kids over the holidays please make sure to read my spoiler-free review and why I don’t recommend the movie for kids.
Jumanji: The Next Level picks up a couple years after Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ended with the kids all in college.
In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.
Not only do our favorite characters return for an exciting adventure, there are a few new characters as well. The game has changed and the story is different, but it’s just as funny as the first. My cheeks hurt after the movie because I was laughing so hard.
While it’s a fun sequel, I feel that this movie is geared more toward older tweens and teens (and adults too, of course). The commercials make it seem like it might be kid friendly, but this one just isn’t kid-friendly.
First, the language is so much worse. To be honest, I didn’t count or keep track of each curse word. However, there were enough in the movie that even my kids mentioned it afterward. The foul language was very noticeable and totally not needed. There were some sexual references and jokes about private parts that went on a little too long. Lastly, there were a couple intense fighting scenes, including a scene where a family of mandrills is trying to attack the group which might be too scary for younger children.
Despite these few issues, I thought the movie was great. I loved that it continued the story without repeating the old story…no it’s not just the same old game, it’s changed. It’s new and has more adventure and the addition of the new characters is hilarious. One of the overarching themes was about social media and how what you see on social media isn’t always the truth. It was touched on several times throughout the movie and a good reminder for all of us.
So should you take your kids? Of course, you know your kids best; however, this is not a young kid friendly movie and definitely deserves the PG-13 rating. It’s geared more toward older tweens, teens, and adults. If you are truly considering taking your younger kids, please go see it first.
Jumanji: The Next Level is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, and sexual references.
Jumanji: The Next Level opens nationwide Friday (12/13/19).
There was a bonus scene right at the beginning of the credits, but there is no stinger during or after the credits.
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Rated PG-13, Run Time 123 minutes, #Jumanji
Disclaimer: I attended a media screening of this movie.
