In 2017, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle defied expectations by not only rekindling the magic of the original 1995 film, but also successfully reinventing the franchise for a new generation. A high-octane, laugh-out-loud adventure that explored the digital age of gaming, it captured the spirit of fun and self-discovery, with a dose of nostalgia. Now, two years later, Jumanji: The Next Level returns, cranking the adventure up to eleven, delivering more humor, higher stakes, and an even wilder jungle experience. Directed by Jake Kasdan, who also helmed the previous film, The Next Level isn’t just a straightforward sequel—it’s a fun, bold expansion of the world established in Welcome to the Jungle, and it takes what worked before and dials it up to 11.
Picking up after the events of the first film, the plot begins with Spencer (Alex Wolff) rekindling his old obsession with Jumanji, despite having grown into a more confident person after his journey in the game. When his friends (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black) try to reconnect with him, they find he has disappeared, once again entering the world of Jumanji. Naturally, his friends—Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), Martha (Morgan Turner), and Bethany (Madison Iseman)—decide to return to the game to find him, bringing along Spencer's grandfather Eddie (Danny DeVito) and his old friend Milo (Danny Glover) along for the ride. Once again, the group finds themselves in the digital jungle, but this time, the game has evolved. The characters' avatars are different from the previous installment, thanks to Eddie and Milo’s sudden transformation into the younger, action-hero personas of Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Johnson) and Mouse Finbar (Hart). This twist introduces hilarious moments as the older, quirky characters must navigate the game in bodies that are both foreign and hilarious to them.
Bigger Worlds, Bigger Laughs, Bigger Heart
Right from the start, The Next Level leans into the charm and wit of the original while giving the film a fresh sense of urgency. As Jumanji has always been about more than just jungle adventures, the film also continues its exploration of personal growth. But what sets The Next Level apart is its clever exploration of generational differences. With the addition of Eddie and Milo, both of whom are hilariously out of place in the avatars they inhabit, the film takes on a theme of not just growing up but also understanding the older generation. Eddie, a retired plumber with a gruff, bitter attitude, and Milo, a laid-back, slow-moving retired restaurateur, have to face their own physical and emotional shortcomings as they deal with the unexpected world of Jumanji. The dynamic between the older characters and the younger group provides a unique and heartwarming element to the film.
The film’s success lies not just in its expanded setting but in the way the filmmakers manage to seamlessly blend its ensemble cast. The chemistry between the characters remains one of the franchise’s strongest assets, and the hilarious banter between the avatars creates some of the film’s most memorable moments. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan are all fantastic, slipping comfortably back into their roles as the larger-than-life avatars. Johnson, in particular, shines as Dr. Smolder Bravestone, especially as he hilariously embodies the eccentric, confused Eddie. Kevin Hart’s Mouse Finbar, once again, steals the show with his over-the-top energy and exasperated reactions to the absurdity of the situation. Gillan’s Ruby Roundhouse retains her badass charm, while also providing some excellent moments of vulnerability, especially in scenes where she finds herself grappling with her own feelings of self-worth.
But the real standout this time is Jack Black, who returns as the over-the-top Shelly Oberon. This time, he’s tasked with embodying Bethany, the teenager who was previously obsessed with herself. Jack Black’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing, and his portrayal of a young woman’s hyperactive personality—full of quirks, insecurities, and self-absorption—is not only hilarious but deeply endearing. Black’s ability to embody such an outlandish character with such commitment and joy is a large part of what makes The Next Level so entertaining.
Exploring Deeper Themes
While Jumanji: The Next Level does deliver the thrills and laughs that the first movie did, it also brings in a bit more heart, diving into the relationships between the characters, and exploring the idea of getting older, being stuck in the past, and finding purpose again. Spencer’s internal conflict about his own growth and his struggles with finding his place in the world are what drive much of the emotional core of the film. His journey is a reflection of the struggles many people face—whether it’s feeling lost or disconnected from their true self or failing to live up to the expectations we place on ourselves. Spencer’s journey in the game, and the support he receives from his friends and family, echoes these real-world challenges, making the stakes feel personal.
Similarly, Eddie and Milo’s characters serve as a perfect counterpoint to Spencer’s personal evolution. The juxtaposition of the younger generation’s journey and the older generation’s refusal to face the realities of getting older adds a layer of emotional depth that elevates the film. Eddie and Milo’s bumbling attempts at navigating the game—while trying to hold onto their own self-identity and their connection to the past—become a poignant and ultimately heartwarming exploration of aging and the loss of identity that can come with it. This aspect of The Next Level helps the movie transcend the simple “adventure-comedy” genre, providing something with a bit more emotional weight than audiences might expect.
Action and Comedy In Perfect Harmony
The movie truly knows how to entertain, with its unpredictable action sequences and visual flair. As Jumanji has always been known for, the action is nothing short of exhilarating. From narrow escapes from monstrous creatures to epic chase scenes involving deadly traps, The Next Level ramps up the intensity and stakes. What makes these scenes work is that they never feel like they’re there just for the sake of action. Each action sequence is tied into the characters’ growth and arcs, so even in the middle of a wild stampede or a near-death escape, there’s a real sense that the stakes matter.
And then, of course, there’s the comedy. It’s impossible not to laugh at the absurdity of it all. The sight of Danny DeVito’s grumpy, slow-moving character being thrust into the muscular body of Dr. Smolder Bravestone is priceless. The physical comedy of the film is well executed, with characters navigating the jungle and reacting to the strange abilities and personalities of their avatars. Whether it’s Kevin Hart’s short stature and frustrated exasperation or Karen Gillan’s deadpan delivery, the film is filled with sharp, hilarious moments that keep things lively and fun.
Conclusion: A Worthy Follow-Up
Ultimately, Jumanji: The Next Level does everything right. It expands the world of Jumanji in a way that feels natural and fresh, while still retaining the heart and humor that made the first film so enjoyable. It takes what worked about Welcome to the Jungle—the charming cast, the over-the-top action, the hilarious humor—and refines it. By introducing new, deeper emotional beats, the film manages to be more than just a fun adventure story; it becomes a poignant look at the challenges of growing up, of finding purpose, and of reconnecting with the people you care about. It’s a perfect sequel in that it never tries to outdo its predecessor—it simply builds on it, offering a bigger, bolder, and more heartfelt adventure.
If you’re looking for a fun, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt movie, Jumanji: The Next Level delivers in spades. It’s the kind of film that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll and makes you appreciate the value of friendship, self-discovery, and having a good laugh along the way.
