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Review

Featuring computer graphics special effects of rampaging animals terrorizing its cast, Jumanji is heavy on the F/X and light on the execution. A magical board game, Jumanji takes its young players and places them in the center of a jungle adventure, which usually manifests itself in the playing area of its participants. When an adolescent boy disappears into the game, he returns 25 years later (as Williams) when two orphaned children begin play. Immediately, the three of them are thrust into danger when jungle animals materialize and begin to destroy their hometown; they set out to return the animals back to the game. When not relying too heavily on its many F/X creations, the film has a spirited playfulness and a rather engaging cast. However, Jumanji falters when it allows the effects to take center stage at the expense of its human players.