“Zathura” (Columbia Pictures)
"Zathura" is a flight of fancy space adventure that will entertain children and adults alike. Unlike its predecessor “Jumanji” there is no big star like Robin Williams featured in this film, but each of the actors involved are solid performers. The script and the look of the film are also first rate. “Zathura” should be entertaining audiences throughout the holidays.
The film centers around two brothers, Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (Jonah Bobo). They are spending time with their dad (Tim Robbins) and are fighting with each other as usual. When their Dad has to go into work he leaves them in the care of their sleeping sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart).
During one of their arguments Walter chases Danny into the basement where he discovers a board game called “Zathura.” It has two players and uses a spinner to advance their pieces toward the planet goal. As they spin they are given a card that tells them what to expect along the way.
The magic of the movie is what happens when they start the game. They open their front door and find their house is sailing through outer space. Later they are joined by an astronaut (Dax Shepard) who has a strong connection to the boys.
Everything about this movie is fun from the wry lines of dialogue the characters speak to the special effects that pop up in the boys’ adventure. The audience is eagerly anticipating what the next “event” in the film will be.
Bobo is a loveable eight year old who fits his role perfectly as the smaller and put upon brother; but it is Hutcherson who steals the show.
He is fast becoming the male equivalent to Dakota Fanning. With each role he gets better and better and more and more natural as an actor. As Walter he holds the movie together and makes all the incidents that occur believable when seen through his eyes.
Kristen Stewart first gained notice as Jodie Foster’s daughter in “Panic Room.” Her role here is another step up the career ladder. She is funny and flirtatious, aloof and adorable. Shepard plays the role of the astronaut with low key humor and makes it work.
The film is directed by Jon Favreau who brings the same flair to this film that he used in “Elf.” He blends humor and warmth together in the perfect ratio. Although the film is based on the Chris Van Allsburg book, you get a feeling some of the Favreau brand of humor seeped into the dialogue.
The movie is rated PG for mild profanity and comic violence.
“Zathura” is a totally satisfying movie that holds the audience entranced from beginning to end. It is the kind of film kids of all ages will want to see over and over again. Just as “Elf” has become a holiday classic, this movie will become a kids’ favorite that gains more fans with every new generation that comes along.
I scored “Zathura” an inter-planetary 7 out of 10.
