The exciting and heartwarming films Jumanji and Zathura are companion pieces about feuding siblings and forgotten friends finding their way back to each other through mysterious and unexpectedly dangerous board games.
Jumanji (PG, 4.5/5 stars)
After being trapped in a jungle board game for 26 years, a Man-Child wins his release from the game. But, no sooner has he arrived that he is forced to play again, and this time sets the creatures of the jungle loose on the city. Now it is up to him to stop them.
– Written by Joshua Davis, IMDB
Zathura (PG, 4.5/5 stars)
Danny and Walter are two brothers who barely get along even while driving their parents to distraction as their older sister tries to ignore them. Despite their squabbling, the brothers manage cooperate enough to play an old mechanical board game named Zathura.
However, after their first move, they find that the game has apparently flung them, their sister and their entire house into outer space. Furthermore, the brothers surmise the only way to return home is to finish the game. However with almost every move, new dangers arise as the siblings find themselves learning to cooperate in ways they never expected as they realize what they mean to each other.
– Written by Kenneth Chisholm, IMDB
* * *
Tech Tip of the Week: If You Google Someone, Will They Know?
* * *