---
title: "Jumanji: The Next Level"
year: 2019
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/jumanji-the-next-level"
fi1m_id: "jumanji-the-next-level"
imdb_id: "tt7975244"
tmdb_id: 512200
wikidata_id: "Q60501923"
fi1m_score: 65
critics_score: 58
critics_reviews: 27
published: "2026-10-05T14:59:38.289255+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T14:59:38.571657+00:00"
region: "DK"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Directed by Jake Kasdan · 2h 03m · Medierådet 11 · Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

## Identity

Jumanji: The Next Level

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/jumanji-the-next-level
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** jumanji-the-next-level
- **IMDb ID:** tt7975244
- **TMDB ID:** 512200
- **Wikidata ID:** Q60501923
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7975244/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/512200, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60501923

**Fi1m score: 65** · Critics 58 from 27 reviews

*In a sentence:* Kevin Hart takes his time finishing a sentence, and for once the adventure is improved by the delay

> Jake Kasdan’s sequel earns some good laughs from its scrambled avatars, especially Kevin Hart’s unhurried impersonation. The familiar quest and prolonged action make this a modest return for anyone not already fond of the cast.

## Synopsis

Eddie (Danny DeVito), Milo (Danny Glover) and Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) face a quest in Jumanji’s jungle with a team whose game avatars no longer contain the expected people. Eddie becomes Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), while Milo occupies Franklin ‘Mouse’ Finbar (Kevin Hart). Professor Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Oberon (Jack Black) is also part of the scrambled group. Before they can make progress through the game, they must work out how to function together. Bravestone carries Eddie’s temperament, while Finbar speaks at Milo’s leisurely pace, leaving their companions to adjust to familiar faces behaving differently.

## Review

Jake Kasdan’s *Jumanji: The Next Level* makes a decent comedy out of giving its actors the wrong people to play. The adventure around them is less rewarding. Scrambling the occupants of the game avatars gives recognisable faces unfamiliar habits and voices, and provides a reason to return beyond another quest. There are enough laughs to make the repetition tolerable, though 123 minutes is an indulgent length for material this familiar.

We laughed at Kevin Hart simply taking his time to finish a sentence. He is borrowing the deliberate delivery of Danny Glover, who plays Milo, and gets a surprising amount out of leaving space between words. The delay is funny because the adventure keeps demanding haste, while his delivery suggests that everyone else could stand to calm down. He gives the impersonation enough affection to keep it from becoming merely an exercise in making Milo look foolish.

Dwayne Johnson has a rougher time borrowing Eddie from Danny DeVito. The impersonation is broad and sometimes laboured; the pleasure is in seeing that imposing body made less assured by the personality inside it. Karen Gillan supplies useful purpose amid the impersonations, taking on more of the heroics while the others are busy adjusting. Awkwafina has sharp comic timing, too, although a cast this crowded leaves too little space to enjoy what each performer can do.

The screenplay, credited to Scott Rosenberg, Jeff Pinkner and Jake Kasdan, gets considerable mileage from those personality changes. Once the new combinations are established, however, too much of the quest feels like an excuse to get everybody moving again. The friendship material is kindly meant, but the writing pushes for sentiment before the relationships have earned that much attention. Some of the bodily jokes are laboured, and repeating them does not make them less so.

Gyula Pados’s cinematography has plenty to contend with in the suspended-bridge maze, though the action does not always give us time to understand the space. Bill Brzeski’s production design is more interesting here, making the setting an obstacle course rather than anonymous scenery. The problem is that the digital effects too often make the danger look weightless, so elaborate movement brings little increase in suspense. We kept waiting for the film to stop chasing its characters and let them speak.

The three credited editors, Tara Timpone, Mark Helfrich and Steve Edwards, preserve the pauses that make the impersonations work, but leave too much slack around the quest. There is a shorter, more consistently funny film here, without much need to sacrifice character. Henry Jackman’s score adds little personality to the adventure, particularly alongside voices as distinctive as these. The actors do enough to keep us amused without all this encouragement to feel excited.

The body-swapping comedy works because the actors are willing to look foolish, a useful quality in an adventure built around capable-looking heroes. That willingness gives the friendship scenes some warmth, even when the writing starts insisting upon it. If another evening with this cast sounds sufficient, it will do; anyone hoping for a fresh adventure should look elsewhere.

*Fi1m score 65, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus on Jumanji: The Next Level is mixed, with praise clustering around the cast’s body-swapping comedy rather than the adventure itself. The reviews repeatedly single out Kevin Hart’s measured Danny Glover impression, while the ensemble’s chemistry and mismatched avatars provide much of the reported enjoyment. Even several less enthusiastic critics find the performances funny. Supporters see enough invention in the character switches to make a familiar sequel worthwhile.

The disagreement is over how far those laughs compensate for a recycled plot, uneven jokes and crowded storytelling. The spread is wide: the Evening Standard finds a thoughtfully judged family film, while Slant Magazine sees little reason for the characters to return and finds the action chaotic. Dwayne Johnson’s Danny DeVito impression divides opinion too: Total Film praises it, but The Ringer rejects it even while enjoying the adventure. Across the reviews, freshness is the recurring concern.

## Straight answers

**Is Jumanji: The Next Level worth watching?**

*Jumanji: The Next Level* is worth considering if you already enjoy the cast, but we score this overlong adventure a modest 65. Kevin Hart’s leisurely impersonation supplies some good laughs, while the familiar quest and prolonged action make it harder to recommend to anyone hoping for something fresh.

**How long is Jumanji: The Next Level, and what is it rated?**

*Jumanji: The Next Level* runs 2h 03m and is rated 11 by the Medierådet in Denmark. It is an adventure and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Jumanji: The Next Level in Denmark?**

*Jumanji: The Next Level* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from kr 39.00. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Jumanji: The Next Level, and is it suitable for children?**

*Jumanji: The Next Level* carries a UK 12A certificate, so it is not an unrestricted children’s choice; under-12s need an accompanying adult at the cinema. The action includes a suspended-bridge maze, though we find the digital danger short on suspense, and some bodily jokes are laboured. It is a more straightforward choice for teenagers than younger children.

**How does Jumanji: The Next Level compare to Big?**

*Jumanji: The Next Level* offers broader body-swapping comedy and more action than [*Big*](https://film.one/film/big), which we recommend as the warmer, gentler choice. Kevin Hart finds laughs in an unexpectedly unhurried delivery, while Tom Hanks makes a child’s uncertainty convincing in *Big*. Choose the latter for tenderness, with the caveat that its sweetness sometimes makes adult life look too easily dismissed.

**What should I watch after Jumanji: The Next Level?**

After *Jumanji: The Next Level*, try [*Big*](https://film.one/film/big) (1988, Fi1m 81): Another borrowed body gives a comic actor room to be unexpectedly tender. Then [*The Castle of Cagliostro*](https://film.one/film/the-castle-of-cagliostro) (1979, Fi1m 80): Ingenious escapes and playful characters keep this animated adventure moving briskly.

### Reviews we read (27)

- **Evening Standard**, David Sexton (4/5): Sexton calls the sequel a funny, diverting, thoughtfully judged extension that works as a family film. He particularly praises the humor of the characters’ scrambled avatar transformations and Dwayne Johnson’s comic performance. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/jumanji-the-next-level-review-follow-dwayne-johnson-and-co-into-a-great-game-for-all-the-family-a4312806.html)
- **Time Out**, Olly Richards (4/5): The critic finds this sequel an enjoyable second helping of avatar-based giddiness. They praise the plot’s weird and wonderful twists. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/jumanji-the-next-level)
- **Empire**, Ben Travis (75/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel a worthy, laugh-filled expansion, despite its rough edges and weaker action-adventure elements. It especially praises Awkwafina’s comic performance and the increasingly ridiculous body-swapping comedy. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/jumanji-the-next-level/)
- **The Guardian**, Mark Kermode (70/100, inferred): Kermode finds the sequel upbeat and lively, though its bawdy jokes and baggy third act falter. He particularly praises the comic character performances and the film’s energetic, inventive body-swapping. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/dec/15/jumanji-the-next-level-review-dwayne-johnson-danny-devito-danny-glover)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the sequel an entertaining, inventive continuation, though its storytelling can be sloppy. He praises the cast’s collective charisma and the fun of watching actors inhabit mismatched avatars. [Read](https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/jumanji-the-next-level-film-review-1203431347/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be read, so the critic’s verdict is unavailable. No praise or complaint can be identified from the accessible content. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jumanji-the-next-level-movie-review-2019)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland (C+): Erbland calls the sequel a fitting, funny follow-up that is less original but earns another round. She praises Kevin Hart’s performance as Danny Glover’s character, while criticizing the crowded cast and some cheap jokes about race and gender identity. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/jumanji-the-next-level-review-1202195895/)
- **Radio Times**, Victoria Luxford (3/5): Luxford finds the sequel offers more of what fans liked in the previous film, though it largely repeats its plot. She singles out the cast’s fresh twists on their characters as the source of novelty. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-lkygz2/jumanji-the-next-level/)
- **The i Paper**, Demetrios Matheou (★★★): Matheou finds the sequel inventive and entertaining, though it lacks some of the original’s freshness. He praises the comic avatar-swapping performances, especially Dwayne Johnson impersonating Danny De Vito and Kevin Hart adopting Danny Glover’s slower delivery. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/jumanji-the-next-level-review-dwayne-johnson-karen-gillan-kevin-hart-release-date-374107)
- **Total Film**, Jamie Graham (3/5): The critic finds the sequel entertaining and solid, though less fresh than its predecessor. They praise the cast’s playful impersonations of one another, especially Dwayne Johnson’s take on Danny DeVito. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/jumanji-the-next-level-review/)
- **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (C): Vishnevetsky finds the sequel repetitive and lacking in replay value. He singles out Kevin Hart’s Danny Glover impression for praise, while criticizing Dwayne Johnson’s performance and the film’s recycled jokes. [Read](https://avclub.com/jumanji-lacks-replay-value-in-the-next-level-1840329799)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, John DeFore (55/100, inferred): DeFore finds the sequel enjoyable but a clear case of diminishing returns, with its charm and comedic performances less consistent than before. He praises the elaborate action set pieces, especially the suspended-bridge maze sequence. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/jumanji-next-level-review-1261250/)
- **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (2/2/2): Strong finds the sequel lacklustre, with a generic message and jokes that often miss the mark. She praises Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart’s impersonations, but criticizes the film’s treatment of Awkwafina and its penis jokes. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/jumanji-the-next-level)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (35/100, inferred): Chang calls the sequel an amiable but overlong retread, with too little novelty to justify its two-hour runtime. He praises Danny DeVito’s effortless comic presence, while finding the relationship and friendship storylines soggy and forced. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-12-12/jumanji-next-level-review-dwayne-johnson-kevin-hart)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (35/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the sequel tired and only modestly funny, with little life beyond its familiar premise. He praises the laughs from the characters’ different ways of dying, especially the Rock being demolished by an ostrich. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/jumanji-the-next-level-review.html)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel disappointing. The visible text notes the players’ return to the jungle but offers no specific praise or complaint beyond that verdict. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/jumanji-the-next-level-review/5145528.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (1/4): Cole finds the sequel hollow and repetitive, with little reason for its characters to return to the game. He praises the brief performances of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart playing against type, but says chaotic action quickly overwhelms them. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-jumanji-the-next-level-finds-a-series-stuck-in-repeat-mode/)
- **HeyUGuys** (78/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel an entertaining, confident ride despite familiar story beats and some weak CGI. It especially praises the comic performances, singling out Kevin Hart’s Danny Glover impression. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/jumanji-the-next-level-dwayne-johnson/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (70/100, inferred): Sandwell finds the sequel hugely likeable and entertaining, though its overfamiliarity holds it back. He praises the body-swapping performances, especially Kevin Hart’s Danny Glover impression, and notes the story’s added emotional heart. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30116538/jumanji-the-next-level-review/)
- **NME** (70/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel an undemanding but solidly entertaining blockbuster. It praises Danny DeVito’s scene-stealing presence and the cast’s comic character switches, while noting that the plot often treads water. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/jumanji-the-next-level-review-danny-devito-2585591)
- **The Ringer**, Claire McNear (70/100, inferred): McNear finds the sequel a silly, enjoyable action romp despite its cash-grab feel. She singles out the chaotic biome-hopping adventure for praise, while calling Dwayne Johnson’s Danny DeVito impression very bad. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2019/12/13/movies/jumanji-the-next-level-review)
- **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): The critic finds it an amusing, creative, and enjoyable sequel, though its familiar adventure plot and muddled themes keep it from improving on the original. Kevin Hart’s slow, measured performance as Milo is singled out as a comedic highlight. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/jumanji-the-next-level-film-review-2-sequel-danny-de-vito/)
- **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (65/100, inferred): The review finds the sequel enjoyable despite a malfunctioning, forgettable plot. It praises the actors’ personalities and the familiar pleasures they bring to the characters. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/jumanji-the-next-level-2019-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray)
- **Den of Geek**, Mark Harrison (3/5): Harrison finds the sequel enjoyable but overly familiar, judging it no worse or better than its predecessor. He especially praises the ensemble’s comic chemistry and impersonations, with Gillan taking on more of the heroics. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jumanji-the-next-level-review/)
- **/Film**, Josh Spiegel (5 out of 10): Spiegel finds the sequel often amusing but a major step down from its predecessor, with an incoherent story and sloppy effects. He praises Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart for the humor they bring to their Danny DeVito- and Danny Glover-inspired performances. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/570981/jumanji-the-next-level-review/)
- **Consequence**, Clint Worthington (40/100, inferred): Worthington finds the sequel enjoyable in places but too familiar and overstuffed to match its predecessor. He praises the performers’ body-swapping character work, especially Kevin Hart’s impression of Danny Glover, while criticizing the repetitive quest and questionable humor. [Read](https://consequence.net/2019/12/film-review-jumanji-the-next-level/)
- **Paste**, Oktay Ege Kozak (3.5/10): Kozak argues that the sequel mostly replays its predecessor and recommends skipping it. He faults the thin plot and uninspired action, while noting the heartfelt subplot involving Eddie and Milo. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/jumanji/jumanji-the-next-level-review)

## Details

- **Director:** Jake Kasdan
- **Director:** Jake Kasdan
- **Writer:** Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, Jake Kasdan
- **Cinematography:** Gyula Pados
- **Editor:** Steve Edwards, Mark Helfrich, Tara Timpone
- **Music:** Henry Jackman
- **Production design:** Bill Brzeski
- **Costume design:** Louise Mingenbach
- **Producer:** Hiram Garcia, Matt Tolmach, Dwayne Johnson
- **Cast:** Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Smolder Bravestone; Kevin Hart as Franklin 'Mouse' Finbar; Jack Black as Professor Sheldon 'Shelly' Oberon; Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse; Awkwafina as Ming; Nick Jonas as Jefferson 'Seaplane' McDonough; Alex Wolff as Spencer Gilpin; Morgan Turner as Martha Kaply
- **Runtime:** 2h 03m
- **Certificate (Medierådet):** 11
- **Release (Denmark):** 5 December 2019
- **Genres:** Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $125 million
- **Box office:** $802 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6QaLsw8EWY

## Where to watch in Denmark

- Amazon Prime Video: rent kr 39.00, uhd
- Apple TV: rent kr 39.00, hd
- Apple TV: buy kr 49.00, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy kr 79.00, uhd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2020: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Big* (1988), Fi1m 81: Another borrowed body gives a comic actor room to be unexpectedly tender. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/big.md)
- *Freaky Friday* (2003): Personality clashes make the body-swapping funny before the family lessons arrive.
- *The Kid Who Would Be King* (2019): Young adventurers face an old legend with humour and believable friendship.
- *Kung Fu Hustle* (2004): Physical comedy and outlandish action share the same cheerful disregard for dignity.
- *The Castle of Cagliostro* (1979), Fi1m 80: Ingenious escapes and playful characters keep this animated adventure moving briskly. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-castle-of-cagliostro.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/jumanji-the-next-level