---
title: "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle"
year: 2017
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle"
fi1m_id: "jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle"
imdb_id: "tt2283362"
tmdb_id: 353486
wikidata_id: "Q20762680"
fi1m_score: 72
critics_score: 58
critics_reviews: 27
published: "2026-10-05T14:16:58.439500+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T14:16:58.814111+00:00"
region: "IE"
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: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Directed by Jake Kasdan · 1h 59m · IFCO 12A · Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

## Identity

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle
- **IMDb ID:** tt2283362
- **TMDB ID:** 353486
- **Wikidata ID:** Q20762680
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2283362/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/353486, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20762680

**Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 58 from 27 reviews

*In a sentence:* Jack Black takes being a teenage girl seriously enough to make the jungle seem like a secondary inconvenience

> Jake Kasdan’s jungle adventure is worth an evening for its cast, especially Jack Black. The action is routine and the body-swap jokes repeat, but the performers give familiar material warmth and good comic timing.

## Synopsis

A jungle video game puts four teenagers into adult bodies. Spencer (Dwayne Johnson), Fridge (Kevin Hart) and Martha (Karen Gillan) must learn how to deal with one another while inhabiting people who look nothing like them. Bethany (Jack Black), a teenager preoccupied with herself, has the additional adjustment of becoming a man. Their new bodies come with different abilities and limitations, and their old teenage concerns have not disappeared with the change of appearance. To make progress through the jungle, they need to work as a group while learning what their unfamiliar avatars can and cannot do.

## Review

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* is a good-natured comedy with a rather ordinary adventure attached. Jake Kasdan gets the important decision right: the interest lies in teenagers trying to function inside unfamiliar adult bodies, so he gives the performers room to be ridiculous. The jungle provides enough movement to keep the film going, though little reason to worry. We would choose it for the company, with modest expectations of the action.

Dwayne Johnson, as Spencer, is especially useful to a joke about the gap between a person’s appearance and their confidence. His physical assurance makes the teenager underneath funnier; he allows uncertainty to disturb a body that seems designed to remove it. Kevin Hart’s Fridge supplies a more impatient comic rhythm, and the exchanges benefit from their different tempos. Neither needs to interrupt the adventure for a separate comedy routine, although the film sometimes asks them to repeat a point they have already made.

Jack Black’s Bethany is the strongest reason to watch. We laughed at how completely her self-absorption survives the move into an adult man’s body: she still expects everyone else to take her concerns seriously. The performance gives that vanity enough conviction to make it recognisable, rather than merely noisy. Karen Gillan’s Martha is a useful partner, with physical comedy that makes the mismatch between player and avatar easy to follow. Their rapport gives the central joke room to develop.

Gyula Pados’s cinematography keeps the jungle action readable, but the game world looks disappointingly ordinary for a place free from the rules of nature. The scenery soon becomes interchangeable. Editors Steve Edwards and Mark Helfrich are better served by the cast’s quick exchanges than by chases which too often feel like time spent between jokes. Henry Jackman’s score does the energetic work expected of adventure music; it adds momentum without making those passages feel especially dangerous.

The screenplay, credited to Scott Rosenberg, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers and Jeff Pinkner, has less patience with character once the central reversals have been established. Jokes about a player’s defining trait begin to recur, and the route through the adventure becomes easy to anticipate. Bobby Cannavale’s Van Pelt is too thinly written to give the cast much to play against. A thin villain need not ruin a comedy, but the lack of a persuasive threat leaves the action dependent on excitement it does not reliably produce.

As a body-swap comedy, it belongs to the reassuring end of a genre that could make changing bodies far more unsettling. The teenagers’ shortcomings make it easy to guess the lessons in store, and the script seldom complicates those expectations. Still, the cast show affection for these foolish young people. Even Bethany’s vanity feels like something a person might grow out of, and the performance makes that prospect worth caring about.

At 119 minutes, it gives that single premise more time than it needs, and a shorter version might have kept the joke fresher. The pleasure of these actors enjoying their unlikely assignments is enough to carry us through the less engaging stretches. Choose it for an evening when everyone wants something cheerful and nobody is going to audit the plot.

*Fi1m score 72, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean towards qualified enjoyment, with the cast supplying the strongest point of agreement. Critics repeatedly credit the ensemble’s chemistry and body-swap performances with making a familiar adventure entertaining. Jack Black attracts particular praise for playing a self-absorbed teenage girl, while Dwayne Johnson’s comic timing and Karen Gillan’s physical comedy also earn approval. Even several less enthusiastic reviews find the performers likeable and the comedy intermittently effective.

The spread is wide, however, and the chief disagreement is over how much those performances can carry. Admirers find a funny, good-natured family adventure; detractors find repetitive jokes, predictable character arcs and action without tension. Several reviews also miss the original’s emotional depth or stranger qualities. Variety is especially dismissive, finding little excitement or comedy in a generic adventure. The Ringer’s objection centres on the sequel’s tenuous connection to the original and its reliance on nostalgia.

## Straight answers

**Is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle worth watching?**

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* is worth watching for its warm, well-timed body-swap comedy, and we score it 72 out of 100. Jack Black’s thoroughly self-absorbed Bethany is the highlight of an engaging cast; choose it for a cheerful evening rather than inventive action, and expect some repeated jokes across its 119 minutes.

**How long is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and what is it rated?**

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* runs 1h 59m and is rated 12A by the IFCO in Ireland. It is an adventure and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle in Ireland?**

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and is it suitable for children?**

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* has a UK 12A certificate, so children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema. We find its jungle chases short on menace and its body-swap comedy reassuring rather than unsettling, but that does not make it suitable for every younger child; the certificate remains the useful starting point for parents.

**How does Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle compare to Big?**

*Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle* offers a busier, action-led take on the child-in-an-adult-body premise than [*Big*](https://film.one/film/big), which gives tenderness more room. We favour *Big* for gentle character comedy built around Tom Hanks’s convincing uncertainty, while *Jumanji* suits an evening that calls for ensemble banter and jungle chases, even if those chases are routine.

**What should I watch after Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle?**

After *Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle*, try [*Big*](https://film.one/film/big) (1988, Fi1m 81): Another adult body conceals a child, with more room for tenderness. Then [*Time Bandits*](https://film.one/film/time-bandits) (1981, Fi1m 80): A stranger, darker adventure for anyone who prefers their fantasy badly behaved.

### Reviews we read (27)

- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (4/5): Jones regards the adventure as a high-spirited, successful follow-up to the original. He praises its rip-roaring action and contemporary twists while noting that it downplays the jungle animal perils. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-p55lyk/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle/)
- **Empire**, Chris Hewitt (75/100, inferred): Hewitt finds the sequel a charming, consistently inventive reinvention, though its plot becomes predictable. He singles out the lead quartet’s chemistry and playful performances as the source of its constant chuckles. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/jumanji-welcome-jungle-review/)
- **Screen Daily**, Kim Newman (75/100, inferred): Newman presents the film as an enjoyable, entertaining adventure sequel. He singles out the excellent cast as a major strength. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review/5124879.article)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (70/100, inferred): Walsh finds the film’s familiar, one-joke premise entertaining thanks to its cast and performances. She especially praises Jack Black’s comic portrayal of a self-obsessed teen and the cast’s ability to make the character dynamics work. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-20171218-story.html)
- **The AV Club**, Katie Rife (B-): Rife finds the sequel inane but harmless, fast-paced, frequently funny, and consistently entertaining. She praises the cast’s comedic charisma, especially Dwayne Johnson’s playful performance, while faulting the try-hard dialogue and lack of the original’s surrealist flair. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-gets-by-on-the-strength-1821414976)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the adventure an enjoyable modernization that is funny enough for adults as well as young audiences. They single out the cast’s comic performances, especially Jack Black’s portrayal of a teenage girl in an adult man’s body. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/jumanji-welcome-jungle-review-1065915/)
- **Vulture**, David Edelstein (65/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the film entertaining, wholesome fun, though somewhat bland. He praises the broad performances, especially Karen Gillan’s physical comedy, while wishing the artificial game world had pushed its settings further. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/movie-review-jumanji-2017.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (2/3/2): Strong finds the film a hollow, formulaic cash-in, though it works surprisingly well as mindless entertainment. She praises the cast’s chemistry and especially Jack Black’s playful performance as a teenage girl. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (3/5): Bradshaw finds it an amiable, capable, if formulaic fantasy adventure. He particularly praises Dwayne Johnson’s endearing performance and Jack Black’s comic turn. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/09/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-dwayne-the-rock-johnson-jack-black-karen-gillan)
- **Time Out**, Cath Clarke (3/5): Clarke calls it a welcome Christmas surprise. She praises its plentiful self-referential laughs. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (C): Ehrlich finds the sequel mildly amusing but weighed down by stale action and franchise nostalgia. He praises Jack Black’s comic performance as the source of the film’s only real laughs. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-dwayne-johnson-jack-black-kevin-hart-karen-gillan-1201904969/)
- **The i Paper**, Matthew Turner (★★): Turner finds the film underwhelming and repetitive, despite its likeable cast. He particularly criticizes the overused body-swap jokes and the action sequences’ lack of tension. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-112267)
- **Total Film**, Neil Smith (2/5): The critic finds the reboot sporadically diverting but ultimately soulless, calling it a losing game. He praises the canyon chase as the film’s best set-piece while faulting its weak connection to the original. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Derek Smith (1.5/4): The critic finds the film muddled and overburdened by predictable, thinly developed character arcs. The review particularly faults its repetitive trait-based jokes and lack of suspense. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle/)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (10/100, inferred): The critic pans the film as a dull, generic adventure with little excitement or comedy. He singles out Nick Jonas as the one performer who finds a relaxed, effective rhythm. [Read](https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-dwayne-johnson-kevin-hart-1202633910/)
- **Digital Spy**, Hugh Armitage (80/100, inferred): The critic finds it a cleverly crafted, good-natured family adventure with heart and laughs. The body-swapped performances, especially Jack Black’s portrayal of a self-absorbed teenage girl, are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a844947/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review/)
- **/Film**, Karen Han (8 out of 10): Han calls the film an outrageously fun, smart piece of escapist entertainment, despite occasional overreliance on silliness. She especially praises the cast’s body-swap performances and the comic rapport between Jack Black and Karen Gillan. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/554969/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (78/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a charming, funny family adventure that succeeds where similar mainstream releases often fail. They especially praise the cast’s comic reversals of teenage stereotypes, while noting that the update leaves behind the original’s melancholy and emotional depth. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-film-review-dwayne-johnson-kevin-hart-jack-black/)
- **NME** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel entertaining and fun, despite a loss of steam near the end. They praise the cast’s chemistry and single out Karen Gillan’s performance as a career best. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/jumanji-welcome-jungle-film-review-2170268)
- **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film entertaining, adventurous and funny, despite a weak ending. They single out Dwayne Johnson’s comic timing and Karen Gillan’s athletic performance for praise. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-2017-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray)
- **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (70/100, inferred): Pape finds the film an enjoyable, entertaining blockbuster, though it lacks the original’s emotional depth. He especially praises Jack Black’s comic performance as a teenage girl. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review/)
- **The Playlist** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/jumanji-welcome-jungle-review-20171219/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3/5): Crow finds the film slight but amusing, an easygoing family adventure that earns its appeal through its cast. He especially praises Jack Black’s comic performance and the ensemble’s chemistry, while faulting the thin villain and story. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review/)
- **Paste**, Oktay Ege Kozak (4.5/10): The critic finds the film a mediocre, flat action comedy that misses its potential to parody video games. He singles out Jack Black’s performance as the avatar of Bethany for praise. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/jumanji/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle)
- **Consequence**, Clint Worthington (40/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an exhausting, uneven nostalgia exercise with some diverting moments. The cast’s comic chemistry, especially Karen Gillan’s physical comedy, provides its strongest appeal. [Read](https://consequence.net/2017/12/film-review-jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (30/100, inferred): Hammond finds the film a passable family outing but says its laughs and excitement rarely land. He singles out the CGI animals as the most amusing part, while criticizing the writing for weak jokes and setups. [Read](https://deadline.com/2017/12/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-dwayne-johnson-kevin-hart-jack-black-jake-kasdan-1202224678/)
- **The Ringer**, Claire McNear (20/100, inferred): McNear argues that the reboot is barely connected to the beloved original and uses its name mainly to trade on nostalgia. She criticizes its disregard for the original’s world and rules, finding little beyond jungle, game mechanics, and a big star to connect the films. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2017/12/22/movies/jumanji-welcome-to-the-jungle-review-the-rock-robin-williams)

## Details

- **Director:** Jake Kasdan
- **Director:** Jake Kasdan
- **Screenplay:** Jeff Pinkner, Chris McKenna, Scott Rosenberg, Erik Sommers
- **Cinematography:** Gyula Pados
- **Editor:** Mark Helfrich, Steve Edwards
- **Music:** Henry Jackman
- **Costume design:** Laura Jean Shannon
- **Producer:** William Teitler, Matt Tolmach
- **Cast:** Dwayne Johnson as Spencer; Kevin Hart as Fridge; Jack Black as Bethany; Karen Gillan as Martha; Rhys Darby as Nigel; Bobby Cannavale as Van Pelt; Nick Jonas as Alex; Alex Wolff as Young Spencer
- **Runtime:** 1h 59m
- **Certificate (IFCO):** 12A
- **Release (Ireland):** 20 December 2017
- **Genres:** Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $90 million
- **Box office:** $995 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10VphsyJhbU

## Where to watch in Ireland

- Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy €7.99, sd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €7.99, sd

*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, SI, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2018: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (won)

## If you liked this

- *Big* (1988), Fi1m 81: Another adult body conceals a child, with more room for tenderness. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/big.md)
- *Freaky Friday* (2003): Body-swapping makes familiar family arguments funny, with sharper attention to character.
- *Time Bandits* (1981), Fi1m 80: A stranger, darker adventure for anyone who prefers their fantasy badly behaved. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/time-bandits.md)
- *Kung Fu Hustle* (2004): Cartoon combat and comic performers make an outlandish world worth spending time in.
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): Small figures cause enormous trouble in a fantasy that refuses to behave.

---
© 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-welcome-to-the-jungle