Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming sequel offers generational humor but can get dark.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Jumanji: The Next Level
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 109 parent reviews
Based on 131 kid reviews
Kids say that this sequel is packed with humor and action, making it entertaining for older kids and teens, although the language and mild sexual content may be concerning for younger viewers. While some parents feel the movie is inappropriate, many kids enjoyed it and thought the jokes were funny, suggesting it’s suitable for those 10 and older, despite varied opinions on its content.
- funny and entertaining
- mild language
- action-packed
- age recommendations
- family film
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL takes place the year following the events of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Spencer (Alex Wolff), Martha (Morgan Turner), Fridge (Ser'Darius Blain), and Bethany (Madison Iseman) are either in college or on gap years. When Spencer comes home for the holidays, he's supposed to hang out with his Grandpa Eddie (Danny DeVito), who has moved in temporarily while recovering from hip surgery. On the day the Jumanji survivors are supposed to meet up for breakfast, Spencer is conspicuously missing, so the friends head to his house, where they discover the still-broken Jumanji video game in his basement. They figure that's where he is and decide to follow. But something goes awry, and both Eddie and his estranged best friend, Milo (Danny Glover), are transported into the game, too. They end up as Dr. Bravestone (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and Mouse Finbar (Kevin Hart), while Fridge is Professor Oberon (Jack Black), and Bethany is left behind altogether. Martha, at least, is still Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan). The reconstituted team must find Spencer and also play the game while accompanied by two seniors who are having trouble reconciling their circumstances -- not to mention their new muscular bodies.
Is It Any Good?
The return of the likable cast from the first movie and the addition of DeVito, Glover, and Awkwafina make this sequel an entertaining twist on the original -- and funnier than expected. In Jumanji: The Next Level, Hart is quite amusing while speaking in Glover's slower, more deliberate cadence, and even though The Rock's DeVito impersonation isn't always spot on, the gimmick works enough of the time to garner laughs throughout the film. Gillan carries most of the story as Martha/Ruby, who must be steadfast while everyone else, including athlete Fridge (in the unathletic avatar of Oberon), acts confused or frustrated. The game aspect isn't as compelling here as the characterizations, because audiences familiar with the first movie know that all will be well, despite the various fight sequences, killer animals, and puzzles to survive. At its heart, this franchise is about finding your people, your team: the unconditional friends who can help you overcome the toughest odds and the most perilous situations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Jumanji: The Next Level. Did it change the impact knowing that the characters were inside a game? What about the idea that dying repeatedly could force characters to die in real life as well?
Talk about how the characters of Jumanji: The Next Level must use teamwork, communication, empathy, and courage to conquer each level of the game and ultimately succeed in their mission. Why are those character strengths so important in the game, in the movie, and in real life?
Although Ruby Roundhouse is still in her crop-top and short-shorts outfit, there's less of a focus this time on her sex appeal and more on her strength and abilities. What do you think of the change in perspective for the character? Why do you think so many video games feature "sexy" female characters or avatars?
Discuss the intergenerational humor in the story. What did the older men learn from the teens, and what did the kids learn from the seniors?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 13, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : March 17, 2020
- Cast : Jack Black , Karen Gillan , Kevin Hart , Dwayne Johnson
- Director : Jake Kasdan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : adventure action, suggestive content and some language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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