User Reviews

I remember seeing the previews for "Zatura: A Space Adventure" back in 2005 and thinking that the premise for this one is pretty much "Jumanji"....which it is. While not a sequel, the game clearly is a reworking of the original story. So, if you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other.

When the story begins, a divorced dad (Tim Robbins) is trying to work as his bratty kids are being...well...brats. Eventually, after Dad leaves, the youngest finds a game called "Zathura" and when he starts playing it, the game becomes real. Suddenly the house is transported to outer space and the only conceivable way to get back is to, apparently, complete the game with his annoying and occasionally hateful brother. In the process, they meet an astronaut, a murderous robot and meat-eating lizard creatures.

The visuals in this film are mind-blowing...particularly for 2005. So much CGI was used...and it looks real. In fact, the CGI and stunts are second to none. As for the story, it's decent but has two minor problems--you really hate the three siblings and the story will be less interesting to adults and is too violent and scary for younger kids. Worth seeing with your kids.

Those who criticize "Zathura" for being a copycat "Jumanji" are apparently clueless about the Van Allsburg's books. "Zathura" is a sequel to "Jumanji", it is about what happened when the Budwing brothers opened the game box that Peter and Judy discarded at the end of "Jumanji". Early board games were often designed with two-sided boards so that the game pieces could be used to play two different games-usually of the same type. "Zathura" was the flip side of the "Jumanji" game board and the ones the brothers chose to play (because Walter did not like jungle games). So it is "supposed" to be like another "Jumanji".

Having grown up with this same sibling age dynamic (six and ten) I was not surprised at the amount of yelling, anger, and resentment that goes on between the two brothers. I was however surprised that anyone would find this sort of thing entertaining. While their divorced father (Tim Robbins playing the only sympathetic character in the film) is away at a meeting, the younger brother (Danny) finds an old Zathura game in the basement. Based on those old 1950's tin toys it involves two tin spaceships on a track racing around space. Each spin of the dial determines the distance the ship will move on that turn and a card is ejected detailing what happens to the ship at that point of space.

As Danny and Walter face the challenges of space they discover that they can work as a team and they even develop some affection for each other (a more unrealistic idea than anything they actually encounter in space).

Like the source book, the movie adaptation of "Zathura" targets kindergarten to Grade 5 children. Like "Sharkboy and Lavagirl", older viewers will find very little of interest other than a fun production design and nice effects.

Unfortunately "Zathura" it is not as pure as "Sharkboy and Lavagirl", which uniquely refused to compromise its "for kids only" story. "Zathura" does compromise, as the producers attempt to expand their audience by creating an older sister (Lisa played by Kristen Stewart) who was not a character in the book. While Stewart is fine in this role and even provides some comic relief, it is rather disturbing that the producers chose to turn her into a pubescent sex object, blustering around the house in her underwear for most of the film. Van Allsburg's illustrations are the best part of his books but a "hot teenage sister" is not an image he has ever published.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

"... There are some games that you can't play alone." This is pretty much the sci-fi version of Jumanji.

Zathuras story is pretty unoffensive and predictable but it's still has some subtle twists and turns that keep it somewhat fresh.

The VFX impressed me, for a movie made in 2005 I was surprised to see how well the VFX have held up, even to today's standards.

Jon Favreaus directing is amazing as always, although I did find there to be some pacing issues for the majority of the film. It felt a lot longer than it needed to be.

Zathura is a good family sci-fi adventure film. I don't feel as if it's anything too special, but it's a good time overall!

I'm pretty much sure that if you've liked 'Jumanji' then you'll enjoy this one. As a kid, I loved 'Jumanji' and 'Zathura' does not disappoint at all. Of course, both movies are adaptations of books written by the same writer. I was watching it with my kid sister who was having a blast. The two main characters are two brothers who are probably 10 and 7 years of age. The kid actors are quite good and they don't overdo the cute act. However, Kristen Stewart is the caricature whiny older sister who doesn't care. Thankfully, her role is limited. The only directorial venture of Favreau I have seen was 'Made' which was a laugh out loud dark comedy, completely different from 'Zathura'. He does seem to know the kind of movies kids love and families can enjoy. He's moving to being more versatile as a director as he's done a fine job so far. The special effects are awesome. Just like the engaging weirdness in 'Jumanji'. The house floating outer space, the dim lighting in the house, the house breaking, the bicycle orbiting around the floating house...all work well and add to the amusement. Highly entertaining! Kids will love it! Therefore families will love it too!

Two brothers, one ten, one six, fight all the time because that's what brothers do. One of them finds a game in the basement, a science-fiction version of Candyland with event cards, and soon they find themselves and their house in deepest space.

After the success of 1995's JUMANJI, author/artist Chris van Allsburg's follow-up book was turned into a follow-up movie. While it lacked the wild comedy that Robin Williams brought to the earlier movie, it's visually a much better movie; director Jon Favreau avoided CGI when practical effects could be made to work, and Stan Winston supervised the props and monsters. I think the script is much better put together, and the supporting characters include Tim Robbins as their father, Kristen Stewart as their sister, and Dax Roberts as the Astronaut. It's a very watchable science-fantasy movie.

"Zathura" is a science-fiction movie directed by Jon Favreau, and based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg. "Zathura" is similar to "Jumanji," which is also based on the work of Van Allsburg. In this story, two quarreling brothers discover an old board game in the basement, which launches their house into outer space. This movie does not quite have the scope of "Jumanji," but it is still enjoyable. There is a lot of excitement, and the visuals are well done. The movie has a good retro science-fiction look. The story is adequate, teaching some lessons as it goes. At times, though, it might seam preachy. In the end, "Zathura" is still worth watching.

Director Jon Favreau uses the same concept as Jumanji. A board game comes alive when it gets played. Danny (Jonah Bobo) and Walter (Josh Hutcherson) are two battling brothers who find an old mechanical board game called Zathura, and they start to play it. Only every move they make sends something crazy to happen. Their entire house gets launched into outer space. They, along with their sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart), must finish the game and return home.

Sure it's derivative of the original Jumanji. However I think I like this one a little slightly bit better. Having kids play the game just seems more compelling, and more dangerous, and more fun. Oh did I say it's fun. It's a lot of fun.

There are quite a few nice things about this film. In particular, Zathura is an aesthetically intelligent film. The makers did a great job of not relying too heavily on CGI; very thoughtful design and effects. The convincing use of miniatures, real sets and chaos/destruction really brought the story to life. True, its a kids movie. But not so much that it annoys, there's a timeless and attractive notion of adventure. Really hearkens back to the glory of 80's kids adventure movies. The film's gadgets and knick-knacks were great. The house and Zathura game-board were both characters in and of themselves, every bit as important as the actors (who did a fine job).

Throughout I felt like I was watching a little of "Time Bandits" mixed with some "Goonies" and maybe some "Hitchikers Guide..." or "House".

Some folks seem ambivalent to the film. That's unfortunate. Up against a lot of the uninspired sh*t that is released these days, Zathura is very successful in creating a fun and visually convincing escape. Half way through the movie I realized that I was waiting/anticipating the film's failure, that it was going to let me down. Never did.

I appreciated the film.

Once their father (Tim Robbins) is gone , two little boys encounter a space travel board game called ¨Zathura¨ , when they start playing , they learn dangerous secrets . The two brothers soon discover that by playing it , the game transport them outland and is then unleashed weird events when a robot (voice by Frank Oz) is back to life and bombastic space aircrafts show up . Meanwhile , the sister (Kristen Stewart) is frozen and subsequently comes in an astronaut (Dax Shepard) . The fantastic game with a space travel indicator ejects carts, captioning the following ones : ¨Shooting star with possibility to make a wishes, Visited by Zorbons, Stranded astronaut, Reprogram, Hit time warp, Flunk space travel and finally Game over¨.

The movie begins with a real sense of surprise and fantasy , the kids are involved with meteors , destructive robots , huge planets , time warp , fantastic monstrous beings and winding up into an amazing black hole . The film displays a plethora of engaging spectacular sequences with stunning array of technical effects . However , the story doesn't seem to have of thinking , except perhaps that one shouldn't play with ancient board games . This is a space ¨Jumanji¨ style movie with phantasmagoria of well made digital FX , and it results to be the movie's main reason . Original and sensitive musical score including enjoyable chorus by John Debney (Sin City , Passion of the Christ) and colorful cinematography by Guillermo Navarro (Guillermo del Toro's usual cameraman) . The picture moves in fits and starts with phenomenal production values and intelligently executed by director John Favreau . He's a cool actor (Wimbledon , Break-up , Daredevil , The replacements) and occasionally director (Elf , Made and in post-production: Iron man) . Rating : Acceptable and passable , the picture appeal to kids and juvenile people.

It is rare when a movie transports me back to my childhood memories, reminding me of the time when playing games use to be fun. Adventures were limited by imagination, and Summer days were transformed into magic. "Zathura", directed by Jon Favreau, based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg, came knocking on my door and invited me to come out and play.

Author/Artist, Van Allsburg has a wonderful gift. His vision is firmly planted in a realm of childhood experiences. More illustration than words, his books evoke worlds of wonder. The last movie based on one of his stories was, "The Polar Express" directed by Zemeckis. It is making it's re appearance as a seasonal movie. It is well worth seeing, and if you can find it in IMAX 3-D, it is phenomenal.

Van Allsburg's book, "Jumanji" was filmed less successfully back in 1995. It failed because it could not find the right tone. Zathura nails it. Both books share the same plot device; Children find a board game that transports them into the game. Cards are drawn that effect their fate and their surroundings. The only way to escape the perils of the game, is to play it through. Jumanji was a jungle game and Zathura is a space adventure.

What elevates this film is the believable interactions of the two young players. Jonah Bobo plays the six year old Danny, who is always getting in the way of his older brother, ten year old Walter, played by Josh Hutcherson. Danny is looking for friendship and attention from his brother, who in turn considers Danny to be a pest and a nuisance, competing for the attention of their recently divorced father, played by Tim Robbins.

The boys have an older sister Lisa, played by Kristen Stewart. She is living in a world of her own, between her preening and dating, the boys hardly see her. Although she does join the game late in the film, for most of the film she is cryogenically indisposed.

The Game itself is a marvel of brightly painted tin and wind up gears. To play is simple, wind it up, push a button and watch a number come up, this determines the number of spaces your playing piece will take. Two rockets chase each other around the twisting path. After your piece moves, a card pops up. The card describes the action to follow. Danny draws the first card that says, "Meteor Shower, Take Evasive Action" and the game is on.

The movie is visually stunning. The discovery by the children, that their house has been transported to a location in outer space, hovering above a ring of meteors that encircle a large planet, is jaw dropping. The effects are real enough to imply danger, but logic is not a function of children's games, so it does not matter that oxygen, gravity and warmth still exist in the house, even as it is blasted apart by various forces.

Along the way the boys encounter a young astronaut played by Dax Shepard, who helps them out of perilous situations like battling engulfing black holes, and evading Fierce carnivorous lizards called Zorgons. Along the way the Astronaut teaches them lessons in brotherly cooperation, and even beguiles Lisa into sharing the adventure.

While funny and exciting, it is never preachy, Zathura is intelligently written and directed, this is a great family film. I give it **** out of five stars.

Danny (Jonah Bobo) and Walter (Josh Hutcherson) are two brothers who never can seem to be at peace with each other. Left alone one afternoon in the house with their older sister (Kristen Stewart) while their father (Tim Robbins in a small role) goes to a meeting, Danny hits Walter with a baseball on the head and a mad chase ensues. This leads to Danny stumbling upon Zathura - a magical game board set in space just as Jumanji was set in the jungle.

Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg ("Jumanji", "The Polar Express"), "Zathura" is obviously aimed more towards the younger members of the audience. After all, the entire film is about a board game. But with director Jon Favreau having a good hand at telling the story and some nice help from the special effects department, the viewer is effectively thrust into a child's imagination.

While by no means a great film, "Zathura" is still enjoyable despite running for almost two hours as it is fast-paced, and the two boys in the lead characters are good. Bobo does well as Danny, while Hutcherson (who previously appeared as the lovestruck 10-year old in "Little Manhattan") is good as Walter. What's more is that both actors act with such maturity and chemistry with each other that further strengthen their roles.

Although I could have done without much of the first part of the movie that attempts to put a footnote on the ongoing rivalry between the two brothers, once the game starts the film moves at a fast pace with the ominous meteor shower commencing the proceedings and a sequence with the carnivorous Zorgons capping it. The film though does slow down again going into the end to inject some message.

Overall this is a worthy entry to the genre. While it may not have been the best film to have come out of Allsburg's imagination, it certainly does a good enough job of translating it.

Having seen Jumanji (and having loved it) way back in the day, I was naturally both intrigued and excited about Zathura. The same basic concept (the magical board game) with an entirely different twist. I was excited when I saw the previews and after hearing that the movie didn't rely entirely on CG, as is the case with many films nowadays.

Unfortunately, it proved to be an utter let-down. The first twenty minutes or so had potential. Yet it quickly turned into a mess of old ideas, mediocre (at best) acting, and a movie that just didn't have the feel to hold my attention. If I had to describe the entire thing in a single word, I would say it was just plain boring. Within the last half hour, which should have been the best time to grab at my attention, I just wanted to leave the theater. The only thing that kept me there was the fact I had paid money to see this and didn't want it totally wasted. All in all, do yourselves a favor: If you must, wait for the rental.

Yes, this movie is not a masterpiece, but wake up, it's a family film for the little ones to enjoy. Of course adults wouldn't be bored if they are not too stuffy, but don't expect Zathura to be one of the best films of 2005. It is a light adventure which tells about how it's important to love your family and your siblings in particular. It's not slow or boring, has some interesting moments and surprises. Nobody does a magnificent performance, but Dax Shepard, Tim Robbins and Kristen Stewart look fine. The two leading kids (especially Jonah Bobo) are obviously unexperienced and don't play good enough, but it doesn't ruin the film. Zorgons look fine, and for its budget Zathura looks quite decent. Nevertheless, apart from two kids' acting there are some flaws. First of all, these kids yell and brawl quite frequently. Also Kristen Stewart's character looks odd in this story. It is a stereotypical high-school sister who thinks only about boys and dates, and she does nothing significant. You could drop her out of this story and hardly anything would change. But still Zathura is quite all right for parents to watch with their children. If you want to entertain your children or you like this kind of movies, you can spend your evening watching it.

In 'Zathura' Jonah Bobo plays Danny, a kid who is being ignored. He just wants some attention but his older brother (Josh Hutcherson) does not want to play with him, his dad (Tim Robbins) is too busy, and his sister (Kristen Stewart) has other things to do. But once he finds a board game called 'Zathura' down in the basement, his family starts to take notice.

In this movie, Danny and his brother and sister (and the house) get drawn into a sci-fi adventure that takes them across the galaxy. With the help of a stranded astronaut (Dax Shepard) the family are able to make it to Zathura before dad gets home.

I was not a big fan of 'Jumanji' (another book by Chris Van Allsburg) and 'Zathura' did not impress me much either. I though the visuals in this movie were first rate and there was a good moral to the story. However, it really dragged on in parts and took to long to get its point across. Plus, I did not think the aliens were very believable.

I'm not much of a critic so I'll keep this short. Went to see this movie expecting a kids film, not expecting much, and was pleasantly surprised. The special effects in the movie were spectacular. It was still the basic 'jumanji' style story line, but it was a fun film with lots of visuals. The whole theater seemed to enjoy it, and there were actually a few darker scarier scenes that youngsters may find very frightening. My ten year old sister loved it, scared at a few parts too.I would think twice before bringing a child younger than 7 to see it.

Over all, good fun film, enjoyable even for a maturer audience. The story, acting, and music was typical, but the sound and visuals effects could arguably fit in with a Star Wars film.

My son (age 10) liked Jumanji and is an avid reader. When he learned "Zathura" would be the next Van Allsburg book to come to the screen, he made me promise we'd see it.

We nearly missed our chance (it was at the second-run theater) but I am glad we made it. "Zathura" was excellent- we were riveted the entire time and my son THEN made me promise we'd buy the DVD when it was released! Since one of the main characters was a 10-year old boy like him, naturally I knew he'd like it. But I really liked it too and thought that every actor's performance was exactly right. Not cutesy in that "movie kid" kind of way, but very real. I flinched at some of the older brother's dialogue- it was so mean and angry toward the little brother. But that's how it is!! Kids are so mean. This movie did not shy away from it (OK, that set up the ending, but still).

Even the teen sister was great. Tim Robbins, as the harried dad (little screen time) was spot-on. Families of divorce have a whole separate set of behavioral rules to learn and live by, and this movie nailed it.

Thumbs-up from all of us!

There were a couple of movies I really wanted to see this weekend, and surprisingly, one of them was Zathura. While the trailers were intriguing, the early buzz about the film was even better. Obviously aimed at a very youthful market — the kind of thing I don't typically care for, frequented by audiences I care even less for — my one concession was to go to a very late night showing in the hopes there would be few if any small children in the theatre. The movie (and, frankly, the showtime) turned out to be a good choice.

In the opening scenes of Zathura, we meet Danny (Jonah Bobo) and Walter (Josh Hutcherson), two brothers who can't — not even for a few minutes — get along. The pair fight incessantly, and vie non-stop for the attention of their harried father (Tim Robbins). Even when Dad tries to intervene, Walter can't hide his contempt for his little brother, and Danny can't stop antagonizing him.

It's a Saturday afternoon, and although their father doesn't want to work, he's got no choice but to go to his office for a brief while. Knowing better than to leave the boys to their own devices, he leaves them in the charge of their teen-aged sister, Lisa (Kristen Stewart). Lisa, of course, would just as soon sleep as so much as acknowledge her younger brothers' presence.

While Lisa naps, yet another fight erupts. With Walter's limited patience well over its limit, Danny knows he'd better hide! Alone in the basement, he sees a colorful box hidden under the stairs. In large and inviting letters, the box says "Zathura." Forgetting how angry Walter probably still is, Danny grabs the box and runs off to show his brother. In the hopes that Walter might play with him, Danny opens the game and takes the first turn. A card pops out of a slot in the game. "Meteor shower," the card says. "Take evasive action." Walter reluctantly helps Danny read the card. No sooner has he done so than a meteor shower begins. In their living room. And with all of the accompanying destruction you might expect from such an event. Taking evasive action seems like good advice, and so the boys hide in the fireplace until the storm is over. It's then that they discover something even more astounding: their house is floating in space around some unnamed ringed planet. And the only way they can get back home is to keep playing Zathura until somebody wins.

Jonah Bobo is good; Josh Hutcherson is even better. It's a good thing that's the case because the two largely carry this movie on their small shoulders alone! Tim Robbins is there at the beginning and again at the end; Kristen Stewart contributes ably now and then. But Zathura almost exclusively focuses on the boys and their struggle to get along and to get back home. At one point, the pair are aided in their quest by the mysterious rescued astronaut (Dax Shepard) who proves an excellent foil for the melodramatic kids, but his role, too, is secondary to that of the boys.

Director Jon Favreau probably remains better known in front of the camera than behind it (he's played various supporting roles in a number of films), but don't be fooled: this is the man with the wonderful Elf on his directing résumé. With Zathura, he's taken an entirely different twist on the fantasy genre, but again, he's done it very well. The special effects are good; the sets are excellent. The script is deceptively simple while conveying warmth, humor, and the very real relationship between two brothers.

Yes, Zathura is complete and unrealistic fantasy. No, it doesn't obey even the most rudimentary of the laws of physics. As science fiction goes, it's all fiction and no science. But you know, in the middle of a Zorgon attack or a lost astronaut rescue, it doesn't really matter. Whatever its lack of realism, Zathura is fun and exciting to watch. I don't necessarily go to the movies to learn something. I go to be entertained. And watching Zathura, I most thoroughly was.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Zathura is rated PG for "fantasy action and peril, and some language." Although I don't really see much of a problem with the language, I do believe that some of the peril is going to prove too much for little ones. I found myself getting nervous a few times, and for a movie as implausible as Zathura is, that's saying something! As a whole, I'd say Zathura would be great for kids about age 7 or 8 and up. And if you go with them, I strongly suspect you won't regret having bought a ticket for yourself.

Usually I don't write opinions, but after reading the first one IMDb offered (which gave the movie an amazing 10 out of 10) I had to say something.

To sum it up : an almost complete copy of jumanji (minus the actors, turns or acting) with out any introduction or real plot which in the end made me glad it was over. Besides the special effects (which today don't mean as much as they did in terms of dedicated work) the movie is as hollow as possible.

The idea of a game that takes two children in outer space is very well played (NOT !!!) by the amazingly 4 (beginer ?) actors. The conflicts are very poorly described and the reactions exaggerated and hilarious (in a bad way).

So to sum it up, you get a lot more if you go and rent / buy 'Jumanji' - you'll change losing one hour and a half for a great movie.

PS Considering the amazing high score it has until now, this movie is either heavily promoted by the staff (meaning they directly voted here :D) or children really recognize themselves in the two parodies of main characters, which may be a lot worse.

i was expecting this film to merely be a decent way to waste some time like it's predecessor, but zathura is better. it's just as wacky as jumanji, but just seems to make more sense.

it's a little bit on the short side and i expected a few more action scenes, but what's there is pretty good.

the dialogue is funny, but was a little more edgy than i expected.

overall, the film moved along at a brisk pace and had some nice unexpected twists. it was nice to see that it was filmed as a retro "buck rogers type" sci-fi game, but with modern day action levels. it's a nice mix.

the film offers enough action to keep your attention and enough surprises to keep you guessing. it was a lot better than i expected it to be. it was fun.

This is a charming family adventure of two young squabbling brothers causing chaos whilst staying with their father (Tim Robbins.)

When they are left alone the younger one finds a board game called Zathura and ends up in a real life space adventure with meteor showers, heat attracted lizards, a rampaging robot and a rescued astronaut whilst their house floats in space and their sister is frozen.

The film is about co-operation. The siblings do better when they work together and the rescued astronaut is key in bringing them together. A young Kristen Stewart plays the older sister whose part is largely redundant and seems more livelier when she is actually frozen!

Director Jon Favreau brings a Spielberg like charm to the story and gets the best out of the two young actors and the special effects are very good. Co-writer David Koepp, famous for the Jurassic Park films, brings a familiar beat to his plotting. He really should trademark the predictability of his scripting with only the astronaut's unveiling at the end being a mild surprise.

Despite similarities to Jumanji, it is still a good film to watch as a family and younger children will find this enthralling.

"Jumanji in space". That's the line on this little stinker. Don't believe it. Much more like "Annoying Children in Space". If it tickles you to watch really annoying brats in odd situations then this is a dream movie for you. As I watched the movie on CD I was so uncomfortable that I figured it must have bombed like crazy in the theaters, and that based on how much it must have cost to make I also figured the director never got a big budget movie to screw with again. I was right about the bomb! I was right about the budget! And...the director goes on to make mega budget, mega successful Iron Man. Only in Hollywood. What ever success there is in the future for director Favreau, this frustratingly annoying, whiny, nonsensical mess is an unfortunate stain on his resume.

Zathura: A Space Adventure is a science fiction adventure film directed by Jon Favreau. The film stars Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart, and Tim Robbins.

Two younger brother were transported into space while playing a board game. They have to try their best to find out a way to get back to the earth.

After reading all the negative reviews about the film myself wasn't quite exciting to see the film but however was amazed after watching the film and can easily say that sometime we just have to flatly ignore the critics.

The plot of the film is very similar to Jumanji and the only difference is that this time they are in space, the execution of the film is good entertains.

The acting is great and all the characters were impressive in their roles. The screenplay of the film is fast, gripping and engaging and climax of the film is good and gives a perfect closing to the film. In my honest opinion please avoid the critics and enjoy the film.