Zathura

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

This extremely well-made adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's 30-page book captures the magical feel of Zathura's original story, while still managing to avoid talking down to the kid audience for which it is obviously aimed. Reminiscent of everything from The Wizard of Oz to ET to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, this movie finds its own rhythms and takes off. After being neglected by dad (Tim Robbins), a six-year-old boy discovers an old board game which magically thrusts him, his siblings, and their house deep into outer space. While floating through the galaxy, the kids soon realize that they must finish the game or never see earth again. Terrific special effects, and child performances from Josh Hutcherson and Jonah Bobo that aren't cloying, make this the rare kid flick that adults won't want to walk out on. Although Van Allsburg's other movie adaptations, Jumanji and The Polar Express, were successful, Zathura takes it a step further by being engaging, funny, and downright likeable. Even though the whole thing will remind you of something Steven Spielberg could direct in his sleep, it's so much fun in its own way you won't mind the déjà vu feelings it conjures.

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