21 November 2008

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Review of Zathura:A Space Adventure

Movie Review

Classification: PG
Running Time: One hour and 40 minutes
Directed by: JonFavreau
From the book by Chris Van Allsburg
General release nationwide

A film for children which has real people not just computer animation! In this digital age of i-pods, video games and the internet, Zathura: A Space Adventure spins a fantastical yarn about two brothers who happily sit around on a sunny afternoon playing a mechanical tin board game. Bickering brothers Danny (Jonah Bobo) and Walter (Josh Hutcherson) are upset when their father (Tim Robbins) is called in to work, leaving them to their own devices. 'You're going to leave us alone in this creepy old house?' whines six-year-old Danny. While older sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart) sleeps upstairs, supposedly in charge in dad's absence, Danny and Walter play a board game, found in the basement. Danny goes first and the game spits out a card Meteor Shower-Take Evasive Action.

And so the action begins; a deluge of molten rocks suddenly destroys the living room; the boys survive by hiding with their pet hamster in the fireplace. Soon after, Danny and Walter discover they have been magically propelled into the furthest reaches of the galaxy, where an astronaut (Dax Shepard) guides them through battles with deadly Zorgons. In order to return home, the boys must finish the game, otherwise they will be lost in space forever. All the ingredients are here – fantasy, explosive action, aliens, family trails and tribulations and the central message - cherish your family - is laid on thick. Blissful sibling harmony triumphs by the end credits.

After being mesmerised by the beautifully designed alien creatures, children up and down the land will probably be begging their parents to buy them a Zathura board game. And yes, before you ask, one will soon be available.

An action-packed family movie.

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