Zathura

If the trailers from Zathura reminded you of Jumanji, there's a reason. They both came from books by the same author and both have the same plot device to drive the story forward. Kids with problems find game, game puts them in a life and death situation together they have to deal with, you know the rest.

If you're wondering, Zathura isn't as good as Jumanji. However, it isn't an exact clone either, dealing with two brothers not getting along not a bother and sister alienated after the loss of their parents.

Zathura is a straight forward story with some genuinely fun moments. The story doesn't have layering (like Spy Kids or Jumanji) so don't expect an adult story in the kids story. The story arc actually reminds me of a Brady Bunch episode. The way the two brothers get along together, or rather don't get along together, is well done. There's an older sister, but she's mostly a foil for comic relief. The story moves along quite well and has a twist that isn't screamingly obvious.

I think Zathura is a good family movie for the young boys of the house. It may be a bit long for the adults. I got a kick out of it and didn't mind seeing it in the theatres, but would say wait for family night rental or TV unless you need a night out and Harry Potter is sold out.