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Zathura (2005)

tomatometer

75

Average Rating: 6.5/10
Reviews Counted: 157
Fresh: 118 | Rotten: 39

Dazzling special effects for the kids + well-crafted storytelling for the 'rents = cinematic satisfaction for the whole family.

73

Average Rating: 6.6/10
Critic Reviews: 30
Fresh: 22 | Rotten: 8

Dazzling special effects for the kids + well-crafted storytelling for the 'rents = cinematic satisfaction for the whole family.

audience

54

liked it
Average Rating: 3/5
User Ratings: 259,039

My Rating

Movie Info

Two young brothers are drawn into an intergalactic adventure when their house is magically hurtled through space because of the board game they are playing.

Feb 14, 2006

$28.0M

Sony Pictures

Cast

All Critics (159) | Top Critics (30) | Fresh (123) | Rotten (39) | DVD (19)

A smart and funny kids' movie that will also keep parents entertained.

November 14, 2005 Full Review Source: Ebert & Roeper | Comment
Ebert & Roeper
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Zathura, Jon Favreau's adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's kid-lit adventure of the same name, more than fills the bill -- though it's unlikely to draw anyone over the age of 11 (not counting baby-sitters).

November 11, 2005 Full Review Source: New York Daily News | Comment
New York Daily News
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Zathura salutes the low-tech magic that lurks inside a board game -- that hidden ability to bring people together.

November 11, 2005 Full Review Source: Washington Post | Comment
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

In seeking to entertain adults as well as children, director Jon Favreau (Elf) may have overplayed his hand a bit on the grown-up side.

November 11, 2005 Full Review Source: Toronto Star | Comment
Toronto Star
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Zathura can be enjoyed solely as a sci-fi adventure. But it also sneaks in a couple of messages for those receptive to them.

November 11, 2005 Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | Comment
San Francisco Chronicle
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Director Jon Favreau, coming off Elf, keeps Zathura moving, but never fast enough to make it fly.

November 11, 2005 Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel | Comment
Orlando Sentinel
Top Critic IconTop Critic

It doesn't talk down its audience, it doesn't paint clichés, it doesn't insult our intelligence, and its entertainment is enjoyable for both adults and children. That's rare.

April 29, 2009 Full Review Source: Cinema Crazed | Comment
Cinema Crazed

Sci-fi adventure story for the elementary school set.

July 16, 2008 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media | Comment
Common Sense Media

A heartwarming family flick which delivers a touching lesson about the true meaning of brotherly love.

May 30, 2007 Full Review Source: Upstage Magazine | Comment
Upstage Magazine

At times it seemed like events were occurring just so the kids, or the kids in the audience, could learn their lesson a little bit more.

April 8, 2007 Full Review Source: Cinematical | Comment
Cinematical

A lively, imaginative tall tale that should thrill young audiences and engage their parents.

February 22, 2007 Full Review Source: Film Journal International | Comment
Film Journal International

A practically-perfect family flick which delivers a big lesson about the true meaning of brotherly love.

January 5, 2007 Full Review Source: Black Star News | Comment
Black Star News

Charming children's adventure with some superb performances from the young cast.

December 30, 2006 Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | Comment
Empire Magazine

For those who love the majesty of the solar system, the thrill of space battles, and the adventure of finding secret passageways in old houses, this movie should be just the ticket.

November 17, 2006 Comment

full review in Greek

October 3, 2006 Full Review Source: Movies for the Masses | Comment
Movies for the Masses

Favreau gratifyingly prevents the film from becoming a mere maelstrom of CG effects by pushing the brothers' amusing bickering to the fore...

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comment

Despite its peculiar name and the fact it bears a strong resemblance to Jumanji -- another film inspired by a book by children's author Van Allsburg -- it's hard not to like Zathura.

March 31, 2006 Full Review Source: Sydney Morning Herald | Comment
Sydney Morning Herald

Any game is more fun to play than to watch others play, even if it involves death-defying stunts and harrowing alien encounters that would frighten even the heartiest souls.

February 21, 2006 Full Review | Comment
Denton Record Chronicle (TX)

...rarely dull...

February 18, 2006 Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews | Comment
Reel Film Reviews
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Zathura

ZATHURA, based on the childrens' picture book, is quite intense.

August 22, 2011
spielberg00
Alexander Diminiano

Super Reviewer

I never liked Zathura, and I don't know why others did. The effects were childish, the acting wasn't anything impressive, and the plot was simple enough. I know it was an adaption for the book and for the most part it was a well made adaption, but then it takes a wild turn for the worst. Its not a great movie to me.

April 4, 2011
DreamExtractor
Brad Wright

Super Reviewer

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Foreign Titles

  • Zathura: A Space Adventure (DE)
  • Zathura - A Space Adventure (UK)
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