Zathura

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Cast & Crew

Josh Hutcherson
Walter Budwing

Jonah Bobo
Danny Budwing

Dax Shepard
Astronaut

Kristen Stewart
Lisa Budwing

Tim Robbins
Dad

Derek Mears
Lead Zorgon

Frank Oz
Robot
Voice

Douglas Tait
Zorgon

Jon Favreau
Director

David Koepp
Writer

William Teitler
Producer

Michael De Luca
Producer

Peter Billingsley
Co-Producer

Ted Field
Executive Producer

Louis D'Esposito
Executive Producer

Bruce Franklin
First Assistant Director

Guillermo Navarro
Cinematographer

Dan Lebental
Film Editor

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Critic Reviews for Zathura

Audience Reviews for Zathura

• Sep 08, 2015

  Did you enjoy Jumanji? Well, this story is a bit simpler, and doesn't feature Robin Williams, but in many ways is the better movie. The story is good, two young brothers, bored and frustrated with a time-share situation between divorced parents, find an old board game with characteristics of 1940s-50's pressed tin toys and games. A great deal of care and affection went into the making of this movie, and the attention to detail paid off. The special effects are fantastic, especially for 2005, and a huge improvement over 1995's Jumanji. Although Jumanji is fun, it's too obvious that we are watching early CGI, especially the monkeys and the lion and, well, the animals. Zathura's effects are incredible. The space backdrop is flawless, and the scenes with the defective robot and Zorgons are terrific and very realistic. (Yes, they look just like REAL Zorgons, not CGI'd Zorgons.) Casting is good and the boys are fun and have a genuine brotherly relationship. Dax Sheppard is pretty funny but nicely restrained as the hero astronaut. Ironically (I think?) it was this movie and at about the same time, RV with Robin Williams that put Josh Hutcherson on the map and led to the Hunger Games and his fame. Although this is technically a remake of Jumanji with a modified story, different characters and creatures, the story is fresher, the effects much better and should age well (this review is being written in 2015, 10 years after release of Zathura, and the effects remain an astounding achievement and do not appear dated). Just a great action-adventure movie with some fun creatures/characters and good direction by Jon Favreau. The opening titles and set decoration, particularly with the game itself, the box and artwork should have either garnered oscar attention or a special oscar for the effects and artwork. The soundtrack is good too.
  Mark H Super Reviewer
• Jul 29, 2015

  Kristen Stewart's best performance! Hahaha I mean it's not her most challenging role, but her adult self is too inhibited to do "mainstream" emotions of surprise, fear, annoyance, and this haughty big sister role actually requires her to stretch her gloomy face (which I still love), and she was young enough to not overthink it. Young Josh Hutcherson and Jonah Bobo (of "Crazy, Stupid [refuse that superfluous comma] Love") are ridiculously adorable as quarrelsome brothers in this "Jumanji" sequel. I didn't even realize it was an actual sequel adapted from the book by Chris Van Allsburg because I was never a fan of the first with Kirsten Dunst and Robin Williams. "Zathura" has so many funny lines that even adults will enjoy, like, "Get me a juice box, bitch!" "Grandma!" when the urn falls, and "The card!" when they try to convince Lisa of the game's magic. And who knew that before Dax Shepherd became the butt-of-the-joke lucky enough to lock down hottie Kristen Bell, he was a rather swashbuckling astronaut himself?!
  Alice S Super Reviewer
• Jun 10, 2014

  Zathura has been easily compared to the 1995 fantasy comedy, Jumanji, and it's no secret why. Both films share similar plotlines. However, this film has more of a science fiction edge to the story that makes it a bit different. If you forget the similarities between the films, this is a fun, entertaining picture that is worth seeing because there are several worthwhile moments due to a well crafted script, good cast and good direction from director Jon Favreau. The film has good effects, and plenty of thrills to really make it a highly entertaining picture from start to finish. The film isn't perfect, but for the most part, it's a worthwhile affair that is sure to appeal to genre fans. With a fine mix of comedy and Sci Fi Fantasy, Zathura is a film that accomplishes things that Jumanji did not, even if they thread similar ground, both films are good for what they are. With that being said, Zathura is a fun, entertaining picture that is very well done. The film shouldn't be dismissed so easily, as it possesses enough charm to make this film worth your time. With Favreau's direction, he is able to craft a rousing comedic adventure that uses a familiar idea, but makes it different with a few changes to the story. Zathura's strength lies in the imaginative aspect of the story, even if it's similar to Jumanji, the film uses fresh ideas to tell its own story by introducing different ideas, concepts that work well to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Both Jumanji and Zathura are fun and entertaining films, and each have their qualities that make them standout. Forget the similarities, go into this one with an open mind, and you're surely going to enjoy it. Like I said, even if threads similar ground, this is nonetheless a film worth seeing due to a fun story, terrific visuals a fun cast and constant thrills.
  Alex r Super Reviewer
• Dec 22, 2012

  Badly acted by "Bobo" which destroy the entire enjoyment of the film. The plot holes didn't help it either. Rotten Tomatoes, this is certainly not fresh thank you.
  

  Sylvester K Super Reviewer

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