Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

Director:

Jon Favreau

Writers (WGA):

Chris Van Allsburg (book)
David Koepp (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

11 November 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

A New Adventure From the World of Jumanji

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Kitchen | Zathura | Evil Robot | Bonding | Video Game

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Jonah Bobo	...	Danny
Josh Hutcherson	...	Walter
Dax Shepard	...	Astronaut
Kristen Stewart	...	Lisa
Tim Robbins	...	Dad
Frank Oz	...	Robot (voice)
John Alexander	...	Robot
Derek Mears	...	Lead Zorgon
Douglas Tait	...	Zorgon
Joe Bucaro III	...	Zorgon (as Joe Bucaro)
Jeff Wolfe	...	Zorgon

Also Known As:

Zathura (International: English title) (short title) (USA) (promotional title)
Jumanji 2 (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for fantasy action and peril, and some language.

Runtime:

113 min | USA:102 min (DVD version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS (8 channels) | DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:PG (cut) | Ireland:PG | Philippines:G | Brazil:Livre | Germany:6 | Singapore:PG | Czech Republic:U | France:U | Finland:K-11 | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Sweden:11 | Mexico:A | South Korea:All | Iceland:10 (original rating) | Hungary:14 | Iceland:12 (video rating) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

While the film was being made, Jonah Bobo (Danny) lost four teeth, so the filmmakers made 'flippers' or fake teeth that he wore, since the movie takes place in only a day.

Goofs:

When the zorgons first appear, they shoot out the windows in the kitchen. But later, when the astronaut is telling the kids to shut off all the lights, the windows are intact.

Quotes:

Dad: By the way, it makes me uncomfortable when you say "hooking up".
Lisa: Why? It's not like it means anything.
Dad: Hope it doesn't.
Lisa: It doesn't. It's just an expression.
Dad: Hope it is.
Lisa: It is! God, when should never have rented Thirteen.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)

Soundtrack:

Numb

jumanji for trekkies

i was expecting this film to merely be a decent way to waste some time like it's predecessor, but zathura is better. it's just as wacky as jumanji, but just seems to make more sense.

it's a little bit on the short side and i expected a few more action scenes, but what's there is pretty good.

the dialogue is funny, but was a little more edgy than i expected.

overall, the film moved along at a brisk pace and had some nice unexpected twists. it was nice to see that it was filmed as a retro "buck rogers type" sci-fi game, but with modern day action levels. it's a nice mix.

the film offers enough action to keep your attention and enough surprises to keep you guessing. it was a lot better than i expected it to be. it was fun.