Zathura

ZATHURA

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated PG for fantasy action and peril, and some language. Ok for kids 8 and up. 113 min. Directed by Jon Favreau. Released in theaters Nov. 11, 2005.

This movie tells the story of two squabbling brothers – 6-year-old Danny and 10-year-old Walter – who discover an ancient board game called Zathura in the basement of their old house. But this is no ordinary board game. The spaceship marker moves by itself, and when it lands on a space, a card is ejected which reads, "Meteor shower, take evasive action." The house is immediately pummeled from above by hot, molten meteors. When the boys look up through the gaping hole in their roof, they discover that the whole house has been propelled into outer space!

On their journey, Danny and Walter (Jonah Bobo and Josh Hutcherson) are joined by a stranded astronaut (Dax Shepard) and, of course, fall prey to all sorts of creatures, including the lizard-like Zorgons and a jet-propelled giant robot. But that‛s nothing compared to their greatest challenge – an intense gravitational pull that‛s drawing them into the void of the dark planet Zathura. Unless they can work together to finish the game, they‛re doomed to be trapped in outer space forever!

Meanwhile, their older sister, Lisa (Kristen Stewart), is also aboard their spaceship – er, house. She‛s supposed to be looking after the boys while their father (Tim Robbins) is at work.

Contrary to some reports, this movie is technically not a sequel to 1995's Jumanji, although both were written by best-selling author Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote The Polar Express.

PRESCHOOLER (ages 2-5): The special effects and villains in this movie – especially the hulking Zorgons and giant robot – are too intense for little ones. For some gentler space capers, tune them into Little Einsteins (8 a.m. weekdays, Disney Channel). This is an interactive show about four kids on a mission of fun and exploration in their musical spaceship, Rocket. Also available on DVD.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6 - 10): Although this movie will likely be too intense for 6- and 7-year-olds, kids 8 and up should be ok with it (although my 8-year-old daughter jumped into my lap a few times – or maybe I jumped into hers!). Grade-schoolers will also identify with Walter and Danny, who must figure out how to get along if they want their wayward house to get back on solid ground.

TWEEN / TEEN(ages 11+): 15-year-old Kristen Stewart will be a draw for this age group, as well as a meteor-shower of jokes that appeal to all ages. This is also one of those movies that makes you feel like a kid again. Marveling at the vast beauty of deep space, you truly believe that a house really COULD magically hurtle through space. At the same time, it‛s a movie that celebrates families and hope, something director Jon Favreau took to heart. "I like stories that offer hope and films that have responsible themes. When you‛re making a movie for young people, there should be a nice message at the core."

THE WRAP-UP: I got a little tired of the whole "squabbling brothers" theme, but this movie is very enjoyable and has some good lessons about family. And Favreau managed to avoid a trite it-was-all-in-their-imagination-ending, which was a pleasant surprise.

SCORE: 3 out of 4 Reels.