Jumanji Turns 25 Are You Game?

Why This Action-packed Adventure Movie Has Stood The Test Of Time

- Sharon Hunt

Back in 1995, Robin Williams starred in Jumanji, a family adventure movie about a mystical board game that brings jungle creatures to life.

Despite mixed critical reviews, the movie was a box-office hit, netting $379 million worldwide and ranking as the 10th highest-grossing film of 1995.

To celebrate 25 years since the film’s release, we take a look back at what made it a hit.

THE MAGIC OF ROBIN

Robin was already a superstar prior to starring in Jumanji. His illustrious film career included critical and commercial successes Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire and arguably his most renowned work, Good Morning, Vietnam.

But despite his credentials, Jumanji director Joe Johnston was reportedly hesitant to cast the comedic actor in the lead role of Alan Parrish, the man who’s spent years trapped inside the dangerous board game. The reason? He was concerned the improvisational comic wouldn’t stick to the tightly structured script.

To his credit, Robin agreed to film the lines as written, but the legendary performer was also afforded the opportunity to film duplicate scenes where he was given free-rein to improvise.

In the lead-up to the film’s premiere, Robin was one of the early advocates that Jumanji was more than just your average kid’s movie.