Books on Screen

Jumanji

Growing up, I read Jumanji (and the other Chris VanAllsburg books) frequently, probably because of the complexity of the illustrations and the pure imagination of the plot. The movie takes that plot and adds new dimensions: the rivalry between Judy and Peter and Alan Parrish trapped within the game. This lends a lot more drama and tension to the movie than was present in the original book. Still, the general plot and the spirit of the book remain as well as some of the key illustrations (like the lion roaring and the chimps on the refrigerator).