Zathura (2005)
"Zathura: A Space Adventure" (original title)

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.

Director:

Jon Favreau

Writers:

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

Stars:

Jonah Bobo, Josh Hutcherson, Dax Shepard

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited 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

Storyline

Danny and Walter are two brothers who barely get along even while driving their parents to distraction as their older sister tries to ignore them. Despite their squabbling, the brothers manage cooperate enough to play an old mechanical board game named Zathura. However, after their first move, they find that the game has apparently flung them, their sister and their entire house into outer space. Furthermore, the brothers surmise the only way to return home is to finish the game. However with almost every move, new dangers arise as the siblings find themselves learning to cooperate in ways they never expected as they realize what they mean to each other.

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Plot Keywords:

game | board game | outer space | hugging | forgiveness | 

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Taglines:

A New Adventure From the World of Jumanji

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Genres:

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

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for fantasy action and peril, and some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Sony Pictures [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 November 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jumanji 2

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$65,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$267,374 (Australia) (24 March 2006)

Gross:

$1,749,691 (Australia) (7 April 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Radar Pictures, Teitler Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min 102 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS (8 channels)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In every Chris Van Allsburg book, there is a bull terrier named Fritz. Jon Favreau put Fritz in the movie - look for a Beanie Baby bull terrier behind Walter near the end of the movie.

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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.

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Quotes

Walter: I wish the astronaut had his brother back.

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Connections

Featured in Troldspejlet: Episode #35.8 (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Loves Me Like a Rock"
Written and Performed by Paul Simon
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

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.