Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

Two young brothers are drawn into an intergalactic adventure when their house is hurled through the depths of space by the magical board game they are playing.

Director:

Jon Favreau

Writers:

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

Stars:

Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, 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:

2000s | reference to spongebob squarepants | coke | sony | jealousy | 

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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 [United States]

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:

$13,427,872 (USA) (11 November 2005)

Gross:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Radar Pictures, Teitler Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS (8 channels)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

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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

[first lines]
Dad: [playing catch] Oh, man. That's it. Nice grab. Oh, yeah.
Dad: All right, Danny, your turn.
Walter: What? l didn't get my full turn!
Dad: Yeah you did. I counted. That was 25. That's what we said.
Walter: That's not fair!
Dad: lt's exactly fair. Come on, Danny. Time for your turn, then l gotta work for an hour.
Danny: [getting into place] You know, you're not the only one who gets a turn.
Walter: [miming] "The only one who gets a turn."

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Connections

Featured in The Big C: The Little c (2011)

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Soundtracks

Entrance of the Gladiators
(uncredited)
Written by Julius Fucik

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.