How the best sci-fi family movie of the 2000s crashed and burned and is still worth streaming

The author Drew Dietz
| Updated 17 seconds ago

Controversial statement: Science fiction should not be for adults only. Kids love science fiction, and they need to get plenty of movies and TV shows that explore and celebrate the genre without diluting it because of the age of the intended audience. Back in the 2000s, one film tried to do this, but it flopped at the box office and still doesn't get the full appreciation it deserves today. We hope to change that.

Zathura: A Space Adventure was pretty much doomed from the start. Based on the author's book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg, director Jon Favreau's sci-fi spin on the concept of “a board game comes to life” had so much going for it. It was never going to rock honestly, it was immediately buried at the box office and largely forgotten about.

Twenty years on, it's time to appreciate this clever children's film for what it is: a fantastic adventure story that's more than just the best record Jumanji franchise, but as a stellar film in its own right.

How Zathura: A Space Adventure Was Made

Jon Favreau was a successful family Christmas comedy Elf. He had shown how stylish and edgy he can be with a film meant for all audiences. His decision to accept Zathura was an attempt to show how he can once again handle all-ages material with his trademark wit and charm. This time he will take the special effects and genre story to an even higher level.

Zathura stands out with these elements. Favreau insisted on using as many practical effects as possible. He hired Stan Winston Studios, which was also working on Favreau's next little film, Iron man – create lizard-like antagonistic zorgons. These creatures are simply stunning.

As CG became the norm for creature creation, Favreau was determined to create actual effects that the actors could interact with and react to. Bless him and the many artists who brought the Zorgons to life. They are a huge highlight of the film.

This mentality applies to the entire production side Zathura. The story mostly takes place in one location (the house) and Favreau has to turn it into a sort of floating spaceship. As the film progresses, it is broken down and broken down, and the design behind these aesthetic decisions gives the structure real character. Favreau shot real house models for use in the film.

Add to all the artistry the wonderful 1950s sci-fi style that informs the film's design decisions, and you have a film with a very specific visual attitude. Favreau knows how to polish effects and make everything feel tangible. It's a masterful touch.

Zathur's script and score do so much right

Zathura is not just a technical pleasure. The screenplay by David Koop and John Camp is very much on point. It follows a much simpler structure than the original Jumanji, reducing the number of characters required. It also does a better job of focusing on the new characters and their relationships. The drama might be simple, but it is extremely effective. And when we learn more about the mysterious astronaut character (Dax Shepard) who shows up later, it all pays off thanks to a very clever first act setup.

Zathura also includes a truly underrated score by composer John Dabney. The opening credits and main theme set the mood and intent of the film in the first few seconds. Debney's score is 100% committed to the grand adventure tone.

He takes what could be perceived as a small film (due to the location of one house) and makes it feel epic. “Underrated” gets thrown around a lot, but it may refer to the work Dabney puts in. Zathura.

Kristen Stewart is cast in the perfect role of Zathura

Zathura knows it has to be an intimate film because of its scale. While Lisa's (Kristen Stewart) attraction to an astronaut is a silly little romance, the real emotional drama of the film is the relationship between the two brothers (Josh Hutcherson and John Bobo). Their conflict is simplified but dealt with seriously.

It helps that everyone plays everything perfectly. There is no weak link in the ensemble chain.

Zathura is a children's film that doesn't compromise its target audience in either the story, the characters, or the filmmaking. This is a solid grade A experience for young viewers and children.

Why One Group Didn't Support Jon Favreau's Family Sci-Fi Movie

When we talk about how a movie “failed,” we're often talking about its general reception in some way. When it comes to critical reception, Zathura failed at all. It has been linked from this post Rotten tomatoes with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle for the highest rated entry in the entire Jumanji franchise and Zathura definitely holds up better than this movie.

It wasn't that critics disliked or ignored the film. It was the audience.

Zathura opened in second place on its opening weekend, beaten by Disney's Little Chicken in its second weekend at #1. Yes, Zack Braff, being a CG-panicked bird in Disney's low-level effort, was outdone by one of the main architects behind the project. Marvel Cinematic universe and The Mandalorian.

Adding more fuel to the fire Zathura cash register Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire released next weekend and Zathura dropped almost 62% to the 5th slot. This wizard took any potential target audience Zathura could hope.

Creative clash leads to bad marketing

It didn't help that there was a creative clash over marketing the film. Allsburg and Favreau said that while the overall premise was similar, Zathura was not the same kind of film as Jumanji.

Unfortunately, the studio wanted to use Jumanji title to help sell this film. It caused people to be confused or to treat what just looked like”Jumanji in space.” Even now, this article encourages tying Zathura another movie has nothing to do with its story in reality.

It's unfair. Zathura does not deserve to be stifled Jumanjishadow. This movie has a lot of generational nostalgia because of the inclusion Robin Williamsand this attachment might eclipse the loved one Jumanji check out Favro's individual triumph. It definitely had an impact Zathura time since audiences saw it Jumanji added name, but without Robin Williams' on-screen presence, leading to a disconnect and lack of interest in the film.

Zathura no dust should be left in the cellar. It needs to be taken out and played. Yes, some things might seem familiar, but they are exciting and dangerous in a whole new way. Fly into the unknown, space cadet. In the depths of space lies danger, glory and majesty. Zathura waiting.

Zathura: A Space Adventure is currently available to stream via rental or purchase Amazon Main video.