Description

Zathura: A Space Adventure 2005
1h 41m | Action, Adventure, Comedy | 11 November 2005 (USA)
Storyline:An old and forgotten game develops magical powers in this fantasy for the whole family. Twelve-year-old Walter Budwing (Josh Hutcherson) and his younger brother, Danny (Jonah Bobo), figure they’re going to be in for a boring time when their father (Tim Robbins), who was supposed to spend the day with them, is suddenly called away on business, and gives them strict orders not to leave the house. Walter, who doesn’t have much use for Danny, is motivated by boredom more than anything else when he agrees to play a board game Danny has found in the basement during a round of hide-and-seek. However, the boys quickly discover the space-themed game Zathura has some unusual qualities — a roll of the dice unexpectedly launches the Budwing home into outer space, and Walter and Danny are suddenly fending off menacing robots, angry aliens, and showers of interstellar debris outside the Earth’s atmosphere. As the boys try to figure out a way back home, they get some unexpected help from an earthling astronaut (Dax Shepard) who has also lost his way.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG for fantasy action and peril, and some languageUser review:There are quite a few nice things about this film. In particular, Zathura is an aesthetically intelligent film. The makers did a great job of not relying too heavily on CGI; very thoughtful design and effects. The convincing use of miniatures, real sets and chaos/destruction really brought the story to life. True, its a kids movie. But not so much that it annoys, there’s a timeless and attractive notion of adventure. Really hearkens back to the glory of 80’s kids adventure movies. The film’s gadgets and knick-knacks were great. The house and Zathura game-board were both characters in and of themselves, every bit as important as the actors (who did a fine job).Throughout I felt like I was watching a little of “Time Bandits” mixed with some “Goonies” and maybe some “Hitchikers Guide…” or “House”.Some folks seem ambivalent to the film. That’s unfortunate. Up against a lot of the uninspired sh*t that is released these days, Zathura is very successful in creating a fun and visually convincing escape. Half way through the movie I realized that I was waiting/anticipating the film’s failure, that it was going to let me down. Never did.I appreciated the film.
Director: Jon Favreau
Writers: Chris Van Allsburg (book), David Koepp (screenplay), John Kamps (screenplay)
Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard
Country of origin: United States
Language: English
Also known as: Zathura
Filming locations: 216 Oaklawn Avenue, South Pasadena, California, USA
IMDB Profile tt0406375

Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

2005-11-11

6.2

Director: Jon Favreau

Writers: Chris Van Allsburg, David Koepp, John Kamps

Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard

Summary: 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.

Also known as: Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) on DVD