This show was a mess. Whereas the book and movie took place in the real world, this show mostly plays out within Jumanji itself, which is a great concept brimming with potential. Unfortunately, little of note was done with it.
The writers do introduce us to a biologically diverse world with jungles, deserts, oceans and ruined temples, populated by giant, dangerous animals (Amusingly, everything has carnivorous teeth, even the insects.) and introduce new villains as well. Each show follows the same simple formula: Judy and Peter get sucked into the game (which happens every time they roll the dice), get chased by animals, defeat some villain, find an artifact, try and fail to free Alan, and solve a clue which conveniently solves their mundane real-world issue. Occasionally, an intriguing concept is introduced, such as where the animals come from, or what purpose Van Pelt serves, but the writers never do anything else with them. Don't even try to make sense of it among the countless plot holes. The ultimate insult is the final episode, a glorified clip show where no questions are answered.
The positives: decent animation and voice acting, and it has a cool instrumental intro sequence. But I really can't recommend this series. The movie achieved in around 90 minutes what this series couldn't in 40 episodes.
The writers do introduce us to a biologically diverse world with jungles, deserts, oceans and ruined temples, populated by giant, dangerous animals (Amusingly, everything has carnivorous teeth, even the insects.) and introduce new villains as well. Each show follows the same simple formula: Judy and Peter get sucked into the game (which happens every time they roll the dice), get chased by animals, defeat some villain, find an artifact, try and fail to free Alan, and solve a clue which conveniently solves their mundane real-world issue. Occasionally, an intriguing concept is introduced, such as where the animals come from, or what purpose Van Pelt serves, but the writers never do anything else with them. Don't even try to make sense of it among the countless plot holes. The ultimate insult is the final episode, a glorified clip show where no questions are answered.
The positives: decent animation and voice acting, and it has a cool instrumental intro sequence. But I really can't recommend this series. The movie achieved in around 90 minutes what this series couldn't in 40 episodes.