Jumanji: The Next Level

It's funny and diverting and it's even found accommodation for the elderly. Thoughtful, that, in a family film.

Part of the greatness of the film is the fact that the actors seem to be enjoying themselves so thoroughly.

A very hard-working film, so much so that it seems to be driven partly by an anxious desire to prove itself capable of matching its predecessor. Ignore this if you can, for it's such a satisfyingly wild ride that its flaws can be forgiven.

Don't bother. Play an old-fashioned board game instead.

Like all good video games, there's a hint of yet another level at the end for those, like me, who are not yet ready to say Game Over.

This up-for-anything sequel to the 2017 reboot brings back the A-list cast (Jack Black is still MVP) for more in-game avatar shenanigans. It's just the ticket if you're looking for a comic blast for the holidays.

It is the level of energy that these performances bring that keeps this whole business rolling along throughout the familiar plot mechanics.

Delivers enough subtle changes to the formula that it feels like these characters are more than justified in returning for another adventure.

The plot seriously needs more focus, but this is still a level up from Welcome to the Jungle and again makes the right call in letting the cast do the hard work.

Enlivened by a deft combination of nifty special effects, calibrated human emotions and pulse-pounding action [Jumanji: The Next Level] does take the game up a few notches.