There is definitely a strong sense of similarity to _Jumanji_ in this film, and I really liked that. While watching, I felt as if it was a modern-day imagining of the idea behind _Jumanji_. Not only that, it was done really well.

It is interesting to note that _Jumanji_ and _Zathura_ are both books by the same author, and _Zathura_ is officially a sequel. So for these elements to come though in the film, it makes sense. That said, the film _Jumanji_ does break away significantly from the book, so it's natural to think the two aren't wholly related, but they are.

The effects used in this film were spectacular, and not at all overdone. It was very evident that the production had a great time making them. What's even more cool to know is that a lot of the effects were not CGI based.

[spoiler]The story did a great job of introducing, and maintaining, discourse between the two brothers. It wasn't excessive and it wasn't underperforming. It was just right, and it really made the ending of the film have a much stronger impact. [/spoiler]

Time travel theory. [spoiler]In the end, it is revealed that the astronaut is really an older version of Walter who was stranded. A lot can be inferred from him needing rescuing, let's instead focus on him wishing away Danny 15 years prior. There are two theories here. One, the game has been played twice, once where Danny is wished away and again where the astronaut is rescued. Two, it's a way of the game knowing, somehow, and resolving, some issues between the brothers which could later fester into something more deeply rooted.[/spoiler]

Overall, this is a great film, and I highly recommend watching it.