A tinny old board game blasts two squabbling brothers and their house to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Their only chance of getting back to Earth is by finishing the game, but that means playing together – and by the rules. A film by Jon Favreau, starring Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Kristen Stewart, Tim Robbins, and Dax Shepard.

ZATHURA is a film adaptation of the 2002 novel of the same name by American author Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote the well-known 1981 novel, Jumanji, brought to the big screen in 1995. Despite having no direct connection in story or characters, this film serves as the second installment of the Jumanji franchise.

Two brothers, Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (Jonah Bobo), don’t get along with each other. Both constantly vie for their divorced father’s attention, who struggles to juggle his work and responsibilities as a single parent.

One day, an urgent matter forces the father (Tim Robbins) to rush to the office, leaving Walter and Danny in the temporary care of their teenage sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart), with instructions to keep them from burning down the house. Lisa reluctantly agrees, promising to wake up in 15 minutes, but promptly falls back asleep and fails to keep her word.

In the basement, Danny unearths an old board game called ZATHURA. He excitedly carries it upstairs and presents it to Walter, who scoffs at its dusty appearance and dismisses it as “dumb and old.” Undeterred, Danny decides to play solo.

Danny winds the key and presses the button, sending the tiny spaceship across the board. A card spills out, warning of a meteor shower. Moments later, the living room explodes in a barrage of meteors, with a giant rock pulverizing the television into dust.

Walter and Danny realize that Zathura is no ordinary board game when the warning on the card comes true in the living room. Walter notices the meteor shower strangely confined to the room, revealing a gaping hole in the ceiling where a meteorite crashed through, offering a view of the stars. Danny, wide-eyed, points out how close the stars seem, almost as if they’re in space, but Walter dismisses it as just the night sky. Driven by curiosity, Danny opens the front door, and their jaws drop in unison as they behold their entire house inexplicably floating amidst the vast expanse of space.

Boasting an impressive cast, a creative script, breathtaking cinematography, and stunning visual effects that hold up even today, Zathura, a sci-fi adventure film directed by Jon Favreau, is a captivating experience. All the actors deliver believable performances, with Josh Hutcherson, Dax Shepard, and Kristen Stewart standing out.

ZATHURA is a fun and entertaining film that offers a nostalgic space adventure. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, it’s a charming story about sibling bonds and facing the unknown. It’s a solid choice for families looking for a visually exciting and heartwarming experience.

ZATHURA was released theatrically in the United States on 11 November 2005. Grossing only $65.1 million worldwide against its $65 million budget, the film was considered a box office disappointment. However, it holds a special place in my heart.

A Blu-ray 10th Anniversary edition of the film was released in the United States on 22 September 2015.