Zathura is a loose sequel to Jumanji (1995 starring Robin Williams). However, other than a board game that alters reality, the two movies don't have much in common. I thought Jumanji was pretty good, but Zathura, with its less complicated plot and fewer characters, is better.

The two brothers, Danny and Walter, who get caught up in the unpleasant results of playing Zathura are finely drawn and very competently acted by Jonah Bobo and Josh Hutcherson. Their sibling rivalry is the driving force behind much of the plot, and there is plenty of clever action.

Add the boys' unaware older sister, Lisa (Kristen Stewart, co-star of Panic Room), a mad robot, a lost astronaut (Dax Shepard), and Zorgon lizard aliens and you have all the ingredients of a rollercoaster space adventure. The boys play the game with a believable ugency to finish as quickly as possible and get back to Earth. This keeps things rolling along nicely. This is a fun movie for the whole family. Enjoy.