The premise wasn’t particularly original, but the execution managed to take me by surprise. Essentially, it felt like another ‘Jumanji,’ though set in a different world altogether. The intention hadn't been for it to come across that way initially; it was adapted from a children's book series of the same name and condensed into a single film. Characters from various books within the series were combined, creating this 'Jumanji’ phenomenon. When these fictional characters enter the real world, a group of young people join forces to protect their town from an invasion. The story unfolds over a single day, largely centering on what feels like a one-night adventure. It was a genuinely unexpected film, though not quite a masterpiece—more of an entertaining offering. I suspect the cast played a significant role, particularly Jack Black’s involvement; it marked his second project with the director following ‘Gulliver's Travels.’ The CGI work was also pretty good considering the relatively modest production scale. The storyline itself is familiar territory, but the characters felt distinct. Perhaps its success at the box office was due to chance, but audiences don't usually embrace something without merit. This film’s achievement reflects a great deal of dedication and effort. I wouldn’t be shocked if they decide to create a sequel—I mean with the same creative team, not just anyone. 6½/10

Source on TMDB