It’s hard to not be cynical about the state of Hollywood in 2019. The film industry prioritizes soulless blockbuster movies over heartfelt films that tell deeply human stories. One of Hollywood’s worst traits is its never-ending quest to reboot any brand with name recognition. Did we really need Battleship, Cats, and The Emoji Movie adaptations? But every now and then, their profit-driven mindset works out for everyone, and they deliver an enjoyable movie that makes the studio loads of cash. 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the best-case scenario.

People weren’t clamouring for a new Jumanji movie; the original still reigns as king in the hearts and minds of fans. But Welcome to the Jungle had a lot working in its favour. Chiefly, casting The Rock and Kevin Hart, two of the most charismatic stars working today. Adding in Karen Gillan and Jack Black took the cast’s chemistry to a whole other level, and with a solid script and proven premise, Welcome to the Jungle went on to earn nearly a billion dollars.

Jumanji: The Next Level trailer:

Jumanji: The Next Level switches up the actors’ roles by throwing in a couple of old-timers (Danny Glover and Danny DeVito) into the mix. This time, a couple of crotchety old men enter the game in place of two of the high school kids. While I enjoyed the crew’s dynamic in the last film, I’m optimistic that this new team will prove just as fun to watch. Who doesn’t enjoy watching old people shake their fist at newfangled technology?

Jumanji: The Next Level synopsis:

In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

Jumanji: The Next Level arrives in theatres on December 13, 2019.