Zathura- A Space Adventure

by Carey Bunker | More from this Blogger

Brothers Danny and Walter don't really get along. Danny idolizes his older brother, but Walter's got better things to do than play with Danny. When their dad needs to go into work for a while, he leaves older sister Lisa in charge (though Lisa is too busy listening to music and doing her hair to pay much attention to them).

Looking for something to do, Danny decides to look around the house and discovers a board game called Zathura under the cellar stairs. Intrigued by retro outerspace packaging, Danny treks back to the living room and tries to get Walter to play with him. But Walter isn't interested. Danny decides to start the game anyway and that's when the fun begins. The first card he's given- Asteroid Belt. Suddenly the two boys are plunged into a very real, and seemingly dangerous game. The asteroids come to life, and when they go to run out of the house, they find themselves floating in outer space. The two boys realize they have no choice but to play the game and try to finish it. But it isn't all about the game. Walter and Danny must learn to cooperate and appreciate each other as well.

Along the way, Walter and Danny come into contact with the Astronaut, who tells them he's been in the game for many years, unable to finish it because of an accident. He's able to guide the boys to safety and help them in their relationship (without them realizing it). In an interesting twist, we discover the Astronaut's true identity and how it was that he came to be trapped inside the game.

"Zathura" is based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote "Jumanji" and "The Polar Express". "Zathura" is a great family movie (though very young viewers might find it a bit scary in parts- our oldest was four when he saw it and got a little nervous). I'd recommend it for ages 6 and up, though some with hesitations about language may want to watch it with older viewers.

"Zathura" is rated PG for fantasy action and peril, and some language.

Stars: Jonah Bobo, Josh Hutcherson, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart

Learn more about Carey Bunker

My name is Carey and I've been a WAHM (work-at-home mom) for a little over 2 years. I have two boys, ages 5 1/2 and 2 1/2 and two recent "fur baby" adoptees from our local humane society.

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