Even in This Ridiculously Scary Kids’ Adventure Classic, Robin Williams Offered So Much More Than Laughs

It’s hard to overstate what a massive cultural sensation Robin Williams was in the 1990s, as he had transcended all expectations to become one of the industry’s most reliable actors. Despite getting his start on the sitcom Mork & Mindy and playing sold-out comedy shows around the nation, Williams would prove himself as an actor by starring in family-friendly hits (Aladdin, Hook), comedy sensations (Mrs. Doubtfire, Moscow on the Hudson), and Oscar-nominated dramedies (Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, The Fisher King). Williams was the type of star who could be relied upon to take risks, even when the results were as disastrous as Flubber or Jack. Williams lent his talents to the groundbreaking fantasy adventure film Jumanji, a film that may have been too terrifying for children had it not been for his unique comedic charm.

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‘Jumanji’ Is Unlike Any Other Family Film

Loosely based on a series of children’s books, Jumanji stars Williams as Alan Parrish, a man who has been trapped in a fantasy board game for over 26 years. Considering that he has not been able to connect with his family during this gap in time, Alan still has the personality and emotional development of a child. Alan’s rescue comes at the hands of the young children Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce), who are staying with their aunt Nora (Bebe Neuwirth) following the death of their parents in a skiing accident. Although Alan is relieved and shocked to be released back into the real world, breaking him free meant that Judy and Peter also released the other inhabitants of the game, including dangerous animals and the ruthless big game hunter Van Pelt (Jonathan Hyde). Even though he is adjusting to a world that has changed radically since he was last a part of it, Alan is tasked with being a hero.

That Time Robin Williams, Francis Ford Coppola, and Jennifer Lopez Teamed Up for a '90s Coming-of-Age Dramedy (Jack)

That Time Robin Williams, Francis Ford Coppola, and Jennifer Lopez Teamed Up for a Bizarre ’90s Coming-of-Age Dramedy

Yes, Francis Ford Coppola really directed this.

Jumanji is often a very frightening film, and not just because of the groundbreaking CGI used to bring the jungle animals to life, which were among the most advanced special effects seen in mainstream since the success of Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Jurassic Park. The film examines the very specific fears that children may have about abandonment; Alan was separated from his family, and both Judy and Peter have lost their parents. The film serves as an unusual coming-of-age story, as Alan is forced to accept the fact that he has grown older and offer both Judy and Peter protection as they attempt to solve the secret of the game. Playing a child trapped in the body of a man was not an easy task, but Williams delivered a performance of such remarkable sensitivity that children may have been able to empathize with Alan’s story.

Robin Williams Brings Childlike Joy to ‘Jumanji’

Jumanji is a rare family film that actually empowers its young viewers, as it suggests that the imagination and optimism that young people have is something that tends to evaporate once they become older. Williams is able to bring out this goofy, snarky sense of charisma that makes his banter with Dunst and Pierce feel surprisingly authentic; at the same time, he also understands that they should not have to experience the same hardships that he was forced to deal with, and makes it a priority to ensure their safety. Jumanji is the rare film that depicts everything that Williams does best; he nails the slapstick comedy, brings the moments of raw pathos when needed, serves as a compelling adventure hero, and even shows a romantic side when Alan enters into a relationship with his former love interest, Sarah (Bonnie Hunt).

Jumanji wouldn’t have aged nearly as well without Williams’ involvement; although the visuals developed for the film were groundbreaking at the time, they would eventually be eclipsed by more intricate CGI in the comedy decade. However, Jumanji’s success is that it imagines a scenario in which childhood adventures become real, and Williams served as the perfect navigator for that tone. Although it would go on to inspire a much bigger and more action-packed blockbuster franchise, the original Jumanji owes its legacy to Williams.