Zathura: A Space Adventure

Fast making a name for himself as a reliable family-man director, Jon Favreau's Zathura is a throwback to the space adventures of the 1980s, moulding kid-friendly fantasy and simple, smartly blended effects into a likeable piece of children's escapism that is well-balanced, well-meaning and, for the most part, darn-well made. ... Full Review

Unfortunately, beholden to set-piece extravagance above all else, the film quickly finds itself adrift in turgid CG exhibitionism.....On Zathura 's commentary track, Jon Favreau extols the blown-out look of the film's early scenes.....hereas Joe Johnston's Jumanji was defined by belligerent special effects of both the computer-animated (vicious monkeys, charging rhinos) and human (a hyperactive Robin Williams) variety, Jon Favreau's Zathura....A series of lively featurettes, including a making-of documentar ... Full Review

The film turns into a pretty good action movie with the ending battle between the lizard aliens (called Zorgons) and the boys. The movie has a great "Flash Gordon" feel to it, and succeeds in making you feel like a kid while you watch it. ... Full Review

Directed by actor Jon Favreau (Elf), the effects are fabulous, from the realisation of space to a menacing robot and monsters with slippery tongues. But children aged from eight to 14 will particularly love it, especially boys who can readily identify with the young characters having to think on their feet - Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and his younger brother Danny (Jonah Bobo). ... Full Review

Intergalactic thrill ride Zathura arrives on DVD in a special edition Miniatures and the world of Zathura - director Favreau goes back to classic filmmaking by using miniatures and models to create the stunning visual shots of the film. ... Full Review

Theres a good chance that Zathuras target audience will think its the best film ever made. But these are minor quibbles when the film is this much fun. The effects are extremely good. ... Full Review

Jon Favreau's third outing as a director proves he can handle the larger budget and special effects, but the film strangely lacks the poignancy that underscored his previous studio effort, "Elf. The early scenes in "Zathura" depicting the family's lack of domestic tranquillity don't ring true, and that severely diminishes the emotional payoff later on. ... Full Review

Zathura is complete nonsense in many ways --....it's not a very good story by any stretch....In fact, the film's biggest liability, assuming the plot contrivances are forgiven, is.... ... Full Review

Director Jon Favreau ( Elf ), meanwhile, doesn't bother with terribly fancy CGI effects, making them nifty....Zathura is complete nonsense in many ways --...., I think of Chris Van Allsburg as someone whose mostly inane stories are somehow turned into decent movies.....In fact, the film's biggest liability, assuming the plot contrivances are forgiven, is....it's not a very good story by any stretch.... ... Full Review

With the holidays approaching and Harry Potter carrying a PG-13, Zathura could well end up being the big family movie of the fall season. If they want to get back to Earth, theyll have to play their way through Zathura and win. ... Full Review