Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) - Full Movie Details
"Zathura: A Space Adventure" follows the story of two young brothers, Walter (played by Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (played by Jonah Bobo), who discover a mysterious board game in their basement. The two boys, who don't get along, are left under the care of their teenage sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart) while their father (Tim Robbins) is out.
Danny finds the game "Zathura" hidden in the basement and decides to play. As soon as the game begins, the boys realize it is not an ordinary game. The house is transported into outer space, and the events that follow in the game directly affect the world around them. Each turn brings new dangers, such as meteor showers, malfunctioning robots, and encounters with alien creatures called the Zorgons.
The brothers must work together to survive the challenges posed by the game and finish it, which they soon learn is the only way to return home. Along the way, they meet an astronaut (Dax Shepard) who helps them navigate the dangers. However, the astronaut has his own secrets, which play a pivotal role in the story's emotional climax.
The film is ultimately a story about sibling rivalry, teamwork, and the importance of family. As the game progresses, Walter and Danny’s relationship strengthens, and they learn to appreciate each other as brothers. The game ends when Danny completes the final move, sending them back to their home just moments after they started, with all the dangers now a distant memory.
"Zathura: A Space Adventure" was directed by Jon Favreau, known for his work on "Elf" and later the "Iron Man" series. The movie was produced by Michael De Luca and Scott Kroopf, with the screenplay written by David Koepp and John Kamps, based on the book by children's author Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote "Jumanji."
Production began in late 2004 in Los Angeles. Favreau opted for practical effects and set designs as much as possible, avoiding an over-reliance on CGI to give the film a more tangible, grounded feel. Many of the space sequences and the Zorgon spaceship were created using miniatures, and the robot character was brought to life using a combination of animatronics and CGI. Favreau wanted to capture a retro science fiction aesthetic that paid homage to old sci-fi films while still being appealing to a modern audience.
One of the significant challenges in production was working with the young cast, particularly managing the dynamic between Josh Hutcherson and Jonah Bobo, who needed to portray the sibling rivalry at the heart of the story. The film’s shooting wrapped up in mid-2005 after several months of filming.
"Zathura: A Space Adventure" was released in the United States on November 11, 2005. The film was distributed by Columbia Pictures and had a production budget of approximately $65 million.
Despite positive reviews from critics, the film struggled at the box office. It opened to $13.4 million in its first weekend and grossed a total of $29.3 million domestically and $65.1 million worldwide, just barely covering its production costs. The movie’s performance was affected by comparisons to "Jumanji," a similar adventure movie also based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg, with some audiences dismissing it as too derivative.
Critically, "Zathura" was well-received. It holds a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising its inventive story, practical effects, and heartfelt performances. Critics highlighted Jon Favreau’s direction and his decision to use real sets and models, which added a level of authenticity to the space adventure.
However, while the movie was praised for its tone and imagination, some critics felt it lacked the commercial appeal of "Jumanji," which had a more star-studded cast and broader humor. Audiences who saw the film were generally positive, but the film struggled to break out of the shadow of its predecessor.
There were no immediate plans for a sequel to "Zathura" due to its underperformance at the box office. However, the film’s director, Jon Favreau, went on to have a highly successful career, directing blockbuster films like "Iron Man" and "The Jungle Book," which have solidified his place as a major Hollywood director.
"Zathura" has since gained a modest cult following, especially among fans of Chris Van Allsburg’s work and those who appreciate practical effects in filmmaking. In recent years, the film has been re-evaluated more favorably, especially for its themes of sibling relationships and the creative risks it took with its storytelling.
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