I've been in an argument with one of my teachers. I'd like to know if there has been any definitive statement from the makers of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle as to whether they consider the film to be science fiction or fantasy?
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Since opinion is everywhere, I submit mine - call it modern fantasy. Magic in the real world is a common theme these days. I don't really understand where sci-fi comes into it, unless one of you is fixated on the game console, or the timeline changing, which OK, sure, there's a sci-fi element there, but it's mostly a proxy for magic to use.– RadhilCommented Feb 6, 2019 at 23:39
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@Radhil I would tend to agree, particularly since wikipedia lists it as a fantasy movie and it was nominated for a Saturn Award in the fantasy category rather than the science fiction category. Plus it's based on the original Jumanji, which was very clearly fantasy.– Kyle DoyleCommented Feb 6, 2019 at 23:46
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I'm curious as to which of you is backing the science fiction argument? I'd like to think it's you & not your teacher, if only because the idea that someone employed to educate could have such a wrong-headed opinion is a little depressing, it's not a promising indicator for the education of his/her students :)– PelinoreCommented Feb 7, 2019 at 1:46
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Unfortunately, My teacher is the one who considers it a science fiction movie. But, I showed him your comment as well as all the others, and I have a feeling that he is going to change his mind. Thank you!! @Pelinore– Maggie FranzCommented Feb 7, 2019 at 15:58
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1 Answer
The film, although containing some slight elements of science fiction (the characters, for example enter a fantasy world via a framing story involving a magical games console) was marketed exclusively as a fantasy / adventure story.
The initial casting call sheet is a good example of this;
Jumanji is an upcoming American fantasy adventure film directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Scott Rosenberg. It is a reimagining of the 1995 film of the same name, and will have a tribute to the late Robin Williams.
The blurb released to pre-reviewers
Summary: JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE is a US fantasy action adventure comedy in which four high school students are drawn into the jungle setting of a video game.
The press-release issued at various comic-cons where the film's trailer was previewed
JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (also known as JUMANJI 2) is an upcoming American fantasy adventure film, directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Scott Rosenberg. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, KAREN GILLEN, and Nick Jonas, the tables are turned as four teenagers are sucked into the Jumanji board game world - pitted against rhinos, black mambas, and an endless variety of jungle traps and puzzles. To beat the game and return to the real world with their lives, they'll have to start seeing things in an entirely different way... The film is scheduled for a Christmas release, hitting screens in the US on 22nd December, 2017.
The categories self-selected by the filmmakers when issuing the film for BBFC categorisation
GENRE(S) Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure
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SUMMARY JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE is a US fantasy action adventure comedy in which four high school students are drawn into the jungle setting of a video game.
