Danny and Walter are two brothers despite their wrangling; the brothers somehow start playing a board game called Zathura. After playing it they realise that their house has been flung into outer space. The only way to return to their planet earth is to finish the game. However with almost every move they get into more dangerous situations.
Zathura is a space circus of the surreal that recalls a time when the likes of Joe Dante ruled the pre-adolescent pop sphere.
AV Club
December 06, 2005
The only way to win is just to keep playing until it's over, and the only way to leave the theater is to hover over these kids' shoulders until they finally wrap things up. In both cases, there are more entertaining ways to spend an afternoon.
Film Journal International
February 22, 2007
A lively, imaginative tall tale that should thrill young audiences and engage their parents.
Zathura, Jon Favreau's adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's kid-lit adventure of the same name, more than fills the bill -- though it's unlikely to draw anyone over the age of 11 (not counting baby-sitters).
It doesn't talk down its audience, it doesn't paint clichés, it doesn't insult our intelligence, and its entertainment is enjoyable for both adults and children. That's rare.
