Zathura: A Space Adventure – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Zathura: A Space Adventure

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2005

71%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two bickering brothers get launched into space via magical board game—Jumanji's cosmic cousin with real scares and sibling feels.

6.3/10

77%

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Zathura: A Space Adventure

movie

PG, 2005

71%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two bickering brothers get launched into space via magical board game—Jumanji's cosmic cousin with real scares and sibling feels.

6.3

77%

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6.3/10

77%

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Screenwise Verdict

Zathura is a solid, imaginative adventure that delivers on its 'Jumanji in space' premise with heart and decent scares. The sibling relationship arc is the real win here—it feels authentic, messy, and ultimately rewarding. Jon Favreau knew what he was doing.

That said, it's not without issues. The Zorgons are genuinely frightening (more so than many parents expect from a PG movie), and the sustained peril might be too much for sensitive kids under 10. The 2005 aesthetic and pacing also feel slightly dated—modern kids weaned on Marvel's breakneck editing might find this a bit slow in spots.

The critical-audience score split (77% vs 52%) tells the story: adults appreciate the craft and themes, but general audiences found it somewhat forgettable. It's not a modern classic, but it's a respectable choice for a family movie night with the right-aged kids. Just prep younger viewers for real scares, and maybe have a sibling-relationship conversation queued up afterward.

Age Fit

Best for kids 9-13 who can handle sustained tension and scary creatures but still enjoy imaginative adventure premises. The sibling dynamics will resonate most with kids who have brothers or sisters close in age.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong sibling relationship arc where two bickering brothers learn cooperation and mutual respect through adversity. Models working through conflict, protecting each other, and ultimately valuing family bonds. Some sibling meanness early on is realistic and resolved positively. Pacing is action-driven but not chaotic.

Imaginative

A magical board game that launches a house into space is inherently creative and wonder-inducing. The premise invites kids to imagine 'what if' scenarios with everyday objects gaining mystical powers. Practical effects and tangible set pieces (versus pure CGI) make the fantastical feel grounded and spark imaginative play. Strong Jumanji spiritual successor vibes.

Safe

PG-rated adventure with some genuinely scary moments: meteor showers, alien Zorgons that chase and threaten the kids, house destruction, and peril throughout. No gore, sex, or inappropriate language, but the sustained tension and creature design could frighten younger or sensitive viewers. Common Sense Media's age 10 recommendation reflects real scares. Not a surprise-violence situation—it's clearly an adventure film—but intensity is notable.

Enriching

Core themes of sibling reconciliation, teamwork, and taking responsibility are present and resolved meaningfully. Boys learn to value each other and work together. However, the film is primarily an adventure romp—entertainment-forward with modest emotional depth. Limited broader cognitive or ethical complexity beyond 'brothers should get along.' Solid character growth but not particularly thought-provoking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely imaginative premise that makes kids wonder 'what if my board game was magic?'—great for sparking pretend play
Sibling relationship feels real (the bickering, the jealousy) and resolves in a satisfying, emotionally honest way
Practical effects and tangible sets hold up better than early-2000s CGI—the house-in-space concept is visually cool
Teaches cooperation and valuing family without being preachy—the boys earn their reconciliation through shared danger
Jon Favreau directed this between Elf and Iron Man, so it's competently made with genuine heart

⚠

What to Watch For

The Zorgon aliens are legitimately scary—reptilian creatures that chase and threaten to eat the kids. Not graphic, but sustained menace that can frighten younger viewers
Meteor showers, house destruction, and constant peril create real tension throughout—this isn't a gentle adventure
Early sibling conflict includes some mean-spirited moments (older brother is genuinely cruel to younger one initially) before the growth kicks in
The 52% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests this didn't land for everyone—some find it derivative or forgettable

Conversation Starters

"If you found a magical board game, would you want to play it even if it might be dangerous? Why or why not?"
"Walter was pretty mean to Danny at the beginning. Have you ever felt left out or picked on by a sibling or friend? How did you handle it?"
"The boys had to work together to survive. When's a time you had to cooperate with someone you were mad at?"
"If your house got shot into space, what three things would you grab first?"
"The astronaut had been stuck in the game for years. What do you think that would be like?"

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