JUMANJI

I can't remember if my parents watched 'Jumanji' before me to make sure if it was appropriate, but the important takeaway is that not only did it teach a valuable lesson about fear itself, but that by being a child-friendly scary film, it forced you to take on those lessons head-on. Feeling scared from a movie as a child is proven to have long-term benefits, with research showing that it increases imagination, creativity, and resilience in life. It makes sense when you think about it, because if you see the hero on screen conquer their fears, would it not encourage you to equally showcase your bravery and camaraderie in the face of danger? Being scared by what you see on screen teaches you how to grapple with any negative energy or emotions you may feel as a child. Not only will you learn how to navigate dangerous situations through simulation, but you will inevitably learn to therefore navigate your own emotions. It encourages children to develop regulation strategies, which in essence paves the way for improved life skills. In particular, it hopefully can lead to less avoidance of difficult situations - a valuable takeaway indeed, particularly for 2020.

Of course, it goes without saying that it has to be a positive experience for this to surface, and 'Jumanji' has that in spades. You'd have to be mad not be swept up by Robin William's ('Good Will Hunting', 'Mrs Doubtfire') magnetic energy on-screen, playing older Alan with a wonderful balance of heroism, warmth and tragedy - something that in the years to follow, Williams continues to explore in his roles. Having Peter and Judy as the other main players of the game as children allows younger audiences to see themselves in the role, and this only adds to the "simulation" effect I mentioned earlier. It helps that the kids are equal parts adorable and bad-ass, which was easy for me to relate to for obvious parallels... Maybe. Add to this already appealing recipe of great laughs, roaring fun, chases, animals and romance, and you've got yourself one hell of a great adventure flick.

Not every kid is the same, and there is of course no blanket rule in how to introduce horror-like films to children. I have a nine-week-old son, and he's going nowhere near 'Jumanji' just yet. That's mostly because of the spider scene that I still can't watch, but that's another issue. But 'Jumanji' stands the test of time because it knows how to balance the fear and the adventure elements so well. I would never revisit the film if it was just scary, and I wouldn't hold the memories I have associated with it if it was just another fun family film. Whilst I really enjoyed the reboot 'Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle', I can't see it passing on through generations, nor does it linger on the mind like its superior predecessor. The reason? It's fun, sure, but it lacks the child-like wonder - and ultimately, it's not scary.

Peter starts to cry as Alan turns to him, first in frustration, then in comfort.

"I'm sorry ... 26 years buried in the deepest darkest jungle, and I still became my father... It's alright to be afraid."

Later in the film, the hunter Van Pelt point his gun directly at Alan. Terrified by his impending doom, he trembles in fear - but he doesn't run.

"Aren't you afraid?"
"I'm terrified. But my father says you should always face what you're afraid of."

The lesson here that it's alright to be afraid - and while this is important, it's imperative to understand it in the right context. It doesn't mean you have to be unhappy and go to a boarding school you don't want to, nor does it mean you should punch a bully in the face so he doesn't bother you anymore. But what it does mean is that we must learn to conquer our fears by embracing them, learning from them. Scary movies - or more importantly chlid-friendly scary movies - allow a child to explore an imagined version of the world - at very little cost. Not only does 'Jumanji' pass this test, but it has so much fun doing it.

The game is finished, we are back in 1969, and normal life resumes for young Alan. Mr Parrish hurries back into the house because he forgot his speech, and he's immediately embraced by the rushing and relieved open arms of Alan. As he watches his father leave the house once more, he stops him and builds up the courage to finally admit, that it was him who broke the machine at the factory.

Resilience, bravery and self belief - a hero's journey complete through the adventures of 'Jumanji'. Alan has learnt to conquer his fears, something we can all stand to embrace.