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ZATHURA Like Jumanji, this is based on a children's picture book by Chris Van Allsburg. Despite both involving a magical board game, this film differs in that it's set in outer space, showcases better visual effects, and replaces Jumanji's Robin Williams with a manic, defective robot (on second thought, that last point might not qualify as a difference). Imaginative without being particularly exciting, Zathura will appeal immensely to young viewers while causing adults to be the ones to occasionally fidget in their seats. Grown-ups, however, will be the ones who benefit from the script's funniest quip, a throwaway line involving the indie flick Thirteen. **1/2

OPENS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9:

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE: Tilda Swinton, Anna Popplewell.

SYRIANA: George Clooney, Matt Damon.