Filled with great imagination and overflowing with fresh special effects, “Zathura” flew into theaters this weekend.

Zathura, the third film adapted from the Polar Express picture book, is very similar to “Jumanji,” except it takes place in outer space.

The film begins with one of the most creative title sequences of the year.

The Director, Jon Favreau, takes his camera and zooms in, around and through the movie’s game, racing across the board like a rocket, and making the metal and cardboard itself look as though it has come alive.

This movie will make you feel like a kid again as it follows the adventures of ten-year-old Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and six-year-old Danny (Jonah Bobo), who discover a ’50s-style, space-themed board game called Zathura in their basement. The siblings drag Zathura out to play, and step up to the challenge when they realize there’s more to it than meets the eye. Like Jumanji, this game turns their spins into reality.

The fun really begins when one game turn brings an adult astronaut (Dax Shepard) into the mix. The astronaut brings charisma and laughter to the screen just as things get tense.

Any problems with the film come not from the actors or Favreau’s direction, but from the script, which never quite lives up to the energy brought to it.

The film’s success is largely due to captivating performances, especially from the young actors.

Bobo and Hutcherson are very convincing as children in awe of the hidden secret within this game.

Hutcherson does a great job conveying the emotions that are tied up in a family turmoil and Bobo does an excellent job as the brother who eventually conquers his fear of this magical game.

Tim Robbins, a character full of wit, makes a decent cameo playing the struggling father and Dax Shepard steals the show and plays the character with the most appealing role, which is a reminiscent Robin Williams in “Jumanji.”

This movie is a huge thrill ride with much adventure and great acting.

Though most of the film is pitched to younger kids, adults as well will enjoy the journey.

With special effects that are out of this world, “Zathura” is a rarity with its stellar fantasy and is definitely worth seeing.