The film is based on a children's book written by the author 1995's "Jumanji", and focuses on two squabbling brothers, 6 year-old Danny (Jonah Bobo) and 10 year-old Walter (Josh Hutcherson). When their father (Tim Robbins) leaves for work one day, and leaves them in the care of their elder sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart), the two discover a strange board game in their basement entitled "Zathura" and as they start playing it, their space adventure begins.