Monday, February 2, 2009

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Score: 7/10

I didn’t watch the movie in 3D because I was on a plane at that time, but I still found that this movie was actually quite entertaining. Brendan Fraser plays a geologist and a professor named Trevor Anderson. Trevor’s older brother, Max, has gone missing around 10 years ago during his scientific exploration. Max was a Vernean, which means he believed that all Jules Vernes fictions were real including Journey to the Center of the Earth. Since his disappearing, Trevor continues to study his scientific ideas.

One day, his teenage nephew, Sean (Josh Hutcherson), is sent to live with him for a few weeks. Sean is basically Max’s only child. Coincidentally, the seismic activity behaves the same way as when Max disappears 10 years ago. Trevor decides to check the situation directly and Sean tags along with him. He travels to Iceland, finds a guide named Hannah (Anita Briem), and climbs a mountain to find the seismic sensor.

A storm is coming when the small group reaches the mountain top where the sensor is located. The lightning strikes crazily and somehow the three of them are trapped in a cave. They have no choice but to explore the cave to find another way out. This is where the true journey begins. There are many obstacles along the way including an exciting train ride, falling into a volcanic vent, a storm, sea monsters (yeah there’s a sea in the center of the earth), flying rocks, a ravenous dinosaur, and chased by hot lava.

I feel that the pace of the movie is perfect. It starts with a short drama situation, followed by packs of action sequences with several properly placed quiet moments. There are many comedic moments and they do not seem cheap, but acting as delicious seasoning instead. Fraser is shining throughout the movie. His short remarks are funny and successfully lighten up the movie. Hutcherson also performs well. He is the emotional aspect in the movie and he interacts nicely with Fraser along the way. Briem is not a major factor here, but still she plays as a tough woman character suitably.

With good visual effects performance, it is unfortunate that I did not watch the movie in 3D. Based on the action sequences that I have enjoyed, it will be a very fun ride. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely choose the 3D one. An exciting entertainment for the whole family is waiting.

Further information on the movie is available from:
- IMDB: Journey to the Center of the Earth
- Official Site of the Movie

"That's a bloody big dog you have there!"


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