Journey to the Center of the Earth Review
Posted by Chad Webb on 07.14.2008
The journey in 3D! Just what Jules Verne envisioned.
Brendan Fraser: Trevor Anderson
Josh Hutcherson: Sean Anderson
Anita Briem: Hannah Asgeirsson
Seth Meyers: Professor Alan Kitzens
Jean Michel Pare: Max Anderson
Jane Wheeler: Elizabeth
Directed By: Eric Brevig
Written By: Michael Weiss, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin
Release Date: July 11, 2008
Running Time: 92 minutes
Rated PG for intense adventure action and some scary moments.
With IMAX continuing to gain more success as time goes by, shooting in 3D is a risk. In truth, Journey to the Center of the Earth didn’t need this appendage at all, but perhaps the studio felt it would help the film's chances. It might have put more butts in the theater, but I can bet the difference in box office totals would not have been substantial. This is generally an amusing and congenial family adventure. Plenty of eye rolling moments occur, but they can be forgivable.
The gamble with 3D is that eventually, the material will have to stand on its own, without the third dimension excitement. Television shows and movies have used this feature, but one never knows for sure how they will age. And not every theater has a digital projector so 3D glasses can be handed out. The one closest to me for example, is among them. If I’m reviewing, I prefer to judge without the ugly blue and red frames.
Trevor Anderson is a scientist and professor whose brother Max went missing long ago. Now, many years later, Max’s son Sean is preparing to visit his Uncle Trevor. When he is dropped off, Trevor is given a box of Max’s belongings. Inside is a copy of the Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth. It turns out Max was obsessed with the idea that the center of our planet could exist as it does in the fictional story. When Trevor discovers some truth to Max’s notes, he sets out to Iceland with Sean to find out for himself what lurks beneath the surface. Along the way, they hire a mountain guide named Hannah to help them navigate the caves. Eventually they locate this underground world filled with strange creatures and vast landscapes. Once the trio is deep below they have trouble escaping, and the temperature is rising quickly.
This is obviously not the only adaptation of the famous science fiction tale. The first was released in 1959 as a film starring Pat Boone and James Mason. Since then, multiple versions, some faithful, others not have made their way to television sets, movie screens, and even the stage. Constructing a motion picture close to the source would be difficult, and would require a patient filmmaker with an unlimited budget. By referencing the book, and even using it as a handy tool in the center of the Earth, it pays respect to Verne, yet updates the proceedings for all audiences. But hey, it can’t win over everyone.
The live-action family film genre is a touchy one these days. Most efforts don’t last in theaters, and must rely on video word of mouth to generate any type of buzz. Hence the reason the 3D was employed. Pleasing critics, adults, and children with a film that is not overly cheesy, but can satisfy so many age groups, is harder than usual these days. Many harsh critics have labeled this as nothing more than an “amusement park ride.” Yes, it does have those moments (the mine cart sequence springs to mind), but regardless, the point is to have fun, not analyze under a microscope. Those scenes where objects are blatantly stuck in our faces will not induce the same reactions on DVD, and are weakening, but thankfully, Journey refrains from abusing this excessively.
If Brendan Fraser really had the desire, he could generate some Oscar nominations. He has proven that his abilities are broad. The last three dramas he has completed have gone straight to video immediately, or had a short run in theaters. But Fraser enjoys family related comedies and adventures, and that shows he does have a good heart. Here he stars as Trevor Anderson in a familiar role as a somewhat goofy man with an optimistic attitude. This is where Fraser’s charm lies. You either like that, or are annoyed by it. His expressions and the delivery of his lines are funny and engaging.
Josh Hutcherson is carving out a nice resume of PG flicks lately. He can be seen in Kicking & Screaming, Zathura, RV, Bridge to Terabithia, and Firehouse Dog. He is a fine young actor, but does tend to radiate a sitcom or after school special vibe with certain performances. Anita Briem, the love interest Hannah, is a relatively new face who has been on various shows such as The Tudors. She is attractive, and does her part adequately.
Although it’s not absent of scientific impossibilities, one will receive plenty of scientific facts laced in with the action and excitement. It was handled in a way that kids might pick up a few tidbits as they enjoy the ride. Columnists do their best to use large, intelligent sounding words in reviews, but the best one to describe Journey’s world is neat. The action is neat, and so are the bizarre living things. The volcanic tube packed with rubies and diamonds was cool, as was the magnetic rocks, carnivorous plants, and glowbirds. The only scene that legitimately irritated me happened when Sean used his cell phone.
It is worth noting that Indie filmmaker Paul Chart was originally slated to direct this translation, but backed out when the studio wanted 3D. He loved the novel, and did not want it to rely on such technology. So Eric Brevig was hired, a former visual effects supervisor, stepping into his debut feature. His priority was definitely to open eyes with three dimensional images rather than three dimensional characters, but luckily he had Fraser to steer him in a favorable course.
Of course Journey to the Center of the Earth embraces the 3D aspect instead of focusing solely on dramatic tension and character development, but does that mean no room for mindless fun exists for today’s viewers? I should hope not. With the environment as the villain, instead of a cartoonish maniac, I found myself just having a terrific time taking in the surroundings at the core of the third planet from the sun. The romance is pedestrian, and without the 3D glasses, a couple scenes are insipid, but overall this is a good-natured experience.
The 411: I would recommend going to see Journey to the Center of the Earth in a theater that enables 3D, but only if the option is available to you. If not, this can be an enjoyable time by itself. It might be hard to believe, but it’s true. Aside from a few sequences designed specifically for the “wow” factor, the adventure remains the same. Brendan Fraser leads the small cast across dangerous oceans and through over strange terrains that should provide some cool images. The performances are acceptable, the action is good, and that makes this a tolerable film in the end.
