Overall Rating:
Score: 8.5/10
Grade: A
Family-Friendliness Scale: Level 4 (Great)
Kids ages 9+
What if your brother was a "Vernian"? And what does that mean? It means he believed the stories by Jules Verne were true.
Thats' exactly how Trevor (Brendan Fraser) feels. His 13-year old nephew Shawn (Josh Hutcherson) is coming to visit, and he's trying to keep track of how his father disappeared 11 years before. Feeling a bunch of seismic vibrations in Iceland, Trevor and Shawn think it could be something more, so they decide to go to Iceland, where they meet a tour guide named Hanna (Anita Briem). They head off to where the vibrations are coming from, and end up being trapped in a cave. Later, they fall into a giant hole that leads them, to the center of the earth. Everything is beautiful down there, from dinosaurs to firefly birds to piranha fish. And just when they are starting to believe it, they realize one thing, they have to find a way back to the surface, because the temperature is rising, fast!!
Positive Notes
This made-for-3D adventure boasts strong positive role models in both Trevor and Hanna, with Trevor bonding with his nephew and Hanna proving she's no damsel in distress. We also see solid examples on self-sacrifice, teamwork, and bravery. The cast, including Fraser, Hutcherson, and Briem all gave a whole lot of emotion to the characters.
I've already said "made for 3D", didn't I? That's because the film makes full use of the 3D technology. I see things that actually look like they're coming out of the screen, and the special effects are amazing. Like its' sequel, we see piranha fish and dinosaurs come to life through extensive CGI-imagery. And the mine cart ride reminded me of a simulator at a theme park. The action scenes are excellently-put together.
The music score by Andrew Lockington is suspenseful and exciting.
Negative Notes
The effects-driven adventure action scenes are very intense and are too overwhelming for young children. Two brief, innocent kisses and the word "schist" is used as a stand-in for the s-word once or twice.
Conclusion
Brendan Fraser has been an action star for years, starring in The Mummy movies. But can he translate that kind of action with a family audience?
And the answer is surprisingly, yes!! This fun and thrilling action film is a true-blue family adventure, that, despite the frequently intense adventure scenes, is probably one of the cleanest family movies I've seen in some time. Language, toilet humor, and suggestive adult references are nowhere to be found.
I had seen Journey 2: The Mysterious Island earlier this year, and to see the first one is a big thrill to me, I loved the action and the special effects. Plus, the solid examples of family bonding and self-sacrifice are on display.
So for young explorers (third graders on up) and their parents, who's up for an adventure?
So for young explorers (third graders on up) and their parents, who's up for an adventure?
