Andrew McMurtryREVIEW: Journey to the Centre of the Earth (2008)
December 31st 2008 03:20
“Journey to the Centre of the Earth” is the modern adaption of the Jules Verne novel of the same name. It is an entertaining movie. But in saying that, it is another film where CGI is supposed to wow the audiences. Mind you, it is pretty impressive, just not unlike anything we’ve seen before. For pure escapism, this is a great film to see. It has a reasonably good story, impressive cinematography and great use of technology.
The movie begins with Geologist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) carrying on the research his brother undertook on volcanic tubes, which are supposed to be tubes by which you could travel to the centre of the earth. His brother disappeared while researching this phenomenon and while Trevor has been researching it, no new advances had been discovered and his department was in danger of losing its funding. Stressed and frustrated he forgets that he has to look after his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) for the weekend. As it just so happens, this is the weekend that the time is right for a volcanic tube to open and Trevor has to research it, with Sean tagging along. They travel to Iceland, to the home of a famous geologist that his brother theorised with. After finding he has died, but his beautiful daughter, who happens to be a volcanic guide, still lives there, the adventure begins as they fall down a shaft to the centre of the earth. Once down there, they look for a way out. In between the blossoming romance between Trevor and Hannah (Anita Briem) and the bonding between Trevor and Sean, there are plenty of great action sequences such as giant, jumping, flesh-eating fish (which is the time for the corniest lines in the movie), Sean having to jump between rocks suspended in the air, and a run in with a T-Rex.
One of the main problems with “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” is the fact that it takes quite a long time to actually get to the centre of the earth. Then, once they are down there, it feels as though the director really pushed through that part really quickly. There is also the tedious love story and corniness of a story like this but what do you expect with a PG movie. The acting in this movie is ok, but it didn’t have to be that good because the CGI really carries it. There wasn’t any need for any over the top acting but Brendan Fraser is quite a good light movie actor so he does well in this. The science in it is really improbable but it is a fun ride. If that was all the director was going for then he did a good job of it.
“Journey to the Centre of the Earth” is a fun movie. It isn’t meant to be the greatest film in history; more so a light, fun, entertaining ride that will allow you to escape from the pressures of life for 90 minutes. Kids will enjoy it too. It’s an enjoyable film for everyone despite it being rather predictable and corny. There is a love story, some good action scenes and a little bit of comedy sprinkled over the top. I’d give it 3 out of 5
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