One of the benefits of going into a film with low expectations is that there is the chance that the film could turn out better than expected. If you have seen the terrible 2008 version of JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, then I can’t see how you would expect much from a sequel, especially if that sequel is done by the same filmmaker behind CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE. While watching JOURNEY 2, something interesting was happening, I was actually being entertained. Not because the film was good, but because this is one of those times where the cast actually saves the movie. Most notably Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Luis Guzmán. They both provide the film with a handful of laughs.
In the sequel, the first film’s only returning character, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) decodes a message sent from his missing grandfather Alexander (Michael Caine) with the help of his stepfather Hank (Dwayne Johnson). The message reads that Alexander has found the Mysterious Island from the classic novel. It turns out to be a real place (at least in the film). Hank decides to take Sean to find the Island so that he can bond with his stepson, even though he thinks that they won’t actually find it.
When the pair hitch a helicopter ride with Gabato (Luis Guzmán) and his beautiful daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), they soon find themselves in the middle of a terrible storm that crashes them onto the Mysterious Island. Not long after they arrive on the island, they realize that animal sizes are reversed. You can pick up an elephant with two hands and you can ride a bumblebee for transportation. Watching Luis Guzmán ride a bee while holding on to The Rock and giving him a kiss on the head is truly a site to behold. The peck-pop-of-love scene that is shown in the films trailer is actually funnier in the film when you see the whole moment play out.
The CGI in JOURNEY 2 is a mixed bag. While some is impressive, especially during the scene in which the group is being chased by a giant lizard, which resembles a similar scene in AVATAR. Some other effects look rushed and sloppy. There are a few shots of the people walking through vast landscapes that looks so awful that becomes laughable. The 3D is also mixed. The digital effects look great in 3D but the rest of the film looks pretty flat.
JOURNEY 2 is pretty idiotic but it’s lively enough to keep the kids entertained. All the characters are likable especially Johnson who has great charisma. Hutcherson and Hudgens are cute together, plus Michael Caine is entertaining to watch no matter what film he is in (JAWS: THE REVENGE is proof of that). If you are looking for a fun film for the family, take a journey to the multiplex for JOURNEY 2.
By: Marc Ferman
