Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) is a ‘science professor’ who has some pretty radical theories about the earth. Whilst in Iceland on a research trip with his nephew (Bridge to Terabithia’s Josh Hutcherson), they make a breakthrough discovery, and find themselves journeying towards the centre of the Earth along with their beautiful local guide, Hannah (Anita Briem).
Here in the centre, they find all sorts of weird plants, dinosaurs and exotic locales. The film is made using 3D technology, and directed by a long-time computer whiz (a.k.a. VFX supervisor) who has worked on such films as The Day After Tomorrow and Pearl Harbor.
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
Sometimes the phrase ‘a kid’s film’ is just a nice way of categorising a film that’s badly put together. Hey, it’s only for kids, why bother making it any good?
Journey to the Center of the Earth, is a ‘kid’s film’ conceived with such a sentiment. Accompanying adults might be ruing their decision whilst they’re enduring this glorified themepark attraction (with worse computer graphics than a Te Papa simulator), clutching their temples, grimacing at the forthcoming headache that will result from ninety minutes of characters screaming at them (when these guys fall to their doom, they yell ‘Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!’ and shout things like ‘We’re still falling!’)
But let’s forget plot and characters for a moment. This is a film that was devised in three dimensions, and you’d be foolish to see it any other way. Mostly though, the 3D effect is only mildly interesting, and never wholly convincing. The best bit here is when Sean (Josh Hutcherson) jumps between magnetically floating rocks above a bottomless chasm. 3D-equipped cinemas, out of interest, are in Auckland (Manukau, Albany, Sylvia Park), Wellington (Reading Courtenay Central) and Christchurch (Riccarton).
My main feeling afterwards was that Jules Verne’s classic novel has the potential to be given a really interesting contemporary treatment, and that this junior ‘theme park’ version doesn’t even come close. My secondary feeling was that 3D projection is fast becoming a gimmick when utilised by second rate flicks like this one.
By Andrew Hedley, Flicks.co.nz
I loved it in 3D. A new experience for us all. This is not old school 3D but new with lots of depth to the screen and the story. We'd easily see something else 3D. TinTin if Peter Jackson gets to make it.
Loved it everyone should see this flick in 3d
It is a competent mix of adventure, comedy and sentimentality, but what it lacks in depth of plot and character development it more than makes up for in, well, actual depth.
The inanity of the story is efficiently glossed over. And the pace is fast enough to keep the most sugar-laden of tykes happy. I wouldn't want to sit through it again myself, but the audience of seven and eight year olds I watched the film with seemed well happy.
Fraser on form, 3D dinosaurs, geology lessons, phosphorecent hummingbirds, killer flying fish, theme park rides, Icelandic babe - what's not to like? It skews young, but is everything an 8-12 year-old could want. Older siblings and parents will have nothing to complain about either.
This first feature by veteran visual effects supervisor Eric Brevig has its transporting, if benign, charms.
Ultimately, Journey to the Center of the Earth's minor-league visual pleasures will be most enjoyed by those with the smallest number of celluloid reference points, preferably those who have started going to the movies after "Jurassic Park" or, better yet, the Harry Potter films.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 25th Sep 2008.
Release date: September 25th 2008.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
