Seen on: July 11, 2008

The players: Director: Eric Brevig, Writers: Gavin Scott, Michael D. Weiss, Cast: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem

Facts of interest: First 3-D live action movie using RealD technology.

The plot: A geology professor and his nephew discover a world inside the world during an expedition in Iceland.

Our quick thoughts: Eric Brevig’s new take on Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is not exactly breaking new ground in terms of story line or character development, but the RealD technology the film uses to pull audiences straight into the middle of the action is definitely worth a trip to the theater. If you really want to enjoy this adventure to the fullest extent, I highly suggest you see it in 3-D, because that’s pretty much the only thing the flick has going for it.

Everybody thinks his theories are just too ridiculous to be taken seriously, but ambitious geology professor Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) is not giving up. So when he accidentally discovers an unusual seismic activity in Iceland, Trevor decides to get out in the field and collect all the proof he needs to win the battle against his skeptics. Along with his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson), he embarks on a perilous adventure that will eventually lead them to the never-before-seen center of the Earth.

In 2-D, “Journey of the Center of the Earth” would not only look completely unoriginal, but it would also be a whole lot less enjoyable. In 3-D however, you have that certain “wow” factor that keeps your eyes glued to the screen and does a pretty good job at hiding some of the film’s flaws. Whether it’s a giant T-Rex trying to rip your head off or big piranhas jumping straight into your face, the list of captivating effects you get to enjoy by wearing those glasses is endless.

Sadly enough, the innovation of Brevig’s movie ends with the 3-D format. Although the fast-paced plot boasts enough visually compelling action sequences to keep everyone satisfied for 92 minutes, it’s the overall lack of surprises in the story line that risks making “Journey to the Center of the Earth” an easily forgettable adventure. The entire movie feels like strolling around a big theme park, and to some viewers a rollercoaster ride on an old mine railway is simply not enough to make up for the lack of a sophisticated story and developed characters.

Although they spend most of the film falling, screaming, running and jumping around the center of the Earth, Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson and newcomer Anita Briem bring along enough enthusiasm to deliver energetic enough performances. I’m convinced they could have done an even better job, but the script really doesn’t give them anything interesting to work with.

Freaky quote: “We're still falling!” – Brendan Fraser

The final word: With a better script, “Journey of the Center of the Earth” could have been a much better movie. The 3-D action helps cover some of the flick’s major flaws and should delight most young cinemagoers, but everyone expecting a little more than just a great look may end up leaving the theater a little disappointed. But if you decide to take the journey yourself, just make sure you do it in 3-D.

Article by Franck Tabouring