User reviews

Originally released in 3D (I've not seen it in that format, sadly), Eric Brevig's take on the Jules Verne novel updates it to modern day and sends Brendan Fraser, his nephew (Josh Hutcherson) and Icelandic babe Anita Briem down to, well, the centre of the Earth. Where of course peril and wonderment await in equal measure. As adventure films go it's entertaining stuff as the intrepid trio run, dive, jump and fight their way through the hazards of a hot land that's getting hotter by the hour. The kicker in the story here is that they are saying Verne's novel is true, giving birth to a collective of people known as Vernians who believe this to be so. Therefore for plot drive the book is used as a sort of tourist guide to aid them in their attempts to escape from the Centre of the Earth. Cool or what? The production design is excellent, marking the film out as being very visually appealing, while a number of the set pieces are genuinely entertaining and suspenseful. It moves along at a good clip, too, and the three actors carrying the film engage firmly on the good side of good, especially Fraser, who can do the heroic kooky act with ease.

It's far from being a truly great film, but the makers have at least tried to put their own stamp on the story, making it a sort of modern day sequel to the wonderful novel. But even with that in mind, narratively speaking it's very predictable for the most part, but speeding along as a family friendly adventure the film never once outstays its welcome. Of worth as well is that Briem's character, Hannah Ásgeirsson, is not a token female put in simply to look hot and give Fraser the push to prove his masculinity. Ásgeirsson is tough, intelligent and resourceful, working on a par with Fraser's Professor Anderson, this also sets up a running joke involving the two of them as to who saves each others lives the most times! In 2D some of the impact of certain scenes is invariably lost, though we can easily imagine what the 3D sight of Fraser unleashing a mouthful of toothpaste and water on us is like! But as it is it's a film that is unlikely to garner much love from sci-fi buffs and haters of popcorn pleasures, but kids will love it, as will the adults who don't mind letting their guard down once in a while for a bit of good clean family friendly fun. 6/10

Brendan Fraser again is an amiable action hero with a young nephew (Josh Hutcherson) in tow for a buddies adventure that includes a pretty (but boring) female guide as Fraser's eventual love interest. Let's fact it--nothing original about the story but it does feature some neat special effects (courtesy of CGI), not all of which are totally convincing, but hey, this is a kiddie romp if ever there was one.

Josh Hutcherson is especially good as the adventurous nephew who trades quips with his fun-loving, equally adventurous uncle who is able to strong arm himself out of every incredible predicament.

The scientific angle of the film is just plain silly but the film is fast moving enough to help us ignore all the lack of credibility angles. The roller-coaster ride in the mine is probably the high point of 3D effects if you can see it in that dimension but it's equally thrilling on a big flat screen TV.

The only real asset the film has, aside from a script that is full of some good byplay between Fraser and Hutcherson, is the fact that the center of the film is Brendan Fraser who has lost none of his appeal as an action hero. He keeps the entertainment factor alive throughout.

Fans of Jules Verne will no doubt forgive a lot of the goings on and view this as light entertainment aimed at kiddies more than grown-ups.

Plain and simple: this is a kids' movie. If you're an adult and you saw the previews with some genuinely-scary looking scenes and thought, "Wow, this looks cool" - be warned. Some of it is cool, but most of it isn't.

Most of it is Brendan Franser doing his "George Of the Jungle" routing of yelling and screaming, either trying to find this teen kid or in terror as he falling for being chased by something. In fact, the last half hour of this film will give you headache with all the yelling by all three major parties.

I didn't realize this film was out in 3-D. I saw it on a regular DVD and the special-effects, in 2-D obviously, looked so cheesy. Some of these scenes looked like they were right out of the Tarzan movies of the 1930s with the obvious screen in the background and the actors on a stage in front of it. So, see this 3-D, if possible, otherwise expect it took look pretty bad.

Teen girls in the audience will like Josh Hutcherson ("Sean"), a handsome young kid who looks ad sounds good, until he gets excited and his voice cracks. Ah, the joys of puberty. Meanwhile, teen boys will get an eyeful with Anita Briem ("Hannah"), a very attractive new face. Actually, Anita has a lot of credibility in this role, playing a character living in Iceland who, in real life, was born and raised in Iceland before moving to England at the age of 16.

As for the story, it's a re-make of the famous Jules Verne story about discovering a whole new world (without people) in the center of the earth, complete with amazing birds and frightening animals and fish. Despite the dumbness of the dialog, the first hour was watchable. As with many adventure stories, though, it gets totally carried in the final third of the film.

In all, the movie is fairly entertaining to the degree that adults wouldn't be bored if they took their kids. It's not really offensive except for one stupid play-on-words which is totally unnecessary. Other than that, this is a very clean film safe for kids of most age. There are parts, however, that are way too scary for the real young ones.

Starting with the pros of this film, it looks fantastic. The scenery is imaginative, the cinematography is inventive the costumes are well-designed and the 3D is absolutely mind-blowing. The score is excellent, and the direction isn't too bad either. The acting is pretty decent, nothing great, but nothing awful. I liked Brendan Fraser in the first two Mummy movies and he is good enough in the lead, while Josh Hutcherson who was so good in Bridge to Terabithia is even better. Also the pacing is pretty brisk.

Don't expect a brilliant script or a big, complex plot though. The script can get a little lame and clichéd, while the plot is rather predictable with one too many silly and dumb moments. The ending felt a little rushed too, and the characters are lacking in depth.

Overall, not a masterpiece, but fun enough in perhaps a mindless sort of way. 6/10 Bethany Cox

I was not dreading watching Journey To The Center Of The Earth, but at the same time I was not thinking it was going to be the best movie ever either. I was simply ready to be entertained. Well, when it started up, I immediately became interested, because it looked enjoyable and entertaining and I was being fair on it, no matter how much it was against my nature to try and bash it.

After awhile, as the movie continued on, I got a little restless, and at points flat out bored and uninterested. It was a good movie, but a lot of things were just unneeded and uninteresting, and also they tried to hard to make a cool, awesome, totally tricked out film when they should have focused a little bit more on plot and character structure. (They tried to hard to please the audience, as far as I could tell.) The performances were decent enough, I should add, as well.

Well, overall, it was a nice, enjoyable film, but it is nothing that I would just praise down to the very core of the film, or really care to watch again, because there is not much that absolutely "wows" you throughout the movie, but it entertained, and there were some pretty cool action scenes I guess. Watch with an open mind.

A scientist(Brendan Fraser, also producer) and his niece (Josh Hutcherson) undergo an hazardous voyage to find clues of his father, along the way they face numerous dangers and risks. During the trip, the scientific and his niece hire a wealthy scout (Anita Briem) to find the father who disappeared several years earlier during an expedition to a center of the earth at Iceland. The trio descend into deep caverns and discover a tunnel-rail system leading to the planet's center. They have to deal with lightning storms, endure torrential floods, volcanic eruptions, prehistoric animals and discover a forest of giant mushrooms, but not the lost city of Atlantis as happens in the classic novel.

This spectacular adaptation is a special version of the Jules Verne adventure yarn . There're rip-roaring action, spirit of adventure, derring-do, thrills and results to be pretty entertaining. It's a great fun with nice special effects , breathtaking set decoration and impressive art direction but with excessive use of computer generator. Lavish utilization of 3D cinematography and superb, imaginative soundtrack . Highlights of the voyage includes a roller-coaster trip, strong storms, magnetic rocks, a terrifying odyssey in sailing, prehistoric reptile, a Tiranosaurius Rex, and many others.

Other renditions about this know story are the following : Classic version (1959) by Henry Levin with James Mason as Lindenbrook, Pat Boone,Diane Baker and Arlene Dahl; Spanish version by Juan Piquer with Kenneth Moore, and TV adaptation by George Miller with Treat Williams, Jeremy London and Bryan Brown.

Don't go and see 'Journey' if you're expecting either a solid interpretation of the Jules Verne novel, or a thrilling summer blockbuster. 'Journey' is light hearted fun, but as a piece of light hearted fun, it excels.

The story centres (no pun intended) around publicly abhorred professor Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) whose lab in New York faces closure just as things are getting exciting (cough cough) with his research into volcanic something or other, a project derived from his obsession with the unexplained disappearance of his late brother. To further complicate things Trevor gets landed with his smart alec techy nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) and thus premieres a generic 'odd couple' relationship as the stuffy academic trades words and yo-yos with his post-mod companion.

Anyway, as soon as this gets underway, Trevor finds an excuse to jet off to Iceland where for one reason or another he descends two hundred feet into a volcano and after one big 3D disaster leads to another, he finds himself (big shock) at the centre of the earth, wherein he, Sean and annoying Icelandic guide Hannah (some unknown Icelandic actress making her unconvincing debut) encounter all manner of 3D perils and wonders including carnivorous plants, troublesome fish, massive great geyser thingies, and the impending doom threatened by an up and coming volcanic thermal heating up whereby everything gets roasted...oh, and a dinosaur...he's cool :D.

The good stuff? The storyline is a lot more cut to the chase than I've made it sound, the 3D effects are cracking, and despite being landed with the name 'Trevor', Brendan Fraser makes for a great lead. I've always been a casual fan of his since seeing the Mummy as a child, and whilst this role isn't much of a challenge for the erstwhile Fraser, he commands the screen when he's present and is thoroughly entertaining throughout. The kid who plays Sean is decent support as well. There are some truly great visuals, and although the mine cart chase disappoints, the raft ride does not; it's a visual feast and a great action piece that would be perfect if not for the 'we're on a fishing trip' line thrown in by Hutcherson.

The bad stuff? Hannah Asgeirsson is cringeworthy as the love interest/ guide figure, a character it is impossible to like or even find interesting. The storyline is pretty predictable, and in terms of story and set pieces, 'Journey' doesn't really offer anything that hasn't been done before, and often better. A couple of the jokes fall flat, and the 3D glasses are pretty annoying, although probably not nearly as bad as the film would be in 2D; I can only assume it loses much of its merit.

So 'Journey' is never going to compete with previous genre flicks such as Jurassic Park, but it never really sets out to, which is the salvation of the film; everything is done with a casual wink to the audience; we're all in on the joke that the film is a bit naff. Whilst you're in the cinema it's great fun, but on reflection 'Journey' is little more than a memory jog of better films. Go for the 3D cinema experience, but don't bother with the DVD, because the more you watch this, it's probably going to become more and more tired.

Ultimately, Journey to the centre of the earth is a solid family film that thankfully never tries to be anything more. Good summer fun, and the finest effects you'll see this summer.

Professor Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) receives his teenager nephew Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) that will spend ten days with him while his mother Elizabeth Anderson (Jane Wheeler) prepares to move to Canada. She gives a box to Trevor that belonged to his missing brother Max Anderson and Trevor finds a book with references to the last journey of his brother. He decides to follow the steps of Max with Sean and they travel to Iceland, where they meet the guide Hannah Ásgeirsson (Anita Briem). While climbing a mountain, there is a thunderstorm and they protect themselves in a cave. However, a lightening collapses the entrance and the trio is trapped in the cave. They seek an exit and falls in a hole, discovering a lost world in the center of the Earth.

This nth version of the classic novel of Jules Verne is an entertaining adventure. The characters are nice and there is a strong chemistry between Brendan Fraser and the unknown Anita Briem. However, the strongest part of this enjoyable movie is certainly the special effects. I have just seen this movie on DVD, but for those viewers that saw it in 3D in the movie theaters, the impact was certainly bigger and bigger. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Viagem ao Centro da Terra" ("Journey to the Center of the Earth")

This film tries to adapt to the cinema the sci-fi novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth" by Jules Verne. Book and author are even abundantly referred in the film. However, it creates a new story around the book that is a far cry from what was written by Verne. To begin with, this film doesn't happen in the nineteenth century but rather during our time and the original novel was about a scientific expedition into a volcano, not an occasional incident that runs by chance. The script is pretty basic and far-fetched, runs over science in favor of dramatic effect and abuses the usual clichés of adventure movies, with poorly constructed and undeveloped characters escaping from certain death always at the last moment. There is a lot of silly stuff in this movie and it harms it's quality. The film has a nice cinematography and the fast pace that it takes, along with its short lenght, helps to make it more enjoyable because we forget mistakes and failures that we would be thinking about, focusing on what is happening.

About the actors I can only say that the cast is regular, tries hard but doesn't have much quality material on which to show talent. Brendan Fraser is the sounding name here, but it doesn't surprise the audience. His character is similar to what he had in "The Mummy", reason why it doesn't require a major effort of the actor, whose career fell into the doldrums after his sudden success. Anita Briem is a perfect stranger to me but plays the hot girl contested by the good guys while Josh Hutcherson is the revolted teenager.

In short, this movie is the typical adventure movie in which nothing is credible but makes the public have fun, with appropriate doses of humor and action, some silly romance and a forgettable story. Worth watching if you just want some quick entertainment.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), is not just a movie-it's an escape to a world of wonder and excitement. Based loosely on Jules Verne's classic novel, this film might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it holds a special charm that resonates deeply with anyone looking for a feel-good adventure.

The story follows Trevor, his nephew Sean, and their guide Hannah as they embark on a thrilling expedition into the Earth's depths. The narrative is simple but engaging, filled with breathtaking visuals, over-the-top action, and moments of heartfelt connection.

One of the standout scenes is the mine rollercoaster ride. Sure, it defies all laws of physics and logic, but who cares? It's pure fun-an exhilarating sequence that captures the joy of adventure and brings out your inner child. For those who've ever felt down, moments like these have a way of lifting spirits and reminding us to embrace life's little thrills.

The dynamic between the trio adds a layer of lightheartedness, especially as both guys awkwardly vie for Hannah's attention. It's harmless and funny, adding a touch of relatable humanity to this fantastical journey.

Journey to the Center of the Earth may not be perfect, but it doesn't need to be. It's a safe spot, a warm, exciting world you can revisit when you need a pick-me-up. For those who value movies that comfort and entertain, this one holds a special.

Did not have big expectations going to see this and enjoyed it. If you were a big fan of the original you might be let down a bit by the acting but still very watchable.

The 3D was OK and did the job the scenery was great.

This is the 4th remake of the classic. So far its the best remake.

This year a made for TV remake of the same title also came out almost as if they wanted to maybe confuse people into buying the wrong DVD. Avoid the made for TV one it is the worse thing I have ever seen.

If you are looking for a good night out with the family this would be a good choice.

I will have to admit it was decent, even if it is not in 3D. But it's too campy. The theater was crowded with those types of Kids that would laugh to a retard telling a fart joke. I did not really wanted to see this movie, but since malls suck with scheduling their hours I had no Choice. I was not disappointed with this film, but I was not convinced either. I would have to say wait for it to come on video, that way you can pause and do what you please. The visuals are not impressive, it makes the special effects on TV shows more real, but then again maybe they had their reason. Also the acting was OK, but the direction was way to pushy. I liked the concept of the story, but pushing the realism of science and such makes it WAY to unbelievable. I do not hate this Movie, i just wish they worked on it a bit more.

The film is pretty much your standard Brendan Frasier action romp. Meaning you're either going to love it or hate it. Frankly the film itself follows the standard formula of "people get lost, people get in peril, people make discovery, people get out alive, people live happily ever after".

This in of itself wouldn't make this movie worth the money to see it in the theaters. It's a rental for family movie night.

But the visual effects and the 3D make it worth seeing in the theater if you're with a bunch of friends or are taking children who have yet to experience a 3D movie.

It's not great, but as a group of friends or as a family, it's a good watch. If you don't have a 3D theater, then go and watch something else and pick it up at the video store when it comes out.

Our first mistake was not seeing the 3D version. I had no idea it was even a 3D movie until I got to the ticket booth. When asked if I wanted 3D and that it would be $3 more per ticket, I declined. For one, I hate the paper red & blue lenses 3D glasses. They give me a headache and I hate the fuzzy colors. But according to the message boards, folks are claiming these new glasses are actually glass (or hard plastic), and the lenses are clear instead of red & blue.

From reading these comments, the new "REAL D 3D" is the only way to see it. Oh well, messed that up! I guess you could say I was pretty entertained from the movie but I'm sure I would've enjoyed it more with the 3D. But I know one recurring thought I had from the beginning of the movie, especially the mine cart scene, is that "they intend to make this into a theme park ride". It's very obvious that this will be a roller-coaster ride somewhere, complete with dinosaur spittle being hurled at you, I bet! Anyways, that makes me a little suspect of a film's ultimate motivation when it has me thinking more of the theme park application, than the progression of the plot or story.

So, not sure what else I can add since I didn't see the 3D version. I certainly can't comment on the special effects adequately.

So if you are going to see it, definitely see the 3D - but know that it will cost you more in advance!

I knew this was going to be a disaster as soon as I heard they were re-making it - it was a pretty terrible movie the first time around, and that was WAY back before the internet, CGI, space shuttle flights - WAYYYY back! And then they said it was going to be 3D too - yikes - didn't make me want to see it any more, but I think the 3D is the only redeeming feature in this movie - I mean, it could be made into a credible ride at a theme park, where you wouldn't think too much about how stupid the idea behind this story is.

They did try to change it a little by saying that Verne's book must have been based on fact, but unfortunately that just made the movie even sillier because we ALL know it just isn't possible to journey to this place because we know about science now.

At the time Jules Verne originally wrote this the genre of science fiction wasn't really even invented, so at that time it was a huge hit and amazingly original - but the director should have realized we have come a long way since then and this kind of story (remember The Core - ugh, that was actually worse than this movie!), doesn't work for this generation.

Kudos on the 3D - it's probably the only way this movie can make any of its money back.

Bad luck to Brendan Fraser on having 2 similar style movies coming out at around the same time - this movie could have a negative effect on the Mummy part 3! See this only in 3D - and make sure you're not tired (unless you want to pay for a nap in the movie theater, as you might get bored!).

This is the first 3D movie I've seen in my life, and sadly enough I watched this from the DVD, not in the theater where this movie is evidently meant to be watched, as it really isn't anything else but a display of what movie makers can do with 3D effects.

Despite there wasn't a huge screen in front of me and the 3D was executed with those pesky color tinted glasses, the effects did work remarkably well from regular flat screen TV. There was noticeable depth in the picture, every time something flew towards the screen it looked like it was really coming towards me and so on.

But, and it really is a big but, the movie itself isn't very good. I mean, it's fun for what it is, a simple excuse to watch 3D effects, but the story really isn't that interesting. If there hadn't been those 3D effects I most likely wouldn't have watched the movie.

There is nothing wrong with this movie, as long as you take it for what it is. I was not familiar with this version, I was expecting more of a "sci-fi" version like the original but it ended up being more of a family style adventure. I ended up liking this movie because I like adventures. Its true it is predictable and a little far fetched in some parts but I had a good time. You might think my opinion is biased because I have young kids and watch a lot of family films but that is completely wrong; our kid is grown and we watch all kinds of movies from brutal horror to love stories; (the only thing we avoid are those overly cutesy chick flicks aimed at 12 year old girls). So if you are not overly critical on movie watching and in the mood for a light weight adventure I recommend this movie.

Of Jules Verne adaptations called "Journey to the Center of the Earth" one has many choices. I'm partial to James Mason, Arlene Dahl, and Pat Boone descending down the rabbit hole in 1959 (with Thayer David behind them ). Yet, this 3D version fronted by Brendon Frasier and Anita Briem ("No one has dibs on the mountain guide.") both looks impressive and boasts a well-dialogued script. It reliably delivers good-hearted fun, with a mine-train ride to outdo Indiana Jones' doomed temple.

This being 3D, the movie builds in flinch moments that will all but touch your nose. The process generally works well. However, nothing I have seen on the screen rivals Alfred Hitchcock's canny "Dial M for Murder" for the aesthetics of object placement and art direction in a 3D setting.

It'd be tough to pin down exactly how many times JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH has been adapted to TV and the big screen, but a fairly accurate accounting might be "too many." I've been able to find at least eleven adaptations (a few of them foreign productions, but still productions). What's more puzzling is that in 2008 not one but TWO versions of the book made it to film. The first was a horrible television adaptation in January starring Rick Schroeder (SCRUBS). And the second is this supercharged action version starring Brendan Fraser (CRASH) who's probably best known for his portrayal as Rick O'Connell in the new Mummy series' of films.

The big question as to this particular Jules Verne story's appeal is obvious: Why? Why so much fanfare and Hollywood hype? Many people have been critical of Hollywood and their lack of originality, and if you use Journey to the Center of the Earth as a barometer to that affect, then you'd be absolutely correct; they have to keep reinventing old shtuff because they can't come up with anything else.

Regardless of your take on originality, the one large positive that comes from these hyperbolic recreations is that it introduces a new audience to Verne's masterpiece. And the action in this one is really fun to watch on a big screen with 3-D images plunging into your vision.

Although this edition is cool from a visual perspective, I still hold the 1959 version starring James Mason as the penultimate adaptation. Quirky, funny, and outlandishly impossible (and in technicolor!), the '59 film was an adventure fantasy/SF film ahead of its time. At the 1960 Oscar's it was nominated for three awards, including special effects. I doubt this 2008 recreation will be so blessed. But...

It is fun, however. You can't help but smile at some of the newly introduced lines ("What? You're thirteen, you can't calls dibs." — when the two males in the party realized how attractive their guide was). But herein also lay a big problem: distance from the source material. With the exception of getting to the center of the Earth and how they leave it, there's not much Jules Verne left in here. For a beloved classic, that's a shame. But, again, the film will hopefully introduce a new set of readers to the novel.

It is also noteworthy to mention newcomer Anita Briem as the incredibly attractive guide Hannah. A stunning looker in terms of natural beauty, she not only prettied up the film but also gave a surprising rugged quality to her character. Also of note is veteran child star Josh Hutcherson as Sean. Many will recognize him from his roles in ZATHURA, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, RV, and the soon-to-be-released CIRQUE DU FREAK. He played well next to Fraser and was the sympathetic character most will come to identify with.

The final word...

It's an okay diversion with lots of action and an update to Verne's classic, but it's not really Verne's anymore. Beware purists.