Is it appropriate to think logically while watching a B grade Hollywood film whose clear objective is to entertain the viewers? Is it even appropriate to think? Sometimes, it’s way too fruitful to suspend the disbelief.
We weren’t familiar with 3D in 2008 and in that year, Journey to the center of the earth was released, in 3D. Film flopped but brave makers are back with a sequel “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” which surprisingly is a watchable film.
Protagonist Sean (played by John Hutcherson) wants to save his grandfather (played by Michael Caine) who’s stuck on the fanciful & dangerous island. He must solve a riddle to get the map. Map will lead him to that mysterious island.
Hank (played by Dwayne Johnson) is Sean’s stepfather who not only gets him map by solving riddle but also accompanies him in his precarious adventure. By the way, he was quicker than Sherlock Holmes in solving riddle. Gabato (played by Luis Gazman) is a navigator who takes them to that island via. aged helicopter. We also have one more passenger in this journey i.e. Kailani (played by Vanessa Hudgens) who acts as eye candy and obviously is the ladylove of Sean.
Banter between the characters at times is mildly funny but mostly it’s tasteless and ridiculous. Thanks to the wooden expressions of Dwayne Johnson, family drama here fails to strike the right emotional chords.
Seeing characters battling their lives in adventure films is always exciting and thrilling but for that unpredictability is pre-requisite & Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a film devoid of astonishing twists and turns. Acting by each and every actor is of third rate. At last, film survives because of kick-ass special effects. Gorgeous 3D and CGI are used so wisely that you don’t care for anything else. Makers have injected “fun” element in abundance to keep you glued to your seat.
Director Brad Peyton has really emphasized the word “mysterious”. I came to that conclusion when I witnessed characters riding bees, fighting gigantic lizard and strolling through the heart of the lush green island clad with waterfalls. And how can I forget the volcano of gold. That really was imaginative.
Island here is not as naturally blessed as Omaticaya (Avatar) but it surely has the exquisiteness which makes up for all the faults of the film. Pretend that you are a kid while watching and I assure you, you won’t criticize.
Rating: 3/5
PS: One more film is coming in this series. You must check the title of that film.
PS: One more film is coming in this series. You must check the title of that film.
truely great ! i felt that at sometyms it was all too far-fetched as the journey to the moon wid family and all ! good movie but as u said watchable ! :P classy review man !
ReplyDeleteThanks !
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