A Forgettable Journey to the Center of the Earth
Fraser, who had an energetic presence in the Mummy movies and even did well as a bumbler in the comedy remake of Bedazzled, barely registers, and Hutcherson’s transformation from sulkiness to gee-whizzery doesn’t much challenge him either. Briem is brisk and watchable as the all-knowing Hannah, but the film forgets to throw in much attraction between her and Trevor.
Instead, thing move forward as if in a simple video game. The characters work through one situation — say, a stormy sea beset by flying toothy fish — as easily as if they’re walking across the room (“batter up!” says Trevor, and he and Sean bash the little critters with sticks), and then go on to the next stage (say, hopping over a series of stepping stones floating in space above an abyss). The movie’s goal is to be compared to wholesome 1950s kiddie actioners, the kind that little Chip and Maryjane forget by the time they make it home to play kick the can. Mission accomplished.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Directed by Eric Brevig
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem 1 1/2 stars/ 4
92 minutes/Rated PG
One of my fondest memories as a child was watching the James Mason, Arlene Dahl, Pat Boone 1959 version on TV. When I first saw the trailer for this newer one I got a copy of the old one and watched it again. While the 1959 version is a bit off in the special effects (Dinosaurs!?), the story and characters are fun. Thayer David as the villian just can’t be beat. My 13 yo son (who is rather jaded by video games and recent attendance at the Ironman movie) enjoyed it this older version throughly.
So, maybe skip this new one and see the ’59 version. Heck, my local library had it. So, I did not even have to spend any $.
While you’re at the library get ‘Bigger than Life’. Worth it for the James Mason – Walter Matthau fist fight alone.