Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Eric Brevig, New Line Cinema, PG 93 Minutes.
Based on Jules Verne’s famous novel comes this latest adaptation from first time director Eric Brevig about a journey to the centre of the earth by scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser – ‘The Mummy’) and his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson – ‘Hunger Games’).
In the opening sequence Trevor is asked to look after his nephew, Sean, whose father, Max, disappeared during a volcano expedition many years ago and is given a box containing Max’s scientific notes.
The clues in the notes leads Trevor, accompanied by Sean, to fly to Iceland to attempt to find his missing brother by first locating an older scientist, instead they come across his daughter Hannah (Anita Briern – ‘Elevator’).
To their surprise Hannah offers to guide them through the dangerous volcanic terrain where Max supposedly left his seismic sensor only to encounter a terrible storm that forces the trio to seek shelter before being trapped in a cave.
After falling into a deep cavity they finally emerge to discover a fascinating lost world in the centre of the earth including prehistoric creatures and then the live-in cave used by Max followed later by Hannah finding his body.
After burying his brother and by using his scientific know-how Trevor successfully arranges for the three of them to return to the top of the earth with Trevor suggesting to Sean another adventure to Atlantis during his Christmas break.
Despite this movie being his first major feature film Brevig, formerly a visual effects specialist, has delivered an enjoyable and entertaining family adventure filled with fantastic settings and stunning special effects.
Apart from Fraser’s pleasing portrayal as the professor there are the strong appealing performances of both Hutcherson and Briern not to mention the chemistry between the three of them.
As one of Jules Verne most notable novels it could be said that the French novelist would look down favourably on Brevig’s production even though it does not match Henry Levin’s 1959 classic movie.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth is being televised on 9GO at 6.30pm on Friday 11 December.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
