Though I saw it in non-3D, the movie is obviously all about visual effects which might be pretty good in 3D.
"Journey" is an interesting story marginally developed - Brendan Fraser portrays a scientist in search of his brother who disappeared somewhere in Iceland while looking for Jules Verne's portal to the center of the earth. The quest is initiated when his brother's son (Josh Hutcherson) comes to stay with him for a bit of a vacation and some quality time with his uncle. Brendan's bro, the boy's father, was a Verneian - someone who believes that Verne's novels are based upon fact, and while reading his brother's copy, and deciphering his margin notes, Fraser makes some quick comparisons about seismic activity being monitored by equipment set up ten years earlier by his brother.
To his surpirse, the readings correspond to his brother's notes, indicating that the time is good to seek the volcanic tunnel leading to the center of the earth.
So off they go to Iceland. They find his brother's dilapidated lab and a lovely young lady (Anita Briem) now living there. As it turns out, her father was also a Verneian and disappeared with Fraser's brother.
There's an ore car mine scene similar to Indiana Jones - the whole film has the feel of Indiana Jones lite, very lite.
Did Fraser have his heart in this one?
In previous Mummies, he seems to be enjoying the camp, but this film lacks conviction - was it all about the 3D?
I found myself clenching a time or two what with flesh-eating plants snapping away and a special effects T-Rex hungry for the boy.
I wonder if Jules Verne's story can be successfully translated to the screen.
This film doesn't succeed on that score ... it's an adventure story, with folks using the Verne book as their guide, discovering that, in fact, Verne's story isn't a novel at all.
As for seeing all of this set to film, I guess we'll have to wait for another try.
Here is a classic illustration of special effects being the star, and everyone else so-so.
Worth seeing?
See it in 3D - otherwise stay home and wait for Fraser's next Mummy installment.
