Sunday, July 13, 2008
A+E, Movies, Reviews

Brendan Fraser’s latest a nonsensical but enjoyable ‘Journey’

'Journey to the Center of the Earth'

A well-paced action-adventure with a nonsensical plot, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is like the latest “Indiana Jones,” but way down-market. It’s zippy enough to divert the younger set, and those adults who crave mindless escapism. Brendan Fraser—was that really him in “Crash” and “Gods and Monsters”?—stars in another project on an intellectual par with his “Mummy” movies and “George of the Jungle.” In this update of the Jules Verne novel, he plays Professor Trevor Anderson, keeper of the flame at a lab for the study of plate tectonics, named for his brother Maxwell, who disappeared 10 years ago.

Before you can ask, “Are tectonic plates dishwasher-safe?” Trevor and Max’s 13-year-old son Sean (Josh Hutcherson) are headed for Iceland to pursue Max’s research. There they engage Hannah (Anita Briem) as a guide (and the object of their mild, PG-level lust). Her late father and Max were “Vernians,” who believed they could reach the earth’s core through a volcano.

After a couple of mishaps that would kill any mortal, the trio heads to the center of you-know-what. Forget all you know about physics, biology, geology, evolution and logic, as our heroes ride a roller-coaster through a mine, run from mostly prehistoric creatures and endure whatever other cliffhangers three screenwriters can cram in without crowding out personal growth and family values.

Those seeing the movie in 3-D will likely find the effects thrilling or annoying (or both). Director Eric Brevig, who worked in visual effects for 20 years, ensures his first feature isn’t lacking in that department.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” has heart and courage, lacking only a brain. But when did that ever hurt a summer movie? 2.5 STARS—Steve Warren