TNMC Recent Reviews

Tonight, we saw Eric Brevig’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth (3-D)“, starring Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem.

This looked for all the world like a stupid, derivative, low-rent Disney-esque ripoff of an Indiana Jones flick. But you know what? It was vastly better than the latest REAL Indiana Jones flick! I loved it, and would recommend it over “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” in a heartbeat.

Yes, it was quite juvenile, very silly, and not in the least bit believable. But it was FUN. Lots of great special effects, combined with the best usage of state of the art 3-D effects, to keep you jumping in your seat. I literally jumped about three times.

Basically, a scientist (Fraser) and his young nephew are following in the footsteps of Fraser’s long lost brother, who was himself following in the footsteps of Jules Verne. And of course they discover that Verne’s novel was all true. One harrowing cliff-hanger after another provides thrills, chills, and spills galore. It was silly, cheesy, and predictable, but I loved it. I recommend you see it, NOW!

I must add, this is the kind of role that Brenden Fraser was born to play: silly and frivolous, but making you care about what happens to him because he is so genuine. His facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission. I doubt that many other actors could have pulled it off.

Another note: being the cheap bastard that I am, I brought along my 3-D glasses from “Beowulf” that I got last year; at the theater, I asked for a ticket to “Hancock” at the normal price, and went into this one. Saved myself two bucks! A word to the wise.