Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

His Review:

Josh Hutcherson returns as Sean, who has now become a true Vernian after his adventure to the Center of the Earth with his Uncle.  This time around Sean is without his Uncle as his step-father Hank (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) takes over lead male.  However, this time, Sean is a teenager and wants nothing to do with his step-father, but when Hank helps Sean discover the location to the “Mysterious Island” from a distress code, the two of them set out for the South Pacific.  No one seems to want to fly them to the deadly coordinates but one such pilot (Luiz Guzman) is needing all the money he can get to put his daughter (Vanessa Hudgens) through college.  When the helicopter heads into dangerous territory, it crash lands on a remote island filled with giant lizard eggs, volcanos filled with gold, and Sean’s grandfather (Michael Caine).  The problem now is they all must get off the island before it sinks again into the ocean and disappears as it has for centuries.

Just as in the first movie, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was made for a 3D viewing, but unlike the first, the 3D “gimmicks” are obvious and childish.  The story and special effects again feel like you’re watching something from an I-MAX at a museum rather than a major motion picture, but the second time around, if you don’t put enough to keep the audience amazed, it will crash.  Journey to the Center of the Earth had enough thrills and suspense to keep both kids and adults entertained, but for Journey 2, the imagination is lacking to keep the adults interested.  The addition of Michael Caine and The Rock should have made Journey 2 more likeable, but when The Rock wants his step-son to throw berries at his dancing pectoral muscles for 3D effect when they bounce off, you have to just say no!  I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but if Brendan Fraser had returned, I think it would have made a big difference.  Don’t waste your time or money on this 3D mess.

5/10 Stars – The story, new actors and poor 3D effects sink this movie before the island can.

Click below for links to IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1397514/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/journey_to_the_center_of_the_earth_2_3d/