 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
- Review Date: July 7, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Formulaic-but-exciting family action-adventurer.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's plenty for kids to love in this swashbuckling adventure that brings Jules Verne's classic novel to life. Some special effects may be scary for younger tweens, especially the dinosaurs and other creatures that attack humans -- and especially when viewed in 3-D. But there's hardly any swearing and there are plenty of role models, notably a female mountain guide who clearly isn't a damsel in distress.
What's the story?
Ever since his brother, Max, disappeared in Iceland a decade ago, scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) has slowly watched the laboratory they built together slide into obscurity. He's lost his passion for teaching, and on top of everything, he's supposed to care for his estranged nephew, Sean (Josh Hutcherson), for 10 days -- after not seeing him for years. While going through Max's personal effects with Sean, Trevor discovers clues that could explain his brother's mysterious disappearance. With the help of mountain guide Hannah (Anita Briem), the two set off to retrace Max's steps, only to unwittingly embark on a journey unlike any other.
Is it any good?
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH touts itself as being the first digital 3-D feature, and there are moments when the investment seems to pay off. When the dinosaur looms over you, it definitely looms. But for the most part, there simply aren't enough scenes in which the technology appreciably makes a contribution. Which isn't to say that the special effects aren't fantastic -- they are. They'll keep audiences, especially the young viewers the movie seems targeted to, on the edge of their seats. And the world depicted is indeed fantastical -- perfectly Vernian.
The lead actors exhibit a wonderful rapport. It's a good thing: They're pretty much together for two-thirds of the movie. Briem is especially good; earnest but not saccharine. And Hutcherson, from Bridge to Terabithia, continues to impress. But the dialog is stilted, especially in the beginning, and the eventual bonding between Trevor and Sean seems forced. Why not skip the rote setup and just jump into the action instead?
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what the journey means for all three lead characters. On its face, this is a thrilling adventure, but how does it affect them emotionally? Does it bring them closure?
Does the movie do Verne's book justice? If so, how? If not, why not?
Do you think the movie is trying to convey any particular messages?
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AGE
A Disgrace!
This movie was a terrible choice for Mommy’s little darlings, Jennifer (16), Emily (13), Jake (8) and Max (5). Who’s tender little hearts must be protected from the cruel realties of today’s wicked wicked world. This movie was Max’s choice because Land Before Time is his favorite series but these dinosaurs are frightening monsters who have no place in a children’s movie. Max is now seeing a therapist. Also I don’t want Jake emulating that Sean’s cheeky attitude towards his uncle who just wants the best for him. Jake’s already started talking back to me when I ask him to go to school! The way that boy hits on that woman is disgraceful. It will give my daughters bad ideas. They might even think about boys now! And maybe even have boyfriends without my knowledge! And that woman is a bad influence in her tiny outfit reveling her ankles and her midriff encouraging my daughters to dress indecently. All in all this movie is disgustingly inappropriate for children.
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AGE
(:
The movie itself was really good in my opinion. Absolutely unbelievable and wonderfully strange. I love Brendan Fraser as an actor, and he portrayed quite a good role mode in this movie for young kids. There are a few scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat but might scare litttle kids, such as the one's where dinosaurs were involved, but I can truly say I enjoyed watching the movie.
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AGE
Great family night movie!
My son age 9 really enjoyed this movie. It has a lot of action and suspense. I also like the girl in the movie as she is no damsel in distress.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 19, 2010
AGE
Little violence, not much
violent
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AGE
Great!!!!!!!!
This movie is GREAT!! It has really cool affects, and Brendan fraser does a really good job! I have watched it a bunch of times, and it never gets old!
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AGE
Really Funny and Educational
This was really good, and VERY pretty. We watched it in science because we were learning about all that stuff (though quoted by teacher: its unlikely thats all down there) it was pretty funny. The two boys were once questioning who had 'dibs' on Hannah (mountain guide) because she was attractive, she heard them arguing and kept shouting "Guys!" until they stopped, and then she said "No one gets dibs on the mountain guide" -she's also from Iceland. It was all really funny though they nearly died many times, just trying to survive and get out. It was all really amazing. It was sad when Shaun learned his dad died because of the extreme heat down there (body announced, not shown) it was pretty sad, and I got goosebumps during parts of the movie. The scary things are the active situations they get caught in, deadly fish, and a T-Rex, otherwise I think your kids could watch it :)
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AGE
This isn't one of the best movies, but it's a good family movie that must be seen in 3D. I enjoyed it, but it's not good enough to buy on DVD, in my opinion.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | New Line |
| Director: | Eric Brevig |
| Cast: | Anita Briem, Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 89 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 11, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | October 27, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | intense adventure action and some scary moments. |
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