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Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Formulaic-but-exciting family action-adventurer.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    No damsels in distress here, just a woman clearly capable of taking care of herself and others, which is nice to see in this type of movie. A distant uncle and a surly teen find common ground.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Somewhat violent but not gory scenes of carnivorous plants attacking humans, dinosaurs feasting on anything that moves, and flying fish on a rampage.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Two sweet kisses.
  • Language:

    The word "schist" is used as a replacement for "s--t."
  • Consumerism:

    A fair amount, including mentions of Mountain Dew, PSP, and The Family Guy, plus signage for Iceland Air and the make-believe laboratory where Trevor works.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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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Our Members Say

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See all 29 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Watch out folks, this is the new blockbuster.

    I have NEVER seen a better movie. Sure it has product placement issues, a joke about a swear word, and two kisses. But it is a great film. The film is so long and so good that I haven't missed a chance to see it.

  2. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    "Its a venture for the whole family."

    Apart from that one S-word joke, the entire movie is something you and your kids can get into.

  3. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 2.0

    Silly storyline and poor directing call for a silly poor quality movie. Only worth seeing in 3D. Brendan Fraiser is as usual good, and the CGI is alright, but not really worth the time to watch this.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0

    great

    I think this movie is a great movie and action comedy it is a good choice if u r looking for a love story also it is great for the whole family and all your friends it is an awesome movie

  5. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    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.

  6. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Fun movie, but only because of the 3-D

    The 3-D effects in this movie save it from turning into a typical PG adventure. Kids will also love the effects and will be reaching out to try to grab whatever pops out at them. If you want more effects, see the 4-D edition at Stone Mountain Park or Dollywood.

  8. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 2.0

    Brendan Fraiser isn't really the best actor ever, so it wasn't that great, but there is nothing bad in it so all ages can see it. Though, the dinosaur may scare young children.

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    A Fantastic Adventure Story

    An awsome movie that will keep you at the edge of your seats the entire time.

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    A cool Adventure!

    This film promised to give everyone an edge-of-your-seat-adventure, and it delivered.

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    i would see again

    this movie had a great plot and they did a good job at filming the movie with really good picture and color and really fun to see in 3-D

  12. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 2.0

    ok but very predictable.

    this movie is not scary at all (the effects are terrible) and there is no language, sex, or gore. the guys do try to call dibs on a woman, but neither of them are very serious. younger kids will like it, while older ones will get bored. the dialogue is predictable, and the story is pretty classic. if you want a kid-friendly action/adventure movie this may be the thing you're looking for, but other wise rent something else.

  13. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 2.0

    ok but very predictable.

    this movie is not scary at all (the effects are terrible) and there is no language, sex, or gore. the guys do try to call dibs on a woman, but neither of them are very serious. younger kids will like it, while older ones will get bored. the dialogue is predictable, and the story is pretty classic. if you want a kid-friendly action/adventure movie this may be the thing you're looking for, but other wise rent something else.

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0

    GOOD

    good!! its a good adventure

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 1.0

    Pretty harmless...but boring.

    I took my kids to see this one--they're 11 and almsot 13...were were bored. The storyline lacks staying power, lines are very predictable. A few decent action sequences but overall it just never arrives anywhere. This one doesn't compete with older versions. However, if you're looking for a harmless family flick--this one is okay as long as you take it for what it is.....maybe wait for the DVD rental with 3D glasses--paying full movie price was a bit of a ripoff.

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    very good

    this is a great movie to watch with a smaller child you have. Surprisingly there was no innuendo, or swearing. plus the 3D part was very fun. i would recommend it to your family, whether you have little kids or not.

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arkansas
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    We loved this movie. The 3-D was awesome. My husband didn't want to go for fear of bad 3-D and bad plot, but he was pleasantly surprised. It was like Disney 3-D. I movie itself was good and had some good "bonding" moments.

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Clean, Fun & Intense movie GREAT for the whole family!!

    I LOVED this movie! FINALLY a movie that I took my kids to (6,8,11) along w/ their grandparents and I didn't cringe once about what was being said or what was happening on the big screen. It's action packed & fun! Cant wait to get it on DVD

  19. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Great Family Fun

    I would love to see the 3D version of this movie. It was fun, clean, and just plain enjoyable. The whole family from 9 yr old daughter, two teenage boys (14 & 17) and a 65 year old grandpa thought it was a blast.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    A 3Dimensional Mega Hit!

    My whole family saw the 3D version of Journey and we all loved it. There's actually a plot (not just 3D in-you-face antics). The plot moves quickly enough to get you to the fun action. There's plenty of fun 3D effects, that the whole theater seemed to enjoy (lots of squeals and laughter), but it wasn't too scary, even for my 8 year old.

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