Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Adventure sequel is clunky but has positive role models.

PG 2012 94 minutes
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 24 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 58 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the sequel to 2008's entertaining Journey to the Center of the Earth. The Hunger Games' Josh Hutcherson is the sole returning cast member, but the tone is very similar to the original. Overall, it's a family-friendly adventure -- albeit one with frequent tense chases, monster attacks, and a somewhat scary helicopter crash (some of which is a bit more intense in the movie's 3-D version). There's also flirting and a kiss between the two main teen characters, and co-star Vanessa Hudgens is often shown wearing a tight, cleavage-enhancing tank top. Expect some gross-out humor, as well as potty talk and very sporadic mild language ("ass," "hell," etc.). This is no cinematic classic, but it is bright and cheerful and has positive characters, including fatherly role models.

Community Reviews

Ludka
Ludka Adult
January 8, 2022
age 15+

Are the producers obsessed with young girls bodies? Smh

The girl playing a teenager is objectified beyond sound reasoning. Too many shots that are unnecessary. Too. Many. There are so many shots of just her body parts without even her head. They're just added and added to where they don't need to be. And the fact that the official rating on it mentions nothing is double disappointing. I wouldn't put any age rating on it because our kids need to not watch this and have their views of themselves and others influenced this way. Could have been a nice family movie.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
Victor T.
Victor T. Adult
February 2, 2021
age 18+

Just like a poop in a punch bowl

The movie would be appropriate for kids 8 and up, except for one problem. The outfit that Vanessa Hudgens wears throughout the movie is ridiculous. Talk about objectifying women. I know that we have all become accustomed to women selling sex, but that does not make it right. The insidious sale of Vanessa’s sexuality in a a faux teenage wrapper is pornographic. Period. And just like a little turd ruins an entire bowl of punch, this movie is ruined by a little bit of exploitation of teenage titillation.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 24 parent reviews

What's the Story?

After surviving his Journey to the Center of the Earth, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) is back living with his mom (Kristin Davis) and step-dad, Hank (Dwayne Johnson). Sean gets a coded message from his grandfather about the location of Jules Verne's famed "Mysterious Island." Hoping for some much-needed bonding time, Hank volunteers to go with him. In Palau, they hire a ramshackle helicopter, piloted by Gabato (Luis Guzman). Happily for Sean, Gabato's pretty daughter, Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), comes with the deal. After crashing on the island, the explorers discover a world of tiny elephants, huge bees, and lost cities. But they also realize that they must find Sean's grandfather -- and discover a way off the island before time runs out.

Is It Any Good?

From the director of Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND is as clumsy and clunky as its title. The pace is speedy, but it seems as though the movie sacrificed logic, character, mood, and rhythm to achieve that speed. Moreover, the visual effects appear soft and never quite mesh with the real stuff. Even the 3D effects don't really add anything except for the occasional "comin' at ya" moment.

On the plus side, the movie has an inviting, warm, open-air feel, and it's more innocuous than it is obnoxious. Strong, positive characters -- including a young woman who can take care of herself -- and family bonding moments are also very appealing. Not to mention that this is the only movie in which you can see former pro wrestler Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. "The Rock") playing the ukulele and singing "What a Wonderful World."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Journey 2's violence and scary stuff. How does its fantasy nature affect its impact? How do the movie's intense experiences affect Sean and his step-dad's relationship?

  • How does the movie portray families? How does that message/depiction compare to what you've seen in other movies and TV shows?

  • How does the movie portray fathers? There's a theme of "missing dads," but there are also great dad characters here. What's the take-away?

  • The first Journey movie was an adaptation of a Jules Verne novel; this movie's title also cites a Verne book but isn't a direct adaptation. What other books does it remind you of? Are there any you'd like to read after watching the movie?

Movie Details

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