Journey to the Centre of the Earth (DVD)
An optical feast of prehistoric dinosaurs, man-eating plants and glowing birds, Journey to the Centre of the Earth is a roller-coaster ride filled with surprises.
The new 3D offering from director Eric Brevig is like a 90-minute version of a 4D adventure ride at a theme park. Bombarded with visual marvels such as a yoyo jumping at you or a ferocious flesh-eating fish baring its fangs, you're kept on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
But with all its technological achievements, the film fails to pay attention to logic, and under close scrutiny, the plot falls flat.
At the centre of the ride is geology expert Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) who travels to Iceland to investigate the disappearance of his scientist brother Max.
With pretty tour guide Hannah (Anita Briem) and his smart nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) in tow, Professor Anderson sets out to unlock the mystery hidden at the centre of the Earth.
The trio follows the secret codes written in the adventure classic Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. To their surprise, what was written in the book unfolds right before their eyes as they descend to the core.
One of the many absurd plot twists sees the trio venture into a smouldering zone - but none of them sweats at all. If you can suspend your disbelief for an hour and a half, this film is definitely an enjoyable ride.
