Direction: Brad Peyton
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson
Rating: *
Disappointing both on its terms and as an adaptation of Jules Verne’s 1874 novel, this obligatory sequel to Journey to the Center
of the Earth (2008) falls flat despite the domination of 3D effects.
The quirkily-titled Journey 2:… transports a rebellious teenager (Hutcherson, reprising his role from the original) to the titular island to find his long-lost grandfather and fellow Vernian (Michael Caine, merely pocketing a hefty paycheck).
An overwhelming feeling of déjà vu sets in from the get-go. Ill-equipped to handle the fanciful storyline which incorporates elements from the work of Robert Louis Stevenson and Jonathan Swift as well, director Peyton (Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore) aims for the lowest common denominator.
There are feeble attempts at humour to accompany the non-stop mayhem. Patched together with tired formulas, this journey goes nowhere new.
The sole saving grace is the likeable presence of Dwayne Johnson as the lad’s step-father. A running gag involves the former wrestler known as ‘The Rock’ dispensing romantic advice by flexing his pectoral muscles. He even gets to demonstrate his singing prowess with a revised rendition of the Louis Armstrong standard, “What a Wonderful World”.
At best, Journey 2:… is likely to engage the kiddie brigade. Everyone else has been duly warned.
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