Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - 94min – PG

This sequel follows the character from the original movie Journey to the Center of the Earth and is loosely based on elements from Jules Vern’s stories. Its focus is on a younger audience and it does an excellent job of keeping that target in focus but also makes it entertaining for them. This movie is a green light film for its entertainment value for the entire family.

The movie starts out with Sean (Josh Hutcherson) running from the cops because he broke into a satellite relay station. Hank (Dwayne Johnson) is Sean’s stepfather and collects him from custody. In an attempt to connect with Sean, he finds out why Sean wanted to break into the relay station. Sean’s Grandfather, Alexander (Michael Caine), is transmitting messages and he wanted to use the relay station to boost the signal.

Decoding one of those messages sends them on a treasure hunt. The journey takes them to a remote island and they get the help of helicopter pilot Gabato (Luis Guzman) and his daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) to go to the source of the signal and that leads them to the mysterious island.

The director (Brad Peyton) has only one other movie credit but the work on his short films is really great. I liked Evelyn: The Cutest Evil Dead Girl and Bad Luck for their visualization and for their story telling. This foundation flourished in this feature film. What he does not have in experience he makes up for with talent

Younger audiences are hard to write for, because you don’t want to scare them but you want to keep them engaged. Brian and Mark Gunn strike a good balance of the two. They take the action scenes and make them suspenseful without going too far, the same is also true for their humor it’s witty without relying on potty humor.

There are enough tender moments in the film to give the story feeling without slowing down the action. This movie is visual stunning, a great setting or this adventure. The 3D elements are completely forgettable so this aspect is a miss but it’s not enough to tarnish the fun ride.

Warning Spoilers!!!! Adventurous types only behind this point.

The funniest line in the entire film is where they were walking through the dark and scary cave and a spooky sound is heard. Kailani asks ”what was that?” Her father replies “A spooky sound in a dark and scary cave. Can you keep walking please?” Best line ever.

Dwayne Johnson and his "pop your pecks" was hilarious. It was really a cheep gimmick to get a 3D effect into the film but the reincorporation at the end of the movie was what really made it funny. He is right it takes a big man to play a little guitar. That man can “ROCK” a ukulele.

I have always liked Michael Caine as an actor, he has called himself a movie actor and no a movie star. He takes on any role with the same level of attention even if it’s a small part. I love that about him. His professionalism shows in each and every part he does.

My parting shot for this post is going to be a quick one. What is your favorite Michael Caine Movie?