Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D Review

I missed Journey to the Center of the Earth when it was in theaters, so I didn't get to see it in 3D on the big screen.  After seeing it in HD on the small screen, I wonder what it would have been like at the movies.  I will DEFINITELY be seeing the sequel at the theater (whenever that comes out is still unknown).

Journey to the Center of the Earth follows Trevor, a scientist, who is looking for his long lost brother.  His brother was a scientist and a dreamer who believed there was something at the center of the Earth, however his brother has been missing for 10 years.  When Trevor's nephew comes to visit, he notices an extra blip on the radar screen that Trevor has been tracking since his brother went missing.  Trevor, of course, has to investigate.  Sean, the nephew, can't wait to go either.  Together they fly to Iceland to follow the blip on the radar as well as follow some of his brother's notes and writing.  Hannah joins them as a hiking guide, but not even she was expecting what happens next!  They become trapped in a cave, and while trying to find their way out, discover some amazing things... which you will have to see for yourself!

Brendan Fraser stars as Prof. Trevor Anderson with Josh Hutcherson playing Sean and Anita Briem playing Hannah.  This was a great combo of stars.  Brendan is kid friendly and action packed at the same time so he can really appeal to all ages.  I felt as if Brendan was moving on to more kid movies now that he's gotten a little bit older, and it works for him.  Josh is a cute kid and does well with the part of the nephew.  He's likable so you won't be annoyed by him at all, and he's resourceful as well, not just a kid that can't do anything.  Finally, Anita was a great choice as the hiking guide.  They are really the only 3 people you'll see for most of the movie, so you'd better like them :)

In HD, this movie just popped off the screen.  The special effects made it look like some very imaginative places they were visiting.  I wish I had seen it in 3D and wonder if they will ever bring it back as a special showing.  The movie takes you to some very unreal places so it's not meant to look realistic, instead it's meant to look like something you've never seen before.  Some people say it's too unrealistic... but since when do all movies have to be realistic?  Let go and enjoy some fantasies once in awhile!

There were quite a few scenes that instantly reminded me of a video game.  I really could imagine some of my video games while I watched.  There's a scene where they have to navigate a mine shaft and it really felt like a game as they decided what to do next.  I actually have a video game or two where you have to find your way through a mind shaft so maybe that's why I thought of this.  At any rate, kids who liked the movie will probably like the video game version as well.  This movie was very much aimed at kids but any "child at heart" should enjoy it as well.  My husband missed the beginning but got dragged in to the second half once he saw some of the special effects.

The sequel is probably going to be about Atlantis.  Even though the sequel is still unnamed, the end of the movie hinted about Atlantis and I'm really looking forward to that.  The Lost City of Atlantis is always a fun story to dream about and watch movies about, so I'm sure Brendan Fraser will do it justice.  Check out Journey to the Center of the Earth on an HD TV and enjoy!!