Release Date: June 5, 2012
Rating: PG
Running Time: 94 minutes

The follow-up to the 2008 hit! The new journey begins when young adventurer Sean (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist, a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean’s new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.

Having very much enjoyed the 2008 film, Journey to the Center of the Earth starring Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson, I was very excited to catch its sequel. With one of the two signed on for the sequel, someone just as significant needed to fill Fraser’s shoes. As a fan of Dwayne Johnson’s film choices (yes, even Tooth Fairy), I was even more thrilled to hear that he would be joining the cast. While I find Luis Guzmán to be really annoying and distracting from the more important focus in this picture (though I do admit, I did laugh when he said in the film, “We are literally walking on eggshells”) and I did not buy Dwayne Johnson and Kristin Davis as a couple, the casting otherwise was satisfactory.

As for the story and production of this film, the story was good but the production was simply not on the same level as the first film. It was more juvenile in the sense that even if I were a kid, I would think that they could have done better. That or I’m watching a movie trying to capture the look of an 80s monster movie. The aesthetics are rich and effects not terrible but when it all came together… well, the characters or the actors, I am still unsure which it is, never felt like they were really immersed in the world created here. We were taken on quite an adventure but I sometimes had to force myself to believe what was happening. The whole time I was aware that these were actors making a movie. If you go in with mediocre expectations, you’ll be able to enjoy this film for what it is.

Even with all that goes on with the giant lizards, the race against a flood, and so on, I actually found the relationship between Hank and Sean to be the most intriguing and engaging. But we all know that I am big on characters. And these characters really got me. I wish these two were given more screen time together and certain others less. Still, with all that I was unable to connect with, this relationship was more than enough. In fact, I have not heard about a third film being made but they have set up room for it wonderfully at the end of this film… and I would love to continue the journey with Hank and Sean.

Bonus Features:

* Are You Strong Enough to Survive Mysterious Island? Interactive Map

* Gag Reel (1:16 minutes)

Deleted Scenes (Approx. 5 minutes) – There are five deleted scenes here, one of which I found particularly engaging. In this scene, Hank goes to his co-worker for advice on how to bond with Sean. It was heartfelt but also quite comedic and would have been great in the film. The other scenes were pointless so I’d say don’t bother catching this feature. If you want more Journey, just watch the film again!

Own Journey 2 the Mysterious Island on Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD, or digital Download June 5, 2012.