Vernians believe the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne actually exist, particularly the one contained in his tale The Journey to the Centre of the Earth. While Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) remains otherwise convinced, his brother Max, now missing for ten years, was a firm believer that Jules Verne wrote not science fiction, but rather truth. Only now does Trevor begin to put the pieces together concerning his brother’s mysterious disappearance, with the aid of Max’s personal copy of Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

 

Notations are made, destinations marked, and possibly, the explanation for Max’s whereabouts can be uncovered. With his young nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) firmly in tow, Trevor starts out on his grandest adventure yet, to Iceland. The original intent for Sean’s presence was for some male bonding time since Trevor can be a bit of a mess cat recluse. Instead, Sean finds himself embroiled in dangerous situations with an uncle he barely knows but swiftly begins to trust and admire. Along the way, Trevor and Sean add a new member to their group, one Hannah Ásgeirsson (Anita Briem), daughter of a renowned and since deceased volcano scientist and, as it happens, another Vernian just like Trevor’s brother. Hannah disbelieves her father’s convictions, yet offers her assistance to the stubborn American and his nephew, for a paltry $5,000 an hour. As a mountain guide, she leads them slowly up the Icelandic range to the active beacon placed ten years previous by Max.

 

A lightning storm interrupts their sojourn and the trio is forced to shelter in a nearby cave, which collapses behind them. Thus begins their real adventure and the discovery that Jules Verne wrote not fiction, but truth. The only way to see this movie is via 3D. The Journey to the Center of the Earth is amazing in vibrant color and action when watched in 3D. Boulders plummet toward the audience, phosphorescent birds fly into the theater, and delicate feathery seed pods almost appear to land on the seats. Some of the action is quite frightening, such as ferocious fish with razor-sharp teeth leaping at the heroes, and therefore, at the audience. Dinosaurs, man-eating plants, lava, and other such terrors are also introduced. Their impact is just enough to thrill older kids and terrify younger ones.

 

However, most of the dangers are lessened by the presence of Brendan Fraser’s sardonic wit, much as his role in The Mummy required. Wise-cracks and humor are almost constant. Throw a beautiful lady such as Anita Briem into the mix and the guys are immediately awestruck, even young Josh, and tease each other as to who has called “dibs” on her first. Naturally, the winner is Uncle Trevor, every time. Two modest kisses occur. The actors appeared to simply have fun with their roles and no wonder, since who wouldn’t want to discover the center of the earth with its magical and mystical creatures? My one recommendation is to see it. However, be aware that there are perils and some adult themes, such as death, burial, and the missing of loved ones. But, the audience is also presented with a man who learns that the life of his nephew is worth more to him than anything else in the world, even his own life. The movie is brilliant, and fun; a perfect big box office summer flick.