Movie Review: 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island'

"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," the follow-up to the 2008 worldwide hit "Journey to the Center of the Earth," is a simplistic and straightforward sequel that capitalizes on audio-visual extravaganza to capture people's attention. In the perspective of someone who watched it an IMAX theater, this 3D family adventure generally works for its target market. It is a good-natured escapist movie that clearly doesn't aim to become anything beyond its deliberately juvenile and predictable plot. Sometimes bland, sometimes delightful, it mainly presents itself as an amusingly childish, cartoonish, and anything-goes funhouse treat.

This cinematic update to the classic Jules Verne novel "The Mysterious Island" revolves around the story of Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) who reprises his role from the first movie. This time, he receives a coded distress signal from a place not existing in the world map. He and his new stepfather Hank (Dwayne Johnson), a military veteran who apparently has a concealed inclination for decoding messages and exploring unlikely terrains, go to Palau as the starting point for their adventure toward the Mysterious Island. Here, the father-and-daughter tandem of Gabato (Luis Guzman) and Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) join them in their journey to the unknown. This leads them to a land filled with strange life forms, golden lavas, and a lost city. Soon, they face more exciting adventures through the help of Sean's grandfather Alexander (Michael Caine), the one who sent the distress signal.

Just like in the first "Journey" movie, this popcorn flick's entertaining 3D visuals is its major selling point. Although it doesn't get the same creaky charm as its predecessor, it still effectively shows off some fun escape-before-the-big-blast moments and in-your-face 3D effects. Some workable family dynamics also make it a wholesome and genial offering, especially for those without high expectations for a witty storytelling. Amidst the poor character development and script, the likable actors' chit-chats and banters help make its preposterous story a decently watchable fare.

"Journey 2" is almost entirely a CG eye candy that religiously follows the mainstream formula. There is a boy who has the consistent thirst for adventure just like his grandfather who serves as his heroic figure. There is a pretty girl, two different types of loving and protective fathers, and a mysterious island that host many thrilling adventures. The race-against-time moments from a volcano about to erupt to an island ready to sink to the depths of the ocean bring enough excitement to the narrative. The mindless comedy brings fun and laughter to the willing audience including scenes of pec-popping with berries, playing the ukulele and singing "What a Wonderful World," and getting chased by giant animals.

Although the cast injects some life that makes the story more engaging, this movie is still a forgettable adventure flick, mainly due to its dull, clichéd, and uninspired script. Nevertheless, it can still pack a punch for the undemanding viewers who are into old-fashioned thrills and dippy comedies.