Same planet. Different world…Same technique. Different tricks. “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is based on Jules Verne’s book and is filled with numerous visual effects which would require some 3-D glasses in order to see the best of the movie. Not all theaters are properly equipped so viewers have to make their best choices.

As the book is a sci-fi novel, the movie is also far from reality..just the fact that a human being is able to see for itself the center of the Earth is a hint that things might be a bit science fiction. Brendan Fraser plays the role of Trevor Anderson, a scientist whose brother went missing 10 years ago and who teaches small classes.

He is very passionate about Jules Verne’s writings and believes that “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is not entirely a work of fiction and it has some elements that are true. He is also researching volcanic tubes, work left behind by his brother Max Trevor. With Max’s disappearance, Trevor has to take care of his teenage nephew Sean Anderson, played by Josh Hutcherson.

The scientist and the boy set off to Iceland when Trevor sees that some lab apparatus registered unusual seismic activity around the world. In order to get to a sensor that is on top of a mountain, Trevor gets help from a guide Hannah Ásgeirsson, played by actress Anita Briem. Unfortunately, when they arrive at their destination, a storm causes an avalanche and the three hikers remain trapped in a cave.

Although they try to get back to the surface, they always end up closer to the center of the Earth. The viewers’ eyes are pampered by some pretty impressing effects and décors. The characters end up running from a living dinosaur, fighting some aggressive and scary fish. There is also a funny scene when, in the middle of their battle with the fish, Sean’s phone is ringing and he gets to talk for a little bit with his mother. Well…is there’s a signal in the center of the Earth...I’ll be the first to go on vacation there. Otherwise there are laughs and excitement just in the right amount. Brendan Fraser is goofy but still courageous, Anita Briem is smart and funny and they make a wonderful team.

It is definitely a must for teenagers who are fans of action movies and it is also a good family movie. There is action, there is humor, there is imagination and also wonderful images. The 3-D glasses will come in handy.

The movie is about a different world in the same planet, about making discoveries and believing in something that is unbelievable.

Some other projects from Brendan Fraser are: Inkheart, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. He knows the adventurous roles suit him best and chooses his projects carefully. As for Anita Briem, we know the actress from “The Tudors.”

Journey to the Center of the Earth: Action movie
Directed by: Eric Brevig
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem
Runtime: 92 minutes
Release Date: July 11