JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

RYAN: I really liked the first Journey to the Center of the Earth. I appreciate an adventure and it was very user-friendly, well cast, etc…

CAROLINE: Now we’ve got the sequel and they’ve randomly replaced Brendan Fraser with Dwayne Johnson.

RYAN: Correct. Dwayne plays a different role, but he’s the new leading man. Well, Josh Hutcherson is also pretty leading in this film and you know… I’ve always really liked him. And I remember while interviewing him for the first film, he seemed very down-to-earth.

CAROLINE: Let’s see if that changes when his blockbuster The Hunger Games opens soon. I seriously can’t wait.

RYAN: I think he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s great in this movie. He’s a very natural actor and I just wish I could say the same of the lady who plays his mom in the movie, one Kristin Davis.

CAROLINE: Oh no, Charlotte?! Was she bad?

RYAN: She was downright off. It’s like she was acting in high school or something. I don’t mean to go all Simon Cowell on one of the SATC gals, but honey, she was painful in this.

CAROLINE: Sad, but I can’t say I’m shocked. How was The Rock?

RYAN: As if I didn’t enjoy Dwayne enough, he actually went ahead and performed a lil’ musical number in this movie. And he can sing! Now if only he’d lose some muscle and thin out a bit, I’d cast him in a proper movie musical. He’s just so charming and I’m going to say this… talented.

CAROLINE: I hear you, though I must admit I don’t think I’ve seen him in much. I never see any of his kids’ movies so I’ll have to avert judgment to you.

RYAN: Michael Caine plays Josh’s gramps and he’s good. And then Vanessa Hudgens isn’t bad. She’s actually a bit clever and cute in this. And Luis Guzman as her dad provides much of the comedic relief and is quite funny.

CAROLINE: How were the effects and 3D?

RYAN: Both great. It’s better than average 3D and the effects were very real. There’s a scene where a giant lizard chases them and it’s as real-looking as can be.

CAROLINE: That’s cool. So it sounds like a good one for the families.

RYAN: Overall, it’s a sweet and cute film, somewhat exciting, that kids will absolutely love and parents will enjoy almost as much. I’d be hip to see a third at this point.

— RATING —