RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
Found a Bug? Squash It! Report Bugs Here
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Box Office
  • | In Theaters
  • | Opening
  • | Upcoming
  • | Best Of
  • | Certified Fresh
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
Movies / On DVD / Journey to the Center of the Earth
Journey to the Center of the Earth

Rate this Movie Help Icon

  • Write a Review
  • Read Reviews
  • Add to List
  • Buy Poster External Icon
Bookmark and Share

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
  • DVD
61 %
Tomatometer
Template ImageTemplate Image

How does the Tomatometer work Help Icon

Reviews Counted:149

Fresh:91

Rotten:58

Average Rating:6/10

Consensus: Modern visuals and an old fasioned storyline make this family adventure/comedy a fast-paced, kitschy ride.

Australian Rating: PG [See Full Rating] Action adventure and some scary scenes

Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

Genre: Action/Adventure

Australian Theatrical Release:
Sep 25, 2008 Wide

US Box Office: $101,653,320

Synopsis: This 2008 movie update of Jules Verne's classic sci-fi/fantasy novel uses the 1864 tale as a template, with its hero, scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), referring to his missing brother's... This 2008 movie update of Jules Verne's classic sci-fi/fantasy novel uses the 1864 tale as a template, with its hero, scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), referring to his missing brother's notes on the novel. His nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) in tow, Anderson travels to Iceland to investigate his sibling's theories, enlisting a fellow scientist's daughter, Hannah (Anita Briem), as a guide. Soon the trio's Icelandic mountain trek descends into a cave and, then deeper still to, naturally, the center of the earth, where dinosaurs and other strange prehistoric creatures still dwell. After many dangerous encounters with the native flora and fauna, Trevor, Sean, and Hannah must find a way back to the surface or face being stranded miles below the earth's crust. Directed by Eric Brevig, a veteran Hollywood visual effects supervisor (MEN IN BLACK, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW), JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH clearly delights in unveiling eye-catching CGI creatures and landscapes. Presented in some theaters in 3D format, the film features lunging beasts and vertigo-inducing visions, which are effective even in 2D, while Fraser, working in the same amiable vein as the MUMMY movies, provides a human focus amidst the special effects. For fans of the ever-likable Fraser and/or the JOURNEY story, there is plenty to enjoy in this effects-heavy adventure film. [More]

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem, Jane Wheeler

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem, Jane Wheeler

Director: Eric Brevig

Director: Eric Brevig
Screenwriter: Michael Weiss, Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin
Producer: Charlotte Huggins, Beau Flynn
Composer: Andrew Lockington
Studio: New Line Cinema

[See More Credits]

  • Trailers
  • Pictures
  • NYCC 08: Brendan Frasier
    >
    Video Interviews
    >
    RT Review Revue Mini - Center of the Earth
    >
    Cut You Loose
    >
  • A Way Back Home
    >
1 - 4 of 5

See More Movie Trailers & Pictures

Reviews for Journey to the Center of the Earth

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
  • DVD
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by source; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 

Poor Brendan Fraser, he must have known he had nothing to work with here, he looks as if he’s sleepwalking through the role, not a career highlight for him.

Full Review Source: At the Movies (Australia) | comment Comment
09/26/08
Margaret Pomeranz
Margaret Pomeranz
At the Movies (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Fraser salvages his reputation as a solid, matinee-style action hero in this family-oriented fantasy.

Full Review Source: Daily Telegraph (Australia) | comment 1 Comment
09/26/08
Vicky Roach
Vicky Roach
Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It's all curiously uninvolving, and it's only Fraser's goofy grin and slapstick physicality that hold any character interest whatsoever.

Full Review Source: FILMINK (Australia) | comment Comment
09/26/08
Jarrod Walker
Jarrod Walker
FILMINK (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The utopian ecosystem setting - dominated by lush rainforests and vast oceans - is magnificent to gawk at, and the 3D cinematography makes fine use of the prehistoric wildlife and unexplained phenomena.

Full Review Source: Herald Sun (Australia) | comment Comment
09/26/08
Leigh Paatsch
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The movie proves the perfect showcase for 3D. I can't say that it does the same for Fraser.

Full Review Source: Sydney Morning Herald | comment Comment
10/03/08
Sandra Hall
Sandra Hall
Sydney Morning Herald
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Brevig does a barely competent job of imitating the Indiana Jones movies, and seems more hindered than helped by his chosen format...

Full Review Source: The Age (Australia) | comment Comment
09/26/08
Jake Wilson
Jake Wilson
The Age (Australia)
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Giant fossilised mushrooms, flying fish with massive teeth, glowing bluebirds, a rollercoaster ride on an underground mine railway and magnetic floating rocks are some of the ingredients of this 3D adventure take on Jules Verne's classic sci-fi novel . .

Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
09/18/08
Louise Keller
Louise Keller
Urban Cinefile
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The stars here are the novelties of 3D, which certainly make it fun %u2013 just a tad repetitive for anyone over 25, I suspect

Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
09/18/08
Andrew L. Urban
Andrew L. Urban
Urban Cinefile
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Its 3D effects aside, this latest big-screen adaptation of Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth unreels like a Hollywood adventure film made many decades ago.

Full Review Source: Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA) | comment Comment
07/11/08
John Wirt
John Wirt
Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

In 2-D, Journey to the Center of the Earth would be okay, I guess, but you'd be more apt to notice the cardboard characters, or the thin plotting, or the way each grave danger seems to be easily solved. In 3-D, however, it's a complete blast.

Full Review Source: Aisle Seat | comment Comment
08/05/08
Mike McGranaghan
Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat

The first summer movie that is both: a) truly comparable to a roller coaster ride; and b) significantly worse than a roller coaster ride.

Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy | comment Comment
07/15/08
Tim Brayton
Tim Brayton
Antagony & Ecstasy

The effects are amazing.

Full Review Source: Arizona Daily Star | comment Comment
07/09/08
Phil Villarreal
Phil Villarreal
Arizona Daily Star

The real star here is the pair of 3-D glasses you're handed when you walk into the theater. With them, Journey is a kick (if not much more).

Full Review Source: Arizona Republic | comment Comment
07/10/08
Bill Goodykoontz
Bill Goodykoontz
Arizona Republic

With crisp images and depth that makes you feel you could reach out and stick your hand into the middle of the action, the movie projected in digital 3-D form actually makes that theme-park ride kind of fun.

Full Review Source: Associated Press | comment Comment
07/11/08
David Germain
David Germain
Associated Press

This flick is strictly kids' stuff, but with the 3D enticement, it makes for an enjoyable, lightweight good time.

Full Review Source: Atlantic City Weekly | comment Comment
07/22/08
Lori Hoffman
Lori Hoffman
Atlantic City Weekly

Make sure to catch this latest iteration of the Jules Verne novel on a screen projecting it in 3-D format because without all the fun visual effects of stuff 'comin' right at ya,' this journey's center will not hold.

Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
07/10/08
Marjorie Baumgarten
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle

Like its early predecessors, it's a nominally fun trip, but it's tissue-thin and instantly forgettable.

Full Review Source: AV Club | comment Comment
07/10/08
Tasha Robinson
Tasha Robinson
AV Club

Simplistic as can be with its cliched squabbling-family dynamics offering little more than a hook for the 3-D technicians to hang their hats on. But for most audiences, this one included, that was plenty.

Full Review Source: Baltimore Sun | comment Comment
07/11/08
Chris Kaltenbach
Chris Kaltenbach
Baltimore Sun

If you can get past the first 20 minutes of the film and turn off all criticisms of bad acting and awful clichés, then you will enjoy this special effects filled adventure.

Full Review Source: BDK Reviews | comment Comment
07/10/08
Kevin McCarthy
Kevin McCarthy
BDK Reviews

Part thrill ride, part video game, part virtual reality, it is a lively and satisfying update of a good old-fashioned Saturday afternoon serial adventure saga.

Full Review Source: Beliefnet | comment Comment
07/10/08
Nell Minow
Nell Minow
Beliefnet
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by source; Australian critics are listed first)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 >> >|
all

Latest News for Journey to the Center of the Earth

March 13, 2009: Brevig Plots Another 3-D Journey Opens in new window
Thanks to a $240 million worldwide gross and some healthy DVD numbers, "Journey to the Center of the Earth" will be getting a sequel, with Eric Brevig back in the director's chair. More...

February 25, 2009: Eric Brevig Directing Yogi Bear Opens in new window
One 3-D project deserves another, so Eric Brevig will go from directing "Journey to the Center of the Earth" to Warner Bros.' 3-D live-action/CGI "Yogi Bear" feature. More...

January 06, 2009: Academy Names Shortlist for Visual Effects Oscar Opens in new window
The Academy has narrowed its choices for this year's visual effects Oscar, naming "Australia," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D,"... More...

October 27, 2008: RT on DVD: Zombie Strippers, Meet Kit Kittredge!
For the week leading up to All Hallow's Eve, there's a surprising dearth of new horror releases hitting DVD. Rest assured, though, titillation and scares can be found in a trio... More...

See All

More DVDs

New On DVD This Week
Tomatometer Percentage Movie
88% 88% Inglourious Basterds
78% 78% The Hangover
49% 49% Taking Woodstock
26% 26% The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
47% 47% The Girl From Monaco

More New Releases…

What’s Hot On RT

Avatar

Avatar

Watch six new clips from the sci-fi epic

20 Must-See Films

20 Must-See Films

Your essential Summer Movie Guide

Sam Worthington

Sam Worthington

We talk with Avatar's action star

Hot Nine Clips

Hot Nine Clips

New videos from the upcoming all-star musical

Other News

  • Top Stories
  • Popular
  • Interviews
 
 

Comments

 
 
Top Stories
Headlines Comments
  
  • New Iron Man 2 Clue Posted Source: Screen Rant
8
  • Gibson and DiCaprio are Going Norse Source: HitFix
24
  • Lord of the Rings Coming to Blu-ray April 6 Source: Hollywood Reporter
5
  • Tobey Maguire Rumored for The Hobbit Source: Latino Review
12
  • Mila Kunis Talks Aronofsky's Black Swan Source: Collider.com
12
  • Visiting the Set of The Sorcerer's Apprentice Source: ComingSoon.net
7
  • Weekly Ketchup: James Cameron Plans a Fantastic Voyage
93
  • James Cameron Talks Avatar Sequels Source: Collider.com
8
  • Natalie Portman Will Battle Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Source: Variety
36
  • Marvel Begins Iron Man 2 Viral Campaign Source: Superhero Hype
12
Popular
Headlines Comments
  
  • Tomatometer Watch: Will Avatar Live Up To The Hype?
235
  • Total Recall: Keith David's Best Movies
82
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: Girlpower Rules Again with Princess at #1
68
  • Awards Tour 2009: Inglourious Basterds Lead Critics Choice Noms
42
  • The Gimmicks That Changed Cinema: Part 1
37
  • The 10 Best Trailers of the Decade?
36
  • Weekly Ketchup: James Cameron Plans a Fantastic Voyage
31
  • The Effects of Where the Wild Things Are
29
  • Awards Tour 2009: Avatar Best Picture at NYFCO!
28
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
21
Interviews
Headlines Comments
  
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
21
  • Director Ruben Fleischer Talks Zombieland
2
  • "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist
17
  • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
12
  • Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary
23
  • James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview
8
  • RT on DVD: Wassup, Bruno
3
  • Scott Hicks Talks The Boys Are Back
0
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview
15
  • Richard Kelly chats about The Box
2
 
 

Sponsored Links

Around The Network

  • Journey to the Center of the Earth at Rotten Tomatoes
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth at IGN
  • Journey to the Center of the Earth at AskMen

Fresh Links

Featured
Virtuoso Vistas of The Lovely Bones
Virtuoso Vistas of The Lovely Bones External Link

Techland examines the visual splendor of Peter Jackson's upcoming film.

Animated Oscar?
Animated Oscar? External Link

Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Twitter External Link

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.

Competitions
Win Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 prize packs
Win Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 prize packs External Link

We're giving away a bunch of stuff from the upcoming Squeakquel.

Win Inglourious Basterds DVDs
Win Inglourious Basterds DVDs External Link

We're giving away five copies of Tarantino's hit, with thanks to Universal. That's a bingo.

 
 
About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Celebs List| Newsletter
IGN Logo

IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.