The movie proves the perfect showcase for 3D. I can't say that it does the same for Fraser.
Comment
10/03/08
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
61
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
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 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... [More]
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Anita Briem, Jane Wheeler
Director: Eric Brevig
Reviews for Journey to the Center of the Earth
Top CriticFraser salvages his reputation as a solid, matinee-style action hero in this family-oriented fantasy.
09/26/08
Top CriticBrevig does a barely competent job of imitating the Indiana Jones movies, and seems more hindered than helped by his chosen format...
09/26/08
Top CriticPoor 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.
09/26/08
Top CriticIt's all curiously uninvolving, and it's only Fraser's goofy grin and slapstick physicality that hold any character interest whatsoever.
09/26/08
Top CriticThe 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.
09/26/08
Top CriticThe stars here are the novelties of 3D, which certainly make it fun %u2013 just a tad repetitive for anyone over 25, I suspect
09/18/08
Top CriticGiant 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 . .
09/18/08
Top Critic...rather juvenile...with many of its shots intended more to show off the 3-D process than to further its story line.
10/20/08
Brendan Fraser's playful force of personality rules, 3D or no 3D, one of the few funny guys who could grab attention away from a dinosaur in assault mode, in the center of the earth or anywhere else on the planet.
10/18/08
It's all good clean fun: a rattling good yarn, in fact, with mostly nicely modulated performances from Fraser, Hutcherson and Bream, emphasising confidence, growth, solidarity and self-reliance.
09/26/08
Top CriticAs harmlessly entertaining as it is, this journey is a few screams and gasps short of a real 3D thrill ride.
09/26/08
Top CriticIf you can turn off your mind, and I know that is pretty easy for most of us, then you'll get a kick out of this 3D journey.
08/27/08
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.
08/05/08
Colourful good fun on the big screen, especially in 3D. Although only kids will fall for the bloodless violence and corny plot points.
07/28/08
This flick is strictly kids' stuff, but with the 3D enticement, it makes for an enjoyable, lightweight good time.
07/22/08
As it is with alot of gimmick movies, there is just not enough material to even sustain 90 minutes.
07/21/08
These filmmakers understand why audiences have put on the 3D glasses, and they offer up visual trick after visual trick in hopes of keeping the viewers wowed.
07/21/08
Most of the movie, directed by Eric Brevig, is as daft, outlandish, and speedy as it needs to be, and, for all its newfangled effects, touchingly old-fashioned in its reverence for the Jules Verne novel that inspired it.
07/21/08
Top CriticThere's no doubt about it: The 3-D special effects steal the show from the human performers in 'Journey to the Center of the Earth,' a family film that's a fun adventure.
07/19/08
Latest News for Journey to the Center of the Earth
March 13, 2009:
Brevig Plots Another 3-D Journey 
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
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
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...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
Dressing Wonderland
Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.
Wes Anderson on Fox
The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Win Glee DVDs
We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.
Win tickets to Cold Souls
Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.
Follow Rotten Tomatoes on Twitter
Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions
Win Star Wars prizes
Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser
Win the entire 007 collection
Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.
Win Fight Club Special Editions and more
We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection
IGN RSS Feeds