Journey to the Centre of the Earth: A Childhood Favourite

Journey to the Center of the Earth is like a thrilling Disney ride packed into a film. The entire movie feels like it’s begging to be turned into a theme park attraction, from the intense dinosaur chase to the exhilarating mine ride and the eruption of the geyser. Every action sequence has that perfect mix of adventure and excitement, making you feel like you're on an adrenaline rush.

While the movie is fun, it does have some world-building issues. The idea that the whole underground world turns into an oven every 10 years raises questions about how the flora and fauna survive. The creatures we see don’t seem particularly heat-resistant, but I do appreciate the idea that ancient fauna and flora may have wandered into this hidden place and became trapped. The absence of hominids makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint, as we barely see any mammals. It would have been impossible for hominids to evolve in such a harsh environment.

The film also manages to weave in some great references to the original book. The plesiosaurs, the carnivorous plants, and even the dinosaur all feel like wonderful nods to Jules Verne’s classic. However, I did miss the reference to the hominid from the book, which could have been a cool addition.

The visuals of the subterranean world are truly spectacular. From the stunning underground landscapes to the scenes of the characters trapped in tubes and caves, it all looks amazing. The bluebird, although not real, was a fantastic touch and made the cave scenes especially mesmerizing.

Josh Hutcherson and Brendan Fraser deliver solid performances, and as a kid, I thought Josh was so cool. He was definitely one of my first crushes. The chemistry between them adds heart to the story, making it more than just a series of action scenes.

Overall, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a total 10/10. It’s a childhood favorite and an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves adventure.