The only mystery in Journey 2 is why this movie ever made it to theaters
We all know how movies are made. An idea is pitched to some corporate “big wig”, they like the idea and decide to fund the project. Scripts are written, actors are hired, locations are scouted to shoot at and production crews are assembled. Then, after the movie is shot and wrapped they edit the film and release it to a salivating mass audience that is eagerly waiting to gobble up the latest gem that Hollywood has to offer. So the “how”, in regards to this movie being made, is pretty simple and basic. My question is “why”? In what world did someone look at this project and say “this is a winner”?
Storyline: When Sean Anderson (Hutcherson) intercepts a secret message from someone that he believes to be his missing grandfather (Caine) he begins to hatch a plan to rescue him. Sean’s mom’s boyfriend, Hank (Johnson), sees this as a bonding orportunity with Sean and offers to help on this mission. Sean reluctantly accepts after some convincing by Hank and the duo set out on the adventure with the help of a helicopter pilot and his young daughter. When a storm crashes them on a mysterious island they are amazed to see the magical wonders that the island has in store. But all is not right with the island and the group must find a way to escape the island before tragedy strikes.
I will say this. The movie was entertaining for my little sister. She laughed a lot. So I guess that they did well with something on this film. If their target audience was for only nine year olds…they succeeded. However if they were trying to make a movie that works for everyone, they failed epically.
I also want to take a moment to point out the gigantic failure that is the performance of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. I have loved a few movies that he has been in. The Rundown and Fast Five are both winners in my book. But this “gentle giant” approach that he is taking with his movie career is not a good step. Sure, he may get a few more movies under his belt for now, but this will ultimately end his career. He doesn’t have the acting chops to play a soft character. At least when Schwarzenegger took on roles like that he had an accent to fall back on that made the comedy seem natural. All Johnson offered in this movie was a cardboard performance and, dear God it pains me to say this, a music number. In closing with my gripe about Johnson, it says a lot about a man’s career when he is forced to lap up the scraps of Brendan Fraser. First the Scorpion King and now this. I fully expect to see him in Airheads 2 next summer.
Worth the admission? If you are going to take children to see the film, sure. If you are going because you think that it will be funny and want a good laugh...use that money to hire someone to tickle you. It would be a much better investment.
If you are an adult and LIKED the movie, please let me know what you liked about it.
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