I'm not crazy about sequels. They generally aren't that great. This one is just OK, but I don't think most kids will be as discerning. In fact, I'll be surprised if they care what reviewers think. They'll just want to go and see the 3D-optional kid friendly action adventure.
"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" picks up a few years after "Journey to the Center of the Earth" without mention of previous star, Brendan Fraser. This adventure focuses on Sean, played again by Josh Hutcherson (soon to be Peeta in "The Hunger Games") and his stepfather Hank (Dwayne Johnson). It starts with Sean in trouble for breaking into a lab, but it's only so he can locate his "lost" grandfather Alexander (Michael Caine). His grandfather, like Sean's dad and uncle, is an adventurer who happens to stumble upon the mysterious island referenced in Jules Vernes books. Hank happens to help Sean crack the code for finding Alexander. This leads to Sean insisting on heading to Palau. Why not? Hank obviously figures the adventure could help the two bond, and maybe that will lead Sean to better decisions. Of course nothing goes as planned. Much of the plot can be seen in the trailers.
I really think this film ends up being somewhat likeable because of Johnson, well know in his wrestling days as The Rock. With anyone else, I think you'd be rolling your eyes the entire film. The "pec pop of love" still made me laugh even though I'd seen it in commercials plenty. Guess Mr. Johnson has a way of making you smile in these family friendly adventure flick he's starred in (Race to Witch Mountain and Tooth Fairy). Otherwise, it's too easy dissecting the movie into one big unbelievable mess.
I think the movie is fine for most elementary school-aged kids. It's rated PG for adventure action and mild language. You should know the main characters are put in perilous situations a few times: helicopter crashes in crazy storm; attacked by birds, an electric eel and a giant lizard; nearly drowning as island floods. A main character gets into a chase with law enforcement where he crashes into a pool and nearly is hit by train. There's also some mild flirting between the teen characters.
My grade: C; my kids' grade: B+.
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