OK for kids 8+
Adventure sequel is clunky but has positive role models.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the sequel to 2008's entertaining Journey to the Center of the Earth. The Hunger Games' Josh Hutcherson is the sole returning cast member, but the tone is very similar to the original. Overall, it's a family-friendly adventure -- albeit one with frequent tense chases, monster attacks, and a somewhat scary helicopter crash (some of which is a bit more intense in the movie's 3-D version). There's also flirting and a kiss between the two main teen characters, and co-star Vanessa Hudgens is often shown wearing a tight, cleavage-enhancing tank top. Expect some gross-out humor, as well as potty talk and very sporadic mild language ("ass," "hell," etc.). This is no cinematic classic, but it is bright and cheerful and has positive characters, including fatherly role models.
- Families can talk about Journey 2's violence and scary stuff. How does its fantasy nature affect its impact? How do the movie's intense experiences affect Sean and his step-dad's relationship?
- How does the movie portray families? How does that message/depiction compare to what you've seen in other movies and TV shows?
- How does the movie portray fathers? There's a theme of "missing dads," but there are also great dad characters here. What's the take-away?
- The first Journey movie was an adaptation of a Jules Verne novel; this movie's title also cites a Verne book but isn't a direct adaptation. What other books does it remind you of? Are there any you'd like to read after watching the movie?
The good stuff
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Educational value: The movie is intended to entertain rather than educate.
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Messages: Families work hard to stick together and stand by each other, even if that requires making sacrifices. Teens learn to understand and respect their parents and guardians. Together, and by using teamwork, the group is able to overcome many giant-sized challenges.
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Role models: The movie's two father figures are both positive role models. Neither is perfect -- they have moments of bull-headedness, cowardice, and other flaws -- but they're completely devoted to their kids and will never give up, even if that means making sacrifices or facing fears. A young woman shows that she can take care of herself.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Giant monsters roar and chase the main characters; many of those chases end up with the creatures getting smushed and crunched. There's a somewhat scary helicopter crash scene and some "gross out" scenes as well.
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Sexy stuff: Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) is shown in slow-motion letting down her hair and removing a button-up shirt to reveal a tight-fitting tank top. Her cleavage is sometimes visible. She and Sean often argue in a flirty way, and there's a kiss at the end.
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Language: Sporadic use of potty talk and mild language -- mostly during loud chase scenes -- as well as insults; words include "hell," "oh my God," "ass," "piss,'' "poop," and ''crap."
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Consumerism: Sean opens and drinks from a Coca-Cola in an early scene. The label isn't clearly on view, but the bottle's shape and color are unmistakable.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue except for a quick, humorous line of dialogue: "What were you drinking?"
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Journey 2 by spyfuller
I loved this movie I went with my 10 yr. old grandson and we both found it very entertaining and very exciting. It was a great movie night out.
5
very fun... by skibum2k3
saw the movie last night. really like it but there were a few parts where the little one was a bit scared. overall it was a very fun movie.
4
A Warm, Kid-Friendly Film With Lots of Heart. by Alon Patterson
You shouldn?t expect too much from this movie going in but you'll definitely find it worth seeing. Even given today's generation of overly stimulated kids, this movie won't elicit rasberries and groans from the younger teens and as for the littler kids, it's right up their alley. Lots of visual stimulation and fun characters brought to life by players like Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine, bring excitement and just a little mystery to the mix. This movie's no blockbuster but instead delivers that old fashioned kind of family movie fun. The kind that relies on visuals, suggestions and a little tale to capture the audience's imagination. See it with your kids or send them on their own. You're safe doing either one and definitely won't be disappointing them or yourself in doing so.
4
Journey 2 by kj4v30701
If you Don't have to be a blood and guts movie person and want something you can take your kids to, then this is the movie to go to. 2 Thumbs up!
5
Wow - Fun, Exciting around every turn. by RSTFamily
Wow - Fun, Exciting around every turn. A Movie Truly Made for 3D !!!!! Excellent.
A movie for All ages...My wife and I saw it in IMAX - 3D. The movie kept us on the edge of our seats. It was fun...we enjoyed a lot.
3
About What I Expected by rhjessup363
I primarily went because a close friend wanted to see this movie. I had fairly low expectations going in. It ended up about what I expected, but to be fair there were some things worth noting.
--The animation that accompanied the screenplay was actually well done.
--The story line was reasonably interesting & was consistent throughout the movie.
--The actors & actresses did a very decent job.
It is primarily a movie for the younger folks (pre-teen). Overall, I rather enjoyed it, so if you like this type of movie, it may be worth your while to go see it.
4
Journey 2 by Irishtwin2
We loved it. The Rock was great and Michael Caine was wonderful. I loved the backdrop and wished I could replicate in my bedroom...love the giant bees and the technology used. My son enjoyed it too, and so did the response from the others in the Theater..
5
Clean family adventure by fourtadpoles
This movie was very worthy of good clean family viewers. Love the Rock and his strong character values. No foul language and positive relationship bonding. I also loved the special effects. Just a couple scenes that were on the " rough and tumble " side..but all was in part of protection not conflict. May be alittle scary for the age of five and under due to the massive size creatures- unless they have already been exposed to this element of special effects due to having older siblings such as it was with my children.
Action,humor,positive relationship building,treasure seeking, clean family movie! Way to go Rock! ! This will definitely be another movie of his that will be added to our DVD collection when released!
5
The Overton4 by GidgettOverton
We Loved it!! It is great they are making must see movies that are suitable for families with small children!! And you get it all...Action, Adventure, Love Story, with GREAT actors/actress-Thank You Rock!! We will be purchasing as soon as DVD released as well!!
4
Mom of tween by sswithenbank
This is definitely not a "critics" movie. You cannot expect too much. It is far fetched, but it is pretty good. It is hard to find films that are appropriate for my 11 year old. Either they are too "childish" or toooo PG-13+++++. We really had fun watching this move. Good family fun!!!