Is The Rock costing himself bigger roles?
Surely his physique and past credentials should’ve guaranteed him a spot in an Expendables movie by now! Last year he was one of the deadliest “good” guys I’ve seen on screen in a long time in Faster and he sure as hell brought his A-game to Fast & Furious 5. Dead set, he should be doubling as The Hulk in The Avengers, but are the likes of the Tooth Fairy and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island robbing him of some really kick arse roles?
Maybe, maybe not. He gets the chance to “put boots to asses” fairly often, but the sight of him running away from giant CG lizards or piloting mammoth bees in Journey 2 surely doesn’t bode well for his action hero rep.
But, I’m sure he doesn’t give a shit. And that’s what I love about him. He seems to really love whatever the hell he’s doing. And that helps make Journey 2: The Mysterious Island as much fun as it is.
The original was by no means ground-breaking and neither is the sequel. By the numbers, it’s everything you loved about the first one, only more. Actually if anything, it’s more “family friendly” than its predecessor.
Michael Caine obviously saw this as a fun way to fill in spare time before shooting The Dark Knight Rises and brings his ever dependable charm. Honestly, between he and The Rock, Journey 2 boasts two of the most easy-to-love actors in Hollywood.
I’ve never read a Jules Verne book, so I can’t comment on how they’ve translated over the last two movies, but this is just a fun movie. I don’t know what more to say really. If it’s even an option for you, you’re probably not going home disappointed.
Especially if seeing The Rock flex his pecs to the tune of his own rhythm is on your bucket list!
Not that that is going to get him into The Expendables 3 either.
2½ stars.
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