Variety
There's not much in the way of plot -- the story is in the tour through the labyrinthian intimacies of inner Earth. As such, it's an f/x wizard's dream, and Brevig makes the most of it.
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Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D
Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) is a ‘science professor’ who has some pretty radical theories about the earth. Whilst in Iceland on a research trip with his nephew (Bridge to Terabithia’s Josh Hutcherson), they make a breakthrough discovery, and find themselves journeying towards the centre of the Earth along with their beautiful local guide, Hannah (Anita Briem).
Here in the centre, they find all sorts of weird plants, dinosaurs and exotic locales. The film is made using 3D technology, and directed by a long-time computer whiz (a.k.a. VFX supervisor) who has worked on such films as The Day After Tomorrow and Pearl Harbor.
200892 minsUSA
AdventureKids & Family
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D / Reviews
Time Magazine
Neither the acting nor the story matters much here; the movie is simply the sum of its 3D effects.
Full reviewLos Angeles Times
Ultimately, Journey to the Center of the Earth's minor-league visual pleasures will be most enjoyed by those with the smallest number of celluloid reference points, preferably those who have started going to the movies after "Jurassic Park" or, better yet, the Harry Potter films.
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Hollywood Reporter
This first feature by veteran visual effects supervisor Eric Brevig has its transporting, if benign, charms.
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Empire Magazine
Fraser on form, 3D dinosaurs, geology lessons, phosphorecent hummingbirds, killer flying fish, theme park rides, Icelandic babe - what's not to like? It skews young, but is everything an 8-12 year-old could want. Older siblings and parents will have nothing to complain about either.
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Dominion Post
The inanity of the story is efficiently glossed over. And the pace is fast enough to keep the most sugar-laden of tykes happy. I wouldn't want to sit through it again myself, but the audience of seven and eight year olds I watched the film with seemed well happy.
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Christchurch Press
It is a competent mix of adventure, comedy and sentimentality, but what it lacks in depth of plot and character development it more than makes up for in, well, actual depth.
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