Sean Anderson
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Sean Anderson is the deuteragonist in Journey to the Center of the Earth and the main protagonist in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island . He is played by Josh Hutcherson and is the nephew of Trevor Anderson , the stepson of Hank Parsons and grandson of Alexander Anderson . His father was Max Anderson who was found dead in Journey to the Center of the Earth.
It is revealed in a leaked write-up of some earlier renditions of the script for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island that Sean used to be a mule for the Sinaloa Cartel's operations in southern California. His horrific backstory was originally to be showcased near the start of the film in a 13-minute action scene depicting his near-death escape from an illegal Tijuana brothel during a violent raid by the Federales targeting Sean's boss. Although the scene was fully rehearsed and produced- even featuring Jason Statham as the Tijuana drug lord fighting off a Mexican police raid- it was decided not much further into production that the scene be removed, and all intext mentions of Sean's experience in Tijuana redacted from the script. It is widely believed that the completed footage for said scene was comprehensively disposed of by its creators, as no evidence of its existence has been recovered save for the aforementioned write-up by an anonymous set crewman. It is considered lost media .
- 1 Trevor Anderson
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
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It has been four years since the events of the first movie. Seventeen-year-old Sean Anderson ( Josh Hutcherson ) is caught by the police after a brief chase on his dirtbike which ended with him driving into a swimming pool while trying to evade them. Minutes later, his stepfather Hank ( Dwayne Johnson ) arrives where a police officer (Stephen Caudill) who is friends with Hank tells him that Sean had broken into a remote satellite research center. The police officer also tells Hank that he has talked Mr. and Mrs. McGillicutty (the owners of the swimming pool) out of pressing charges. Hank takes Sean home where his mother Elizabeth ( Kristin Davis ) is not pleased with his actions or the fact that he and Hank don't get along well.
Hank discovers that Sean had broken into a satellite research center in order to boost the signal of a code he'd received from someone he suspects is Alexander Anderson, Sean's grandfather who had been missing for two years. Wanting to bond with his stepson the next day, Hank helps Sean decipher the code of Jules Verne characters which lead to three books: Treasure Island , Gulliver's Travels , and Verne's own Mysterious Island . Using the book's individual island maps, Hank suspects they are books of the same island and uses a back light in order to make them all one completed land mass with the coordinates to its location. Hank manages to convince Liz to let the both of them go in search of the island.
They arrive in Palau where their need of transportation to this dangerous part of the ocean attracts a Palauan helicopter tourism guide Gabato ( Luis Guzman ) and his daughter Kailani ( Vanessa Hudgens ) who Sean develops an immediate crush on. They agree to fly them out to the island for $3,000, but the helicopter gets caught in a category 5 hurricane and they crash into the Pacific, waking up on the island.
Crossing into the island, they discover one of the laws of the Mysterious Island that all animals big are small and all animals small are gigantic (inspiring Lilliput from Gulliver's Travels ). The crew find tiny elephants and giant butterflies, which are the first creatures they discover on the island. The group decided to explore further into the island.
After coming across a massive frill-necked lizard when they come across her egg clutch, they are rescued by Alexander ( Michael Caine ) who takes them to a large hut he'd built from the wreckage of the ship that brought him to the island called the Blue-Eyed Lucy. He has a radio, but due to the positioning of the communications satellite it would be two weeks before they could call for help.
The next morning, Alexander leads the group to the lost city of Atlantis which is usually submerged in the ocean and he also calculated that the island sinks once every 70 years. However, the sea water appearing from the ground is the evidence that Hank sees that leads him to prove that the calculations are wrong, and that the island will sink in a couple of days. Their only means of salvation seems to be the legendary Nautilus (Captain Nemo's submarine), hidden somewhere on the island. Kailani enters Nemo's crypt and finds his journal, which has the whereabouts of the ship in a cave at Poseidon's Cliffs. They decided to go to that cave through the heart of the island.
They mount giant bees in order to fly over a high ridge and make up time, but encounter large birds that try to devour the bees. After saving Kailani's life, Sean crashes and dislocates his ankle. Hank and Alexander later patch up Sean's ankle the best they can. Afterward, they have a good moment when Hank sings his rendition of "What a Wonderful World" to ease Sean's pain.
The next morning, the water has risen greatly and Hank deduces that the island will sink in a matter of hours, not days. Gabato is missing having gone toward the island's golden volcano (which was the inspiration for Treasure Island ) in search for the funds to give his daughter a better life. While Alexander and Kailani go after him, Sean and Hank head for Poseidon's Cliffs to look for the Nautilus. Alexander also finally calls Hank by his preferred name, as up to that point he only called him "Henry" and the family makes up.
To deal with the rising water after finding the Nautilus' cave underwater, Sean and Hank make makeshift oxygen tanks and dive down fifty feet in order to obtain the Nautilus and are nearly killed by a giant electric eel. They are unable to power the ship however because the vessel's batteries being 140 years old have run down. They find a way to power the submarine from the electric eel's electricity.
Meanwhile, Kailani and Alexander find Gabato and convince him to escape with them instead of trying for the golden volcano. They head toward the shore as the island begins to suddenly and violently rip itself apart. The golden volcano starts to erupt violently, pouring lava flows all over the area. Highly flammable lava bombs are thrown from the golden volcano into the air and suddenly land on the sinking island's debris. Sean and Hank use a harpoon to get an electrical jump start from the electric eel swarming around them and they are able to power the machine, just in time to pick up the others who had fallen into the water. Gabato pilots the submarine out of harm's way while Hank and Sean fire torpedoes into the path of falling island debris. As they clear the dangers, Kailani finally kisses Sean for his bravery.
Six months later, Kailani and Gabato are well off. Gabato is now running the most popular tourist attraction on Palau providing tours aboard the Nautilus and Kailani is attending college. Kailani goes to visit Sean on his birthday. While they are celebrating, Alexander shows up with a book for Sean's birthday present. Sean opens it to find Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon , Alexander's suggestion for the next adventure with the family to which Liz protests. Hank replies "What could possibly go wrong? It's only the moon!"
During the credits, the mini-elephants from the earlier scene are swimming underwater over Atlantis.
- Dwayne Johnson as Hank Parsons, Sean's stepfather and a former Navy code breaker.
- Michael Caine as Alexander Anderson, Sean's grandfather who is also the father of Max and Trevor Anderson.
- Josh Hutcherson as Sean Anderson, Hank's stepson who wants to find his missing grandfather on the Mysterious Island.
- Vanessa Hudgens as Kailani Laguatan, Sean's love interest who is part of the father-daughter tour guide team.
- Luis Guzman as Gabato Laguatan, Kailani's father, who is part of the father-daughter tour guide team.
- Kristin Davis as Elizabeth "Liz" Anderson-Parsons, Sean's mother.
- 1 Carl Nargle
- 2 Dune: Part Two/Trailer transcripts
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
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The National Wildlife Federation is proud to be the education partner for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, teaming up with the film to inspire families to get outdoors, explore nature, and learn about the incredible wildlife in their own backyard.
About the Movie
When Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist, he and his new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) journey to a place few people have ever seen. It’s a place of stunning beauty, strange creatures, volcanoes, mountains of gold, and more than one astonishing secret.
Download the official movie poster in English Download the official movie activity poster in Spanish Watch the trailer and visit the official movie website
Educator's Guide
Learn more about super pollinators and other wildlife life in the educator's guide filled with great activities!
This guide helps students explore the themes of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in an educational setting. The activities are designed for grades 3 through 5, with extensions for younger and older children. These activities meet national standards for English/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Visual Arts.
Download the educator's guide (PDF)
More Activities
Design a Certified Wildlife Habitat™: When Sean reaches the mysterious island, he is amazed by all of the incredible plants and animals he sees. Kids can discover the mysteries of nature right in their own backyard or schoolyard . Whether it's an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, kids can help create a garden that attracts incredible wildlife and helps provide proper habitat. The National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat™ program provides gardeners with all of the information they need to create inviting outdoor spaces of all shapes and sizes for birds, butterflies, and other animals.
Learn about Pollinators: “Super bees” help Sean and his family. But did you know we need “ super pollinators ” too? There are many native bees in this country. These are species of bees that have lived in North America for hundreds of years. Some people call these bees “super pollinators.” For instance, in a small apple orchard, 250 female blue orchard bees (a kind of native bee) can do the work of 35,000 honeybees. (No wonder they call them super pollinators!)
Green a School: The National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools USA program helps schools green their buildings, grounds, and curriculum. By reducing their school’s environmental footprint, kids can help pollinators and other wildlife—as well as people and the whole planet. Learn more and check out the Eco-Schools USA schoolgrounds pathway to discover tips on how to plant a garden at school.
© 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. Blu-ray Disc™ and Blu-ray™ and the logos are the trademarks of Blu-ray Discs Association.
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Intrepid young explorer Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) traces a mysterious distress signal to a remote island that’s not on any map, and embarks on a daring rescue mission to find his missing grandfather (Michael Caine). Directed by Brad Peyton, ‘Journey 2’ is the follow-up to 2008’s successful ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth.’
On an island full of strange and oversized creatures, the primary challenge for the team was to create a giant, photo-real lizard that aggressively chases the protagonists as they stumble upon its nest.
Led by MPC Vancouver VFX Supervisor Erik Nordby and VFX Producers Julian Levi & Liz Waterlow, the team completed a total of 42 shots in native stereo.
The director’s brief was to create a thrilling jungle chase sequence and MPC were tasked with creating a photo-real lizard that stood 12 feet tall and 30 feet long and displayed a large cape-like frill and sharp dino-like teeth.
With this in mind, the team set about pre-vising the sequence. Knowing that the creature design needed to focus on striking a balance between enlarging a pre-existing ‘real’ lizard, and adapting it by enlarging its main features and textures. The team experimented with the effects on body and head postures, natural gait and the movement of a creature more than 10 times its normal size.
To help with the development and character study work, the team brought in Dr. Stuart Sumida – an expert in animal anatomy and movement – who helped determine the basic patterns and behaviours that the team should aim to recreate. The team focused on frilled lizards and iguanas as the real-world counterparts that the team’s giant lizard would be based on. Walk cycles were later designed and then enlarged to gauge their success.
With the animation set, the environment team went about creating a dynamic foliage system that would allow the giant lizard to run through the jungle and look fully integrated into it. The team built several sizes of appropriate trees, bushes and ferns with which the lizard could push out of the way or destroy. By intelligently placing these throughout the plates, the team could place the lizard successfully into the shots seamlessly.
Finally, MPC’s FX team focussed on adding dust and debris to the lizards footprints as well as smoke which emits from the lizards nostrils after swallowing a CG flare.
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
- Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.
- Ever since his adventure in the center of the Earth, Sean Anderson has been looking for other places mentioned by Verne and other Vernians. He is notified about a coded message, and breaks into a satellite facility to fully receive it. With the help from his stepfather Hank (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) he decodes the message leading him to find the map that leads him to Verne's mysterious island. Along with Gabato and Kailani, Sean embarks on a mission to find his grandfather, the legendary Vernian Alexander. But unexpected problems arise as Alexander made a mistake that could change everything. — Anonymous User - Earth
- After travelling to the center of the Earth, Sean Anderson, now seventeen, has been at the usual teen schemes lately. His latest crime lands him to finding something extraordinary, a key to a chunk of land in the Pacific Ocean. Sean teams up with his stepfather, Hank, to get there, and they meet an overeager chopper pilot, and his teenage daughter, to get to Sean's grandfather, Alexander, only to discover the mysterious island.
- After going to the center of the Earth, seventeen-year-old Sean Andeson goes on a journey to find The Mysterious Island, a legend discovered by Jules Verne. Assisted by his stepfather, Hank, the pair team up with a helicopter pilot and his beautiful daughter to find Sean's lost grandfather, whom Sean believes is on the island. The team encounters monsters, witty remarks, and a deadly conflict along the way.
- A young male, his stepfather, and a pair of travel guides travel to an island that is not as it seems. Once they find out that the island is sinking, they do everything that they can to find a way off the island and get back home safely with the help of an experienced relative. — RECB3
- 17-year-old Sean Anderson receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Unable to stop him from tracking the signal to its source, Sean's new stepfather, Hank, joins the quest that will take them first to the South Pacific, and then to a place few people have ever seen. Or lived to tell about. It's a place of stunning beauty, strange and threatening life forms, volcanoes, mountains of gold and more than one astonishing secret. Together with Gabato, the only helicopter pilot willing to risk the trip, and Gabato's beautiful, strong-willed daughter Kailani, they set out to find the island, rescue its lone human inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island underwater and bury its treasures forever.
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'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' review
Josh Hutcherson's Sean Anderson is the sole franchise holdover, playing the science-loving teen who's now living with his mother and her new husband Hank (Dwayne Johnson). Their relationship is the traditionally uneasy son-stepfather bond, as Hank struggles to connect with Sean until the pair decode a message sent by the latter's missing grandfather Alexander (Michael Caine).
The transmission kick-starts the adventure as Sean and Hank head out to the Pacific in a bid to discover Verne's Mysterious Island. Along the way they pick up Gabata (Luis Guzman) and his daughter Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), who fit the roles of comic foil and love interest for Sean.
Like its predecessor Journey , Mysterious Island seems more like an extended rollercoaster ride than a compelling blockbuster - only now its colourful and eye-popping 3D set pieces don't quite have the benefit of feeling new and fresh.
Director Brad Peyton cranks up the visual awe and wonder, blasting out Andrew Lockington's John Williams-inspired score at key dramatic moments. The motley crew of adventurers have no human antagonists to face, only a menagerie of exotic creatures and shifting tectonic plates threatening to flood the island. It's The Goonies meets Jurassic Park , but with no palpable sense of danger or tangible baddie it comes across a tad Spielberg-lite.
The cast make the most out of a slim script from Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn, with Johnson and Caine's constant sparring a highlight. Hank comically teases Alexander by mocking his British accent and calling him Mary Poppins, while Caine - filling the Sean Connery/ Last Crusade doting OAP role - chips away at his muscular rival's confidence with some precision-guided barbs.
Caine hit a career low fleeing from killer bees in 1978's The Swarm , but here he leaps on to the back of giant buzzing creatures for one of this movie's more enjoyable set pieces. The 78-year-old is his usual effortlessly charming self, though it's hard to imagine that he took on the role for any reason other than a handsome paycheck.
Johnson, a more commanding presence than his franchise predecessor Brendan Fraser, happily sends himself up by firing berries off his "popping pecs" and strumming a banjo while singing 'What a Wonderful World' around the campfire.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island chugs along at a brisk pace, slotting all the required elements into its action-adventure template and coasting on the charm of its dependable stars. It's a lot more entertaining than you'd expect, but don't go in expecting anything revolutionary.
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Produced by, released by, journey 2: the mysterious island (2012), directed by brad peyton.
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Review
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Sean Anderson
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Sean Anderson is a main character of The Journey series, being the deuteragonist of Journey to the Center of the Earth and main protagonist of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island .
He is portrayed by Josh Hutcherson, who also portrayed Walter in Zathura , Peeta Mellark in The Hunter Games films and voiced Nod in Epic .
Biography [ ]
Sean is the son of Max, an adventurer and Liz Anderson and born at an unknown time. Max journeyed to the center of the Earth from Jules Verne's novel of the same, but died by falling into lava after being chased by a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Journey to the Center of the Earth [ ]
To be continued
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island [ ]
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island - Full Cast & Crew
- 41 Metascore
- 1 hr 34 mins
- Fantasy, Family, Comedy, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction
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Sean Anderson and his stepfather Hank travel to a lost island with strange creatures and untold treasures after receiving a cryptic distress signal in this sequel to 2008's "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Along with a helicopter pilot and his daughter, they race to rescue the sole inhabitant as a massive tidal wave threatens to destroy the island.
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
- Action/Adventure , Comedy , Kids , Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Content Caution
In Theaters
- February 10, 2012
- Dwayne Johnson as Hank; Michael Caine as Alexander; Josh Hutcherson as Sean; Vanessa Hudgens as Kailani; Luis Guzmán as Gabato
Home Release Date
- June 5, 2012
- Brad Peyton
Distributor
- Warner Bros.
Movie Review
It’s not that Sean hates his stepdad, Hank.
He’s no little kid anymore, though. And he doesn’t need some new “rent” hovering over him, trying to get into his business. He’s a teenager now and can take care of himself.
Still, it was kind of fun that Hank knew so much about code-breaking from his Navy days. Together they were able to decode that puzzling message from his long-lost grandfather. And they even figured out the clues about the classic novels—Jules Verne’s The Mysterious Island, Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island —how they all fit together and were really about the same island.
It was really cool that Hank agreed to help him hunt down the map coordinates they found and head off on an adventure to find that secret island. They might even find Sean’s grandfather in the process! Maybe he needs to give Hank a bit more credit for trying to be a pretty good dad after all.
How many guys would shell out the kind of bank required to take this trip and hire a helicopter to check out a set of coordinates out in the middle of the Pacific? Not many. That’s definitely something in Hank’s favor.
The trip even gave Sean the chance to meet Kailani, the helicopter guy’s daughter. And boy is she cute! She’s not really giving Sean the time of day yet, but, oh well. All in all it’s been an incredible couple of days so far. And, well, Sean figures he might actually owe it all to Hank.
Sean would probably almost be ready to, kind of, tell Hank how he felt about him now … if that funnel cloud hadn’t disabled their helicopter and they weren’t crashing into the ocean. Isn’t it funny how life flashes before your eyes and things get so clear just before you’re about to croak?
Positive Elements
Hank does indeed do his best to make a connection with his standoffish stepson. And as the movie progresses, the two take great strides toward a true father/son bond. Hank talks of his own dad abandoning him when he was 8. And he makes it crystal clear that he isn’t going anywhere. As unexpectedly crazy as their adventure becomes, Hank always comes back to trying to protect Sean and make wise choices.
When Hank gives Sean a little advice about the opposite sex, his speech includes some wisdom about being sensitive and curbing a teen’s natural instincts—along with just a dash of silliness about “pec popping,” which could actually be construed, in a bit of a roundabout way, as a hedge against getting too serious too fast.
Hank’s sense of parental commitment even impacts Sean’s grandfather, Alexander, whom they do meet in the middle of their journey. Alexander had, in a way, abandoned his family in the pursuit of his research. And eventually the old scientist realizes that it’s not too late to reconnect and have the same kind of rewarding relationships that Hank is forming with Sean.
The helicopter owner, Gabato, becomes part of the adventuring crew after the crash. And we learn of his love and devotion for his daughter. He longs to send her to college to give her a better life, and he puts his own life on the line to try to dig up a large chunk of island gold to make that possible. Kailani voices her love for her dad, but tells him, “We’ll have all the wealth we need—as long as we’re together.” On several occasions, Sean makes brave choices to protect Kailani from island threats.
Spiritual Elements
When Gabato first sees the beauty of the island, he coos, “If this is heaven, I’m checking in.” When he finds the gold, he exclaims, “My prayers have been answered.”
Sexual Content
Kailani wears a figure-fitting, midriff-baring and cleavage-revealing outfit of shorts and a tank top. Sean immediately takes notice of her. And, later, they share a brief kiss. Sean’s mom sports a little cleavage too.
Violent Content
The island has a special “what is normally small grows large” property about it. And so there are several chase scenes involving giant birds, a king-sized lizard and an enormous electric eel. The result is several slo-mo images of upclose chomping mouths and barely missing snapping beaks. The birds and the lizard are all eventually knocked out cold (with the birds flying into other objects and the lizard getting thumped by rope-suspended logs). An enormous spider and some oversized centipedes are a little frightening-looking, but never a real threat.
During one chase Sean falls and dislocates his ankle. A ravaging funnel cloud snaps the tail of Gabato’s helicopter, sending it and everyone aboard plummeting to the ocean below. (The humans all survive. The helicopter, not so much.) When the mysterious island starts sinking, the land shakes, volcanoes erupt and mayhem ensues. Alexander, Gabato and Kailani fall into the churning sea and are moments away from drowning when Hank and Sean come to the rescue.
Crude or Profane Language
Two uses of “heck” and one “crap.”
Drug and Alcohol Content
Questioning someone’s poor choice, Hank wonders aloud what they were drinking.
Other Negative Elements
We see Sean riding his dirt bike to elude the police after he reportedly broke into a satellite facility. Comic relief guy Gabato delivers several light poop and body odor jokes. Hank tries to scare off a giant lizard with a lit road flare: When the creature bites the top off the flare, Hank looks at it and eeps out, “That’s emasculating.”
A sequel to 2008’s Journey to the Center of the Earth , this film takes the same “what if?” premise of the original (What if Jules Verne’s books weren’t fabrications of the author’s imagination, but a record of his scientific discoveries?) and expands on it nicely.
New cast additions add some heft and chuckles. The mysterious island itself has lots of color and pizzazz. And the ride-a-giant-bee-and-pick-up-a-teeny-elephant contrariness of that secret place makes the journey all the more crazy and fun. Plus, the snippets of clues from classic novels make you want to explore your local library shelves.
Then add in the fact that the filmmakers go to great lengths to explore the value of strong family bonds and lasting parental commitment—while the gang is running from the mayhem of giant birds and torrential flood waters—and you’ve got a light family adventure with a fair amount going for it.
During the press screening I attended, a particularly frenetic—but not too scary—chase sequence had just taken place. We were all sitting back from the edge of our collective seats as a character onscreen asked, “Everyone all right?” And out of the audience, a small, sincere and youthful voice piped up with, “I’m OK.”
The adults in the audience chuckled, but that little moment drove the real charm of this pic home to me. This is the kind of movie that will draw in its audience with an exciting ride and a heartwarming message while making sure that even the youngest in the family feels safe and secure. And if you ask me, that’s pretty “OK” indeed.
After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.
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Journey 2: the mysterious island, common sense media reviewers.
Adventure sequel is clunky but has positive role models.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
The movie is intended to entertain rather than edu
Families work hard to stick together and stand by
The movie's two father figures are both positive r
Giant monsters roar and chase the main characters;
Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) is shown in slow-motion
Sporadic use of potty talk and mild language -- mo
Sean opens and drinks from a Coca-Cola in an early
Not an issue except for a quick, humorous line of
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 --…
Educational Value
The movie is intended to entertain rather than educate.
Positive 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.
Positive 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.
Violence & 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.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Sex, Romance & Nudity
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.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
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."
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
Products & Purchases
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.
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
Not an issue except for a quick, humorous line of dialogue: "What were you drinking?"
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
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. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .
Where to Watch
Videos and photos.
Community Reviews
- Parents say (28)
- Kids say (58)
Based on 28 parent reviews
Are the producers obsessed with young girls bodies? Smh
Just like a poop in a punch bowl, what's the story.
After surviving his Journey to the Center of the Earth , Sean Anderson ( Josh Hutcherson ) is back living with his mom ( Kristin Davis ) and step-dad, Hank ( Dwayne Johnson ). Sean gets a coded message from his grandfather about the location of Jules Verne's famed "Mysterious Island." Hoping for some much-needed bonding time, Hank volunteers to go with him. In Palau, they hire a ramshackle helicopter, piloted by Gabato (Luis Guzman). Happily for Sean, Gabato's pretty daughter, Kailani ( Vanessa Hudgens ), comes with the deal. After crashing on the island, the explorers discover a world of tiny elephants, huge bees, and lost cities. But they also realize that they must find Sean's grandfather -- and discover a way off the island before time runs out.
Is It Any Good?
From the director of Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore , JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND is as clumsy and clunky as its title. The pace is speedy, but it seems as though the movie sacrificed logic, character, mood, and rhythm to achieve that speed. Moreover, the visual effects appear soft and never quite mesh with the real stuff. Even the 3D effects don't really add anything except for the occasional "comin' at ya" moment.
On the plus side, the movie has an inviting, warm, open-air feel, and it's more innocuous than it is obnoxious. Strong, positive characters -- including a young woman who can take care of herself -- and family bonding moments are also very appealing. Not to mention that this is the only movie in which you can see former pro wrestler Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. "The Rock") playing the ukulele and singing "What a Wonderful World."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 10, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : June 5, 2012
- Cast : Dwayne The Rock Johnson , Josh Hutcherson , Vanessa Hudgens
- Director : Brad Peyton
- Inclusion Information : Female actors, Asian actors
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating : PG
- MPAA explanation : some adventure action, and brief mild language
- Last updated : July 4, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Our editors recommend.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
National Treasure
Night at the Museum
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Excellent adventure movies for family fun, adventure books, related topics.
- Magic and Fantasy
Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Blu-Ray Review
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is an enjoyable film that will surely please the little ones without feeling like a chore for parents. It's harmless entertainment.
Dwayne Johnson shifts out of the action and violence in favor of a more family-oriented action adventure film that offers up plenty of laughs and plenty of fun. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a harmless film that will please all audiences. Kids will enjoy the visuals and easy-going thrills, while adults will appreciate the film for its sense of humor and charming cast.
Sean ( Josh Hutcherson ) is a slightly rebellious teenager that receives a transmission from his missing grandfather Alexander ( Michael Caine ). He hopes to go on a wild adventure to find his grandfather, so Sean and his mother’s new husband Hank ( Dwayne Johnson ) pack up and prepare for a journey of a lifetime.
They get paired with a pilot (Luis Guzmán ) and his daughter ( Vanessa Hudgens ) and from that point the gang gets thrown in the middle of a dangerous storm, which leads them directly to The Mysterious Island. On this island things appear like never before, with big creatures looking tiny and small creatures appearing as giants. Everything is different and more dangerous.
It’s not long before the group runs into Alexander and soon after they realize the island is a ticking time bomb waiting to disappear. They must now journey home, which requires teamwork, speed and the ability to not get eaten by giant dinosaur or lizard creatures.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is exactly the right kind of child-friendly fun that needs to be occupying more theaters. It’s very hard to balance PG humor and make it appeal to both kids and adults. Most of the time you’ll have to sacrifice one age group for the other, but Journey 2 doesn’t have to do that because it knows just how serious to take itself.
Brad Peyton directs this family fun flick with enough danger and excitement to thrill the kids and a hefty surplus of jokes and gags to make even the adults laugh. It’s a refreshingly fun film that I absolutely adored.
Dwayne Johnson continues his hot streak, bouncing from the action-packed Fast Five to this and he has not a single problem with the transition. Johnson had a bit of a slump earlier in his career where he specifically acted only in flicks like this, but it’s great to see him stretching his acting muscles and switching it up between something like Fast Five and then moving onto Journey 2 , because he has no problem playing comedic roles or action-heavy ones that require a more serious approach.
Josh Hutcherson and Vanessa Hudgens offer up the young talent and both do what’s expected. Hutcherson is kind of whiny and hard to connect with at first, but he opens up and becomes much more tolerable as the film progresses. Hudgens is essentially eye-candy and she has no problem convincing you that she can pull it off.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I actually enjoyed Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. It successfully achieves the goal of being a family fun film that works for all ages. Everyone can find something to smile about while watching Journey 2 and that’s a rare thing in a day and age where kid’s movies are dumbed down beyond belief and adult movies are so oriented on grit and reality.
It’s nice to know that some movies can still find an enjoyable balance and make for an entertaining way to kill an hour or two. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is full of action, adventure and comedy and that should be more than enough to satisfy anyone that though the trailer looked mildly entertaining.
Journey 2 was filmed and promoted for 3D, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise when I tell you the film looks kind of flat in 2D. Colors are bright and beautiful and detail is fine, but as much as it looks great on 2D you’ll notice more than one scene that just begs to be watched in the full-3D experience. As is Journey 2 looks terrific on 2D Blu-Ray, but if you have the proper setup for 3D I’d suggest securing the 3D combo pack for your collection.
Fun is translated well on this 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. It’s loud and over-the-top, which equates to a rewarding experience that’ll take your surround setup to full capacity. There’s rarely a soft or dull moment, making this yet another impressive Warner Bros. title.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island comes with the following bonus content:
- Are You Strong Enough to Survive Mysterious Island? (HD): An interactive map that journeys across the island, providing you a look at various making-of features like practical effects, visual effects and location shooting.
- Deleted Scenes (HD): 6 minutes of unfinished deleted scenes that thankfully were cut.
- Gag Reel (HD): A very brief gag reel that offers up a few more chuckles.
- UltraViolet Digital Copy
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is without a doubt one of the better family adventure films of the year. I think most will be surprised by just how much fun can be found in this film and that’s mostly because of its cast and director Brad Peyton ‘s ability to use such a cast so effectively. He knows exactly how to get the right performances out of people like Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine and Peyton also knows how to find something that brings out the inner-adventurer in all of us.
The Blu-Ray is another impressive one from Warner Bros., despite the short list of special features. Families will want to pick up a copy of this for future road trips and family adventures, while Blu-Ray junkies will want to seek out the 3D combo pack to impress the guests. If 3D isn’t your thing then the 2D combo should suffice.
This review is based on a copy of the Blu-Ray that we received for reviewing purposes.
First Trailer for JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND Trailer. Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens star in the 3D Journey of the Center of the Earth sequel.
With the release date of February 10, 2012 quickly approaching, Warner Bros. has rolled out a new trailer for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3D. The sequel to the 2008 original starring Brendan Fraser, Journey 2 sees the return of Sean Anderson ( Josh Hutcherson ) as he sets off in search of his grandfather ( Michael Caine ). Accompanied by his stepfather, Hank Parsons ( Dwayne Johnson ) and guided by the helicopter pilot Gabato ( Luis Guzman ) and his tough daughter Kailani ( Vanessa Hudgens ), the group sets off to find “Mysterious Island.” Hit the jump to check out the trailer.
Via Yahoo! :
The trailer features a lot of looks at the island’s settings as well as the myriad of creatures the groups comes into contact with. While the absence of Fraser is noticeable, Guzman and Johnson are more than capable at injecting humor into their scenes. However, I know what I’m going to get with a Brendan Fraser movie and I don’t quite feel that same level of assuredness with The Rock stepping into the role (more or less). I do know that I’m definitely looking forward to his return to action movies. “The pec pop of love,” anyone?
There appear to be just as many 3D gimmicks in the sequel as there were the first time around, although this time, Sean (Hutcherson) looks like he gets his own chance at romance via Hudgens. Directed by Brad Peyton ( Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore ), Journey 2: The Mysterious Island also stars Kristin Davis ( Sex and the City ) and was written by Brian and Mark Gunn ( Bring It On Again ). Get caught up with all of our Journey 2 coverage here .
Here's the official synopsis:
The new journey begins when young adventurer Sean (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist–a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean’s new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.
Where Was Journey 2 The Mysterious Island Filmed?
Brad Peyton helmed the blockbuster adventure movie ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,’ the second installment in the Jules Verne-inspired ‘Journey’ series. Upon discovering a signal from Sean’s grandfather Alexander Anderson, Sean and his stepdad, Hank, set out for a sprawling adventure filled with lush greenery and uncanny creatures. They arrive in the far-flung island country of Palau, regroup with Alexander thanks to a cyclone, and embark on a search for the lost city of Atlantis.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivers a hilarious performance alongside Michael Caine , Luis Guzmán, Vanessa Hudgens , and Josh Hutcherson. Most of the story unveils in the turbulent pacific, while the finale takes place on a dreamy island. However, you may seek to identify the locations where the movie was filmed. If that is the case, let us divulge before you everything we know.
Journey 2 The Mysterious Island Filming Locations
‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ was filmed in locations in and around the U.S., especially in Hawaii. Filming commenced on October 25, 2010, and was wrapped up by December 15 of the same year. Let us now take you to the specific locations where the movie was filmed!
O’ahu, Hawaii
Most parts of the movie were filmed in Hawaii, possibly including the Atlantis scenes. The director took his team to Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre vast nature reserve, event venue, cattle ranch, and most importantly, a famous filming destination in Hawaii. Situated at 49560 Kamehameha Highway in the community of Ka’a’awa, at around 24 miles from Honolulu, the ranch is a popular tourist destination in the city.
The reserve has been home to more than 79 movie productions, including blockbusters such as ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘ 50 First Dates ,’ and ‘Pearl Harbor.’ Look for the scene where they are heading towards the submarine, at around 46 minutes mark. You can locate the open space where filming of ‘ Jurassic Park ‘ took place.
Several scenes were also filmed at the Waimea Bay and its adjacent Waimea Bay Beach Park, located at 61-31 Kamehameha Highway in the community of Haleiwa along the north shore of O’ahu. Due to its situation at the mouth of the Waimea River and the proximity of several tourist places, Waimea Bay sees footfall all around the year. In the summer, you can go out surfing, while in the winter, you can enjoy the view of the towering waves with a bonfire.
Wilmington, North Carolina
The production team carried out several scenes in a controlled studio environment. The movie presumably contains several CGI-aided sequences, and the scenes were possibly developed in a full-service production facility in the community of Wilmington off the coast of North Carolina. EUE / Screen Gems Studios, a movie production facility located at 1223 North 23rd Street, lent its premises to film scenes.
The 50-acre expansive studio facility features ten fully equipped soundstages and a back-lot to tackle any global-scale production. Since its inception in 1985, more than 400 titles have come out of the studio. Movies filmed in the studio include blockbusters such as ‘ The Conjuring ‘ and ‘Iron Man 3.’ ‘Iron Man 3’ was one of the most significant projects the studio had ever seen, with filming taking place in all the ten soundstages simultaneously.
New York City, New York
Lastly, a few scenes at the movie’s beginning were filmed on location in New York City. New York City remains one of the most iconic places to shoot a film due to the city’s cultural significance. From Martin Scorsese’s ‘ Taxi Driver ‘ to Woody Allen ‘s ‘ Manhattan ,’ the towering landscape of New York City has been featured in timeless classics.
Read More: Best Dwayne Johnson Movies
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Giant Lizard (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island)
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The Giant Lizard is a massive frilled-necked lizard which inhabits an uncharted island. This species apparently lays eggs and exhibits parental care towards them, guarding the nest and attacking those which pose a threat to the eggs.
Appearances [ ]
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
- 1 Machine Elf
- 2 Faun (Pan's Labyrinth)
Where was Journey 2: The Mysterious Island filmed?
City locations.
K'a'awa (USA), O'ahu (USA), New York (USA), Wilmington (USA)
Location Types
Ranch, Film Studio, Unusual
Location Styles
Beachfront, Tropical, Muscle, Helicopter Style, Sail
About Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is an exciting and thrilling adventure movie that follows the story of Sean Anderson, a teenager who teams up with his mom’s husband in order to find his missing grandfather on a mythical island. In their search, they embark on a mesmerizing journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that take them across breathtaking landscapes and unimaginable creatures.
Along the way, they also face trying circumstances that call for courage, problem-solving, and collaboration. The mysterious island they find themselves on proves to be full of surprises as they discover secrets that help them make it out alive.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island features a star-studded cast including Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzmán, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens, and Kristin Davis. It’s the follow-up to Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), which was written by Richard Outten, Brian Gunn, and Mark Gunn.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Locations
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was primarily filmed in Honolulu, Hawaii, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The picturesque coasts and sweeping landscapes of Oahu provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for the film's scenes. From Diamond Head to Hanauma Bay, Honolulu is a perfect place to bring classic literature, like Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth, to life onscreen. With its lush jungles and majestic waterfalls, viewers can practically feel as if they are part of the adventure.
A trip to visit locations from Journey 2: The Mysterious Island would be worthwhile for any fan of the film or avid explorer. From Waimanalo Beach Park where much of the movie was shot, to Nuuanu Pali Lookout which served as a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for several scenes; there are plenty of sights and activities that will transport visitors back into the movie's setting.
Other popular filming locations include Laie Point State Wayside Park and Kualoa Ranch, both of which have appeared in other movies and television shows due to their stunning views. No matter what kind of traveler you might be, a visit to Oahu will be sure to impress you with its diverse landscape and rich culture, all captured beautifully in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.
An interesting fact about this movie is that it contains various elements from other Jules Verne works including Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea (1870) and Around The World In Eighty Days (1873). Moreover, there are references to other famous works like King Kong (1933), Star Trek (1966), and Clash Of The Titans (1981). By blending these references into one fantastic journey full of imagination and excitement, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is indeed an amazing cinematic experience!
Sean is arrested scene in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
New York City, New York, USA
Seventeen-year-old Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson), four years after his journey to the center of the earth, finds himself arrested for illegally accessing a satellite control center. He hopes to amplify a coded signal that may have originated from his grandfather, Alexander Anderson (Michael Caine), who has been missing for a long time.
Sean's new stepfather, Hank Parsons (Dwayne Johnson), tries to establish a connection with him by assisting in decoding the signal. This effort leads them to three books, namely, Gulliver's Travels, Treasure Island, and Jules Verne's Mysterious Island.
Situated on the east coast of the United States, New York City, also known as the Big Apple, is among the world's most iconic cities. It is also known as The Empire State and is celebrated for its rich culture, diversity, and history. The city currently houses more than 8 million inhabitants.
Amongst its numerous prominent landmarks is the Statue of Liberty, which France gifted the city as a symbol of democracy and liberty. The Empire State Building is another well-known structure, an imposing skyscraper that provides breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
Driving to New York is an option from nearby cities, with several highways that provide convenient access to the city. However, traffic congestion can be heavy at times, specifically during rush hour.
Another way to get to NYC is via train. Amtrak provides train service from other major cities in the United States, with the main train station being Penn Station, situated in Manhattan. Additionally, there are also regional train services including Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road.
Helicopter scene in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Waimea Bay Beach Park, 61-31 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States
Sean, his stepfather Hank, and helicopter pilot Gabato (Luis Guzmán) search for a way to reach the mysterious island. As the trio explores the area, they come across a stunning waterfall that flows into a lagoon. Hank quickly realizes that the waterfall can power their helicopter, which is low on fuel. After charging the helicopter's battery, they continue with their journey.
Located on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, Waimea Bay Beach Park is a truly stunning destination renowned for its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and world-famous surfing competitions. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this beach park provides a tranquil and serene environment perfect for visitors seeking to revel in the beauty of Hawaii.
It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a plethora of recreational activities and breathtaking natural scenery. Aside from surfing, visitors can relish other activities at Waimea Bay Beach Park such as swimming and snorkeling in clear waters teeming with marine life, hiking, picnicking, and sunbathing.
If you have a rental car or your vehicle, you can drive to 61-31 Kamehameha Hwy. Take the H-2 freeway north from Honolulu to Wahiawa and follow the signs to Kamehameha Highway. Turn left on Kamehameha Highway and continue for approximately 15 miles until you reach 61-31 Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa.
Riding through the lush forests scene in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States
Sean, his stepfather, and pilot Gabato ride ATVs across the stunning landscape of Kualoa Ranch. As they navigate the lush forests and grassy plains, they come across a beautiful waterfall that Sean believes will lead them to the mysterious island they are searching for. They quickly dismount their ATVs and set off on foot, trekking through the jungle and climbing up steep cliffs.
Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve situated on the northeastern side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The ranch is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering numerous recreational activities and stunning natural scenery.
The ranch has been owned by the same family for over 160 years, and it’s served as a filming location for many popular movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Lost, and Hawaii Five-O. Visitors can take guided tours of the ranch to see the filming locations and learn more about the rich history of the area.
If you have a rental car or your own vehicle, drive to 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy. Take the H-3 freeway east from Honolulu to Kaneohe and follow the signs to Kamehameha Highway. Turn right on Kamehameha Highway and continue for approximately 5 miles until you reach 49-560 Kamehameha Hwy.
Discovering the Island scene in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
EUE/Screen Gems Studios, 1223 N 23rd St, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States
Sean, his stepfather, and their guide Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) explore the island's mysteries. They are taken aback by the realization that the miniature elephants, which belong to the prehistoric Dwarf Sicilian Elephant species, coexist with giant butterflies, resulting in a significant contrast in animal sizes.
They stumble upon a clutch of eggs, but things get out of hand when Gabato unwittingly disturbs a massive frilled lizard, which gives chase and pursues them through the jungle.
EUE/Screen Gems Studios is a state-of-the-art film and television production facility located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The studio complex covers over 150 acres and includes more than 10 sound stages, numerous production offices, and post-production facilities.
Since opening its doors in 1984, EUE/Screen Gems Studios has played a vital role in the film and television industry, serving as a production hub for numerous blockbuster films and hit TV shows. The studio has been involved in the production of over 400 feature films, including Iron Man 3, The Conjuring, and A Walk to Remember, among many others.
If you are driving from downtown Wilmington, take N. 3rd Street towards the north for approximately 2 miles. Then, turn left onto N. 23rd Street and continue for about one mile. You will find 1223 N. 23rd Street on your left.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is an exciting action-adventure movie that follows Sean Anderson and his family as they embark on an epic quest to find Sean's grandfather. Filmed in two stunning locations, Honolulu, USA, and Oahu, Hawai'i, the movie showcases breathtaking visuals, from lush jungles to sandy beaches.
Along the way, the Andersons encounter a range of mysterious creatures, from giant lizards to a swarm of bees with metal stingers. Despite numerous obstacles thrown their way, they eventually reach the mystical island and discover a hidden world teeming with new life forms.
The movie serves as an incredible reminder that there are still many unexplored places on our planet that hold undiscovered secrets and wonders. With its thrilling action sequences and captivating visuals, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a great watch for anyone looking for an unforgettable journey!
10 Best Movies Based On Jules Verne Books, Ranked
- Jules Verne's work has inspired numerous movie adaptations and is the foundation for some of the earliest science fiction films.
- Some Jules Verne adaptations are entertaining and enjoyable, while others are outdated and not required viewing.
- The film "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (2008) successfully updates Verne's classic story with modern special effects and remains fun to watch.
Jules Verne is undoubtedly one of the most prominent authors in science fiction , and its no wonder that his works have inspired countless movie adaptations. One of the most translated writers in human history, the French author has written legendary tales like 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in 80 Days . Verne's daring imagination put him far ahead of his time, and it's no surprise that movie studios have sought to replicate his sense of wonder with multiple live-action adaptations of Jules Verne stories .
Jules Verne's work has become the foundation for some of the earliest films in the science fiction genre , some of which even hold up today remarkably well as enjoyable, adventurous romps through the imagination. The mid-to-late 2000s saw a resurgence of Jules Verne films as well, to varying degrees of success, with studios hoping to recapture the joy and nostalgia of the earliest films to adapt Verne's books for a new generation. With so many familiar titles, it's a difficult task to distinguish the very best depictions of Jules Verne's novels over the years.
Journey To The Center Of The Earth
An easily-overlooked made-for-TV movie, the two-part Journey to the Center of the Earth special was a solid attempt at getting to the center of what made Verne's original story so memorable. The film is decidedly slow-moving and low-budgeted, with some creature effects occasionally bordering the precipice of acceptable for a shoestring budget, but the C-List actors can often bring in decent performances amid the campy set-dressing. Despite it's many flaws, the two-part film is an entertaining, knowingly campy jog through Verne's beloved tale of subterranean exploration.
Master Of The World
Master of the World is the sole film to adapt Jules Verne's novel of the same name, and when compared to his other, more well-known stories, it's easy to see why. The narrative of a rich maniac dedicated to the idea of threatening the world's governments into laying down their arms isn't quite as whimsical as Verne's other premises. As for the film, despite rich talent from the likes of a young Charles Bronson and the legendary Vincent Price , the special effects are especially outdated, even for the time period . Master of the World is fun, but not required viewing.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Journey 2: the mysterious island.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the follow-up to 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth. The film takes place four years after the original, showing Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson teaming up with Hank, his stepfather, to find his lost grandfather. Due to scheduling issues, Brendan Fraser wasn't able to return as Trevor Anderson but was replaced by Dwayne Johnson as the film's lead.
Release Date 2012-02-12
Director Brad Peyton
Cast Josh Hutcherson, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens, Dwayne Johnson
This semi-adaptation picks up where 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth left off, replacing Brendan Fraser with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. As the passable action adventure delves into the incredible isle, the tone rides a strange line, at once too scary for younger viewers and too subdued for older ones. Amid mediocre CGI and all-too subdued performances, the best thing that can be said about Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was how it pioneered the art of throwing Johnson into a jungle, later done better in films like Jungle Cruise and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle .
Around The World In 80 Days
Though the idea of circumnavigating the globe in the span of 80 days is now a triviality, in Verne's time, such a time was the stuff of science fiction. The 1956 take on the story is an incredibly grand adventure comedy with a runtime that feels nearly as long as the titular journey itself. The international cast is crammed with stars of Hollywood's Golden Age , who had enough charisma between them to earn the film an early Academy Award for Best Picture. Today, the spectacle and aged humor can be best appreciated as a museum of 50s stardom.
Starring a young Josh Hutcherson and Brendan Fraser, still hot off the success of The Mummy trilogy , 2008's Journey To The Center Of The Earth had all the makings of an action-adventure hit. Being the first to truly update one of Verne's classic stories with modern special effects, the film still looks great 15 years later, even if it is marred by several obvious moments clearly meant to be enjoyed in the context of a 3-D theater. Adapting the classic adventure about as well as it could have, Journey To The Center Of The Earth isn't revolutionary, but undeniably fun.
While most adaptations of Verne's work make at least some departures from the source material, 2004's Around The World In 80 Days completely re-imagines the story as a raucous action-comedy. Though critically-panned at the time, the film is endlessly re-watchable today , with eye-popping action choreography courtesy of Jackie Chan's Passepartout and deadpan comedic timing from Steve Coogan's Phineas Fogg. If the anachronisms and deviations from Verne's novel can be forgiven, Around The World In 80 Days is a creative globe-trotting adventure that doesn't get the respect it deserves.
There's simply no replicating the cheesy fun of the original Journey To The Center Of The Earth , an earnest science fiction adventure movie that wears its heart on its sleeve. The special effects are certainly dated, but it's hard not to wring a certain level of charm out of the delicately hand-painted backgrounds and practical lizardman costumes. Beyond the addition of the deliciously dastardly villain, Count Saknussemm, the film is also one of the most faithful to Verne's work, a commendable effort in and of itself.
The Mysterious Island
The Mysterious Island is one of Jules Verne's lesser-known stories, but the 1961 film of the same name takes every advantage of the novel's conceits. Following a group of Union soldiers in the Civil War who escape prison in a hot air balloon only to wash up on a bizarre uncharted island, the film's sense of tension only ever dials up, as the heroes contend with grimy human pirates and giant fauna rendered by the talent of stop-motion legend Ray Harryhausen . Not the deepest narrative, this thrilling tale of danger holds up decades later remarkably well as a harrowing odyssey.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
One of Disney's earliest forays into live-action storytelling, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea presented the aquatic crew of the Nautilus with untold dangers then-undreamed of by 50s audiences. Beyond the great creature and sci-fi technology designs that still hold up today, the film offers substantially more heart than most other Verne adaptations, taking the time to acclimate the viewer with its intrepid adventurers. It's no wonder that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was influential enough to earn a spot as a Disneyland mainstay even seven decades after its original release.
A Trip To The Moon
It's only fitting that the world's first science fiction movie sprung from the mind of one of the genre's most influential authors. Presenting early audiences with a dizzying idea of space travel long before the first astronaut was born, A Trip To The Moon 's hypnotic, almost feverish visuals and brisk 14-minute run time assaults the imagination with a yet-unmatched spectacle of dreamlike reality. From the Moon's incredulous face to the dancing insectoid aliens that vanish in a literal puff of smoke, A Trip To The Moon is by far the most influential science fiction film courtesy of Jules Verne.
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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a 2012 American science fantasy action-adventure film directed by Brad Peyton and produced by Beau Flynn, Tripp Vinson and Charlotte Huggins. A sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), the film is based on Jules Verne's The Mysterious Island (1875). It stars Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzmán, and ...
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: Directed by Brad Peyton. With Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzmán. Sean Anderson partners with his mom's husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island.
Sean Anderson is the deuteragonist in Journey to the Center of the Earth and the main protagonist in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. He is played by Josh Hutcherson and is the nephew of Trevor Anderson, the stepson of Hank Parsons and grandson of Alexander Anderson. His father was Max Anderson who was found dead in Journey to the Center of the Earth. It is revealed in a leaked write-up of ...
The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Hutcherson, and Luis Guzmán. The story was written by Richard Outten, Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn, and the screenplay by Brian and Mark Gunn. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was released on February 11, 2012 to mixed reviews, but became a box office success with a worldwide ...
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island brings a fresh perspective with a shift in narrative focus, combining mystery, fantasy, and action. Dwayne Johnson's charismatic performance as Hank Parsons adds ...
About the Movie. When Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist, he and his new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson) journey to a place few people have ever seen. It's a place of stunning beauty, strange creatures, volcanoes, mountains of gold, and more than one astonishing ...
Directed by Brad Peyton, 'Journey 2' is the follow-up to 2008's successful 'Journey to the Center of the Earth.' On an island full of strange and oversized creatures, the primary challenge for the team was to create a giant, photo-real lizard that aggressively chases the protagonists as they stumble upon its nest.
Synopsis. 17-year-old Sean Anderson receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Unable to stop him from tracking the signal to its source, Sean's new stepfather, Hank, joins the quest that will take them first to the South Pacific, and then to a place few people have ever seen. Or lived to tell about.
JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND Posters featuring Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens and Luis Guzman & island creatures.
Caine hit a career low fleeing from killer bees in 1978's The Swarm, but here he leaps on to the back of giant buzzing creatures for one of this movie's more enjoyable set pieces. The 78-year-old ...
Intrepid young explorer Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) traces a mysterious distress signal to a remote island that isn't on any map, and he embarks on a daring rescue mission while encountering a vast array of mythological creatures in this follow-up to 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth. Joined by his new stepfather (Dwayne Johnson ...
The core designs for the creatures and locales are solid, and for a movie trying to capture the whimsical nature of Verne's eccentric vision, the special effects certainly do the job. Of course ...
Sean Anderson is a main character of The Journey series, being the deuteragonist of Journey to the Center of the Earth and main protagonist of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. He is portrayed by Josh Hutcherson, who also portrayed Walter in Zathura, Peeta Mellark in The Hunter Games films and voiced Nod in Epic. Sean is the son of Max, an adventurer and Liz Anderson and born at an unknown ...
Caine, on-the-other-hand, is delightfully batty dishing out razor sharp verbal barbs at will with a psychotic grin. Add in the inevitable romance between Hutcherson and eye-candy Vanessa Hudgens —who they try to make nerdy by letting her know who Mr. Mxyzptlk is—the not so dangerous race against time to escape the island's 140-year cycle ...
Learn more about the full cast of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island with news, photos, videos and more at TV Guide ... island with strange creatures and untold treasures after receiving a cryptic ...
A ravaging funnel cloud snaps the tail of Gabato's helicopter, sending it and everyone aboard plummeting to the ocean below. (The humans all survive. The helicopter, not so much.) When the mysterious island starts sinking, the land shakes, volcanoes erupt and mayhem ensues. Alexander, Gabato and Kailani fall into the churning sea and are ...
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 ...
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a harmless film that will please all audiences. Kids will enjoy the visuals and easy-going thrills, while adults will appreciate the film for its sense of humor ...
Grant Okita. The words of Jules Verne painted magnificent pictures of far away lands and mystical creatures. The Mysterious Island was no exception as it was full of curiosities, the stuff of childhood dreams. The main title needed to deliver the same level of imagination and possibility.
Published Nov 10, 2011. JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND Trailer. Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens star in the 3D Journey of the Center of the Earth sequel. With the release date ...
Brad Peyton helmed the blockbuster adventure movie 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,' the second installment in the Jules Verne-inspired 'Journey' series. Upon discovering a signal from Sean's grandfather Alexander Anderson, Sean and his stepdad, Hank, set out for a sprawling adventure filled with lush greenery and uncanny creatures. They arrive in the far-flung island country […]
in: Creatures, Fictional Creatures, Movie Creatures, and 10 more. Giant Lizard (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island) The Giant Lizard is a massive frilled-necked lizard which inhabits an uncharted island. This species apparently lays eggs and exhibits parental care towards them, guarding the nest and attacking those which pose a threat to the eggs.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was primarily filmed in Honolulu, Hawaii, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The picturesque coasts and sweeping landscapes of Oahu provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for the film's scenes. From Diamond Head to Hanauma Bay, Honolulu is a perfect place to bring classic literature, like Jules ...
journey 2: the mysterious island. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the follow-up to 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth. The film takes place four years after the original, showing Sean ...
Details. S1 E1 - Element 1. March 20, 2024. 48min. TV-14. Paleontologist Helena Walker suddenly awakens on a mysterious island populated by extinct creatures. Thrown into a strange new world filled with prehistoric beasts and people resurrected from throughout human history, Helena must quickly learn how to adapt to her dangerous new surroundings.