|
"The Antarctic
Version of 911" |
 |
Directed by Frank
Marshall - Written by
David DiGilio
Starring Paul Walker,
Bruce Greenwood, Jason
Biggs, Moon Bloodgood
Distributed by Buena
Vista - 2006 - 120mins -
Rated PG |
| |
|
The most amazing story of survival, friendship and adventure ever
told! |
| |
In his first directing
job since "Congo," Frank Marshall helms "Eight Below," a Disney film
inspired by both a true story and a Japanese film called "Nankyoku
Monogatari." The story evolves around Jerry (Paul Walker), a resident
guide at the National Science Research base in Antarctica, and his
relationship with his pack of eight dogs.
The dogs in "Eight Below" are absolutely mesmerizing and, without a
doubt, the stars of the film. They are amazingly trained, emotionally
expressive and endearing throughout the film. Jerry is joined at the
Space Station by cartographer "Coop" (Jason Biggs, who provides much
of the spark and comic relief here), pilot Katie (Moon Bloodgood),
with whom Jerry's previously had a relationship and still feels a bit
of a spark. Into the mix is thrown scientific wonderboy David (Bruce
Greenwood), who arrives via Katie to search for a meteorite from the
planet Mercury.
While the human performances here are quite functional, director Frank
Marshall wisely chooses to focus on the dogs (6 Huskies and 2
Malamutes). When an unexpected catastrophic storm hits the area, it is
simply awesome to watch these dogs in action and the way their
individual personalities shine. A near disaster ends in immediate
evacuation and, due to lack of room, the dogs are left behind only
when Jerry's reassured that a plane will come right back to get them.
"Eight Below" beautifully balances the exploration of Jerry's
relationship to the dogs and his battle to get back to save these dogs
who, in fact, have saved him and others along with the dogs' own fight
for survival against nearly impossible odds. It is primarily in these
scenes of survival for the dogs that "Eight Below" really shines. The
scenery is marvelous and the dogs display such remarkable personality
that it is practically impossible to not be moved by their sense of
teamwork, loyalty and courage.
Paul Walker adapts well to the Disney way of filmmaking. He does
border, at times, on that same one-note heroic approach that Josh
Lucas fell prey to in the recent "Glory Road," however, generally he
presents a likeable, easygoing scientist willing to risk it all for
what he loves.
Biggs, in particular, shines in his supporting role and he gives the
film its much needed personality and spark. Bloodgood, Greenwood and
the rest of the cast have a nice chemistry which helps to overcome
weaknesses in their character development.
Mark Isham's score is a perfect accompaniment to the film's scenery,
particular when accompanying the dogs on their journey to survive. The
production design is often stunning, but remarkably and noticeably
weak on more than one occasion including a "Northern Lights" camera
shot that is clearly manufactured and I couldn't help but wonder how
small children would respond to one or two scenes of the dogs
surviving by eating dead animals. While not graphic, these scenes were
a bit jarring from the general sense of serenity and fluid energy
within the film.
"Eight Below" is a marvelous family film and, barring the previously
mentioned dead animal scenes, there's nothing here to offend or
disturb. Being a Disney film, certain aspects of "Eight Below" are
quite predictable, including the ending. However, "Eight Below" is a
film that is much more about the journey than it is the final
destination. It is the journey of these sled dogs that makes "Eight
Below" an enjoyable and entertaining film for the entire family. |
| |
|
© Written by Richard Propes |
TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
|
