The Place For The Latest Movie Reviews
Cast: Dakota Goyo, Goran Visnjic, Bridget Moynahan
When Luke Mercier (Dakota Goyo) heard some noise outside his house, he never could have guessed what he would find. Discovering a young polar bear cub that has been separated from its mother, Luke knows he has to do something to help. Despite the warnings of his family and friends, Luke speeds off on a snowmobile, with the cub in tow, deep into the frozen wilderness. But when a violent storm closes in, Luke’s mother (Bridget Moynahan) and family friend Muktuk (Goran Visnjic) frantically search for the daring pair as they defy starvation and below freezing temperatures so both boy and bear can complete their own journeys home.
When young Luke is home with the babysitter, he hears noise outside so he goes to see what is out there. From the shed comes a full grown polar bear. Just then the authorities show up and tranquilize the bear and take it away. Right after that Luke hears more noise after entering the shed he finds the mother's bear cub. Afraid the authorities will take it to the zoo Luke decides to take the cub to its mother with his snowmobile. But getting there and back will be a dangerous trip across the frozen Antarctic where he will have to brave freezing temps.
"The Journey Home" is a friendly adventure the whole family can enjoy together. The bear cub is so cute and he is even cuter when playing with Luke and running around. The film also looks terrific, the ariel shots are simply breathtaking but the film does suffer some from lack of budget. Some scenes are done with CGI and it shows because the are not very well done.
One of the film's biggest strengths is it's cast. Dakota Goyo (Real Steel), Goran Visnjic (“ER”) and Bridget Moynahan (“Blue Bloods”) all give excellent performances. Some of the dialogue is cheesy but the three stars manage to make the best of it making the film that much better. The film is aimed toward kids and they are not going to notice the film's flaws like an adult. When I first received this for review, I was reminded of the old Disney adventure films. "The Journey Home" doesn't have the budget to live up to that but it is a fun little adventure itself that parents and their young ones can go on together. There's plenty of fun as well as some tension and suspense as to keep you glued to the screen the entire time. Available now on DVD, you can order it HERE.
I wish there had been something else they could have done besides using the awful CGI in spots because it would have certainly made the film that much better but with the star power and the beautiful cinematography the flaws are easily over looked. I recommend at least a rental, especially if you have young ones.
Released by RLJ Entertainment
*** Out Of *****