Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (6/10)

I was willing to overlook many flaws in this sequel to give this a 6/10.

First of all, Dwayne Johnson's acting once again was bordering on terrible. Especially when he feigned a concerned smile, nothing about his face looked natural; which has led me to believe that he may only be good for the tough guy, action hero role with a serious face. 

But I do give credit where credit is due. He's got comedic timing and humour; and when he pulls them off in a straight face, he usually hits the target. So it's not all bad and I wouldn't give up on his movies just yet.

That of course, wasn't the worst part. The story progression suffered the most. The opening chase to set up the character of Josh Hutcherson, reprising his role, was nothing to brag about.

Then when Johnson's character helped him solve a certain Morse code, the background music suddenly came alive to inform the audience that the story has picked up pace and that it was here that we should all start getting excited about the movie. This was done so obviously forced with such triteness that it was a little painful to sit through. 

From here on out, it was clear that the movie had no intention of creating a proper progression. And it actually got worse because with every plot that came along, there was no logic to be followed from. Either Johnson's or Hutcherson's character always knew exactly what needed to be done in all dire situations. 

And that submarine in the end - if you can even call it that - ridiculous.

The only good performance came from the ageing Michael Caine who did not do any physcial heavy lifting for the movie. He appeared where he needed to be and gave some real acting. 

But I was also surprised to see some great chemistry going on between Johnson and Luis Guzman, and they provided some nice comic relief. Kristin Davis came onboard this time came play Hutcherson's mother but to little effect. And for the rest of the hot blooded males, there's Vanessa Hudgens in a ridiculously tight tank-top. No chemistry here between her and Hutcherson though.

So with all the bad parts listed, there's only the good parts left. And here's why I was willing to overlook everything else.

The world created (albeit) using CGI for the Mysterious Island, the colours, the concept, the city of Atlantis; all of these were just gorgeously brilliant. It makes me wish that I could visit a place like that, to see views like that.

Most importantly, to keep that fire of adventure alive inside me; and to hope for and search for such magnificent beauty.