If you're a fan of Josh (and if you're not...what are you doing on this blog?), Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser (who isn't?) and adventure movies...I have great news for you. You get all three for the price of one with the 2008 film, Journey to the Center of the Earth.
In this movie, Josh plays Shane, a sassy (are we surprised?) tech-obsessed teen (but, of course this is 2008, so he has a flip-phone and a PSP), who goes on an unexpected trip with his uncle to....you guessed it...the center of the Earth. As it turns out, Shane's father, who went missing while adventuring, believed it was possible to adventure to a place others felt was simply from a fictional book. Shane's father's notes in the book inspire his brother, Trevor, played by the fabulous Brendan Fraser, to drag Shane along to investigate further.
There were elements of this film that reminded me of Avatar - the adventurers stumble across beautiful scenery, but also dangerous terrain, and curious creatures (one of which, Shane takes back with him as a stowaway, which I found hilarious). All of these science-fiction additions likely required some green-screen or post-production editing, but I'm thinking back to films like Zathura, so likely Josh wasn't a stranger to this kind of work.
While the movie we just discussed, Winged Creatures, had an ensemble cast, Journey to the Center of the Earth mostly focuses on three characters - Shane, Trevor, Hannah, the daughter of a scientist who the boys hire to serve as their "mountain guide". (They also fight over her, but she ends up with the more age-appropriate option. Poor Teen Josh...rejected just like in RV!) I'm curious what Josh prefers: being on set with more or less folks?
In terms of performance, what stands out to me is believability. Perhaps we can also thank the editors or tech-masters who helped bring the magical world they discover to life...but Josh does his part too. He once again proves to be the king of dramatic facial expressions - the trio get into a lot of trouble along the way...falling for ages, fighting scary fish, and even encountering dinosaurs. Everything felt pretty seamless - I was able to buy into the world, the trouble they were in, and the creatures they were dealing with.
Josh's acting also shines during an emotional scene where it is revealed that character's his father did indeed pass adventuring, but not before leaving a beautiful letter to his son. This scene will likely leave you a little teary - it sure had that impact on me!
This film does have a sequel, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which Josh was also in, so stay tuned for a blog post about the next chapter in this story.
Peace and Joshperity,
G
BONUS TRIVIA:
Q: Which late-night host played a role in this movie, making him the only-late night host to have shared a project with Josh?
A: Seth Meyers, the host of NBC's "Late Night"! In fact, he even brings up the experience when he interviews Brendan Fraser on his show.
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