MOVIES -- Out in cinemas this week:
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012), and
- Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999).
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
The joke is that Dwayne Johnson is in every sequel he could land this year but his own (he's also starring in G.I. Joe 2, but not Tooth Fairy 2 -- wise choice). The thing is, the Brendan Fraser Journey had a great tone and sense of adventure even for the adults in the audience, and that looks like it might be lacking in this retread, especially as Michael Caine seems to be once again playing a cartoon rather than an actual person. Nonetheless, Journey 2 is sure to cash in, especially overseas, ensuring a third movie in which Josh Hutcherson is fobbed off on yet another genial, broad-shouldered male relative (Paul Walker? Tom Welling?) to run from green screen monsters. The story: Sean Anderson partners with his mom's boyfriend on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island. Directed by Brad Peyton.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Lucasfilm begins its staggered rerelease of the Star Wars saga in 3D, set out according to in-universe chronological order. Now that The Phantom Menace -- which, lest we forget, introduced us to both Darth Maul and Jar Jar Binks -- has developed a firmly mixed reputation among Star Wars aficionados, it will be interesting to see how many will go back for another taste of the big-screen theatrical experience. The story: Two Jedi Knights uncover a wider conflict when they are sent as emissaries to the blockaded planet Naboo. Directed by George Lucas.
