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Eight Below (2006)
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Movie Review by Scott
March 8th, 2006
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An amazing story with a dramatic effect, beautiful scenery and wonderful performances by both Paul Walker and all the dogs involved
"Eight Below" is a movie that was inspired by true events. Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker) hosts expeditions in Antarctica each year along with his incredible group of eight dogs. One day, scientist Davis McClaren arrives and wants Jerry to take him out to help find a meteor from the planet Mercury. As they head into the mountains, a strong storm is coming in. Determined by Davis, Jerry decides to stay an extra half a day to help him find the meteor he is looking for. On the way back from their expedition the storm begins and Jerry and David are ordered to leave Antarctica at once. When Jerry asks about his dogs who are basically like a family to him, his boss tells him that they will come back for them right away. But now the storm is getting worse and everyone refuses to go back to save the dogs, an intense and depressing story of survival ensues...
I don't have really anything negative to say about this film at all. It was very well paced, the acting was good and the script was moving, powerful and heartwarming. The cinematography was absolutely amazing and the director Frank Marshall captured Antarctica in all its glory. Not to mention how great he captured the emotions of the dogs. All the dogs in this film if there was an Oscar nomination for Animal acting they would win hands down.
This is a refreshing movie to see in theaters lately. Majority of family films are always upbeat and mainly consist of comedies which is fine because I like family movies and I like to laugh but it's nice to see a family film that is actually dramatic. "Eight Below" may actually be in fact too dramatic for kids under 6. During the film, I felt depressed and was on the verge of tears several times. It was a powerful drama that everyone over the age of 7 should be able to enjoy and it's nice to see Disney putting some effort into their movies again. I think this year will be a good year for Disney because of "Eight Below" and "Pirates of the Caribbean 2."
Paul Walker is really good in the film, I enjoyed his character and personally I feel he is growing as an actor but his movies are hit and miss. I personally like the guy, I see he has potential to be a good actor and I think if he chooses wisely he can be. Jason Biggs who I normally can't stand was actually good in this movie. His role was a nice comedic relief factor that the film needed. He wasn't over the top funny but enough to lighten up the drama in the film. Bruce Greenwood and Moon Bloodgood were also very good supporting characters and I think both gave a great person. And lastly as I already mentioned are the dogs all of which were incredible. You honestly cared more about the dogs in the end than anyone else involved. It was amazing how that occurred.
Director Frank Marshall has really made his mark on Hollywood with "Eight Below" before this film he made Congo which really wasn't anything to write home about but with this film, he has something he can be proud of. His direction of capturing the emotions of not only the humans but the dogs was incredible. The way he captured the beauty of Antarctica was breathtaking and not to mention his ability to create a very powerful dramatic effect. Mr. Marshall did a great job directing.
In the end, there really isn't anything that I can say I didn't like about this film. It was very powerful and moving. It really was a brilliantly told tale about survival and friendship. It was nice to see a family movie like this released. I remember when I was younger there were a lot of movies that involved animals and were great family films but lately that disappeared. I hope we see a couple more powerful family dramas like this in the years to come. I think it's a nice break from all the family comedies which I do like but it's always nice to switch them up every once in a while. I highly recommend this film to everyone not just people with kids but everyone.
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Eight Below" is an 8/10
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