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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

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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.

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"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" looks like nothing so much as one of those live-action adventures that Disney used to grind out in the 1950s — and hey, here's Captain Nemo's Nautilus to prove it. Also, a tree house to humble "Swiss Family Robinson," which contains a short-wave radio that has been assembled from old spoons, I think I heard.

The movie is very, very loosely a sequel to " Journey to the Center of the Earth ," with only two connections: It's inspired by a Jules Verne novel, and it co-stars young Josh Hutcherson as the hero Sean. The film opens with him on a motorcycle and being chased by cops, but not to worry; all he did was break into a satellite-tracking station to boost the power on a message for help sent by his grandfather from a lost island in the Pacific.

Sean, whose father in the first film ( Brendan Fraser ) has disappeared (from the cast, anyway), now has to deal with Hank ( Dwayne Johnson , aka the Rock). Hank is his new stepdad. Josh and Hank make friends by decrypting grandfather's message; Hank glances at it and intuits that the two-syllable words stand for dots and one-syllable words stand for dashes, which means Grandpa has had enough free time on his remote island to figure out a way to make Morse code several times longer than it previously was. Unanswered is why grandfather would encrypt a call for help.

This Hank, what a swell guy. He proposes that the two of them fly off to the Pacific and find Grandpa. On arrival somewhere, they hire a tourist helicopter pilot named Gabato, played by Luis Guzman as another one of those low-comedy guys who gets all worked up and is scared of stuff. (I enjoyed a reprise of this classic shot: Gabato runs toward camera, falls on stomach, looks up …and up … and up.)

Gabato has a daughter named Kailani ( Vanessa Hudgens ), a Polynesian beauty who wears a tank top and Daisy Dukes throughout the film. These four fly off in the helicopter, are trapped in a Force Five hurricane that rips it to pieces and are lucky enough to find themselves alive on the beach of the Mysterious Island.

This is your complete island. It has an active volcano; waterfalls with no apparent water sources streaming down cliffs; elephants the size of dogs, and giant lizards that are nowhere big enough to account for the size of their eggs. (Josh falls through the shell of one, splashes in a pool of yolk and is attacked by an unborn lizard chick.) Also on the island is the lost city of Atlantis, even though it's in the wrong ocean, and bees so big Sean and Kailani can both ride on the back of one. And Alexander Anderson, Sean's grandfather, played by Michael Caine , who will not be editing this role into his videos about how to act in movies.

I hope you understand I enjoyed most of this stuff. The director, Brad Peyton , apparently intended it as a genial parody of countless other movies in this spirit. There is, for example, a scene were Sean, Grandpa, Kailani and Gabato all sit around the old campfire and listen while Hank strums a ukulele and sings "What a Wonderful World." And I mean he sings it: every word of three verses. It's not every day you see the Rock channeling Gene Autry.

Sean deduces that Verne's novel contains everything they need to know, and this comes in handy when the volcano explodes, and the island begins to sink into the sea. Sure enough, Captain Nemo's submarine is still hidden underwater. Hank and Sean, trusting Verne, dive off a high cliff, and while holding their breath and swimming underwater, are able to (1) find the sub, (2) open the hatch by tugging and twisting it, (3) swim inside, (4) push a lever to fill it with air, and (5) get the power generator working by jump-starting it with an electric eel.

This is transcendently goofy. It isn't a "good" movie in the usual sense (or most senses), but it is jolly and good-natured, and Michael Caine and Dwayne Johnson are among the most likable of actors. Johnson is such a good sport, he even shows young Sean how to impress girls by flexing your pecs so quickly that nuts will ricochet off them. I can't think of any reason to pay extra for the 3-D.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Journey 2: Mysterious Island (2012)

Rated PG for some adventure action, and brief mild language

Josh Hutcherson as Sean

Dwayne Johnson as Hank

Vanessa Hudgens as Kailani

Michael Caine as Alexander

Luis Guzman as Gabato

Directed by

• Brad Peyton

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

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Rent Journey 2: The Mysterious Island on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

What to Know

Aggressively unambitious, Journey 2 might thrill tween viewers, but most others will find it too intense for young audiences and too cartoonishly dull for adults.

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Audience reviews, cast & crew.

Brad Peyton

Dwayne Johnson

Michael Caine

Josh Hutcherson

Vanessa Hudgens

Kristin Davis

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

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It has been four years since the events of the first movie. Seventeen-year-old Sean Anderson ( Josh Hutcherson ) is caught by the police after a brief chase on his dirtbike which ended with him driving into a swimming pool while trying to evade them. Minutes later, his stepfather Hank ( Dwayne Johnson ) arrives where a police officer (Stephen Caudill) who is friends with Hank tells him that Sean had broken into a remote satellite research center. The police officer also tells Hank that he has talked Mr. and Mrs. McGillicutty (the owners of the swimming pool) out of pressing charges. Hank takes Sean home where his mother Elizabeth ( Kristin Davis ) is not pleased with his actions or the fact that he and Hank don't get along well.

Hank discovers that Sean had broken into a satellite research center in order to boost the signal of a code he'd received from someone he suspects is Alexander Anderson, Sean's grandfather who had been missing for two years. Wanting to bond with his stepson the next day, Hank helps Sean decipher the code of Jules Verne characters which lead to three books: Treasure Island , Gulliver's Travels , and Verne's own Mysterious Island . Using the book's individual island maps, Hank suspects they are books of the same island and uses a back light in order to make them all one completed land mass with the coordinates to its location. Hank manages to convince Liz to let the both of them go in search of the island.

They arrive in Palau where their need of transportation to this dangerous part of the ocean attracts a Palauan helicopter tourism guide Gabato ( Luis Guzman ) and his daughter Kailani ( Vanessa Hudgens ) who Sean develops an immediate crush on. They agree to fly them out to the island for $3,000, but the helicopter gets caught in a category 5 hurricane and they crash into the Pacific, waking up on the island.

Crossing into the island, they discover one of the laws of the Mysterious Island that all animals big are small and all animals small are gigantic (inspiring Lilliput from Gulliver's Travels ). The crew find tiny elephants and giant butterflies, which are the first creatures they discover on the island. The group decided to explore further into the island.

After coming across a massive frill-necked lizard when they come across her egg clutch, they are rescued by Alexander ( Michael Caine ) who takes them to a large hut he'd built from the wreckage of the ship that brought him to the island called the Blue-Eyed Lucy. He has a radio, but due to the positioning of the communications satellite it would be two weeks before they could call for help.

The next morning, Alexander leads the group to the lost city of Atlantis which is usually submerged in the ocean and he also calculated that the island sinks once every 70 years. However, the sea water appearing from the ground is the evidence that Hank sees that leads him to prove that the calculations are wrong, and that the island will sink in a couple of days. Their only means of salvation seems to be the legendary Nautilus (Captain Nemo's submarine), hidden somewhere on the island. Kailani enters Nemo's crypt and finds his journal, which has the whereabouts of the ship in a cave at Poseidon's Cliffs. They decided to go to that cave through the heart of the island.

They mount giant bees in order to fly over a high ridge and make up time, but encounter large birds that try to devour the bees. After saving Kailani's life, Sean crashes and dislocates his ankle. Hank and Alexander later patch up Sean's ankle the best they can. Afterward, they have a good moment when Hank sings his rendition of "What a Wonderful World" to ease Sean's pain.

The next morning, the water has risen greatly and Hank deduces that the island will sink in a matter of hours, not days. Gabato is missing having gone toward the island's golden volcano (which was the inspiration for Treasure Island ) in search for the funds to give his daughter a better life. While Alexander and Kailani go after him, Sean and Hank head for Poseidon's Cliffs to look for the Nautilus. Alexander also finally calls Hank by his preferred name, as up to that point he only called him "Henry" and the family makes up.

To deal with the rising water after finding the Nautilus' cave underwater, Sean and Hank make makeshift oxygen tanks and dive down fifty feet in order to obtain the Nautilus and are nearly killed by a giant electric eel. They are unable to power the ship however because the vessel's batteries being 140 years old have run down. They find a way to power the submarine from the electric eel's electricity.

Meanwhile, Kailani and Alexander find Gabato and convince him to escape with them instead of trying for the golden volcano. They head toward the shore as the island begins to suddenly and violently rip itself apart. The golden volcano starts to erupt violently, pouring lava flows all over the area. Highly flammable lava bombs are thrown from the golden volcano into the air and suddenly land on the sinking island's debris. Sean and Hank use a harpoon to get an electrical jump start from the electric eel swarming around them and they are able to power the machine, just in time to pick up the others who had fallen into the water. Gabato pilots the submarine out of harm's way while Hank and Sean fire torpedoes into the path of falling island debris. As they clear the dangers, Kailani finally kisses Sean for his bravery.

Six months later, Kailani and Gabato are well off. Gabato is now running the most popular tourist attraction on Palau providing tours aboard the Nautilus and Kailani is attending college. Kailani goes to visit Sean on his birthday. While they are celebrating, Alexander shows up with a book for Sean's birthday present. Sean opens it to find Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon , Alexander's suggestion for the next adventure with the family to which Liz protests. Hank replies "What could possibly go wrong? It's only the moon!"

During the credits, the mini-elephants from the earlier scene are swimming underwater over Atlantis.

• Dwayne Johnson as Hank Parsons, Sean's stepfather and a former Navy code breaker.
• Michael Caine as Alexander Anderson, Sean's grandfather who is also the father of Max and Trevor Anderson.
• Josh Hutcherson as Sean Anderson, Hank's stepson who wants to find his missing grandfather on the Mysterious Island.
• Vanessa Hudgens as Kailani Laguatan, Sean's love interest who is part of the father-daughter tour guide team.
• Luis Guzman as Gabato Laguatan, Kailani's father, who is part of the father-daughter tour guide team.
• Kristin Davis as Elizabeth "Liz" Anderson-Parsons, Sean's mother.

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• Journey 2: The Mysterious Island brings a fresh perspective with a shift in narrative focus, combining mystery, fantasy, and action.
• Dwayne Johnson's charismatic performance as Hank Parsons adds humor, physical prowess, and emotional depth to the film.
• Vanessa Hudgens' portrayal of Kailani is full of confidence and charm.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the second installment in the Journey film franchise, which features an all-star cast including Vanessa Hudgens. While 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth was inspired by Jules Verne's classic sci-fi novel of the same name, Journey 2 embraces a different Verne novel, The Mysterious Island , as its primary source material and focuses more on comedy. Unlike the first film's underground exploration theme, Journey 2 expands its horizon to an enigmatic island, introducing new characters and challenges. It makes for an exciting standalone adventure while maintaining a connection to the franchise's adventurous spirit.

This shift in narrative focus brings a fresh perspective to the franchise, offering a new adventure that combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and action. The sequel stands out for its unique blend of mythical creatures, hidden treasures, and uncharted territories, providing a visually stunning and thrilling experience. However, 2012's Journey 2: The Mysterious Island not only explores new thematic terrain but also features a star-studded cast that adds depth and charisma to its fantastical world. The film's ensemble comprises both seasoned actors and rising stars, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in an interesting transitional phase of his career.

With Disney's Jungle Cruise likely to kick off another franchise for The Rock, which Dwayne Johnson movie series is best so far?

Dwayne Johnson As Hank Parsons

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays Hank Parsons in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island . Hank is Sean Anderson's stepfather, a former Navy codebreaker who reluctantly joins the adventure. Typical of other Johnson performances, his character brings a blend of humor, physical prowess, and emotional depth to the film. Hank's relationship with Sean evolves throughout the movie, adding a layer of family dynamics to the adventurous storyline. His expertise in navigation and survival skills proves crucial in the challenges they face on the island.

Dwayne Johnson's career transition from a professional wrestler to a Hollywood superstar is legendary. Known for his charismatic screen presence and action-packed performances, Johnson has starred in major blockbusters like the Fast & Furious franchise as Luke Hobbs , San Andreas as Raymond, and Jumanji as Spencer. His roles showcase his physical strength and comedic talent, making him one of the most entertaining stars in the industry. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island marks an interesting point in Johnson's career, as it was right on the cusp of him becoming a bankable actor able who brings in billions at the box office.

Josh Hutcherson As Sean Anderson

Josh Hutcherson is the bridge between the first movie and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island , as he reprises his role as Sean Anderson, the intrepid young explorer from the 2008 film. Sean embarks on another extraordinary adventure, this time to find his missing grandfather on the mythical Mysterious Island. His character's bravery, intelligence, and curiosity drive the plot, as he navigates through the island's wonders and dangers. Sean's development from the first film is evident, showcasing a more mature and confident explorer, yet retaining the youthful enthusiasm that defines his character.

Josh Hutcherson became a household name with his role as Peeta Mellark in the Hunger Games series , a part that catapulted him to international fame. His portrayal of the compassionate and resourceful Peeta garnered critical acclaim and a massive fan following. Before The Hunger Games , Hutcherson had already established himself as a talented young actor with roles in other adventure films, such as Jesse in Bridge to Terabithia and Walter in Zathura: A Space Adventure . In 2023, he starred in the PG-13 sleeper hit horror movie Five Nights at Freddy 's as Mike Schmidt.

Michael Caine As Alexander Anderson

Legendary actor Michael Caine plays Alexander Anderson, Sean's adventurous grandfather, in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island . Alexander, a Vernian (follower of Jules Verne's works), is the reason behind the expedition to the Mysterious Island. His character is eccentric, full of wisdom, and embodies the spirit of exploration. Caine's portrayal brings a sense of gravitas and charm to the film, serving as a mentor figure to the younger characters while engaging in the adventure with youthful vigor.

Michael Caine's illustrious career spans several decades, with iconic roles such as Charlie in the classic British crime caper The Italian Job , the titular character in the '60s drama Alfie , and Alfred Pennyworth in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. His remarkable versatility and distinctive Cockney accent have made him one of the most respected and beloved actors in cinema. Caine's ability to adapt to various genres, from drama to comedy, has earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards. His latest film, 2023's The Great Escaper, marks the last film of his career after Caine announced his retirement .

Luis Guzmán As Gabato

Luis Guzmán portrays Gabato, the comical and kind-hearted helicopter pilot who helps the group reach the Mysterious Island. Typical of Guzmán's usual roles, his character adds a humorous and relatable touch to the film, often providing comic relief amidst the thrilling action. However, Gabato's concern for his daughter, Kailani, and his willingness to embark on the dangerous journey for her sake, adds emotional depth to his role.

Luis Guzmán is known for his character roles, often playing likable, down-to-earth characters in both film and television. The actor has two notable great working relationships in Hollywood. As a close friend of Adam Sandler , Guzmán has featured alongside the comedian in Anger Management, Sandy Wexler, The Do-Over , and others. The actor is also close to celebrated filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson , with appearances in Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and Punch-Drunk Love (also starring Sandler). In television, Guzmán gained acclaim for his portrayal of patriarch Gomez Addams on Wednesday .

Vanessa Hudgens As Kailani

Vanessa Hudgens plays Kailani, Gabato's determined and courageous daughter, who joins the quest to find the Mysterious Island. Her character is strong-willed, resourceful, and serves as a romantic interest for Sean. Kailani's adventurous spirit and bravery make her a key member of the expedition team, and Hudgens' performance brings a sense of determination and charm to the role. Hudgens rose to fame with her role as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical series , a role that made her a teen idol. Since then, she has diversified her career with roles in films like Spring Breakers and Tick, Tick... Boom!

Kristin Davis As Liz Anderson-Parsons

Kristin Davis portrays Liz Anderson-Parsons, Sean's caring and concerned mother, who reluctantly allows him to search for his grandfather in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island . Her character, while not central to the island's adventure, plays a crucial role in the emotional backdrop of the story, representing the family ties and concerns back home.

Davis is best known for her role as Charlotte York in Sex and the City , which earned her widespread recognition. She notably returned to the role of Charlotte in the Max revival series And Just Like That.. for two seasons with And Just Like That... season 3 in development.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and YouTube.

• Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

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Journey 2 reveals the mysterious allure of islands

Jules Verne's works have much to offer the makers of CGI-prone, 3D-disposed kids' adventure flicks. The 2008 version of Journey to the Centre of the Earth did well enough at the box office, so a sequel was obligatory. We could have had Captain Nemo's submarine odyssey, the exploration of Africa from a balloon or a voyage to the moon by cannon-fired projectile. Instead, we get a trip to an island.

Even in Verne's day, this was considered a bit of a let-down. The author's publisher rejected the first version of what was to become The Mysterious Island with the reproach: "Where is the science?" To beef things up a bit, Verne got his adventurers blown off course while escaping from a war zone by balloon. Less thrillingly, the heroes of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island travel instead by downmarket tourist chopper.

Still, their destination is an island, and islands enjoy a special place in the human imagination. Those who can, including Marlon Brando, John Wayne and Mel Gibson, have insisted on actually owning one. Tiberius preferred to rule the Roman empire from Capri, while to create Nineteen Eighty-Four , Orwell felt obliged to maroon himself on Jura. A poet called Kimon Friar lived on 46 different islands ; a decorator called Andy Strangeway has slept on 162 ; a conservationist called Philip Conkling has visited a thousand .

The allure prompting such behaviour infected cinema from its beginnings. The first big-screen version of Verne's The Mysterious Island appeared in 1929, though the 1961 stop-motion animation is better remembered and the little-known Soviet version has its admirers. Island settings have sustained films as different as Jaws, South Pacific, The Wicker Man, Dr No and Il Postino, or more recently Mamma Mia!, Shutter Island and Archipelago.

Our preoccupation with islands goes back to classical times, while since the middle ages, both paradises and hell-holes have typically been envisaged on islands. This year, the BBC celebrates the 70th anniversary of its longest-running programme, Desert Island Discs , and Danny Boyle presents his Olympian extravaganza , entitled, fittingly enough, Isles of Wonder.

The role of islands in the human psyche has been much pondered , but the artefacts that they've inspired offer clues enough. Works such as The Tempest, Utopia, Gulliver's Travels, Robinson Crusoe, Treasure Island and Lord of the Flies may seem very different, but they utilise the same obvious but distinct features of isolation.

Islands are necessarily extrinsic; but, unlike deserts, forests or mountain ranges, they're also peculiarly finite. This makes them theatres in which alternative worlds can readily take the stage.

Evolution makes this happen automatically, as Darwin discovered in the Galapagos . Journey 2: The Mysterious Island relies on Foster's rule , which asserts that island life-forms may get larger if cut off from predators or smaller if denied mainland nutrients. That's why Michael Caine is subjected to the indignity of having to ride on a giant bee. However, as in so many island fictions, human character also evolves.

Islands provide distance from familiar ways of thinking and invite or require reassessments. Visits to them, real or imaginary, can be as conceptually disruptive as any sojourn in the contrived landscapes of science fiction. They enable us, as one writer has it, "to know ourselves as distinct from those around us, and, in so doing, forge a more articulated relationship with the world" . So it is, sort of, in Journey 2.

The film's protagonists are peculiarly unappealing. As romantic leads, Josh Hutcherson and Vanessa Hudgens are both vacuous and unpleasant. Luis Guzmán is drearily gross and The Rock seems to have wandered in from another movie. The quartet's adventures are mechanically predictable. When we reach the bog-standard redemptive climax to which they're subjected, we might weep with weariness, but for one thing. It's that island locale. This makes the whole thing somehow work.

Journey 2 is based on the idea that Verne, Stevenson and Swift's books were rooted in fact; that they were prompted by rumours of an uncharted island that does actually exist . The film ends up by reminding us that just such an enchanted isle is indeed real enough. It lies, however, not in the wide ocean's stormy embrace, but amid the boundless seas of the human soul.

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Journey 2: the mysterious island, common sense media reviewers.

Adventure sequel is clunky but has positive role models.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

The movie is intended to entertain rather than edu

Families work hard to stick together and stand by

The movie's two father figures are both positive r

Giant monsters roar and chase the main characters;

Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) is shown in slow-motion

Sporadic use of potty talk and mild language -- mo

Sean opens and drinks from a Coca-Cola in an early

Not an issue except for a quick, humorous line of

Parents need to know that Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the sequel to 2008's entertaining Journey to the Center of the Earth . The Hunger Games ' Josh Hutcherson is the sole returning cast member, but the tone is very similar to the original. Overall, it's a family-friendly adventure --…

Educational Value

The movie is intended to entertain rather than educate.

Positive Messages

Families work hard to stick together and stand by each other, even if that requires making sacrifices. Teens learn to understand and respect their parents and guardians. Together, and by using teamwork, the group is able to overcome many giant-sized challenges.

Positive Role Models

The movie's two father figures are both positive role models. Neither is perfect -- they have moments of bull-headedness, cowardice, and other flaws -- but they're completely devoted to their kids and will never give up, even if that means making sacrifices or facing fears. A young woman shows that she can take care of herself.

Violence & Scariness

Giant monsters roar and chase the main characters; many of those chases end up with the creatures getting smushed and crunched. There's a somewhat scary helicopter crash scene and some "gross out" scenes as well.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) is shown in slow-motion letting down her hair and removing a button-up shirt to reveal a tight-fitting tank top. Her cleavage is sometimes visible. She and Sean often argue in a flirty way, and there's a kiss at the end.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sporadic use of potty talk and mild language -- mostly during loud chase scenes -- as well as insults; words include "hell," "oh my God," "ass," "piss,'' "poop," and ''crap."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Sean opens and drinks from a Coca-Cola in an early scene. The label isn't clearly on view, but the bottle's shape and color are unmistakable.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Not an issue except for a quick, humorous line of dialogue: "What were you drinking?"

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the sequel to 2008's entertaining Journey to the Center of the Earth . The Hunger Games ' Josh Hutcherson is the sole returning cast member, but the tone is very similar to the original. Overall, it's a family-friendly adventure -- albeit one with frequent tense chases, monster attacks, and a somewhat scary helicopter crash (some of which is a bit more intense in the movie's 3-D version). There's also flirting and a kiss between the two main teen characters, and co-star Vanessa Hudgens is often shown wearing a tight, cleavage-enhancing tank top. Expect some gross-out humor, as well as potty talk and very sporadic mild language ("ass," "hell," etc.). This is no cinematic classic, but it is bright and cheerful and has positive characters, including fatherly role models. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (28)
• Kids say (58)

Based on 28 parent reviews

Are the producers obsessed with young girls bodies? Smh

Just like a poop in a punch bowl, what's the story.

After surviving his Journey to the Center of the Earth , Sean Anderson ( Josh Hutcherson ) is back living with his mom ( Kristin Davis ) and step-dad, Hank ( Dwayne Johnson ). Sean gets a coded message from his grandfather about the location of Jules Verne's famed "Mysterious Island." Hoping for some much-needed bonding time, Hank volunteers to go with him. In Palau, they hire a ramshackle helicopter, piloted by Gabato (Luis Guzman). Happily for Sean, Gabato's pretty daughter, Kailani ( Vanessa Hudgens ), comes with the deal. After crashing on the island, the explorers discover a world of tiny elephants, huge bees, and lost cities. But they also realize that they must find Sean's grandfather -- and discover a way off the island before time runs out.

Is It Any Good?

From the director of Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore , JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND is as clumsy and clunky as its title. The pace is speedy, but it seems as though the movie sacrificed logic, character, mood, and rhythm to achieve that speed. Moreover, the visual effects appear soft and never quite mesh with the real stuff. Even the 3D effects don't really add anything except for the occasional "comin' at ya" moment.

On the plus side, the movie has an inviting, warm, open-air feel, and it's more innocuous than it is obnoxious. Strong, positive characters -- including a young woman who can take care of herself -- and family bonding moments are also very appealing. Not to mention that this is the only movie in which you can see former pro wrestler Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. "The Rock") playing the ukulele and singing "What a Wonderful World."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Journey 2 's violence and scary stuff. How does its fantasy nature affect its impact? How do the movie's intense experiences affect Sean and his step-dad's relationship?

How does the movie portray families? How does that message/depiction compare to what you've seen in other movies and TV shows?

How does the movie portray fathers? There's a theme of "missing dads," but there are also great dad characters here. What's the take-away?

The first Journey movie was an adaptation of a Jules Verne novel; this movie's title also cites a Verne book but isn't a direct adaptation. What other books does it remind you of? Are there any you'd like to read after watching the movie?

Movie Details

• In theaters : February 10, 2012
• On DVD or streaming : June 5, 2012
• Cast : Dwayne The Rock Johnson , Josh Hutcherson , Vanessa Hudgens
• Director : Brad Peyton
• Inclusion Information : Female actors, Asian actors
• Studio : New Line
• Genre : Action/Adventure
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures
• Run time : 94 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : some adventure action, and brief mild language
• Last updated : April 29, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Our editors recommend.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

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.

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Movie Score

January 19, 2012,

Brad Peyton

Film Series

Journey Movies

Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzmán, Michael Caine, Kristin Davis

Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

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Where Was Journey 2 The Mysterious Island Filmed?

Brad Peyton helmed the blockbuster adventure movie ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,’ the second installment in the Jules Verne-inspired ‘Journey’ series. Upon discovering a signal from Sean’s grandfather Alexander Anderson, Sean and his stepdad, Hank, set out for a sprawling adventure filled with lush greenery and uncanny creatures. They arrive in the far-flung island country of Palau, regroup with Alexander thanks to a cyclone, and embark on a search for the lost city of Atlantis.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivers a hilarious performance alongside Michael Caine , Luis Guzmán, Vanessa Hudgens , and Josh Hutcherson. Most of the story unveils in the turbulent pacific, while the finale takes place on a dreamy island. However, you may seek to identify the locations where the movie was filmed. If that is the case, let us divulge before you everything we know.

Journey 2 The Mysterious Island Filming Locations

‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ was filmed in locations in and around the U.S., especially in Hawaii. Filming commenced on October 25, 2010, and was wrapped up by December 15 of the same year. Let us now take you to the specific locations where the movie was filmed!

O’ahu, Hawaii

Most parts of the movie were filmed in Hawaii, possibly including the Atlantis scenes. The director took his team to Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre vast nature reserve, event venue, cattle ranch, and most importantly, a famous filming destination in Hawaii. Situated at 49560 Kamehameha Highway in the community of Ka’a’awa, at around 24 miles from Honolulu, the ranch is a popular tourist destination in the city.

The reserve has been home to more than 79 movie productions, including blockbusters such as ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘ 50 First Dates ,’ and ‘Pearl Harbor.’ Look for the scene where they are heading towards the submarine, at around 46 minutes mark. You can locate the open space where filming of ‘ Jurassic Park ‘ took place.

Several scenes were also filmed at the Waimea Bay and its adjacent Waimea Bay Beach Park, located at 61-31 Kamehameha Highway in the community of Haleiwa along the north shore of O’ahu. Due to its situation at the mouth of the Waimea River and the proximity of several tourist places, Waimea Bay sees footfall all around the year. In the summer, you can go out surfing, while in the winter, you can enjoy the view of the towering waves with a bonfire.

Wilmington, North Carolina

The production team carried out several scenes in a controlled studio environment. The movie presumably contains several CGI-aided sequences, and the scenes were possibly developed in a full-service production facility in the community of Wilmington off the coast of North Carolina. EUE / Screen Gems Studios, a movie production facility located at 1223 North 23rd Street, lent its premises to film scenes.

The 50-acre expansive studio facility features ten fully equipped soundstages and a back-lot to tackle any global-scale production. Since its inception in 1985, more than 400 titles have come out of the studio. Movies filmed in the studio include blockbusters such as ‘ The Conjuring ‘ and ‘Iron Man 3.’ ‘Iron Man 3’ was one of the most significant projects the studio had ever seen, with filming taking place in all the ten soundstages simultaneously.

New York City, New York

Lastly, a few scenes at the movie’s beginning were filmed on location in New York City. New York City remains one of the most iconic places to shoot a film due to the city’s cultural significance. From Martin Scorsese’s ‘ Taxi Driver ‘ to Woody Allen ‘s ‘ Manhattan ,’ the towering landscape of New York City has been featured in timeless classics.

Read More: Best Dwayne Johnson Movies

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‘Hellblade II’ is awe-inspiring to look at — not so much to play

‘Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II’ is an eye-popping, immersive experience — but a regression from the first game.

“Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II” may have lots to say about the reality of people with psychosis, but studio Ninja Theory already said much of it, and better, in 2017.

The British studio, under Xbox ownership since 2018, released the first “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” as an art house project — it was marketed as an “independent AAA” — with industry-leading visual presentation. It won much-deserved critical acclaim due to the seriousness with which it addressed people with mental illness (rare in a medium that usually dismisses mental illness as “crazy”), and because it was created by a motley crew of just 20 developers.

After 6 years and a staff of 80 people, “Hellblade II” arrives Tuesday (on PC and Xbox platforms) to continue Senua’s story. The first game detailed Senua’s cartoonishly tragic past as she learned to look past her father’s abuse to accept the death of her mother, her lover and her entire hometown. This time, she travels to Iceland to find her missing people and take revenge on those who killed her loved ones. “Sacrifice” was practically a one-woman show with novice Melina Juergens putting on a compelling, if overwrought, performance. “Saga” introduces a wider cast of characters, and the game is largely about how Senua navigates dealing with other people in a new land.

Iceland, it turns out, seems to be haunted by giants. Senua’s last journey had her fight gods, but the game made clear it didn’t reflect reality. This time, supernatural elements seem to be a shared reality among Senua and Iceland’s native people. The games never outright say Senua has psychosis; you need external media like documentaries and interviews with developers to know this. Thus, the stories layer mythology over its depiction of mental illness. This makes for terrific visuals, and “Hellblade II” makes a strong case for the most impressive looking frames in video games at the moment. Its robust photo mode helps capture this game’s realistic and gritty beauty in every frame.

Its character rendering technology, powered by Unreal Engine, is unparalleled. In many frames, the 3D models look indistinguishable from real people. Finally, here is a game that matches the visuals of that famous “Matrix” demo distributed by Unreal creator Epic Games .

All this visual fidelity comes at a cost. The sequel is a lesser game than its predecessor. There are fewer combat mechanics in play, removing the melee button and directional attacks and replacing them with nothing. Perspective puzzles to make background details match rune symbols return, unevolved from the 2017 model. The scale of the puzzles are also smaller, as the game’s level design has shrunk. The former game had larger areas with vertical structures. This game’s level design is mostly a straight line, with a few small puzzle areas to break up the pacing.

It’s still an eye-popping, immersive experience. The use of binaural audio remains convincing and compelling, paired with moments of genuine beauty and tenderness. When others treat Senua with respect and kindness, the game finally shimmers with much-needed warmth, before reverting back to its exhausting depiction of cold anguish. Juergens puts on a memorable performance, but this is the second game to write for Senua a one-note performance of torment and rage. “You will never leave your past behind,” growls her father’s voice. Try as they might, Senua, and Ninja Theory, just can’t seem to shake off what happened in 2017.

As such, “Hellblade II” as a gameplay experience is a regression from the first game. As a story, it’s intriguing enough to stay for the ride, especially on the back of Thórgestr, Senua’s first companion and one whose motivations are key for the end conflict. The payoff is questionable, and will likely be the subject of debate. I’ll fall on the side of disappointment.

At $50 and about six to eight hours of play total, “Hellblade II” is worth a peek if you’re interested in what games could look like in the future. Imagine an “Elden Ring” that looks like this! Will I live long enough to see it? So I’m grateful “Hellblade II” exists today to give me a glimpse. I just wish it had a little more to say, and gave us a little more to do.

'If' movie review: Ryan Reynolds' imaginary friend fantasy might go over your kids' heads

Even with likable youngsters, a vast array of cartoonish characters, various pratfalls and shenanigans, and Ryan Reynolds in non- Deadpool mode, the family comedy “IF” isn’t really a "kids movie" – at least not in a conventional sense.

There’s a refreshing whiff of whimsy and playful originality to writer/director John Krasinski’s bighearted fantasy (★★½ out of four; rated PG; in theaters Friday), which centers on a young girl who discovers a secret world of imaginary friends (aka IFs). What it can’t find is the common thread of universal appeal. Yeah, children are geared to like any movie with a cheery unicorn, superhero dog, flaming marshmallow with melting eye and assorted furry monsters. But “IF” features heady themes of parental loss and reconnecting with one’s youth, plus boasts a showstopping dance set to Tina Turner , and that all leans fairly adult. Mash those together and the result is akin to a live-action Pixar movie without the nuanced execution.

Twelve-year-old Bea (Cailey Fleming) doesn’t really think of herself as a kid anymore. Her mom died of a terminal illness, and now her dad (Krasinski) is going into the hospital for surgery to fix his “broken heart,” so she’s staying with her grandma (Fiona Shaw) in New York City.

When poking around her new environment, Bea learns she has the ability to see imaginary friends. And she’s not the only one: Bea meets charmingly crusty upstairs neighbor Cal (Reynolds) as well as his IF pals, like spritely Blossom (voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and overly sensitive purple furry monster named Blue (Steve Carell). They run a sort of matchmaking agency to connect forgotten IFs whose kids have outgrown them with new children in need of their companionship, and Bea volunteers to help out.

'Welcome to Wrexham': Ryan Reynolds talks triumph, joy and loss of new season

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Bea is introduced to an IF retirement community located under a Coney Island carousel with a bevy of oddball personalities in the very kid-friendly middle section of the movie. “IF” low-key has the most starry supporting cast of any movie this summer because of all the A-listers voicing imaginary friends, an impressive list that includes Emily Blunt and Sam Rockwell as the aforementioned unicorn and superdog, Matt Damon as a helpful sunflower, George Clooney as a spaceman, Amy Schumer as a gummy bear and Bradley Cooper as an ice cube in a glass. (It's no talking raccoon, but it works.)

One of the movie's most poignant roles is a wise bear played by Louis Gossett Jr. in one of his final roles. Rather than just being a cameo, he’s nicely central to a key emotional scene.

While the best family flicks win over kids of all ages, “IF” is a film for grown-ups in PG dressing. The movie is amusing but safe in its humor, the overt earnestness overshadows some great bits of subversive silliness, and the thoughtful larger narrative, which reveals itself by the end to be much more than a story about a girl befriending a bunch of make-believe misfits, will go over some little ones’ heads. Tweens and teens, though, will likely engage with or feel seen by Bea’s character arc, struggling to move into a new phase of life while being tied to her younger years – not to mention worrying about her dad, who tries to make light of his medical situation for Bea.

Reynolds does his part enchanting all ages in this tale of two movies: He’s always got that irascible “fun uncle” vibe for kids, and he strikes a fun chemistry opposite Fleming that belies the serious stuff “IF” digs into frequently. But unless your child is into old movies, they probably won’t get why “Harvey” is playing in the background in a scene. And when “IF” reaches its cathartic finale, some kiddos might be wondering why their parents are sniffling and tearing up – if they're still paying attention and not off playing with their own imaginary friend by then.

Every Mad Max Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

How does Furiosa rank?

The Mad Max franchise is one of the greatest, and clearly one of the most influential, action sagas in the history of cinema. The films’ vision of the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Australian desert launched countless imitators in the subsequent decades, and it’s the rare recurring series in which every installment is helmed by the same auteur filmmaker: the legendary genius George Miller . Miller’s original trilogy steadily grew in popularity with each installment, and his handcrafted action sequences and dedication to world-building soon introduced the saga of Max Rockatansky beyond Australia and to an international audience. After the original series concluded in 1985, Miller worked for decades and overcame numerous production setbacks to deliver the critically acclaimed fourth installment.

While its unclear when its titular character will undertake his next big screen adventure, the Mad Max franchise is far from over. Miller has teased the possibility of another prequel film, which would flesh out the universe even further by giving a backstory to some of the background characters. Miller may be 79, but he's shown no signs that his passion for the Mad Max franchise is slowing him down in any way. Mad Max is the rare franchise in which each film is worthy of at least some consideration for its influence on pop culture . From enjoyable spectacles to absolute classics, here are all five Mad Max films, ranked worst to best.

5 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' (1985)

Starring mel gibson and tina turner.

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome is half of a great film. The first hour of Beyond Thunderdome changed up the typical racing action sequences by introducing the thunderdome itself , distinguishing its action from the previous installments in the series. The dystopian motorcycle cage battles were a great concept and provided a new challenge for Mel Gibson ’s Max, and the larger budget didn’t feel at odds with the grimness of the post-apocalypse. You also get a gloriously hammy performance from Tina Turner as the eccentric Entity , who rules with an iron fist over Bordertown.

It’s when the film goes “beyond thunderdome” that it makes a shift into being more heartfelt. The series had some sentimental moments in the first two installments, but for the first time, Max became more openly heroic when he helped a tribe of orphaned children searching for a legendary "Tomorrow-morrow Land." While Max needed to develop for what was a temporary conclusion to his character arc, it came as a drastic shift from his usually grim persona. Beyond Thunderdome ’s conclusion certainly isn’t all a wash, and the train action sequence is among the best moments in the series. It is still an underrated science fiction sequel that only suffers in comparison to the other installments in the franchise.

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome

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4 'Mad Max' (1979)

Starring mel gibson, joanne samuel, and hugh keays-byrne.

1979’s original Mad Max is the film that started it all, and looking back, it's a very different film from the rest of the series. Rather than opening like a Western fable with an established post-apocalypse , the first film explores the events that kick off the descent of society and gives insight into Max’s origins. He’s not yet the battle-hardened warrior who is essentially the Australian “Man With No Name,” but rather an honest cop who's forced to become a vigilante to deal with the growing threat of a berserk motorbike gang.

It's tough to say any kind words about Gibson, but he nonetheless turns in a rarely sensitive performance as Max helplessly watches his town crumble into chaos. His relationship with his wife Jesse ( Joanne Samuel ) is genuinely heartbreaking, and Miller does a great job of showing how Max’s loss of sanity matches the world that surrounds him . While it doesn’t quite have the momentum of the two classics above it, Mad Max is an essential viewing that paved the way for the series’ future heights.

3 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' (1981)

Starring mel gibson, bruce spence, and mike preston.

Although Mad Max had been very popular in Australia, it hadn’t quite permeated to an American audience. In order to not confuse viewers, the sequel Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior was commonly marketed by its subtitle, but new fans had no trouble picking up where the first film left off. The Road Warrior already takes place in the middle of the conflict, with Max emerging as the sanest (or maybe craziest) warrior enough to survive on his own. It's essentially 96 minutes of pure kinetic momentum thanks to Miller’s innovative chase sequences and the incredible rogue’s gallery of villains.

The Road Warrior plays out like the classic Westerns of Shane or Once Upon a Time in the West , with the young “Feral Child” ( Emil Minty ) recounting the story of a mysterious stranger who briefly did an act of good. Max could’ve been a mute vehicle to connect the set pieces, but Miller crafts an engaging character who remembers his duty to protect innocents. He begrudgingly comes to the aid of a villager at a refinery settlement when they’re threatened by a marauder gang. While Hugh Keays-Byrne had set a precedent for the series’ bad guys with his role as Tocecutter in the first film, the great Kjell Nilsson ’s performance as Lord Hummungus raised the stakes as a ruthless, yet intelligent warlord.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior

2 'furiosa: a mad max saga' (2024), starring anya taylor-joy, chris hemsworth, and tom burke.

Although the action is just as jaw-dropping as any of the previous installments in Miller’s franchise, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is an emotional revenge odyssey that shows the true depravity of the Mad Max universe . By showing the early days of Furiosa ( Anya Taylor-Joy ) before she became a veteran warrior, the film chronicles how heroism emerges from the unlikeliest of places. There’s a primal, angry energy to the film that is unique from the passive nature of Max in the other films. While many prequel films are unnecessary, Furiosa only makes the subsequent installments in the franchise more emotional.

The new characters in Furiosa instantly prove themselves to be worthy of the franchise’s legacy. With the monstrous character of Dementus, Chris Hemsworth creates a manipulative, sadistic antagonist whose cruelty goes beyond the inherent ruthlessness of the desert. Furiosa is a film short on dialogue, but the sharp interactions between the titular character and her new ally Jack ( Tom Burke ) are surprisingly profound. Miller manages to heighten the visual splendor by finding creative ways to mark the passing of time, thus distinguishing Furiosa from any other science fiction Western. With themes of feminine rage, escalation, environmentalism, obsessions, and the cyclical nature of violence, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is an exhilarating blast of energy that speaks to the ills of current society.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

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1 'Mad Max: Fury Road'

Starring tom hardy, charlize theron, and nicholas hoult.

To say that the fourth film in the saga was facing an upward battle would be an understatement, as Miller had been in development hell since the 90s and beset with production setbacks and a challenging shoot when he finally wrangled a new cast together. However, all skepticism faded away once Mad Max: Fury Road made its way to audiences. Few films are immediately accepted into the lexicon of cinematic classics, but there was an immediate understanding that Fury Road gave classics like Die Hard , Predator , or The Matrix a run for their money for the title of greatest action movie ever made . With an innovative blend of practical effects, brilliant makeup, tortured philosophies, and female empowerment, Miller redefined the style of The Road Warrior with an even more relentless nonstop chase .

Both shockingly violent and hauntingly beautiful, Fury Road is also the best depiction of Max’s role in the wasteland, and is still the best Mad Max movie to date. Tom Hardy ’s superior take on the character isn’t meant to be lauded as a hero but rather swept up in the spectacle as he’s haunted by the demons of his past. As great as Hardy was, he was completely upstaged by Charlize Theron ’s incredible performance as the new heroine Imperator Furiosa. The protector of a band of female child-bearers of the warlord Immortan Joe (who Hugh Keays-Byrne returned to play), Furiosa was an inspired new protagonist with a compelling character arc. Fury Road cut out the fat that any modern blockbuster had. It became one of the few franchise films to make serious awards bids, earning six Academy Award wins and nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.

Mad Max: Fury Road

NEXT: Every 'Mad Max' Movie, Ranked by Box Office

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After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever... Read all After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced.

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Screening of Graphic Oct. 7 Hamas Attack Movie Canceled in Cannes Amid ‘Serious Security Risk’

Thanks to enhanced security measures, attendees at this year’s Cannes Film Festival have faced only a few hiccups. Even the ongoing war and Israeli hostage situation in Gaza haven’t made headlines during the festival, in stark contrast with the Berlinale.

But one private screening, which was scheduled outside of the festival and market, was canceled abruptly, and attendees were told it was due to a security threat. Details of what happened remain unclear.

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Gadi Wildstrom, who organizes the annual Cannes Shabbat dinner for industry power brokers that is hosted by Rabbi Mendel Schwartz and the Chai Center of Los Angeles, was planning to attend the screening but was told the event was canceled due to a “serious security risk.” “It’s typical what we’re dealing with,” Wildstrom added. (The Shabbat dinner, which was held on May 17, went off without a hitch and drew nearly 100 industry guests from more than 40 countries.)

A screening for “Bearing Witness” in Los Angeles in November was attended by high-profile members of the film and television community including producers Lawrence Bender and Jamie Patricof and Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. But the event, held under heavy guard at the Museum of Tolerance in West L.A., was marred by protests outside the building, representing both sides of the Israel-Gaza divide. Violent clashes broke out after the screening ended.

Overall, the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet was mostly devoid of political statements. The few exceptions included Laura Blajman-Kadar, a survivor of the Oct. 7 attacks who, on May 15, wore a yellow dress emblazoned with the faces of hostages held by Hamas and a sash that read “Bring Them Home.” The ban on outright demonstrations stemmed from the festival organizers’ wish to maintain the focus on movies, as Cannes president Iris Knobloch told Variety , but also for security reasons as France is currently on high alert due to terrorist threats.

Along with a record number of on-the-ground security staff and checkpoints, the city of Cannes inaugurated 17 A.I.-powered video surveillance cameras around the Palais des Festivals to flag anything suspicious or at risk. As such, the entrance to the Palais was closed briefly on the afternoon of May 18 after a bomb scare due to a rucksack that was found in the crosswalk. And the union of French festival workers held small impromptu demonstrations throughout the week, but not appear to impact the flow of pedestrians making their way to premieres and panels.

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