Move over, penguins. There's a new band of hardy heroes on the pack ice who brave cold and hunger in Eight Below (Disney), a winning Antarctic adventure about friendship and canine courage.
Based on the Japanese movie Nankyoku Monogatari (which in turn was inspired by true events), the film stars Paul Walker as Jerry Shepard, a survival guide who pilots scientific expeditions from a South Pole research station.
With winter approaching, Jerry, against his better judgment, agrees to convoy a visiting geologist (Bruce Greenwood) to a more remote site to look for asteroid samples. Unpredictable ice conditions require that they forgo heavy snowmobiles in favor of Jerry's faithful and sure-footed team of sled dogs.
Their trip is cut short by an advancing storm. Averting near-tragedy, they return to base only to be told that they must evacuate immediately, and, with the small aircraft filled to weight capacity, must leave the dogs behind.
Jerry reluctantly agrees, provided the plane will promptly return to pick up his fur-coated friends, whom he secures with leashes to prevent them from running off.
An even bigger storm deep-sixes the planned doggy deliverance, leaving the eight assorted huskies and malamutes — who break free — to fend for themselves as the temperatures plunge. Guilt-wracked, Jerry desperately tries to organize a rescue mission before it's too late.
Combining the tearjerker elements of Lassie Come Home and The Incredible Journey with dollops of Jack London ruggedness, Eight Below is solid, if unabashedly sentimental, family-friendly entertainment.
However, the film takes its time setting up the main dilemma and includes an extraneous romantic subplot between Jerry and a pretty bush pilot (Moon Bloodgood), as well as some unfunny comic bits provided by Jerry's cartographer buddy (Jason Biggs).
Otherwise, director Frank Marshall tells a strong story, one that appeals to both the eyes and emotions of his audience.
Filmed in northern Canada, Alaska and Greenland, cinematographer Don Burgess' breathtaking photography provides a spectacular, if inhospitable, stage for the drama, capturing both nature's beauty and indifference. (Hand warmers should be included with the admission price.)
Walker is appealing, but the real star is the ensemble of noble four-footed creatures, who display distinct, almost human personalities, conveying a one-for-all-and-all-for-one bond that anthropomorphically suggests something deeper than mere pack instinct, staying alive by hunting seagulls and scavenging off the dead carcass of a killer whale. (“Never underestimate a living spirit's will to survive, especially when they're surrounded by family,” an old man tells Jerry.)
Parents should know that there is a frightening scene in which the dogs must fend off a vicious leopard seal, as well as several three-hanky moments which, though not quite as traumatic as Bambi, will leave even hardened viewers misty-eyed.
In fact, only the most frostbitten cynics will not have a lump in their throats during the heart-tugging, bittersweet climax. As warm as its setting is cold, this action-packed dog tale will leave moviegoers wagging theirs.
The film contains some intense human and animal peril, brief, mildly crude language, predatory violence, and a few sad scenes that may upset the youngest of children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
( This update courtesy of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
