Eight Below
Screenplay written by: David DiGilio based upon the 1983
Japanese script,
”
Antarctica
”
Actors: Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, Bruce Greenwood, Connor
Christopher Levins, Megan McKinnon, Moon Bloodgood
Directed by: Frank Marshall
Rated: PG (Peril and brief mild language)
Eight Below
Screenplay written by: David DiGilio based upon the 1983 Japanese script, “Antarctica”
Actors: Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, Bruce Greenwood, Connor Christopher Levins, Megan McKinnon, Moon Bloodgood
Directed by: Frank Marshall
Rated: PG (Peril and brief mild language)
Intent on finding a meteorite for a top-secret geological research project, Dr. Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood) has come back to explore the chillingly dangerous Antarctica region, no matter what it takes, despite Jerry Shepherd’s (Paul Walker) warnings and concerns as an experienced artic guide. With the devoted assistance of Jerry’s eight sled dogs and his expertise in traversing the icy landscape, McClaren drives the group to accomplish his mission well past the time of year that Jerry feels is a safe weather window. Despite great reservations, Jerry’s decision to continue to guide McClaren’s relentless pursuit of his goal ends up putting lives in jeopardy and takes them all to the brink of life-threatening disaster.
The unfortunate events that follow force all the scientists to evacuate via a weight-restricted plane, and leaves Jerry only the heart-wrenching option to leave his eight canine companions that he raised from puppies behind to fend for themselves, though he knows that their chances for survival are slim. Based upon a true story, “Eight Below” evolves into one of loyalty and devotion.
He Said:
Occasionally, a just plain good movie comes along of survival that hits all the right spots in us as human beings, and “Eight-Below” is one of those. Though not for the faint of heart, or for sensitive animal lovers as you might expect a Walt Disney tale to be, this film turned out to be quite a riveting tale of dedication, humanity, and the love that we share with dogs. With a touch more realism than you might expect, the grandness of the cinematography and the realism of the relationship between the great dogs and their master, put this on my family entertainment list. Take the kids, but prepare them for what all animals might have to do to survive hunger and the brutal cold.
On the R&R Scale (1-10):
6 for script (Refreshing realism in depicting the canine companions)
7 for direction (Captured the true nature and beauty of vast Antarctica)
5 for acting (Understated at times, overstated at times)
6 for plot (Simple, yet layered in subtle human emotion)
6 for entertainment value
6.0 Overall
She Said:
Whether you have had a dog that you’ve adored in the family or not, this is an inspiring and unsugar-coated tale of devotion, love and survival. While I appreciated “Eight-Below” most of the time, the life-threatening snow and harsh icy conditions created a constant sense of impending peril. That made it strenuous watching, unlike any other Walt Disney movie that I can recall. While I couldn’t help but appreciate the actor’s dedication for signing up for the cold desolate filming location and such a tough environment (Greenland as Antarctica), the stars of this film that shown brightest were the beautiful dogs. This was due to the care taken to depict them as the wonderful canines they are and not attributing human emotion to them, a la Lassie. It was more realistic, and therefore, more tender by not resorting to that.
On the R&R Scale (1-10):
7 for script (Both tender and filled with harsh reality; themes of friendship and loyalty)
7 for direction (Cinematography was vast and yet intimately portrayed emotions)
7 for acting (You felt every character’s motivations)
7 for plot (Both predictable and unpredictable at times)
7 for entertainment value
7.0 Overall
