A Look Back #7: Eight Below

A Look Back #7:

'A Look Back' is a place where 'Movie Freak 77' reviews old movies, which he considers them one of his favorite movies. Hope you will enjoy these reviews. 

And Don't Forget: 'ENJOY BEING MOVIE FREAKED!"

Review: Eight Below
*Spoilers Alert
  Do NOT forget to rate this post when you finish.

Official 'Eight Below' Poster.

      One of the most heartwarming and self displayed emotional film, 'Eight Below' is one of the best adventure drama dog films ever.

"Paul Walker" and
"Moon Bloodgood".

"Paul Walker" and
"Bruce Greenwood".

      In 1993, during an expedition in Antarctica, U.S. National Science Research Base resident guide 'Jerry Shepard'(Paul Walker) agrees to take Dr. 'Davis McClaren'(Bruce Greenwood) to Mount Melbourne in order to find a rare meteorite from planet Mercury, even though it’s a dangerous expedition. But when the weather takes a turn to the worse, all expeditions and the in the area have to be evacuated, while leaving the dogs near the station and helpless. Winter has set in, meaning all flights to the area have been canceled till Spring. Will the Dogsled team (six Siberian huskies and 2 malamutes) be able to survive? And will 'Jerry' be able to find a way to save them before it’s too late? Other characters include 'Katie'(Moon Bloodgood) the site's pilot supplier, 'Charlie Cooper'(Jason Biggs) a cartographer, Dr. 'Andy Harrison'(Gerard Plunket) head of the U.S. National Science Research Base, 'Rosemary Paris'(Belinda Metz) a paramedic, 'Eve McClaren'(Wendy Crewson) 'Davis''s wife and  'Mindo'(August Schellenberg) a veteran guide.

"Paul Walker".

      This story was inspired 1983 Japanese Movie 'Nankyoku Monogatari', which in turn was inspired by a true story. The Japanese version was set in 1958 with two humans and two out of nine dogs were able to survive. In this Disney version, the movie takes a more family friendly road to bring a truly engaging story that will be able to relate with people of all ages and especially the dog lovers. What is really astonishing about the movie is that even though many will be able to a certain extent predict what will probably happen at the end of the movie, audiences can't help but engage truly with the story and watching the dogs survive. 

"Paul Walker", "Moon Bloodgood",
and "Jason Biggs".

      'Eight Below' was "Frank Marshall" first directing gig in 10 years at the time. He is known for producing many box office hits such as 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' and 'The Bourne' series, and for directing 'Congo' and 'Alive'. To date this movie is "Marshall"'s last directing job and if it remains his last his directing career will surely be remembered for the incredible job he performed bringing an exceptional movie experience. The screenplay was penned by first time "David DiGilio"(at the time). It was accomplished, yet certain parts felt a bit forced. The music of this movie was strong and appropriate for the overall story and emotions conveyed, which allowed elevating the overall quality of the movie. "Mark Isham"('The Lucky One' and 'Blade') scored the movie. It is worth mentioning that the cinematographer "Don Burgess"('Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines') gives one of the best cinematography works in recent time.

"Paul Wlaker", "Jason Biggs" and
"Moon Bloodgood".

      The length of the movie was problematic for many. As much as the movie is enjoyable, the movie felt a bit lengthy. The reason for that were the scenes related to the humans, which were a bit low on emotion and maybe importance as that of the dogsled, especially in the middle of the movie. The first and last 40 minutes of the movie were the best personally. And the scenes that included the dogs were the favorite. Despite the dogs being a bit weak in being facially expressive, the way the director was able to bring the emotions and way of acting between them was mind-blowing. The scenes that were my favorite were 'Maya' rescuing Dr. 'McClaren' and 'Shepard', the whole scenes that showed how the dogs interacted and fought for survival, and the reunion scene towards the end.

"Paul Walker" and
"Bruce Greenwood".

      Even if many preferred the scenes that included the dog, since to be honest they were the star of the entire the movie, the human cast was very much impressive as well. Speaking in the box office perspective, the movie was put on the shoulders of the dogs and "Paul Walker". I would like to take this moment to acknowledge how much the late "Paul Walker" was skillful and a great actor. The work he did in this movie was emotionally nourishing, making us believe 100% the bond that his characters and the dogs shared. "Bruce Greenwood", "Moon Bloodgood" and "Jason Biggs" each had their own moment to shine and bring their A-game when needed. The remaining cast supported the main cast successfully. The main stars of the movie were the dogs who brought an array of emotions from honesty to respect and companionship. 

      'Eight Below' truly provide many an emotional journey and proves how humans and dogs can share a true bond that is good-hearted and forever.

Official 'Eight Below' Poster.

-'Eight Below' Info:
-Release Date: February 17, 2006.
-Starring: Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Moon Bloodgood, Jason Biggs, Gerard Plunket, Belinda Meltz, Wendy Crewson and August Schellennberg.
-Based on: 1983 movie 'Nankyoku Monogatari'.
-Directed by: Frank Marshall.
-Screenplay: David DiGilio.
-Music by: Mark Isham.
-Running Time: 120 minutes.
-Budget: $ 40,000,000.
-Box Office: -Domestic(US): $ 81,612,565.
                    -Foreign: $ 38,843,429.
-Ratings: -IMdb: 7.3/10.
              -Rotten Tomatoes: 72%.
              -Metacritic: 64%.

              -PERSONAL RATING: 8.0/10.

-'Eight Below' Trailer: