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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

2012, Adventure/Fantasy, 1h 34m

What to know

Critics Consensus

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. Read critic reviews

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Journey 2: the mysterious island   photos.

Now 17, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from an island where none should exist. Knowing that he will not be able to dissuade Sean from tracking the signal to its source, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), Sean's new stepfather, joins the teen on a quest to the South Pacific. Together with helicopter pilot Gabato (Luis Guzmán) and Gabato's feisty daughter, Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island and rescue its sole human inhabitant (Michael Caine).

Rating: PG (Some Adventure Action|Brief Mild Language)

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Original Language: English

Director: Brad Peyton

Producer: Beau Flynn , Tripp Vinson , Charlotte Huggins

Writer: Brian Gunn , Mark Gunn

Release Date (Theaters): Feb 10, 2012  wide

Release Date (Streaming): Feb 15, 2014

Box Office (Gross USA): $103.8M

Runtime: 1h 34m

Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Production Co: Contrafilm

Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital

Cast & Crew

Dwayne Johnson

Michael Caine

Josh Hutcherson

Vanessa Hudgens

Kristin Davis

Luis Guzmán

Anna Colwell

Stephen Caudill

Branscombe Richmond

Brad Peyton

Screenwriter

Tripp Vinson

Charlotte Huggins

Richard Brener

Executive Producer

Michael Disco

Samuel J. Brown

Marcus Viscidi

Michael Bostick

Evan Turner

David Tattersall

Cinematographer

Production Design

David Rennie

Film Editing

Denise Wingate

Costume Design

Andrew Lockington

Original Music

Bruce Robert Hill

Supervising Art Direction

Gary Fettis

Set Decoration

News & Interviews for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s 10 Best Movies

Critics Consensus: Journey 2 Isn’t Quite Worth the Trip

Total Recall: Luis Guzman’s Best Movies

Critic Reviews for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Audience reviews for journey 2: the mysterious island.

What's interesting about this standard adventure tale is how it tells it's story: the barest bones of construction, and only the points you are already well versed with (from all the other adventure tales they've "borrowed" from) to get to the point quickly. Quite literally they find a "secret map written in code" and decipher the thing in less than 5 minutes, and then "it's off to the island!". Everything happens fast, and everyone's only playing a cliche, and so after a minute it becomes cool simply watching the race to the end. Should I tell you "no surprises here"? If I did, that would be the only surprise of this feature.

Better than the first mostly due to the fact that the cast were more likeable and the story wasn't as cheesy, It's still cheesy but it's fun, The effects were ok but some looked pretty bad in places, I can't comment on the 3D as I watched the 2D version but just like the first it looked like it would be good in 3D, The story was predictable but fun and most of all my kids enjoyed it and that's the films target audience so it's hard to be too critical.

I just finished watching on my cable this science fiction adventure comedy directed by Brad Peyton. This is a sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth, and is based on another Jules Verne novel, this time The Mysterious Island. Very unusual cast stars Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzmán, and Kristin Davis. The story was written by Richard Outten, Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn, and the screenplay by Brian and Mark Gunn. This movie became a box office success with a worldwide gross of nearly $326 million, surpassing its predecessor, I think mainly because of the 3D technology. The story is happening four years since the events of the first movie, and starts with the 18-year-old Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) involved in a chase with the police which ended with him driving into a swimming pool. His step-father Hank (Dwayne Johnson) arrives and later discovers that Sean had broken into a satellite research centre in order to boost the signal of a code he'd received by 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 and makes a map from the three books in the coded letter with the coordinates to its location. All they need to do now is to convince Sean's mother to let the both of them go in search of the island. This is a film with very likable characters and actors in an adventure which could excite the younger audience, but not too exciting for the older. It is moving quickly but parts of the story almost seemed unrelated at some moments. Directing seemed done without any motivation... that doesn't mean it was bad, but wasn't very noticeable. If you want to spend a night with a family watching something which is semi-sweet and very colourful, give it a go!

Journey to ridiculous. But nice visuals/SFX. The Rock delivers the same crappola performance he's famous for...sadly.

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Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

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You can buy "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, AMC on Demand as download or rent it on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store online.

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, 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 : July 4, 2023

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.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

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• Magic and Fantasy

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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Screen Rant

Journey 2: the mysterious island cast & character guide - where you've seen the actors before.

With A-list stars like The Rock and Vanessa Hudgens at the helm, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island has a stacked cast of Hollywood heavyweights.

• 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.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s Franchises Ranked Worst To Best

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

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Original Theatrical Release

February 10, 2012

Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

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Journey to the Center of the Earth

• Photos & Videos

Film Details

• Articles & Reviews

Brief Synopsis

Cast & crew, henry levin, james mason, arlene dahl, diane baker, thayer david, photos & videos, technical specs.

In Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1880, Professor Oliver Lindenbrook is knighted to the acclaim of his colleagues and students. When his prize pupil, Alec McEwen, presents him with a lava paperweight to commemorate the occasion, Oliver discovers that encased within the Italian lava is a rock from Iceland, halfway across the world from the volcano. After Oliver identifies some etchings on the rock as those of Saknussemm, an Icelandic scientist who years earlier descended into the interior of the earth, never to return, he sends a dispatch to his colleague, Prof. Goetaborg in Stockholm, asking him to confirm his findings. Upon learning that Goetaborg has vanished, Oliver realizes that the Swede has decided to conduct his own expedition. Now in a race to reach the center of the earth, Oliver and Alec leave immediately for Iceland and Alec bids farewell to his fiancée Jenny, Oliver's niece. Aware that they must begin their descent on the last day of May when the sunrise will pinpoint the opening into the Earth, Oliver hurries to assemble the equipment needed for his journey, but soon learns that it has all been purchased by Goetaborg. When he goes to confront Goetaborg about the situation, Oliver discovers the Swede lying lifeless in his hotel room, poisoned. Soon after, Goetaborg's wife Carla arrives to join her husband. Oliver breaks the news of her husband's death, but when he requests the use of the equipment, Carla agrees on the condition that she be allowed to join the expedition. With no other choice, Oliver reluctantly accepts, and the three are then joined by a husky Icelandic jack-of-all trades named Hans Belker and his pet duck Gertrude. As they slip inside the Earth on the last day of May, they are secretly followed by Count Saknussemm, a descendent of the original explorer. Their first trial occurs when a boulder, dislodged by an earthquake, tumbles threateningly toward them. After a narrow escape, they discern a series of notches left by Saknussemm, marking the path to the center of the Earth. Unknown to them, the count has sabotaged his ancestor's markings, sending Alec over the side of a precipice. After Hans rescues Alec, Carla uncovers the real markings, and they realize they have been tricked. Becoming separated from the rest when he follows a tunnel, Alec sinks through a bed of salt into a chamber, where he comes face to face with the count. When Alex refuses to carry the count's equipment, the count shoots at him, and the sound of gunfire alerts the others to their whereabouts. Following the echoing gunshots, the three soon find the wounded Alec and the count, who threatens them all at gunpoint. After Oliver tricks the count by throwing salt in his eyes, they accuse him of murdering Goetaborg and find him guilty in a mock trial. Although he is sentenced to die, the three find themselves unable to carry out the sentence. The Count then begrudgingly joins the expedition, and as their lamps begin to fail, he discovers a luminescent algae that renders artificial light unnecessary. Two hundred fifty six days later, Carla and Oliver are still bickering about the journey. When Alec discovers a massive mushroom forest, Carla prepares the mushrooms for dinner while the count orders Hans to chop the plants down to build a raft that will carry them across the ocean of the underworld. Just as they are about to set sail, an army of giant flesh-eating lizards appear, but they escape by fleeing into the water. Once at sea, they are encompassed by a magnetic force field which Oliver realizes is the center of the Earth, whose intense centrifugal force throws them onto shore, exhausted. As they sleep, Gertrude waddles off, and when Hans awakens, all he finds is a pile of bloody feathers. Realizing that the count has eaten Gertrude for dinner, Hans lunges at him, and when the count retreats, he is crushed by a falling pillar of rocks. The collapse reveals the sunken city of Atlantis, where they find the skeleton of Saknussemm, his finger pointing to a shaft that leads to the chimney of a volcano in Stromboli, Italy, the way out of the underground. Oliver sends Hans to inspect the shaft, and when Hans reports that it is obstructed by a giant block of stone, Oliver decides to dislodge the obstruction by using a cache of gunpowder found in Saknussemm's knapsack. The group takes refuge from the explosion in a giant asbestos chalice, but when the gunpowder fails to ignite, Oliver jumps down to relight it and is attacked by a giant scorpion. Escaping with Alec's help, Oliver climbs back into the chalice just as the gunpowder detonates, killing the serpent and destroying Atlantis. The chalice and its inhabitants are swept up though the tunnel and spewed out into the sea, where all but Alec, who lands in a tree, are rescued by Italian fishermen. The party then returns triumphant to Edinburgh, where Jenny and Alec are married. When Oliver asks Carla to stay and collaborate with him on his memoirs, she reacts with indignation at being relegated to the role of his secretary until he proposes and embraces her.

Peter Ronson

Robert adler.

Alan Napier

Alex finlayson, frederick halliday, alan caillou, ivan triesault, peter wright, molly roden, edith evanson, owen mcgivney, kendrik huxham, molly glessing, john barclay, peter fontaine, john ainsworth, myra nelson, thomas f. martin, l. b. abbott, franz bachelin, lincoln barnett, herman a. blumenthal, charles brackett, robert burns, charles [g.] clarke, warren b. delaplain, leonard doss, david ffolkes, bernard freericks, stuart gilmore, james b. gordon, bernard herrmann, jack w. holmes, joseph kish, emila kose jr., lionel newman, walter reisch, joseph m. schenck, bernard schwartz, walter m. scott, helen turpin, james van heusen, lyle r. wheeler, photo collections.

Award Nominations

Best art direction, best special effects.

I never sleep. I hate those little slices of death. - Count Saknussem

The screenwriter evidently thought that since English-speaking people can have surnames like London or York then Swedes can be named Goetaborg (Goteborg is the second largest city in Sweden) - which is most unlikely.

The film's title card reads "Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth ." The film closes with the following written acknowledgment: "Carlsbad Caverns National Park served as the background for portions of the motion picture. Twentieth Century-Fox expresses its appreciation for the cooperation extended by the National Park Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior." According to studio publicity contained in the film's production files at the AMPAS Library, filming was allowed only at night because of daily public tours scheduled in the caverns. Location filming was also done in Edinburgh, Scotland; Amboy Crater, CA and Sequit Point, CA.        A number of studios and producers considered filming Verne's novel prior to Twentieth Century-Fox's production. According to December 1955 and February 1956 Los Angeles Times news items, producer Eugene Lourie planned to film a version in Italy with Gerard Philipe and Michele Morgan as the stars. According to September 1956 items in Hollywood Citizen-News and Daily Variety , producer Bryan Foy bought the rights to the novel for release through Columbia, but Columbia withdrew its plans upon learning that RKO had begun extensive pre-production work on the same subject.        In October 1958, a Los Angeles Examiner news item stated that Charles Brackett, in association with Twentieth Century-Fox, had bought the rights to the novel from the Korda estate and wanted Clifton Webb to play the role of "Oliver Lindenbrook." Although an April 1959 Hollywood Reporter news item added that Lincoln Barnett was to write the screenplay for Brackett, Barnett's contribution to the released film has not been determined. According to a March 1959 Hollywood Reporter news item, Cooga Mooga Film Productions was Pat Boone's production company. Under Boone'e deal with Twentieth Century-Fox, Boone was to produce and star in the film for a share in the profits, as well as a salary. Journey to tne Center of the Earth marked Boone's first production. In Verne's novel, the character of Lindenbrook was German. The characters "Carla" and "Saknussemm" were added for the film.        Journey to the Center of the Earth was nominated for the following Academy Awards: Best Art Direction, Best Set Decoration, Best Sound and Best Special Effects. Modern sources add that Anna Jane Sitton worked as Arlene Dahl's stand-in and that Alexander Scourby was orginally cast as Saknussemm. According to modern sources, Pat Boone wrote and recorded a theme song that was never used in the film.        Verne's novel has been filmed several other times. In 1976, Almena Films, a Spanish company, released Viaje al centro de la Tierra , starring Kenneth More and directed by Juan Piquer Simón, and in 1989, the Canon Group/Golan-Globus released a version directed by Rusty Lemorande and starring Erno Philips. From 1967-69, ABC television broadcast an animated series loosely based on Verne's novel. Although several new feature film versions of Verne's novel were announced in the early 2000s, none was in production as of spring 2005.

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States Winter December 1959

Released in United States on Video August 25, 1988

Released in United States 1998

Shown at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as part of program "Twentieth Century Fox and the Golden Age of CinemaScope" July 3 - August 15, 1998.

CinemaScope

Released in United States 1998 (Shown at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as part of program "Twentieth Century Fox and the Golden Age of CinemaScope" July 3 - August 15, 1998.)

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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ on Netflix, Where The Nativity Story Meets ‘Glee’

Where to stream:.

• Journey to Bethlehem
• Faith-Based

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Is ‘the chosen’ season 4 available to stream, stream it or skip it: ‘the baxters’ on prime video, a family drama based on karen kingsbury’s popular novels, even russell crowe is surprised ‘noah’ is in the netflix top 10.

Journey to Bethlehem (now on Netflix) takes The Greatest Story Ever Told and merges it with The Greatest Showman , which is something we always never knew we wanted, right? Um. Sure? So brace yourselves for a singing-and-dancing musical version of Mary and Joseph’s trek down the burro trail to the humble hay-ridden birthplace of Jesus himself, with Antonio Banderas turning up to play mean ol’ King Herod. Adam Anders, whose songwriting and music production credits range from Glee to High School Musical and Hannah Montana , directs the movie, and that pretty much gives away the goofy, lightweight tone here. But is it joyous, or just blasphemous? 

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY, reads the opening title card, so this movie is already hilarious. We meet three wisemen – Caspar (Rizwan Manji), Balthazar (Geno Segers) and Melchior (Omid Djalili) – and as the designated comic relief, they certainly are wisecracking wiseasses. They spot the exceptionally brilliant star in the sky they’ve been waiting their entire lives to see, and immediately pack up the gold and frankincense and myrrh for a long journey. Please note, from this point on, you will be subject to more myrrh jokes than you could ever dream of. Must’ve been an entire writer’s room dedicated just to the myrrh jokes! 

Meanwhile, in Nazareth, Mary (Fiona Palomo) is super-pissed at her parents for betrothing her to some stranger. I mean, she wants to be a teacher, not some j-hole’s wife . Mary’s sisters take her to the square to go shopping and blow off some steam, and here she meets a cute guy with pretty good hair who claims to be an expert at handling fruit. Well then! He won’t back down even though she’s betrothed and when she runs off he says he didn’t get her name, which tells us he wasn’t paying attention to an earlier song, which included the lyric “Mary Mary Mary Mary,” and rhymed it with “contrary” and “secondary.” 

Later, the two families stage the first meeting of Mary and her hubs-to-be, and wouldn’t you know it, he’s – gasp – the fruit guy! His name is Joseph (Milo Manheim), and Mary’s mad that he didn’t tell her he, too, was betrothed. Betrothal is absolutely something that must be disclosed, per unofficial Year Zero-era social contracts, you know. He’s not too hot on being betrothed, either. He wants to be an inventor, a profession with such great promise. I mean, just think of all the things that hadn’t been invented yet – computers, industrial agriculture, rechargeable nose trimmers, free will, birth control. So many things! 

Our not-so-happy couple hasn’t even walked down the aisle before they run into their biggest bone of contention, and I know that’s a major phrasing issue, but let’s just move on: Mary’s visited by the angel Gabriel (Lecrae), who floats into her room and hits his head on the doorway – no, really – just like that one Stormtrooper did, before revealing that she’s destined to carry the son of the Lawd. Well, shit. Nobody believes her, and Joseph ain’t too keen on being a resident of Cuck City, so she’s exiled to a barren stretch of desert to live with relatives. Not to give anything away, but if Mary and Joseph ever make up – and I can neither confirm nor deny that they do! – I’m sure this’ll be a great story to tell their grandchildren.

Elsewhere, in Jerusalem, the guy who voices Puss in Boots hams it up as King Herod, and busts out into a song that’s way too much like “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from The Lion King . When he catches wind that someone’s about to give birth to another king in his country, he declares that the baby king should be slaughtered. As we recover from tonal whiplash, we meet Herod’s unfortunately named son, Antipater (the unfortunately named Joel Smallbone), who isn’t so sure about killing a baby, and therefore is torn between loyalty and sanity. Will Joseph forgive Mary? Will they survive King Herod’s tyranny? Will the child leap from her loins wearing tap shoes? NO SPOILERS.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: I already made the hacky Greatest joke, so let’s see what else we can come up with. How about this: Journey to Bethlehem is like The Nativity Story crossed with Aladdin .

Performance Worth Watching: There’s lots of generic singing and acting happening here, so thankfully we have Banderas to spice things up with some heavily eyelinered eyerolls and a goodly amount of campy gesticulating. 

Memorable Dialogue: Melchior: “My clothes smell of sheep dung. My skin smells of sheep dung. This whole earth is made of sheep dung. And tonight, I meet the son of God. This is just perfect!”

Sex and Skin: We know how that baby got in there, so, none, of course. It’s only logical.

Our Take: Journey to Bethlehem ends with another title card, all but apologizing for “taking creative license” with the story, so at least it ends with another good laugh. Maybe I should apologize for my sacrilegious tone here, but it’s kinda in step with the tone of the movie, which takes a story that’s rather serious to many and renders it rather silly. To illustrate the level of subtlety here: Joseph, torn between believing and disbelieving Mary’s virgin-pregnancy story, dreams of two sides of himself sing-fighting, rhyming “immaculate conception” with “ultimate deception.” It symbolizes his inner conflict, see. See? See ?!?

The movie is glossy and cheap-looking, like a TV-production crew parked outside Yuma for three weeks to stage small-scale musical numbers with voguing Roman centurions and Banderas dressed two-thirds the way to clowndom. The songs are glossy generipop sprinkled with old standards like “Silent Night,” and it all sounds like something you’d hear performed by the Hooray for Everything troupe in a mall in 1985, as opening act for a Casual Corner fashion show. Anders avoids a cliche or two – we don’t get a scene of Mary screaming as Joseph implores her to PUUUUUSHHHHH, but we do get a shot of her beloved pet donkey pacing outside the manger, which is a bummer, because I was hoping he’d deliver the baby – but steps in a dozen others, ranging from a bevy of cornball jokes to far too many watery ballads. I’ve therefore concluded that we’re definitely not supposed to take any of this seriously. Not for a second. 

Our Call: The faithful will be torn between appreciating Journey to Bethlehem ’s lighthearted cutesiness and believing it’s just not religious enough to do the story justice. I can only speak for myself though, and I got enough giggles out of this ridiculousness to justify imploring y’all to STREAM IT. 

John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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49 facts about the movie journey to the center of the earth.

Written by Oriana Favors

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

The movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is an exciting adventure film that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Eric Brevig, this 2008 blockbuster is based on the classic science fiction novel by Jules Verne. The story follows a group of explorers who embark on a perilous journey to the earth’s core, encountering breathtaking landscapes, prehistoric creatures, and unexpected hazards along the way.

In this article, we will explore 49 fascinating facts about the making of this iconic movie. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting tidbits about the cast and crew, you’ll get an insider’s look at the creation of this thrilling cinematic experience. So, strap yourself in and get ready to dive beneath the earth’s surface as we uncover the secrets behind “Journey to the Center of the Earth”!

Key Takeaways:

• “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a thrilling adventure movie released in 2008, featuring stunning visuals, exciting action, and a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s a must-see for all adventure enthusiasts!
• “Journey to the Center of the Earth” captivates audiences with its immersive 3D experience, heartwarming family bonds, and the enduring spirit of exploration. Get ready for a roller coaster ride into the unknown depths of the Earth!

The movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in 2008.

The film, based on Jules Verne’s 1864 novel of the same name, was directed by Eric Brevig.

Brendan Fraser plays the lead role of Professor Trevor Anderson.

Fraser’s portrayal of the adventurous and determined professor captivated audiences worldwide.

The movie introduces the concept of a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface.

As the characters embark on their journey, they discover a secret realm filled with breathtaking landscapes and incredible creatures.

The film combines elements of action, adventure, and fantasy.

With its thrilling chase sequences, dangerous obstacles, and fantastical creatures, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” offers a truly immersive viewing experience.

The movie was shot in various stunning locations around the world.

From Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to the breathtaking caves in New Mexico, the film showcases the beauty and diversity of our planet.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” received positive reviews from critics.

Critics praised the film for its exciting storyline, impressive visual effects, and the chemistry between the cast members.

The movie grossed over $240 million worldwide.

Its box office success cemented its place as a beloved adventure film among audiences of all ages.

The film’s screenplay was written by Michael D. Weiss, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin.

The writers crafted a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of Verne’s original story while adding modern twists.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in 3D.

The use of 3D technology enhanced the immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel like they were journeying alongside the characters.

The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Andrew Lockington, adds depth to the story.

Lockington’s score perfectly complements the action-packed sequences and brings the emotions of the characters to life.

The film was primarily shot using digital cameras.

This allowed for greater flexibility during the filming process and enabled the creation of stunning visual effects.

The movie includes thrilling action sequences and narrow escapes.

From escaping collapsing caves to outrunning dangerous creatures, the characters are constantly facing high-stakes situations.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in multiple languages.

The movie’s popularity transcended borders, captivating audiences around the globe.

The film’s cast includes Anita Briem as Hannah Ásgeirsson.

Briem’s portrayal of the adventurous guide adds depth to the story and sparks a connection with the other characters.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was praised for its visual effects.

The seamless integration of CGI and practical effects creates a believable and awe-inspiring world beneath the Earth’s surface.

The movie showcases the wonders of geology and the Earth’s unique underground ecosystem.

Through stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, viewers gain a newfound appreciation for the planet’s hidden depths.

The film’s fast-paced narrative keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

From the opening scene to the final moments, “Journey to the Center of the Earth ” is a thrilling roller coaster ride.

The movie’s success led to a sequel titled “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” in 2012.

The sequel further explores the fascinating world introduced in the first film and continues the characters’ adventures.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” inspired a 2008 video game adaptation.

The game allows players to embark on their own virtual journey into the depths of the Earth.

The film’s production team went to great lengths to recreate the Earth’s inner world.

From creating intricate cave systems to designing unique creatures, no detail was overlooked in bringing Verne’s vision to life.

The movie’s release coincided with the resurgence of 3D films in the late 2000s.

Viewers were treated to a visually stunning experience that brought the story to life like never before.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” pays homage to Jules Verne’s original novel.

Throughout the film, there are nods to Verne’s work and his influence on the adventure genre.

The movie’s success contributed to the popularity of the 3D format in the following years.

Many studios began investing in 3D technology for their films, thanks in part to the positive response to “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

The film’s tagline, “Same Planet. Different World,” captures the essence of the story.

As the characters venture into the hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface, they discover a realm unlike anything they’ve ever experienced.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” features stunning cinematography.

The film’s visuals are not only impressive in 3D but also showcase the beauty of the Earth’s landscapes in a unique way.

The movie’s strong emphasis on family bonds resonates with audiences.

As the characters navigate through the perils of the hidden world, their connection strengthens, providing a heartwarming aspect to the story.

The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Achievement in Visual Effects.

The impressive visual effects work in “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was recognized by the industry.

The movie’s Director of Photography, Chuck Shuman, skillfully captures the beauty of the natural landscapes.

Shuman’s work adds a layer of realism and grandeur to the film.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” takes audiences on an exciting, larger-than-life adventure.

From starting on a seemingly ordinary expedition to embarking on a journey of a lifetime, the film offers a thrilling escape from reality.

The movie’s original score received critical acclaim.

Andrew Lockington’s music perfectly complements the on-screen action and adds an emotional depth to the story.

The film’s script underwent several revisions before the final version was approved.

The writing team worked tirelessly to ensure that the story was engaging, coherent, and faithful to Verne’s original vision.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” includes exciting discoveries and unexpected plot twists.

The movie keeps viewers guessing as the characters face new challenges and unravel the mysteries of the hidden world.

The film’s visual effects team won a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature.

The team’s dedication and talent are evident in the detailed and lifelike creatures that inhabit the Earth’s inner realm.

The movie’s universal themes of exploration and discovery resonate with audiences of all ages.

Whether you’re a fan of adventure, science fiction, or simply love a thrilling story, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” offers something for everyone.

The film’s stunning visuals were achieved through a combination of practical effects and CGI.

This seamless blending of techniques creates a visually immersive experience.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a testament to the power of imagination and the wonders that can be found within.

The film inspires viewers to embrace their sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.

The movie’s success led to the creation of themed attractions at various amusement parks.

Visitors can now experience their own adventure inspired by “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

The film’s production was a collaborative effort between multiple countries and production companies.

From funding to location scouting, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” brought together talent from around the world.

The movie features breathtaking underground landscapes that are visually striking.

The attention to detail in creating these environments adds depth and richness to the film.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” underscores the importance of bravery and perseverance.

The characters’ courage in the face of danger serves as a reminder that one must take risks to achieve extraordinary things.

The film’s marketing campaign highlighted the thrilling and immersive 3D experience.

Audiences were encouraged to “dive in” and join the characters on their extraordinary journey.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in multiple formats, including DVD and Blu-ray.

This allowed viewers to experience the film’s stunning visuals and captivating story from the comfort of their own homes.

The movie’s opening weekend was a commercial success.

Its box office performance surpassed expectations, solidifying its place as a must-see adventure film.

The film’s central theme revolves around the idea that there is much more to the world than meets the eye.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” encourages viewers to embrace the unknown and embark on their own personal journeys of exploration.

The movie’s success led to the creation of a 4D attraction at Universal Studios Theme Park.

Visitors can embark on a thrilling virtual adventure, experiencing the wonders of the Earth’s hidden realm.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a testament to the enduring appeal of adventure stories.

From Verne’s original novel to the film adaptations, audiences continue to be captivated by the allure of the unknown.

The film features stunning set designs that bring the underground world to life.

The attention to detail and the blend of practical and digital effects create a visually immersive experience.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was a critical and commercial success.

The film’s captivating story, strong performances, and breathtaking visuals resonated with audiences worldwide.

The movie’s legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and adventure enthusiasts.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the thrill of exploration.

In conclusion, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a captivating movie that takes audiences on a thrilling adventure to the unknown depths of our planet. With stunning visual effects, a compelling storyline, and memorable characters, this film has garnered a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or simply fascinated by the mysteries of the Earth, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a must-watch.With its rich history, behind-the-scenes trivia, and spectacular cinematography, this film continues to captivate audiences and inspire a sense of wonder. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and embark on a journey like no other with “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

1. Who directed the movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth”?

The movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was directed by Eric Brevig.

2. Is “Journey to the Center of the Earth” based on a book?

Yes, the movie is loosely based on the novel of the same name written by Jules Verne.

3. When was the movie released?

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released on July 11, 2008.

4. Who are the main characters in the movie?

The main characters in the movie are played by Brendan Fraser , Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem.

5. Are there any sequels to the movie?

Yes, there is a sequel titled “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” released in 2012.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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How to Watch Andrea Bocelli's Musical Special, ‘The Journey’

Plus, where you can buy tickets!

This time, he’s delivering a curation of mind-blowing performances and conversations in the new film The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli , which is set to premiere starting April 2, Palm Sunday, through Easter Sunday on April 9.

Naturally, after the preview for the movie, which included this moving duet of "Hallelujah” with Tori Kelly, first made waves around the internet in March, fans are eager to find out how they can watch the film. Luckily, we have just what you’re looking for.

How can I watch The Journey?

It’s been nearly three years since the legendary singer graced his fans and the world with a 25-minute live performance on Easter Sunday , and now another performance will be available in theaters for a limited time, from Palm Sunday through Easter. Supporters can decide whether they would like to purchase individual or group tickets (which are for parties of 25 or more) by following the link on the film’s website.

How much do tickets cost?

Ticket prices for most locations start at around $12 per person. However, due to the limited number of show dates and show times, we recommend snagging them as soon as possible before they sell out.

Can I stream The Journey?

It is not yet clear if the film will be available on streaming services anytime soon, but Bocelli has released recorded performances onto YouTube in the past, so fingers crossed!

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} The Best Movies to Watch

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Journey 3: Why From the Earth to the Moon Didn't Happen

Journey 3: From the Earth to the Moon was highly anticipated by fans of the series. Here's why the sequel ultimately didn't happen.

The Journey franchise began with Journey to the Centre of the Earth , and continued with its sequel Journey 2: The Mysterious Island . Both films were hugely successful, and with the introduction of Dwayne Johnson in the second film, they fast became box office successes, picked up legions of fans, and looked on track to follow the classic film franchise formula for continued success.

Shortly after the success of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island , a following sequel was announced which promised to be even bigger and better: Journey 3: From the Earth to the Moon . Unfortunately, this project was paused shortly after, and then the announcement came that the film was no more . Here’s everything we know about the sequel and why it didn't happen.

Related: Best Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Movies, Ranked

Script Difficulties and Actor Commitment Issues

One of the first problems that was encountered by the Journey franchise was the curse of a lack of script for developing the project further. Johnson revealed in 2018 that the lack of a solid script was a large reason for his not being involved in the project. There was initial speculation that writers Chad and Carey W. Hayes would be tied to the film. This could have been exciting, given their previous work in films such as The Conjuring and House of Wax , representing the possibility for the script to change to be more mature or have horror themes which were not fully explored before. This creative direction was eventually scrapped for reasons unclear. Naturally, difficulties such as these meant that actors were hesitant to be tied to the project since it didn’t seem to be fully coming into fruition. It would have been interesting, however, to see what direction the Hayes Brothers could have taken the film in.

Dwayne Johnson’s Popularity Surged

Dwayne Johnson first gained huge popularity under his stage name The Rock. He initially appeared as a wrestler for WWE, where he wrestled for eight years and became one of the most famous wrestlers to ever be on the show, developing a huge following and growing in popularity year after year. This led to a continued career in film, beginning in 2002 when he starred in The Scorpion King , which then led to further success, allowing him to leave WWE altogether and act in Hollywood full time.

When Johnson joined the franchise in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island , his career was only just beginning to gain the momentum that it has today. The years following Journey 2 saw Johnson take on several huge projects, like Fast & Furious 6 , Hercules , San Andreas , and Moana , to name a few. It’s clear that his schedule was becoming more and more packed, and without a script for Journey 3 , the possibility of a sequel was put to the back of his to-do list. Despite director Peyton frequently stating in interviews that he did not have any plans for the franchise to end, the lack of Johnson’s presence would have likely thrown a wrench in the plans. Johnson eventually confirmed on Twitter that he would not be returning, which present the ultimate challenge for the film since he was an integral part to its success and general appeal. While responding to his fans, the actor stated that the reason behind the cancelation was the script and his busy work schedule.

Related: Here Are 8 Movie Sequels That Were Better Than the Original

There’s an Online Petition for the Project to be Resurrected

Understandably, fans were not happy with the decision for the film to be shelved, and Johnson’s announcement that he would not be returning in 2018 caused even further disappointment. The original director for the film was supposed to be Brad Peyton, and after having huge successes like San Andreas and Rampage , we can understand why fans were sad about missing out on this opportunity. In today’s world, fans have access to the internet and can be very vocal about their upset for these kinds of things. This has resulted in the setting up of a petition, which call for Dwayne Johnson and Brad Peyton to be attached to the film again, which you can find here .

29 Best Movies Like Journey To The Center Of The Earth ...

If you liked this one , you will definitely love these too! In this list we highlight some of the best films that share a very similar premise to '', and are worth checking out.

1. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)

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.

2. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.

3. Jumanji (1995)

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures.

4. City of Ember (2008)

For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers, in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, before the the lights go out forever.

5. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Accident prone teenager, Percy discovers he's actually a demi-God, the son of Poseidon, and he is needed when Zeus' lightning is stolen. Percy must master his new found skills in order to prevent a war between the Gods that could devastate the entire world.

6. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013)

In their quest to confront the ultimate evil, Percy and his friends battle swarms of mythical creatures to find the mythical Golden Fleece and to stop an ancient evil from rising.

7. Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

A taxi driver gets more than he bargained for when he picks up two teen runaways. Not only does the pair possess supernatural powers, but they're also trying desperately to escape people who have made them their targets.

8. Inkheart (2008)

The adventures of a father and his young daughter, in their search for a long lost book that will help reunite a missing, close relative.

9. Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

After their father is called into work, two young boys, Walter and Danny, are left in the care of their teenage sister, Lisa, and told they must stay inside. Walter and Danny, who anticipate a boring day, are shocked when they begin playing Zathura, a space-themed board game, which they realize has mystical powers when their house is shot into space. With the help of an astronaut, the boys attempt to return home.

10. The Mummy (1999)

Dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell stumbles upon the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra while in the midst of a battle to claim the area in 1920s Egypt. It has been over three thousand years since former High Priest Imhotep suffered a fate worse than death as a punishment for a forbidden love—along with a curse that guarantees eternal doom upon the world if he is ever awoken.

11. Jurassic Park III (2001)

In need of funds for research, Dr. Alan Grant accepts a large sum of money to accompany Paul and Amanda Kirby on an aerial tour of the infamous Isla Sorna. It isn't long before all hell breaks loose and the stranded wayfarers must fight for survival as a host of new -- and even more deadly -- dinosaurs try to make snacks of them.

12. The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (2013)

Seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi's life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped. Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artefact that grants limitless wealth—but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world, and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box.

13. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

Lara Croft ventures to an underwater temple in search of the mythological Pandora's Box but, after securing it, it is promptly stolen by the villainous leader of a Chinese crime syndicate. Lara must recover the box before the syndicate's evil mastermind uses it to construct a weapon of catastrophic capabilities.

14. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Set during the Cold War, the Soviets—led by sword-wielding Irina Spalko—are in search of a crystal skull which has supernatural powers related to a mystical Lost City of Gold. Indy is coerced to head to Peru at the behest of a young man whose friend—and Indy's colleague—Professor Oxley has been captured for his knowledge of the skull's whereabouts.

15. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Four years after Jurassic Park's genetically bred dinosaurs ran amok, multimillionaire John Hammond shocks chaos theorist Ian Malcolm by revealing that he has been breeding more beasties at a secret location. Malcolm, his paleontologist ladylove and a wildlife videographer join an expedition to document the lethal lizards' natural behavior in this action-packed thriller.

16. Nim's Island (2008)

We don't have an overview translated in English. Help us expand our database by adding one.

17. National Treasure (2004)

Modern treasure hunters, led by archaeologist Ben Gates, search for a chest of riches rumored to have been stashed away by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War. The chest's whereabouts may lie in secret clues embedded in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and Gates is in a race to find the gold before his enemies do.

18. Spy Kids (2001)

Carmen and Juni think their parents are boring. Little do they know that in their day, Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez were the top secret agents from their respective countries. They gave up that life to raise their children. Now, the disappearances of several of their old colleagues forces the Cortez' return from retirement. What they didn't count on was Carmen and Juni joining the "family business."

19. Land of the Lost (2009)

On his latest expedition, Dr. Rick Marshall is sucked into a space-time vortex alongside his research assistant and a redneck survivalist. In this alternate universe, the trio make friends with a primate named Chaka, their only ally in a world full of dinosaurs and other fantastic creatures.

20. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past, and he's not sure if it's love -- or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard, Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

21. The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (2004)

When a magical artifact is lifted from his library, a meek librarian sets out to ensure its safe return.

22. The Mummy Returns (2001)

Rick and Evelyn O’Connell, along with their 8-year-old son Alex, discover the key to the legendary Scorpion King’s might: the fabled Bracelet of Anubis. Unfortunately, a newly resurrected Imhotep has designs on the bracelet as well, and isn’t above kidnapping its new bearer, Alex, to gain control of Anubis’s otherworldly army.

23. The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines (2006)

After retrieving the Crystal Skull in Utah, Flynn Carsen receives a map in the mail with the secret location of King Solomon's Mines. When the scroll is stolen, Judson explains the power of the Key of Solomon's book and assigns Flynn to retrieve the map. The map is useless without the legend piece to decipher it, which is located in Volubilis near the Roman ruins in Morocco. Flynn heads to Casablanca to the ruins where he is chased by a group of mercenaries leaded by General Samir. They too want to find the location of King Solomon's mines. Flynn teams-up with Professor Emily Davenport working in the dig and they escape from General Samir and his men. While traveling to Gedi, they save the local Jomo from death and the trio faces a dangerous journey through the wild Africa.

24. Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002)

Exploring the further adventures of Carmen and Juni Cortez, who have now joined the family spy business as Level 2 OSS agents. Their new mission is to save the world from a mad scientist living on a volcanic island populated by an imaginative menagerie of creatures. On this bizarre island, none of the Cortez's gadgets work and they must rely on their wits--and each other--to survive and save the day.

25. Tarzan and the Lost City (1998)

Tarzan returns to his homeland of Africa to save his home from destruction.

26. The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec (2010)

An adventure set in the early part of the 20th century, focused on a popular novelist and her dealings with would-be suitors, the cops, monsters, and other distractions.

27. The Island at the Top of the World (1974)

A Victorian gentleman hopes to find his long-lost son, who vanished whilst searching for a mysterious Viking community in a volcanic valley somewhere in uncharted Arctic regions. The gentleman puts together an expedition team to go on the search, but when they reach their destination they must escape from some Viking descendants who will kill to keep their existence a secret.

28. Jurassic Park (1993)

A wealthy entrepreneur secretly creates a theme park featuring living dinosaurs drawn from prehistoric DNA. Before opening day, he invites a team of experts and his two eager grandchildren to experience the park and help calm anxious investors. However, the park is anything but amusing as the security systems go off-line and the dinosaurs escape.

Check out more list from our community

Eternal Theater: A Storyteller's Journey From Hell to Heaven

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The Last Journey Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Hulu

By Namrata Ghosh

The Last Journey also known as Last Journey of Paul W.R. , is a French science fiction movie directed by Romain Quirot. Based on his previous short film of the same name, this movie follows the daring astronaut Paul W.R, who has been chosen to go on a dangerous mission that will ensure the survival of humanity.

Here’s how you can watch and stream The Last Journey via streaming services such as Hulu.

Is The Last Journey available to watch via streaming?

Yes, The Last Journey is available to watch via streaming on Hulu.

The movie is set in a future where Earth is no longer habitable due to overpopulation and environmental degradation. With the fate of humanity at stake, Paul W.R must successfully complete the journey to Kepler 209, a distant planet that needs to be colonized for survival.

Last Journey of Paul W.R. stars Hugo Becker as Paul W.R along with Jean Reno, Paul Hamy, Lya Oussadit-Lessert, Philippe Katerine, Bruno Lochet, Émilie Gavois-Kahn, Jean-Luc Couchard, and more.

Watch The Last Journey streaming via Hulu

The Last Journey i s available to watch on Hulu. Read on to find out how you can subscribe to Hulu and get access to its impressive catalogue of amazing TV shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Normal People, How I Met Your Mother, and many more!

You can watch via Hulu by following these steps:

• Go to Hulu.com/welcome
• Select ‘Start Your Free Trial’
• $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year (With Ads)
• $17.99 per month (No Ads)

Hulu (With Ads) is the cheapest option, providing users access to Hulu’s streaming library with commercials. Hulu (No Ads) is the service’s premium option, providing access to its library without any advertisements. There are also several bundles available with Hulu that pair the service with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, along with Live TV plans that also include many live TV channels.

The Last Journey synopsis is as follows:

“The red moon threatens our existence on earth. Our only hope is the enigmatic Paul WR, the most talented astronaut of its generation. But few hours before the start of the mission, Paul disappears.”

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.

Marvel Fans React to Julia Garner Being Cast as Female Silver Surfer

Lakeith stanfield reacts to new silver surfer julia garner: ‘i thought it was going to be me’, hotel cocaine teaser trailer previews mgm+ crime thriller, exclusive ape x mecha-ape: new world order trailer previews the kaiju mockbuster.

Namrata is a SEO Content Writer for ComingSoon and an avid reader, with a profound love for movies and anime, especially the works of Hayao Miyazaki. She holds a masters in English literature and has been producing content for over two years.

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Kelsey T. Talks Unique Journey to Getting on Show and Her Relationship with Her Dad Now Bachelor Happy Hour

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2 filmmakers capture a young Nigerian ballet dancer's journey in 'Madu'

NPR's Debbie Elliott speaks to Anthony Madu, a young Nigerian ballet dancer who's featured in a new Disney+ documentary about his discovery, and move to a prestigious ballet school in England.

(SOUNDBITE OF RAINFALL)

DEBBIE ELLIOTT, HOST:

In the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was captivated by a viral video from Nigeria. In a concrete courtyard, a slim 11-year-old boy in a black tank top and multicolored shorts twirls and leaps gracefully in the pouring rain. Anthony Madu was doing what he loves most, dancing ballet. The video attracted the attention of Elmhurst Ballet School, a prestigious academy in Birmingham, England, which offered Anthony a scholarship. The story also captivated two filmmakers who followed Anthony's journey for a documentary called "Madu," out today on Disney+.

(SOUNDBITE OF DOCUMENTARY, "MADU")

ANTHONY MADU: People think that it's not for boys. It's my dream and I have to follow it.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: It's something that one has to embrace, accept, appreciate.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: Hi, Mrs. Madu. We wanted to talk to you about Anthony, your son. He had so much raw talent that we are interested in at the school. You must be very proud.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #3: I'm very proud of him.

MADU: I can't believe that I'm going to be schooling in England for seven years.

ELLIOTT: I spoke to Madu, who's now 14, and the film's directors, Matt Ogens and Kachi Benson. I began by asking Madu what inspired him to learn ballet.

MADU: It kind of, like, all started when I was 5. I loved moving and dancing. And I told my mom that I wanted to dance, but at that time there wasn't any dance school around. After that, my mom found a ballet school that I could go to, and I started. Yeah.

ELLIOTT: Director Matt Ogens, how did you find the story?

MATTHEW OGENS: I always lead with curiosity and love character-driven stories that have universal human themes that we can all relate to. One of our producers just sent me this clip of, at the time, this 11-year-old boy doing ballet in the rain. And that video, as we know, went viral. And I was just struck by his confidence and his passion. And I dug into the internet and the social media world and found him. And I think within a few days or maybe a week, I was on a FaceTime with him and his family, and that's how the journey began.

ELLIOTT: Anthony, the story of this film is you and your family's decision to leave your home in Nigeria and move to the U.K. in order to go to a ballet school. How did you come to decide that was the right thing to do?

MADU: Well, because dancing was always something I wanted to do. And getting offered a place at Elmhurst Ballet School meant that I was able to follow my dreams even further. And I had the support of my mom and my family as well.

ELLIOTT: So, Kachi, this is just a beautifully shot film. There are these lovely scenes of Anthony dancing. There are the street scenes in Nigeria. It almost feels more like a movie than it does a documentary. Was that an intended effect?

JOEL KACHI BENSON: Everything about this particular film was very intentional. There's not a lot of talking heads or interviews, even though we shot quite a bit. But by the time we got into post and we looked at all the footage, we realized that there was so much that was happening in the moment that we really didn't need to use any interviews as a crutch to propel the story forward.

ELLIOTT: Anthony, you talked about some difficult things at times in this film. You talked about being bullied in Nigeria for choosing to be a dancer, right? But it seems like you made some new close friendships once you got to England. How do you think your life changed after you started in the school in England?

MADU: My life changed in terms of being able to do what I want to do without having other people, like, tease me about it, because at Elmhurst Ballet School, we've got - like, everyone shares the same dreams and passion. We all just kind of, like, pretty much work together and not tease other people about it and stuff. And I think that has been a really, really good change for me.

ELLIOTT: There's a scene in the film I want to talk a little bit about that I found to be very lovely. It's where you go to see "The Nutcracker," and you're able to speak with a principal dancer afterward.

UNIDENTIFIED DANCER: Come out here, let's get center stage.

MADU: Whoa.

UNIDENTIFIED DANCER: So when you're at school and you're performing and your teachers are telling you to look out and beyond, imagine this, yeah?

MADU: Yeah.

UNIDENTIFIED DANCER: Imagine this.

ELLIOTT: What was that moment like for you?

MADU: It was great because being onstage with a principal ballet dancer, it isn't something that happens all the time. And seeing what it feels like being onstage, dancing with a lot of people, it felt amazing.

ELLIOTT: Matt and Kachi, you know, Anthony is an adolescent. That's a really difficult time in life. Did you all have conversations about, you know, following him and being sensitive that he was young and going to be alone and away from his family? I mean, how did you sort of address that?

BENSON: We took our time to be very sensitive to Anthony's emotions, right? You know, there would be some times where maybe, you know, he doesn't feel like speaking or he doesn't feel like - and we know when to pull back and sit this one out. And there was also a lot of, after filming, conversations. So in the heat of the moment, we've captured it. But, you know, we would always catch up afterwards and try to get to understand, OK, what's going on? How are you feeling? Is everything OK? But I think in the end, we respected, you know, his emotions, the boundaries that were set and worked within those boundaries to still create something that, you know, we have all come to see that is beautiful and tells an inspiring story.

ELLIOTT: Anthony, what are you doing now? How have your dreams for the future changed since you arrived in England?

MADU: So now I'm still dancing. I'm still at Elmhurst Ballet School. But I just kind of, like, want to keep improving on my dance and every other part of my life and get better at a lot of things and find new things. Yeah.

ELLIOTT: Well, the documentary is called "Madu" and it's out on Disney+ now. It features Anthony Madu, directed by Matt Ogens and Kachi Benson. Thanks to all three of you for talking with us.

MADU: Thank you.

OGENS: Thanks for having us.

BENSON: Thank you.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief

President biden says he wants to rake in more money from corporations and high earners. but so far, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[THEME MUSIC]

Today, in his campaign for re-election, President Biden says that raising taxes is at the heart of his agenda. But as it turns out so far, he’s done the opposite as president. My colleague Jim Tankersley explains.

It’s Wednesday, April 3.

Jim, welcome back. We haven’t seen you since the State of the Union. Always a pleasure.

So, so great to be here. And yeah, I finally recovered from staying up all night with you guys.

Yeah, you don’t even know all night. You stopped and we kept going.

That’s true. I did. I got a robust three hours that night. You’re right.

[LAUGHS]:: So Jim, in your capacity as really the chief economic thinker covering this president, you recently came across something very surprising.

Yeah, it started with a pretty basic question for me. I like to do this crazy thing, Michael, where I like to take candidates’ promises and see if they’ve come true.

It’s a little bit wild, but it’s what I do for fun. And in this case, I wanted to look at a very central promise of President Biden’s campaign in 2020, which he has repeated while in office.

I promise you, I guarantee you we can build back, and build back better with an economy that rewards work, not wealth.

The promise was he was going to raise taxes.

But I tell you what I’m going to do, and I make no apologies for it. I’m going to ask the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations of the Fortune 500 companies, 91 making a collective billions of dollars, didn’t pay a single solitary penny in federal tax!

Not taxes on the middle class, not taxes on low income workers, but he was going to raise taxes on corporations and the rich.

But I’m going to make sure they pay their fair share!

He was going to make them pay their fair share. And he leaned into it.

Guess what? You’re going to start paying your fair share. I’m going to ask them to finally begin to pay the fair share. It’s not a punishment. Pay your fair share.

He said it over and over.

Fair share? Translation — it’s back to the failed policies of the 1970s.

Republicans loved this. They repeated it too. They told voters that the president was going to raise taxes.

Joe Biden bragging about raising taxes on corporations. That means less money for those very employers to hire people back.

They talked about all the ways in which corporate tax increases could rebound on workers.

Joe Biden will shut down your economy, raise taxes, wants a $4 trillion tax increase. He’s the only politician I’ve ever seen who said, we will raise your taxes. You’re supposed —

It was a very big part of the economic debate for the campaign.

And I wanted to know, is that true? Has that actually played out in the policy agenda the president has had?

So I asked some economists at the Tax Policy Center in Washington to run an analysis and just say, let’s look at all of the ways Biden has changed the tax code in all of those laws he’s signed, and ask, has he raised taxes as president? And it turns out the answer is he has not raised taxes.

On net, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised.

How much more has he cut taxes than raised them?

So by the math that economists use when they look at budgets, the traditional way of scoring tax changes, he has cut taxes by $600 billion on net.

Hmm. A lot of money, a lot of tax cuts.

It’s a lot of tax cuts. The president has been a net tax cutter.

So Jim, why and how did Biden end up cutting taxes, especially if his stated intent was to raise taxes?

Well, there’s two sides of this equation and two complementary explanations for what’s happened here. The first side is the tax increases that Biden ran on, he’s only done a couple of them. He has trillions of dollars of ideas for how to raise taxes on rich people and corporations. The Treasury Department publishes an entire book full of them every year called “The Green Book.”

But in the actual legislation he signed, there’s only been a couple, really. There was a tax on stock buybacks that companies do and then a new minimum tax for certain multinational corporations that have very low tax rates. Those add up to real money, but they are not, in the grand scheme of Biden’s tax increases, a really large amount of the agenda he’s proposed.

So explanation number one, he just hasn’t been that successful in passing tax increases, and there’s a lot of reasons for that. The biggest one is just the simplest one is that he’s just had a really hard time persuading members of Congress, including Democrats, to back some of his favorite tax increases. He wants to raise the corporate income tax rate, which President Trump cut in his 2017 tax bill. Biden wants to raise it to 28 percent from 21 percent. Congress has not had any appetite to go along with that.

He wanted to get rid of what’s called the carried interest loophole, a long-time white whale of Democratic policy making. But he could not get even 50 Democrats to go along with that. Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona was opposed to it, and so it didn’t get included.

And he did some pieces of legislation on a bipartisan basis. And in those cases, Republicans were just not going to pay for anything by raising taxes, and so he had to take those off the table there. So it’s all added up to just not very much activity in Congress to raise taxes on what Biden wants to do.

Got it. So that’s the side of a ledger where Biden simply fails to increase taxes because he can’t get Congress to increase taxes.

Right. But there’s another side, which is also that Biden has signed into law a decent number of tax cuts.

And that starts from the very beginning. Just a couple of months into his presidency, if you’ll recall, we’re still in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is wobbling after it had started to rebound. Biden proposes what is essentially a stimulus bill.

And he includes some tax cuts in there, a tax cut for families, a child tax credit. And it also includes — you remember those direct checks that people got as part of that bill?

Yes, $1,400. I remember them.

Yes, those were technically tax cuts.

So the stimulus bill starts with that. The next year, he passes this bill that is trying to accelerate manufacturing of things like semiconductors in the United States. That’s the CHIPS Act. And that includes some corporate tax cuts for companies that invest in the kind of manufacturing that Biden wants. This is industrial policy via carrots for corporations. And Biden is handing them out as part of this bill.

So tax cuts there. And then finally the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes the largest climate effort in American history is a bunch of corporate tax cuts at its core, tax cuts for manufacturing of solar panels, tax cuts for people to buy electric vehicles, tax cuts for all sorts of things tied to the transition from fossil fuels to lower emission sources of energy. And those tax cuts add up. They add up for corporations. They add up for individuals. And in the end, that full suite of tax cuts that he’s passed across all of this legislation outweighs the modest tax increases that were also included in the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce its cost.

Got it. So a very big reason why Biden ends up cutting taxes, beyond the fact that he’s not able to raise them through Congress, is that that’s what it took, according to those in his administration, to get American industry and American consumers to change their behavior in line with policy goals such as getting more domestic computer chip manufacturing and getting more people to buy electric vehicles they decided the way to do that was to give people tax breaks, which means he cut their taxes.

Right, people and companies. The president certainly has talked throughout the campaign about wanting to give middle class families a break. But he has also, in the process of crafting policy, really come to rely on tax cuts for people and for corporations as a way of achieving these policy goals. And in many cases, again, this is what he had to do to pass these bills through even Democrats in Congress.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia didn’t want to just send money to companies that were making solar panels. He wanted there to be tax incentives for it. And so that is part of the reason why these were created as tax incentives. And so all of this adds up to more of a tax cutting record than you might have imagined when Biden was on the campaign trail.

I’m curious who really ended up benefiting from these tax cuts. You said they went to people and to corporations, but on the whole, did they end up reaching lower income Americans, middle income Americans, or the rich?

Well, we don’t have a full distributional analysis, which is what you’re asking for, of the entirety of Biden’s tax changes. But what we can say this — particularly the ones that were in that early stimulus bill, the recovery plan, those were very much targeted toward lower income and middle income Americans.

There were income limits on who could get things like the Child Tax Credit. Obviously, the direct payments went to people who were middle class or less. So the analysis of that would suggest that these were tax cuts for lower income people, for middle class people. And on the flip side, what I think we are likely to see with the electric vehicle credit through the Inflation Reduction Act is that while there are some income limits on who can qualify for that credit, that the people who end up claiming that credit tend to be the higher earners among the people who qualify.

Right. Who buys a Tesla, after all? Somebody with a fair amount of money.

Right, exactly. And of course, the corporate tax cuts go to companies, flow through to their shareholders. There’s a huge debate in the academic literature among politicians about how much of that benefit actually ends up going to their workers versus stays with shareholders. But we can broadly say that Joe Biden has done a lot for certain corporations who are trying to advance his manufacturing goals in particular to reduce their tax bills. And that is certainly not in line with the rhetoric you hear him talking about most of the time about making corporations pay their fair share. And the White House acknowledges this. I asked them about it. And they basically said, we think there’s a difference between just cutting the corporate tax rate in a way that helps anybody no matter what they’re doing and what we’re trying to do, which is basically reward corporations for accelerating the energy transition.

Understood. But where does this ultimately leave Biden’s campaign promise to make the tax code fairer and to make sure that the well-off in particular and corporations are paying their, what he calls, fair share?

Well, I think by Biden’s own measurements, by his own ambitions, he would have to agree that he is nowhere close to what he believes would be a fair share for corporations. Because Biden is still running on this. As he enters his re-election campaign, as it really heats up, a rematch with Donald Trump, the president is really leaning into this message of we need to do more. We need to raise more taxes on corporate America. It is time for these companies and for high earners to pay their fair share.

Right. I didn’t get it done in the first term. But if you elect me, I’ll get it done in the second.

Give me another shot, and this time, I promise, will be different.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

We’ll be right back.

So Jim, let’s talk about Biden’s tax raising plans for a theoretical second term and why anyone should have any faith that he could get it done, if there’s a second term, given the experience so far of his first term.

Yeah, well, man, there’s a lot of plans to talk about. I don’t think we can get through all of them, but we can certainly hit the highlights here. So we can start with the couple of things that Biden has been able to do to raise taxes on corporations. He wants to take those and then plus them up.

He’s put this new minimum tax on corporations. It’s a 15 percent minimum tax on certain multinationals. He now wants to raise that to 21 percent.

He wants to take that corporate stock buyback tax which is 1 percent right now, and he’d like to quadruple it to 4 percent. And then he goes after some things large and small. He wants to do new taxes that hit the use of corporate and private jets. He wants to do new taxes on companies that pay large amounts of compensation to their executives.

And then we get to some really big taxes on high earning individuals. So the president has said over and over again, he won’t raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year. But he’s got a bunch of taxes for the people above that. So he wants to raise the top marginal income tax rate. He wants to take it from 37 percent, which is the level set by President Trump’s 2017 tax law, and bring it back to 39.6 percent, which is what it was before. He also wants to impose what he calls a billionaires tax.

OK. It’s a 25 percent tax on the total value of all of the assets of anyone worth more than $100 million.

OK, wait. I have several questions about this.

First being a fact check, if it’s a billionaires tax, it’s interesting that it’s going after people who have just 100 million.

Yeah, I think most billionaires would be offended at the inclusion of 100 millionaires in that. Yes, totally agree. That is factually inaccurate, the name.

Right. But beyond that, this sounds very much like a wealth tax, which we don’t really have in our system.

Yeah, it’s a sort of wealth tax. The Biden people don’t call it a wealth tax, but it is a tax on something other than income that you report every year to the IRS as having been earned. It goes beyond just, oh, I got interest from my stock holdings or I made money from my job. It’s, oh, the value of my art collection increased last year, and now Biden’s going to tax me on that increase, even if I didn’t sell the art.

That’s a real change, and that reflects the president’s view that people with enough money to buy enormous art collections that appreciate enormously in value should be paying more in taxes.

Right. And of course, a tax like this is extremely perhaps maddeningly hard to actually pull off. It’s hard to get someone to describe their art collection’s value so that you can apply a 25 tax to it. So this might end up being more of a political statement than a practical tax.

Yeah, there’s also questions about whether it’s constitutional. So there’s all sorts of drama around this proposal, but it is certainly, if nothing else, a statement of the president’s intent to make people worth a lot of money pay a lot more in taxes.

OK, so that’s a lot of proposed tax increases, almost all of them focused on those who are rich and corporations. Overall, Jim, what stands out to you about this Biden term two tax increase plan?

I think we could very fairly say that it’s the largest tax increasing plan by a sitting president or a presidential nominee for a party in American history.

He wants to get a lot of money from corporations and people who earn or are worth a lot of money.

But the rub, of course, is it’s hard to see the Congressional math that lets Biden accomplish these tax increases, some of which, like you said, he couldn’t get done the first time. Why would we think he would get them done the second time even if he wins this fall?

Yeah, it would be really difficult. Biden would have to win in November. Democrats would have to take the House of Representatives back from Republicans, which is certainly possible. It’s very closely divided right now. And they’d need to hold at least 50 seats in the Senate. And then those 50 Democrats in the Senate would have to be willing to go along with far more in tax increases than Democrats were last time around.

So if there is a second term, it feels like we should assume it will be very difficult perhaps even quite unlikely he’s going to get to push through a lot of these taxes. Which makes me wonder, Jim, why is Biden running on a tax program that he knows has so little chance of becoming reality and when it’s pretty clear that he’s gotten a lot of stuff done without raising taxes? It turns out that’s not been all that essential to getting infrastructure or climate bills done. So why is he making this so central?

Several reasons. One of them is it’s very important to him rhetorically to talk about fiscal responsibility. Big parts of the Biden agenda, the CHIPS bill, the infrastructure bill, some other legislation, were not actually paid for. The spending and tax cuts were not offset by tax increases.

So they’re going to add to the debt.

Right. So they’re going to add to the debt. Same is true of the stimulus bill. But moving forward, the president has said that he’s going to pay for his agenda and he’s actually going to have some extra tax dollars coming in left over to help pay down future budget deficits. And on paper, it’s the way to pay for Biden’s other big, expansive plans that he hasn’t been able to do but wants to — universal child care, federal paid leave, investing in elder care, just a whole bunch of things that he still wants to do more — housing initiatives.

The president needs money to make a case that he’s being fiscally responsible, and this is the money that would do that.

So that’s one reason. Another reason is the calendar. Biden and his team are looking ahead to the end of 2025, and they know that if he wins another term, he will be in office at a rare moment in Washington, when basically tax policy has to be on the Congressional agenda.

Well, Republicans, when they passed their tax cuts in 2017, set a bunch of them to expire at the end of 2025 in order to lower the cost of the bill.

These are the Trump tax cuts.

The Trump tax cuts. And that includes all the tax cuts for individuals. So now that those are coming due, there’s going to be a fight in Washington over whether to extend them or make them permanent or change them in some way or just let them expire, and Democrats know there’s going to be a huge fight that will reach almost certainly the floor of the House and the Senate. And so Biden wants to be ready.

He wants to be ready with a suite of policy proposals that Democrats can basically pull off the shelf and try to use to put Republicans in a box. Basically say, we would like to keep taxes low or cut them further for low income workers, middle class workers. But we want to pay for that by raising taxes on the rich. You Republicans also want to do nice things for low and middle class workers, but you want to cut taxes for corporations and the rich, and we think that’s a political loser for you.

So Biden is ready with what they think will be a political winner for Democrats in this almost certain floor tax fight at the end of 2025.

And that brings us to the last reason why Biden is doing this, and maybe the most important, which is it’s really good politics.

Just explain that. Why is talking about tax increases, net tax increases, such good politics?

If you talk to Democratic pollsters, if you talk to people inside the White House, outside the White House, political strategists anywhere in Biden’s orbit, they all agree that the public loves the idea of forcing rich people and corporations to pay their, quote, “fair share.” It’s just become a winning and central political argument in Democratic campaigns, the idea that corporations avoid taxes, that rich people avoid taxes, and that Joe Biden is trying to position himself as a champion of the idea that they need to pay more. Those corporations and those rich people need to pay more, and he’s going to make it happen.

You’re describing this as something that is kind of a new political reality. Is that right?

Yeah, it’s evolved over the last decade or so I think. For a long time in Washington, the conventional wisdom was just couldn’t talk about tax increases of any kind. They were poison. There was a whole anti-tax movement that did a really good job of messaging that, and Democratic candidates got very scared of talking about raising taxes even on the very, very rich.

That started to turn over time. But it’s really changed. I think we saw in the 2020 election that the Democratic primary had just enormous amounts of taxes on corporations and the rich funding all sorts of policy proposals — Medicare for all and universal child care and trillions and trillions of dollars — and Democratic candidates like Liz Warren and Bernie Sanders competing to see who could tax corporations and the rich the most.

Biden is a product of that primary. He was one of the most moderate people in that group, but his proposals are really outside of the historical norm for Democratic candidates up until then. And that reflects the fact that pollsters have been doing all this research, finding that the American people, including independents and increasingly numbers of Republicans, just don’t think corporations pay their fair share and are open to the idea they should pay more.

This is really interesting, and it makes me think that what you’re really saying is that there might have been a time when a Democratic nominee like Joe Biden might have reveled in his image as an overall tax cutter. But that is not this moment, and that is not this candidate. He wants to be a tax increaser. He thinks that is where the politics are.

I think that’s exactly right when you think about tax increaser as tax increaser on the rich and on corporations. There’s two ways to be a successful populist politician. One of them is to be like Trump and run around saying you’re going to do enormous tax cuts for everybody, which is a Republican version of populism. Trump, my biggest tax cut in history, I’m going to do another huge, enormous tax cut. It’s going to be so big you won’t believe it.

There might have been a time when Democrats tried to follow that playbook. But Biden’s not doing that. He’s leaning into the other side of populism. He’s telling workers, hey, I’m on your side with these big companies. They’re trying to screw you, and I’m not going to stand for it. And so I’m going to raise their taxes. I’m going to make them pay more so that there’s more money for you, whether that’s more tax cuts or more programs or whatever.

And that is the Democratic version of populism right now, and that’s the one that Joe Biden is running on. And that’s why he’s so happy to talk about raising corporate taxes because it’s a way to tell workers, hey, I’m on your side.

Right. Even if that’s not what he’s done or ever may be able to do.

Yeah. Part of the problem with populism is that you make a lot of promises you can’t keep, and this certainly, in his first term, has been an area where the president has talked a much bigger game than he’s been able to execute. The second term might be different, but that doesn’t really matter for the campaign. What matters is the rhetoric.

Well, Jim, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Thank you. Always a pleasure.

Here’s what else you need to know today. On Tuesday, Israel confirmed that it had carried out the airstrike that killed seven aid workers delivering food to civilians in Gaza. The attack, which occurred on Monday, struck a convoy run by the World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit group. At the time of the attack, the aid workers were traveling in clearly marked cars that designated them as non-combatants.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as unintentional and said that his government deeply regretted the deaths. In its own statement, World Central Kitchen called the strike unforgivable and said that as a result, it would suspend its aid work in Gaza, where millions of people are in dire need of both food and medicine.

Today’s episode was produced by Stella Tan and Mary Wilson with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lisa Chow, contains original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 4, 2024   •   32:37 Israel’s Deadly Airstrike on the World Central Kitchen
• April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
• March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
• March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
• March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
• March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia
• March 24, 2024   •   21:39 The Sunday Read: ‘My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog ‘Hotels.’ I Tagged Along.’
• March 22, 2024   •   35:30 Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader
• March 21, 2024   •   27:18 The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jim Tankersley

Produced by Stella Tan and Mary Wilson

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lisa Chow

Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

In his campaign for re-election, President Biden has said that raising taxes on the wealthy and on big corporations is at the heart of his agenda. But under his watch, overall net taxes have decreased.

Jim Tankersley, who covers economic policy for The Times, explains.

On today’s episode

Jim Tankersley , who covers economic policy at the White House for The New York Times.

Background reading

An analysis prepared for The New York Times estimates that the tax changes President Biden has ushered into law will amount to a net cut of about $600 billion over four years.

“Does anybody here think the tax code’s fair?” For Mr. Biden, tax policy has been at the center of his efforts to make the economy more equitable.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Tankersley writes about economic policy at the White House and how it affects the country and the world. He has covered the topic for more than a dozen years in Washington, with a focus on the middle class. More about Jim Tankersley

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When Rakhi Sawant Claimed She Applied to NASA for Moon Journey | Watch Video

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Last Updated: April 04, 2024, 16:26 IST

Mumbai, India

Rakhi Sawant said NASA will send her up in space.

Rakhi Sawant, the ultimate drama queen of Bollywood, is known for her wild antics and bizarre statements.

Rakhi Sawant, the ultimate drama queen of Bollywood, is no stranger to the flashing cameras of the paparazzi! They just can’t get enough of her wild antics and larger-than-life personality. Meanwhile, social media can’t resist her antics either. Netizens love to soak up every bit of her playful antics and hilarious one-liners. Recently, a video of Rakhi has been going viral on the internet. It’s got everyone talking and laughing their hearts out.

An episode from Bigg Boss 14, wherein Rakhi can be seen in a conversation with Devoleena Bhattacharjee is going viral on social media. In the clip, Rakhi tells Devoleena, “Maine toh nasa mein application diya huya hai, mera number lag jaye to main rocket mein upar jayungi (I have applied to NASA, once I get selected, I’ll go up in the rocket). When an upset Devoleena asks her to not talk about dying, Rakhi says, “Arre, mujhe upar chand pe jana hai, marne thori. Rocket mein, tin din mujhe khana nahai khana hai, starting mein. Woh jo denge, jitna denge, utna hee khana hai. Mujhe pata hai na processes ka – ekdum slim and trim rehna hai. 3-4 din khana nahi denge, apko paani pe rakhenge, aur sab pata hai mujhe. gravity nahi rahegi, khana udta rehta hai. aapko udd udd ke khana lena hai. Gravity nahi rehti hai, pata hai mujhe. aapko khade rehna hai, aap so nahi sakte (I want to go to the moon, not to die. In the rocket, for three days, I won’t have to eat. That’s what they say, whatever they provide, I have to eat that much only. I know the processes – I have to stay slim and trim. For 3-4 days, they won’t give food, they’ll give you water only, and I know everything. There won’t be gravity, the food will keep flying. You have to catch and eat it while flying. I know there won’t be gravity, you have to stand, you can’t sleep).”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Archana Gautam (AG) ❤️ (@archanagautamofficial)

Rakhi is currently in Dubai, promoting her next film, Welcome Wedding.

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