Eight Below
2006
* * *
In Antarctica, a scientist (Paul Walker) is forced to leave behind a team of eight dogs when a killer storm and the onset of winter forces him off the continent. He spends the next several montsh trying desperately to return and save the dogs, but in the meantime, they are forced to fend for themselves in the harsh, unforgiving Antarctic winter.
Walker is often derided for his acting, And often there is good reason: in the Fast and the Furious movies, for example, he is given a character with no personality or interest whatsoever. Consequently, he gives a performance that shows no personality or humanity. However, he isn't a bad actor; in this film, he plays a character who is passionate, likeable, and human, and a heck of a dog-lover; Walker comveys that superbly.
But even if he hadn't been up to the level required, the film still would have been pretty good. It's exciting, entertaining, nicely written occasionally touching, and adequately inspiring. It doesn't have the intensity or emotion to be truly great, but it certainly works very well, and does it without adding any language or sex, which is great to see in a film. It's the kind of film that anyone can enjoy.
bravenet.com