Eight Below Movie Review

Eight Below

EIGHT BELOW: HEROIC TALE OF SURVIVAL

            Eight Below is based on a true story of eight sled dogs surviving an Antarctic winter on their own. It is heartbreaking as they brave not just climate obstacles. It is beautifully shot. Paul Walker is emotional as their owner trying to rescue them.
            Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker) is a guide in the Antarctic for NASA. He is joined by a team of people that includes Charlie Cooper (Jason Biggs), a cartographer and a team of eight sled dogs. They include Maya, Max, and Old Jack. The dogs are his family. When Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood) shows up wanting to be taken to a mountain to look for a meteorite, Jerry objects as it is late in the season. He is overruled and takes Davis. On the way back to base Davis is injured and the dogs save his life. They are overtaken by a storm that forces the team to leave the dogs once they get back to base. Jerry spends the next seven months trying to get back to the dogs.
            The story is about the connection between this man and his family of dogs. Throughout the film we are told how long the dogs have been on their own by the number of days. You feel the helplessness and sense of urgency that this man feels trying to find a way to get back to them during a winter that nobody will travel during. Paul Walker is great as Jerry. His love for the dogs is apparent right from the beginning as he is introducing them to Davis McClaren. Jason Biggs provides some comic relief as his cartographer buddy. The dogs are the true stars. Maya (Koda) and Max (D.J.) are the leaders as the motherly figure and the sled dog in training who shows his strength. The film was shot mostly in Canada but also in Greenland and Norway. Makes you wonder where these dogs get the strength to brave the cold and other creatures that are just looking to carry on. Wide shot angles emphasize the vastness of this land.
            The subplot of the possible romance between Jerry and pilot Katie (Moon Bloodgood) in the film was unnecessary and detracted from the film. It felt like it was thrown in for good measure.
            Eight Below is the story of a man and his bond with his family of sled dogs. The dogs show their character and endurance as they try to outlast a winter in the Antarctic. It will make you appreciate their character and teamwork. The cast is good but are only supporting players. Even if you are not an animal lover you will come to appreciate them.

Report Card:

Story-A

Acting-B

Visuals-A

Originality/Innovation-B

Enjoyability Grade–B

Overall Grade-B+