A Disney movie about a group of dogs surviving impossible odds in the Antarctic winter may seem like it is meant to be viewed exclusively by children, but 'Eight Below' is a pleasantly mature, sincere and engaging movie.
The film begins at a research facility in Antarctica, where sled dogs are a common form of transportation. Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker) is a guide for scientists at this facility, until a storm places all of them, including Shepard's eight dogs transporting them around, in grave danger.
Shepard escapes from the facility, but there is no room for the dogs in the plane. The pilot, Shepard's love interest Katie (Moon Bloodgood), is not able to return for them before the treacherous Antarctic winter season begins, which means leaving the dogs alone at the facility for months.
Shepard agonizes over leaving them and plans to return for the dogs, regardless of what state he finds them in. Much of his time in the film is spent trying to find the money and transportation to do so, while the dogs are shown fending for themselves in the perilous but breathtakingly pristine setting.
Despite the film's PG rating, this movie could be best described as action-adventure. In particular, there are a few suspenseful scenes that do not attempt to mask the dangers of the Antarctic for the dogs or for humans, with anything from weather to landscape to other animals proving a threat. The special effects in the film are almost spotless, imparting a palpable sense of danger that gives life to the film.
The dogs are easily the stars of the film'they are exceptionally well-trained and able to emote in completely unexpected ways. Walker has a great chemistry and camaraderie with them, and the agony of Shepard's separation from them is convincing, more so than the somewhat strained and very convoluted romance between Shepard and Katie. Jason Biggs' role as a flight-fearing cartographer and guide also provides much-needed comic relief to what is at times a heartbreaking tale of loss.
Although the human backstories are almost pure cheese, the main event'the dogs' struggle to survive'provides enough entertainment and emotional involvement to forgive this fault, which is almost to be expected in a Disney movie.
'Eight Below' may seem unbelievable, but enough background information was gleaned from reality to strengthen the film, convincing viewers that the impossible really can happen. The film may be marketed toward children, but it is more than adventurous enough for older viewers. The themes of loyalty, loss and survival can be appreciated by all ages.
